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Now Entering Addamsville
Stranger Things meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer in this contemporary novel from the acclaimed author of Eliza and Her Monsters.
When Zora Novak is framed for a crime she didn’t commit, she must track down the true culprit and clear her name before it’s too late. But in a small town obsessed with ghosts, getting people to believe the truth might prove to be impossible. Fans of Riverdale and Maureen Johnson’s Truly Devious will devour this eerie murder mystery. Features spot art and a map by the author.
Zora Novak has been framed.
When someone burns down the home of the school janitor and he dies in the blaze, everyone in Addamsville, Indiana, points a finger at Zora. Never mind that Zora has been on the straight and narrow since her father was thrown in jail. With everyone looking for evidence against her, her only choice is to uncover the identity of the real killer. There’s one big problem—Zora has no leads. No one does. Addamsville has a history of tragedy, and thirty years ago a similar string of fires left several townspeople dead. The arsonist was never caught.
Now, Zora must team up with her cousin Artemis—an annoying self-proclaimed Addamsville historian—to clear her name. But with a popular ghost-hunting television show riling up the townspeople, almost no support from her family and friends, and rumors spinning out of control, things aren’t looking good. Zora will have to read between the lines of Addamsville’s ghost stories before she becomes one herself.
Acclaimed author Francesca Zappia has a perfectly pitched teen voice that shines in this inventive novel. With a compelling cast of memorable characters, a vivid small-town setting, and elements of a classic whodunit, Now Entering Addamvsille is perfect for fans of Brittany Cavallaro, Victoria Schwab, and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Includes interior spot illustrations from the author.
When Zora Novak is framed for a crime she didn’t commit, she must track down the true culprit and clear her name before it’s too late. But in a small town obsessed with ghosts, getting people to believe the truth might prove to be impossible. Fans of Riverdale and Maureen Johnson’s Truly Devious will devour this eerie murder mystery. Features spot art and a map by the author.
Zora Novak has been framed.
When someone burns down the home of the school janitor and he dies in the blaze, everyone in Addamsville, Indiana, points a finger at Zora. Never mind that Zora has been on the straight and narrow since her father was thrown in jail. With everyone looking for evidence against her, her only choice is to uncover the identity of the real killer. There’s one big problem—Zora has no leads. No one does. Addamsville has a history of tragedy, and thirty years ago a similar string of fires left several townspeople dead. The arsonist was never caught.
Now, Zora must team up with her cousin Artemis—an annoying self-proclaimed Addamsville historian—to clear her name. But with a popular ghost-hunting television show riling up the townspeople, almost no support from her family and friends, and rumors spinning out of control, things aren’t looking good. Zora will have to read between the lines of Addamsville’s ghost stories before she becomes one herself.
Acclaimed author Francesca Zappia has a perfectly pitched teen voice that shines in this inventive novel. With a compelling cast of memorable characters, a vivid small-town setting, and elements of a classic whodunit, Now Entering Addamvsille is perfect for fans of Brittany Cavallaro, Victoria Schwab, and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Includes interior spot illustrations from the author.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2019
120 people are currently reading
11368 people want to read
About the author
Francesca Zappia
12 books3,832 followersWriter of MADE YOU UP and ELIZA AND HER MONSTERS. Represented by Louise Fury of the Fury Agency.
Also wrote The Children of Hypnos serial on Wattpad (https://www.wattpad.com/story/9547883...).
Social Media: @ChessieZappia
You can find links to all my social media on my website, www.francescazappia.com.
Also wrote The Children of Hypnos serial on Wattpad (https://www.wattpad.com/story/9547883...).
Social Media: @ChessieZappia
You can find links to all my social media on my website, www.francescazappia.com.
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October 9, 2019UPDATE 10/9/19:
Thank you for everyone who has supported Addamsville!! The form for postcards is now closed (I'd love to send them out indefinitely, but unfortunately there are factors like money and time...). I hope you all continue to enjoy the book!
UPDATE 8/1/19:
You may have already seen on my Twitter or Instagram, but I’m giving away illustrated (by me) ADDAMSVILLE postcards!
There’s no preorder required for these because I know not everyone can afford or buy books. All you have to do to get one is fill out this Google Form with your name and mailing address: (The form is now closed!)
This offer is also international! You can fill out the form even if you live outside the US.
If you are able to preorder the book, I would really appreciate it! You can do that from your local indie bookstore, or from places like B&N and Amazon!
More news coming soon!!!
- Chessie
——————————————————————
Hi there, I wrote this book!
Some things you might be interested to know:
- I originally also compared this book to Parks & Rec. I'd like to now issue a formal apology to all Hoosiers. As if I could ever write something that captured Indiana life so well.
- Zora, the main character, is on-page ace. (#OwnVoices)
- I listened to a playlist of pop songs and horror movie soundtracks while writing this. You can check that out here: https://open.spotify.com/user/zapadre...
- Also: There's a Pinterest board. https://www.pinterest.com/francescaza...
- This book is about our bonds with our family, our friends, our neighbors, and ourselves. (And ghosts. And decapitation. And ice cream.)
More to come soon. I can't wait for you to read it in October! (Yay, spooky times!)
- Chessie
Thank you for everyone who has supported Addamsville!! The form for postcards is now closed (I'd love to send them out indefinitely, but unfortunately there are factors like money and time...). I hope you all continue to enjoy the book!
UPDATE 8/1/19:
You may have already seen on my Twitter or Instagram, but I’m giving away illustrated (by me) ADDAMSVILLE postcards!
There’s no preorder required for these because I know not everyone can afford or buy books. All you have to do to get one is fill out this Google Form with your name and mailing address: (The form is now closed!)
This offer is also international! You can fill out the form even if you live outside the US.
If you are able to preorder the book, I would really appreciate it! You can do that from your local indie bookstore, or from places like B&N and Amazon!
More news coming soon!!!
- Chessie
——————————————————————
Hi there, I wrote this book!
Some things you might be interested to know:
- I originally also compared this book to Parks & Rec. I'd like to now issue a formal apology to all Hoosiers. As if I could ever write something that captured Indiana life so well.
- Zora, the main character, is on-page ace. (#OwnVoices)
- I listened to a playlist of pop songs and horror movie soundtracks while writing this. You can check that out here: https://open.spotify.com/user/zapadre...
- Also: There's a Pinterest board. https://www.pinterest.com/francescaza...
- This book is about our bonds with our family, our friends, our neighbors, and ourselves. (And ghosts. And decapitation. And ice cream.)
More to come soon. I can't wait for you to read it in October! (Yay, spooky times!)
- Chessie
October 13, 2019
Well, that was fun
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
November 9, 2019
I wasn't expecting this to be as good as Eliza and Her Monsters, but I was hoping for something better than this.
Now Entering Addamsville reads like it wants to be a fun mystery, dark paranormal, and heartfelt contemporary all at the same time without knowing how. The mystery feels like it's only sort of the main plot, the paranormal aspects are underdeveloped and not at all creepy, and the emotion never works because I was never able to sympathize with the characters, especially the main one. Zora came off as an immature jerk who acts thirteen when she's actually eighteen. And maybe this is just me, but I was hoping for a little more explicit ace rep.
Giving this two stars instead of one because I did enjoy the atmosphere and some of the humor was funny. However, I would recommend The Raven Boys instead, it does a lot of the things this tries to do, only better.
Update May 2019
I dig the Halloween vibes this cover gives off.
Prereview November 2018
Not to be dramatic or anything but after Eliza and Her Monsters I would give my blood just for Zappia's grocery list.
Now Entering Addamsville reads like it wants to be a fun mystery, dark paranormal, and heartfelt contemporary all at the same time without knowing how. The mystery feels like it's only sort of the main plot, the paranormal aspects are underdeveloped and not at all creepy, and the emotion never works because I was never able to sympathize with the characters, especially the main one. Zora came off as an immature jerk who acts thirteen when she's actually eighteen. And maybe this is just me, but I was hoping for a little more explicit ace rep.
Giving this two stars instead of one because I did enjoy the atmosphere and some of the humor was funny. However, I would recommend The Raven Boys instead, it does a lot of the things this tries to do, only better.
Update May 2019
I dig the Halloween vibes this cover gives off.
Prereview November 2018
Not to be dramatic or anything but after Eliza and Her Monsters I would give my blood just for Zappia's grocery list.
December 16, 2019
DNF @ 48%
Sigh. This had such potential ! I gave it a lot longer of a chance than I normally would have cause I just kept willing it to get better cause I loved this author’s previous works.
Here’s why I DNF’d:
- MC was honestly the worst she was super unlikable which I don’t mind when a character is complex and flawed but this character was just boring and awful. Her only personality trait was that shes a bitch and that she’s poor which was brought up every other sentence - I pROMISE girl everyone in ur town doesn’t hate u or look at u cause ur poor they hate u cause ur a bitch
- boy I’m assuming becomes the love interest is a piece of shit who assumes all girls like him and if they don’t they’re gay but also said he needs proof of gayness to stop harassing said girls. Soooo no thanks
- classic “I don’t like this girl cause she’s rich and cares about her appearance” even tho Artemis was the only good character sooo
- zero world building. I still don’t know wtf firestarters are also did she rip off stephen king ??
- I’m almost 50% in and noTHING HAS HAPPENED
So yeah I’m done
Sigh. This had such potential ! I gave it a lot longer of a chance than I normally would have cause I just kept willing it to get better cause I loved this author’s previous works.
Here’s why I DNF’d:
- MC was honestly the worst she was super unlikable which I don’t mind when a character is complex and flawed but this character was just boring and awful. Her only personality trait was that shes a bitch and that she’s poor which was brought up every other sentence - I pROMISE girl everyone in ur town doesn’t hate u or look at u cause ur poor they hate u cause ur a bitch
- boy I’m assuming becomes the love interest is a piece of shit who assumes all girls like him and if they don’t they’re gay but also said he needs proof of gayness to stop harassing said girls. Soooo no thanks
- classic “I don’t like this girl cause she’s rich and cares about her appearance” even tho Artemis was the only good character sooo
- zero world building. I still don’t know wtf firestarters are also did she rip off stephen king ??
- I’m almost 50% in and noTHING HAS HAPPENED
So yeah I’m done
October 20, 2019
This was a paranormal story done right . Great characters, great atmosphere, and great story. Zora Novak is our main character she can see ghosts and fight demons called fire starters. The whole town basically sees her as trailer trash, she’s missing 2 fingers courtesy of one said fire starter, her dad is in prison for stealing money from half the town and her mom disappeared . I was thinking while reading this man this poor kid nothing ever goes right for her. Then she is framed for starting a few fires in town. Besides feeling sorry for Zora I really liked her as a character and I really liked all the weird side characters as well they were written well. This story kept my attention and was well paced I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next . I definitely give this book 2 thumbs up 👍🏻 👍🏻, and would recommend to anyone who is remotely interested in this book.
December 7, 2021
I am so glad I picked up this book today.
It's just perfect to start this month with such a witchy, ghostly, paranormal read.
And yes, I am so happy to read a book for the first by the author and I am not at all disappointed.
💞 What I consider really good about this read:
The characters and the chemistry between them (the good, the bad and the ugly alike!) and the events/situations surrounding them have been developed so well that you just do not want to stop reading in between.
Even though it's a YA read, I enjoyed it more like a middle grade read as the characters are more towards this particular age group in character representation as opposed to their ages mentioned.
The plot revolves around a particular family mistaken to be bad and destructive for the small town they were residing in. The father is in jail. The mother disappeared five years ago. The main protagonist, Zora, she has her mother's ability to see ghosts and she is a firestarter. For wrong reasons, she has been under scrutiny for a big accident that happened in the past causing deaths and loss. She, her sister, her sister's boyfriend and her cousin, Artemis somehow have to find a way to waive a disaster that is most likely to happen again with a firestarter hidden somewhere ready to strike again with the intention to kill many in the process.
This is a totally character driven story.
The characters seem too real like you are actually seeing them and listening to everything what they are saying. (The author is amazing! Her writing style just amazes me.)
The action sequences are done well. However, towards the later half I feel like injustice has been done to all the hype that was built up in the first half. As the conditions seem a bit too convenient for the protagonist as opposed to the first half.
The different characters are striking. Even the side characters are developed really well.
But yes, I do have some complaints regarding the sister, Sadie. She is represented as some kiddish like character for a 25 year old. And the character of the mother? And the whole story related to her?
I am not happy at all with something that is the main vein in the entire story to get just hushed up and not explained well in the end. It seems like the book has just to end while in between the characters, so many unnessary things are kept being explained.
My favourite character is, of course, the villain. I won't tell who or what.
You sneaky you💞
A good Halloween read.
Recommended ☕
It's just perfect to start this month with such a witchy, ghostly, paranormal read.
And yes, I am so happy to read a book for the first by the author and I am not at all disappointed.
💞 What I consider really good about this read:
The characters and the chemistry between them (the good, the bad and the ugly alike!) and the events/situations surrounding them have been developed so well that you just do not want to stop reading in between.
Even though it's a YA read, I enjoyed it more like a middle grade read as the characters are more towards this particular age group in character representation as opposed to their ages mentioned.
The plot revolves around a particular family mistaken to be bad and destructive for the small town they were residing in. The father is in jail. The mother disappeared five years ago. The main protagonist, Zora, she has her mother's ability to see ghosts and she is a firestarter. For wrong reasons, she has been under scrutiny for a big accident that happened in the past causing deaths and loss. She, her sister, her sister's boyfriend and her cousin, Artemis somehow have to find a way to waive a disaster that is most likely to happen again with a firestarter hidden somewhere ready to strike again with the intention to kill many in the process.
This is a totally character driven story.
The characters seem too real like you are actually seeing them and listening to everything what they are saying. (The author is amazing! Her writing style just amazes me.)
The action sequences are done well. However, towards the later half I feel like injustice has been done to all the hype that was built up in the first half. As the conditions seem a bit too convenient for the protagonist as opposed to the first half.
The different characters are striking. Even the side characters are developed really well.
But yes, I do have some complaints regarding the sister, Sadie. She is represented as some kiddish like character for a 25 year old. And the character of the mother? And the whole story related to her?
I am not happy at all with something that is the main vein in the entire story to get just hushed up and not explained well in the end. It seems like the book has just to end while in between the characters, so many unnessary things are kept being explained.
My favourite character is, of course, the villain. I won't tell who or what.
You sneaky you💞
A good Halloween read.
Recommended ☕
January 1, 2020
This story is about Zora and the town she lives in which is called Addamsville. Zora can see ghost just like her mom who disappeared 4 years ago. After a mysterious round of fires and death all fingers point to Zora so it's up to her to prove she had nothing to do with it.
I picked up this book because I felt like it would have made a perfect October read with ghost and mystery. I had a hard time getting into this story. I wanted more interactions with the ghost and maybe a little spooky. I just felt this book wasnt for me I loved Francesca Zappia's other work like Eliza and her Monsters so I will continue to read from this author.
I picked up this book because I felt like it would have made a perfect October read with ghost and mystery. I had a hard time getting into this story. I wanted more interactions with the ghost and maybe a little spooky. I just felt this book wasnt for me I loved Francesca Zappia's other work like Eliza and her Monsters so I will continue to read from this author.
October 30, 2019
One of my most anticipated good reads of the year!
August 1, 2019
When the book isn’t even out yet, but you already want a sequel
A solid 4.75
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for this book at BookCon and that's why I am able to provide this review.
First, let me start by saying I loved every second of this book and the second I finished it I wanted to start reading it all over again. Although the blurb on the back of the book compares Now Entering Addamsville to Stranger Things mixed with Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I would compare NEA to the episode of Supernatural we didn't know we needed.
This book follows 18-year-old ghost hunter Zora Novak, who has been accused of burning down the house of and murdering the high school janitor because of her shaky past with arson. Zora is hell-bent on clearing her name and ridding her rural Indiana town of the creature responsible for the fires and subsequent murders. On top of all of that, the crew of a well-beloved ghost hunting show comes to town and threatens not only Zora's investigation, but also threatens her town.
This book has amazing characters that I wished that I was able to go on adventures and hunt fire starters with. A fictional town that is so much like the small towns scattered across America, but with so much character that'll make you want to book a one-way ticket. And a plot that will leave you satisfied, on the edge of your seat, and craving a sequel as soon as you read the last word.
I originally rated this book a 4.75 out of 5 stars, but I think I have to bump it up to 5 stars just because of how much fun this book was. While I was reading I found myself thinking that it reminded me of a middle grade solely because of the sheer amount of fun. AUTHORS, PLEASE BRING FUN BACK TO YA. Also for those of you who have read Eliza and Her Monsters, this books is by no means any of the emotion or heartfelt moments Zappia beautifully weaves into that story. She brings those elements into this book and those heartfelt moments make you all the more grateful for the fun and upbeat moments. ALSO, how is no one speaking about how the main character is an amputee, which I have never seen in YA? I highly recommend this book for anyone regardless of if you're an avid reader or this is just a randomly stumbled across this book because everyone has something to gain from Francesca Zappia's writing!
**I will be posting a spoiler-filled review closer the release date**
A solid 4.75
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for this book at BookCon and that's why I am able to provide this review.
First, let me start by saying I loved every second of this book and the second I finished it I wanted to start reading it all over again. Although the blurb on the back of the book compares Now Entering Addamsville to Stranger Things mixed with Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I would compare NEA to the episode of Supernatural we didn't know we needed.
This book follows 18-year-old ghost hunter Zora Novak, who has been accused of burning down the house of and murdering the high school janitor because of her shaky past with arson. Zora is hell-bent on clearing her name and ridding her rural Indiana town of the creature responsible for the fires and subsequent murders. On top of all of that, the crew of a well-beloved ghost hunting show comes to town and threatens not only Zora's investigation, but also threatens her town.
This book has amazing characters that I wished that I was able to go on adventures and hunt fire starters with. A fictional town that is so much like the small towns scattered across America, but with so much character that'll make you want to book a one-way ticket. And a plot that will leave you satisfied, on the edge of your seat, and craving a sequel as soon as you read the last word.
I originally rated this book a 4.75 out of 5 stars, but I think I have to bump it up to 5 stars just because of how much fun this book was. While I was reading I found myself thinking that it reminded me of a middle grade solely because of the sheer amount of fun. AUTHORS, PLEASE BRING FUN BACK TO YA. Also for those of you who have read Eliza and Her Monsters, this books is by no means any of the emotion or heartfelt moments Zappia beautifully weaves into that story. She brings those elements into this book and those heartfelt moments make you all the more grateful for the fun and upbeat moments. ALSO, how is no one speaking about how the main character is an amputee, which I have never seen in YA? I highly recommend this book for anyone regardless of if you're an avid reader or this is just a randomly stumbled across this book because everyone has something to gain from Francesca Zappia's writing!
**I will be posting a spoiler-filled review closer the release date**
November 14, 2019
i hope y'all loved this more than i did bc i'm ready to pack my bags and head to Disappointment Dr. for the rest of my foreseeable future
from the author who wrote two of my FAVOURITE contemporaries, i assure you, i am the one who's the most disappointed right now :(((((((((((((((((
i seriously was so confused throughout the entire book. and if you ask me right now what the book is about, i still can't give you a coherent response because i SERIOUSLY DON'T KNOW
anyways, excuse me while i allow my tears and sadness and disappointment consume me
from the author who wrote two of my FAVOURITE contemporaries, i assure you, i am the one who's the most disappointed right now :(((((((((((((((((
i seriously was so confused throughout the entire book. and if you ask me right now what the book is about, i still can't give you a coherent response because i SERIOUSLY DON'T KNOW
anyways, excuse me while i allow my tears and sadness and disappointment consume me
November 16, 2019
Is there anything worse than reading a new book by an author who wrote one of your favourite books.. and not liking it? Worse, wanting to DNF it after like twenty pages?
Okay, there are many many worse things, but roll with it.
NOW ENTERING ADDAMSVILLE was such a dissa-aca-pointment (one day I'll stop referencing these movies but today is not that day #pitchperfect4lyfe). It's not that I had major hopes for this story in general; I just expected to love whatever this author came out with, expected to feel something (a lot of somethings, if her last book was any indication) and that didn't happen.
This is the author's first paranormal fiction and.. like.. it didn't work? Or at least not for me? The worldbuilding was kind of all over the place, the mundane setting played such a huge part and yet I'm baffled as to what that was all about, and the characters? I liked maybe.. one. Maybe half of one. And this had a significant cast, there were a lot to choose from, many on offer to the reader, and nope. I'm just all around confused by how we went from ELIZA AND HER MONSTERS to this.
I know this is coming off harsh and as a result I'm going to quit this review now before it goes any further but honestly? I just have the sads.
** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
Okay, there are many many worse things, but roll with it.
NOW ENTERING ADDAMSVILLE was such a dissa-aca-pointment (one day I'll stop referencing these movies but today is not that day #pitchperfect4lyfe). It's not that I had major hopes for this story in general; I just expected to love whatever this author came out with, expected to feel something (a lot of somethings, if her last book was any indication) and that didn't happen.
This is the author's first paranormal fiction and.. like.. it didn't work? Or at least not for me? The worldbuilding was kind of all over the place, the mundane setting played such a huge part and yet I'm baffled as to what that was all about, and the characters? I liked maybe.. one. Maybe half of one. And this had a significant cast, there were a lot to choose from, many on offer to the reader, and nope. I'm just all around confused by how we went from ELIZA AND HER MONSTERS to this.
I know this is coming off harsh and as a result I'm going to quit this review now before it goes any further but honestly? I just have the sads.
** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
October 17, 2019
Sooooo good. Omg the last line did me in. A full spoiler free review will be up on my booktube channel at http://YouTube.com/peterlikesbooks
November 3, 2019
How could you convince people of the truth when they had already decided what version of the story they wanted to believe?When George Masrell’s home is engulfed in fire in the middle of the night, with 80 year old George inside, Zora quickly becomes the town’s prime suspect. Zora is a Novak and in Addamsville Novak’s are well known, but not for anything good.
And when your mom disappears, your dad goes to jail, and the whole town hates you on sight, sometimes you get it in your head to start doing stupid things to ease that anger.Unfortunately for Zora, she has a history with fires (but not the way the townspeople think) and recently had an argument with George so people aren’t exactly lining up to defend her. To make matters worse, the cast and crew of the TV series The Dead Men Walking are coming to film in Addamsville, and tagging along are their groupies. While there are ghosts, they’re not the most dangerous things in Addamsville.
Stupid things like hunting firestarters alone.
I absolutely adored this book! It’s been on my radar for months and now that I’ve finished it I want to dive straight into a reread, which I probably would have if I hadn’t read a library copy that someone with impeccable taste wanted to read once I was done. More on that later.
There was so much I loved about this book and I don’t want to be a gushy mess nor do I want to spoil it for you so I’m going to try to restrain myself. First, I have to mention that cover! If my eyes were capable of speech the colours would have made them say, “Gimmee!” before I even knew what the book was about. Then the illustrations inside were so darn cute! I got a sense of who each character was from the pictures in the beginning and I loved the illustrations at the end of some of the chapters, particularly the axe and the Chevelle.
Speaking of the car, it practically was its own character in this book. It certainly had its own attitude anyway. The 1970 Chevelle was Zora’s mother’s car and she now drives it.
And if we’re talking about attitude, Zora was awesome! She’s tough, she’s rude, she’s smart, she’s angry, she faces her fears, she kicks butt when she needs to. She’s got the entire town either actively hating her or at least suspicious of her, yet she still puts one foot in front of the other. Anyone who continues to try to do the right thing when everyone expects the opposite from them earns my respect. She’s also asexual and I cannot tell you how happy that made me; I’ve found so few asexual characters in books so she got bonus points from me for that.
I loved or loved to hate almost all of the other characters. Sadie, Zora’s sister, and Grim, Sadie’s boyfriend, were the most adorable couple. Bach was intriguing and mysterious and I wanted to see him on every page. History nerd, Artemis, was a pleasant surprise; I initially thought she’d be a boring character but I really had fun getting to know her.
I had the urge to hiss at a couple of characters whenever I encountered them and it was actively hating Zora’s main opponents that spoke more to me about how invested I was in the story than anything else. Well, except for the fact that I chose to forfeit my annual ‘have to watch Halloween on Halloween night’ tradition to finish it.
I loved idea of the “Bell of Shame” at Happy Hal’s Ice Cream Parlor and I cheered Zora on when she used it to call out one character’s slimeball behaviour. I think we could all do with a “Bell of Shame” in our lives that we can ring to announce bad behaviour to those around us.
Some questions remain at the end of the book and I’d love the opportunity to visit this town again. I definitely need to inhale this author’s other books.
So, now we’re up to the later part of the review, which is essentially a whinge, so you’re quite welcome to bypass this bit. I have been so keen to read this book and was eager for someone to take my money so I could highlight to my heart’s content on my Kindle. Unfortunately this is just another in a long list of books my Kindle is hungry for but because it lives outside of the Promised Land, it’s/I’m not allowed to have it yet.
On the upside, thank goodness for libraries! I asked mine to buy a copy for me and, woohoo, they did! I’m still going to buy a copy for my Kindle as soon as the Kindle gods deem my country worthy but at least I don’t have to hold my breath to read it for the first time any longer. Thank you, lovely librarians!
Content warnings include .
October 26, 2019
I guess this was okay? I didn't really enjoy it but it wasn't bad enough to dnf. Mostly just blahs. I wanted this to get me in the fall spirit, but that didn't happen. I was expecting a spooky atmosphere, a quirky town, and a family mystery, but I was just so underwhelmed by everything about Now Entering Addamsville that I know it's going to be one of those books that I instantly forget everything about it.
The biggest problem I had with the story was the worldbuilding. There was virtually none and we're introduced to these new creatures, firestarters, that have a legacy in the town and with Zora's family but I still feel like I don't know a lot about them and it was hard for me to picture them while reading. And I had to reread quite a few passages for clairty, and it just got a bit tedious instead of enjoyable. And the people in this town were the absolute WORST!
I just feel let down on multiple levels. I feel like I can't go into any specifics because virtually anything I say would be spoilers (the synopsis does a good job of not giving anything away) and I don't want to ruin the book for someone else. I'll just say that while the book did have interesting parts, I already forgot about 80% of it and I finished it 2 days ago. I think it's just one of those books not meant for me.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The biggest problem I had with the story was the worldbuilding. There was virtually none and we're introduced to these new creatures, firestarters, that have a legacy in the town and with Zora's family but I still feel like I don't know a lot about them and it was hard for me to picture them while reading. And I had to reread quite a few passages for clairty, and it just got a bit tedious instead of enjoyable. And the people in this town were the absolute WORST!
I just feel let down on multiple levels. I feel like I can't go into any specifics because virtually anything I say would be spoilers (the synopsis does a good job of not giving anything away) and I don't want to ruin the book for someone else. I'll just say that while the book did have interesting parts, I already forgot about 80% of it and I finished it 2 days ago. I think it's just one of those books not meant for me.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2021
TOTAL READING TIME: 3 hours, 47 minutes.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
A fun romp; read like a well-written fanfiction for BuzzFeed Unsolved if Ryan and Shane morphed into one person and became a douchebag. I loved Zora; the best aspect of this book for me was the characters, however, I had trouble following along with the mythology. I still don't have a good grasp of what firestarters actually were, who Sam, Bach, and Ludwig were and what they were, which is the reason why this is a 3.5 and not a 4.
A sequel isn't confirmed yet but I would love to read one!
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FRANCESCA ZAPPIA HAS A NEW BOOK AND NOBODY FUCKING THOUGHT TO TELL ME?????? I AM LIVID.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
A fun romp; read like a well-written fanfiction for BuzzFeed Unsolved if Ryan and Shane morphed into one person and became a douchebag. I loved Zora; the best aspect of this book for me was the characters, however, I had trouble following along with the mythology. I still don't have a good grasp of what firestarters actually were, who Sam, Bach, and Ludwig were and what they were, which is the reason why this is a 3.5 and not a 4.
A sequel isn't confirmed yet but I would love to read one!
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FRANCESCA ZAPPIA HAS A NEW BOOK AND NOBODY FUCKING THOUGHT TO TELL ME?????? I AM LIVID.
Want to read
May 16, 2019Thank you to HarperCollins and Edelweiss for proving an E-arc in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2019
You can find this review on my blog Shades of Paper.
Now Entering Addamsville was one of my most anticipate releases of this year, and I was so excited to pick it up as soon as possible. I’ve adored the other two books I’ve read by Francesca Zappia, and though I enjoyed this one and think it was a very interesting take on the ghost hunting theme, I don’t know if it was the time when I read it or why, but I didn’t love it as much as her other novels, which was kind of a bummer.
It took me a while to get into the story, which was surprising to me. I’m pretty sure the main reason why that happened was because I was in the middle of a reading slump at the time, and felt a bit disconnected with the story at times because of that. But as I kept reading I started to enjoy the story more and found it more of a quick read than what I imagined it to be at the very beginning.
I think that the plot was very fun and entertaining. Despite being a YA book it did feel a bit juvenile for me, and I’m unsure if it was the author’s intention or not, but some things were definitely a bit convenient and were solved quite quickly.
I was also expecting Now Entering Addamsville to be much spookier than it was. Though it had that eerie atmosphere that I adore in a paranormal/mystery book, there was something about the tone that missed the point for me. I would have loved it to be scarier, and most of the time this appeared as a contemporary with a some (but little) spookier elements in it. I think it had some interesting elements, but she didn’t take time to develop them, so I had pretty much the same information about them in the beginning and at the very end.
There were a lot of things that felt a bit repetitive and the pacing was a bit slow for my liking, and sometimes there was nothing happening and it seemed as though I was reading the exact same thing that happened a few scenes ago.
When it comes to the characters, I have to say I have mixed feelings about them. I appreciated a lot for the book to have some LGBT+ characters that took an important take on the story, but I feel they weren’t as developed as I would have loved to see. There were certain things that happened so suddenly and didn’t have any transition so the reader could understand the reasons behind those changes in the characters, and the arcs (especially our protagonist’s) were very plain and flat and didn’t hit the mark for me.
I loved the interactions between the characters and really appreciated the female friendships formed throughout the story and how precious they were, and also how this book didn’t have any romance, which seems like a hard things to find these days, and this one had it, but I guess I was expecting much more from them.
Something that kind of bugged me but it was totally a me thing was everything that happened in the very last chapter. Everything was solved but there was something that I’m pretty sure was supposed to be a shocking revelation for the reader, but for me it was quite confusing and didn’t really understand it, so that was a bit anticlimactic.
Overall, Now Entering Addamsville was a very well written book and a solid novel for me. I had my issues with the plot and characters, but that was me being critical and I think I would have enjoyed it more had I not being in a reading slump. Still, it left some questions unanswered that I would have loved to know about, but for the most part, it was quite a fun and entertaining story.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This doesn’t change my opinion whatsoever. All thoughts are my own.
Actual rating: 3.5 ★
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Thank you HarperCollins for giving me an ARC of this book
HOW DID I NOT KNOW THAT SHE WAS COMING OUT WITH A BOOK THIS YEAR? And a mystery?!? This is going to be WILD.
Blog | Twitter | Instagram | BlogLovin’
“When your mom disappears, your dad goes to jail, and the whole town hates you on sight, sometimes you get it in your head to start doing stupid things to ease that anger. Stupid things like hunting firestarters alone.”
Now Entering Addamsville was one of my most anticipate releases of this year, and I was so excited to pick it up as soon as possible. I’ve adored the other two books I’ve read by Francesca Zappia, and though I enjoyed this one and think it was a very interesting take on the ghost hunting theme, I don’t know if it was the time when I read it or why, but I didn’t love it as much as her other novels, which was kind of a bummer.
It took me a while to get into the story, which was surprising to me. I’m pretty sure the main reason why that happened was because I was in the middle of a reading slump at the time, and felt a bit disconnected with the story at times because of that. But as I kept reading I started to enjoy the story more and found it more of a quick read than what I imagined it to be at the very beginning.
I think that the plot was very fun and entertaining. Despite being a YA book it did feel a bit juvenile for me, and I’m unsure if it was the author’s intention or not, but some things were definitely a bit convenient and were solved quite quickly.
I was also expecting Now Entering Addamsville to be much spookier than it was. Though it had that eerie atmosphere that I adore in a paranormal/mystery book, there was something about the tone that missed the point for me. I would have loved it to be scarier, and most of the time this appeared as a contemporary with a some (but little) spookier elements in it. I think it had some interesting elements, but she didn’t take time to develop them, so I had pretty much the same information about them in the beginning and at the very end.
“Mom always said it was her job to protect the town and its ghosts by solving mysteries no one else could see.”
There were a lot of things that felt a bit repetitive and the pacing was a bit slow for my liking, and sometimes there was nothing happening and it seemed as though I was reading the exact same thing that happened a few scenes ago.
When it comes to the characters, I have to say I have mixed feelings about them. I appreciated a lot for the book to have some LGBT+ characters that took an important take on the story, but I feel they weren’t as developed as I would have loved to see. There were certain things that happened so suddenly and didn’t have any transition so the reader could understand the reasons behind those changes in the characters, and the arcs (especially our protagonist’s) were very plain and flat and didn’t hit the mark for me.
I loved the interactions between the characters and really appreciated the female friendships formed throughout the story and how precious they were, and also how this book didn’t have any romance, which seems like a hard things to find these days, and this one had it, but I guess I was expecting much more from them.
Something that kind of bugged me but it was totally a me thing was everything that happened in the very last chapter. Everything was solved but there was something that I’m pretty sure was supposed to be a shocking revelation for the reader, but for me it was quite confusing and didn’t really understand it, so that was a bit anticlimactic.
Overall, Now Entering Addamsville was a very well written book and a solid novel for me. I had my issues with the plot and characters, but that was me being critical and I think I would have enjoyed it more had I not being in a reading slump. Still, it left some questions unanswered that I would have loved to know about, but for the most part, it was quite a fun and entertaining story.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This doesn’t change my opinion whatsoever. All thoughts are my own.
“I wonder sometimes if he had felt it coming and knew, one day, he wouldn’t be strong enough to stop it. I wonder if he feared it.”
Actual rating: 3.5 ★
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Thank you HarperCollins for giving me an ARC of this book
HOW DID I NOT KNOW THAT SHE WAS COMING OUT WITH A BOOK THIS YEAR? And a mystery?!? This is going to be WILD.
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December 14, 2019
Here are some of my thoughts:
• This is certainly different from Zappia’s other works. I have enjoyed it. My favorite thing about this is seeing the developing friendship of angry, outcast Zora and her rich, pampered cousin, Artemis. They both have misconceptions of one another, but they learn to grow together and trust each other.
• I also enjoy the friendships, Mads, Lorelei, and Hal. It is great that despite Zora feeling lonely and isolated from the town, she has found people who has her back. Something that I would have liked is for these three to have bigger roles. They are introduced and they are there on the sides in a few scenes, and they help out at the end, but I would have loved to see them as part of Zora’s hunting adventures more.
• I like seeing the complexity of Zora’s emotions about Addamsville, the people in it, her family, and herself. She has a lot of angry issues and bitterness, and for good reasons too. I like how she has found a place for herself by the end, and she feels like she belongs. In particular, seeing how she has struggled interacting with her sister and father who have not been on her side in some ways, so it is good to see them fight it out and meet eye-to-eye by the end.
• I appreciate the LGBTQ+ representation. I barely ever see asexual representation (Zora) in books or TV/film. And Mads is lesbian. And the book presents these information all in a natural, authentic way.
• The romance between Sadie and Grim is adorable. I like them together. Also, I like the love story that Zora’s dad told her about how he and her mother met and got together.
• I would have preferred to see Zora revealing her secrets about the hunting and firestarters sooner to her family and friends so we can have the ball rolling on the plot and get more developments with the characters. It gets somewhat repetitive seeing Zora being blamed for the fires or other mischief, Zora being angry, Zora goes seeking clues (but also seeking trouble when everyone warns her to lie low) with/without Artemis, Zora gets blamed again for more wrongdoings. Repeat. To be fair, this does accurately represent how the town unjustly treats her, but I think the idea has already been painted, and I would have liked more adventures and characters/relationships development with the other characters.
•
• Also, on a random note, I love that Zappia has sent Now Entering Addamsville postcards to anyone who asked for it – I got mine in the mail and it’s the cutest thing ever with the drawing of the characters on it – and it is even signed, which is so cool. Also, I don’t think I’ve ever seen an author send postcards to readers (especially for free). Mostly, I see preorder incentives (which I also adore), but this definitely takes it to another level to show appreciation for fans.
Overall, I like this book. It definitely fits my spooky mood since October has just begun. I like various aspects of this book, like the friendships, complex feelings, and representation. However, I would have liked a bit more development on adventures in the plot and in the other characters. Still, I have enjoyed this book. 3 stars
Also, if someone can clarify something about the ending, please help:
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
Favorite scenes?
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Starting my October spooky reads with one of my fav YA authors ✨
September 22, 2019
2.5/5 stars
I loved the author's previous book, Eliza and Her Monsters. So I was excited to get to read another YA book by this author.
This book is a Young Adult contemporary book. But it is mostly a YA paranormal story. I do like ghosts. But unfortunately this book does not focus on ghosts. It focuses more on other paranormal elements, which I didn't really like.
The narrator is 18 year old high school student Zora Novak (1st person POV). The story is set in Indiana. A bunch of fires have been set. And Zora is the lead suspect. This book is being promoted as a mystery. And yes there is a bit of a mystery to it. But to me it mainly paranormal. Zora can see ghosts. But she can't hear them. I really would have liked this book a lot more if there had been a lot more interaction between her and the ghosts. Also if a book is going to be overly paranormal then I really need to be aware of this.
What I did enjoy was Zora's relationship with her cousin Artemis. This was one of my favorite things about this book. They were a dynamic duo. And I really enjoyed seeing them work together.
I honestly struggled with this book so much. I just had a really hard time getting into the story. Zora and her family were definitely very unusual and interesting. And the town was also very interesting.
I was expecting some romance, but there was really no romance in this story. However there were some interesting reveals at the end of many of the chapters. I thought that this added a lot to the book. But overall this book just wasn't really for me.
Thanks to edelweiss and Greenwillow Books for allowing me to read this book.
I loved the author's previous book, Eliza and Her Monsters. So I was excited to get to read another YA book by this author.
This book is a Young Adult contemporary book. But it is mostly a YA paranormal story. I do like ghosts. But unfortunately this book does not focus on ghosts. It focuses more on other paranormal elements, which I didn't really like.
The narrator is 18 year old high school student Zora Novak (1st person POV). The story is set in Indiana. A bunch of fires have been set. And Zora is the lead suspect. This book is being promoted as a mystery. And yes there is a bit of a mystery to it. But to me it mainly paranormal. Zora can see ghosts. But she can't hear them. I really would have liked this book a lot more if there had been a lot more interaction between her and the ghosts. Also if a book is going to be overly paranormal then I really need to be aware of this.
What I did enjoy was Zora's relationship with her cousin Artemis. This was one of my favorite things about this book. They were a dynamic duo. And I really enjoyed seeing them work together.
I honestly struggled with this book so much. I just had a really hard time getting into the story. Zora and her family were definitely very unusual and interesting. And the town was also very interesting.
I was expecting some romance, but there was really no romance in this story. However there were some interesting reveals at the end of many of the chapters. I thought that this added a lot to the book. But overall this book just wasn't really for me.
Thanks to edelweiss and Greenwillow Books for allowing me to read this book.
April 18, 2020
THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD! I definitely recommend the audio guys!
Now Entering Addamsville was such a fun book. Once I saw the title I just knew I had to get my hands on it. One, I love absolutely everything about the Addams family. Two, this book was just a blast to listen to. Three, now I really wished it was October.
In it, you will meet Zora. She is a high school senior who definitely has a lot on her plate. Her mom disappeared, her dad is in jail, her older sisters is sort of her guardian, and she is basically hated by everyone in this town. So, yeah.. a lot on her god damn plate guys!
Zora is like my spirit animal. She gets why people hate and judge her buts he thinks they are all idiots anyways. No one really wanted to know the truth of what was happening because it was easier to blame her because of what happened to her parents. Spoiler alert: these people all suck.
Now she lives in the best town ever, because this place was beyond awesome. I loved how it was creepy and mysterious. Which again, Addams vibes people - is it too weird to start watching those movies now or no? The one thing that shocked me was how ignorant her cousin could be sometimes. Plus, I didn't get why her aunt never really helped with anything until after her home was destroyed by the idiots of this damn town.
Yeah, things got heated with me and these characters from time to time. Just saying. Other than that, this book had a really good villain too! Oh lord, he was creepy and I loved it all. Ugh, if I could dive back into this book I totally would but alas.. I have so many other books patiently waiting for me read them. I will most definitely reread this next year though! Or maybe in October!!
Now Entering Addamsville was such a fun book. Once I saw the title I just knew I had to get my hands on it. One, I love absolutely everything about the Addams family. Two, this book was just a blast to listen to. Three, now I really wished it was October.
In it, you will meet Zora. She is a high school senior who definitely has a lot on her plate. Her mom disappeared, her dad is in jail, her older sisters is sort of her guardian, and she is basically hated by everyone in this town. So, yeah.. a lot on her god damn plate guys!
Zora is like my spirit animal. She gets why people hate and judge her buts he thinks they are all idiots anyways. No one really wanted to know the truth of what was happening because it was easier to blame her because of what happened to her parents. Spoiler alert: these people all suck.
Now she lives in the best town ever, because this place was beyond awesome. I loved how it was creepy and mysterious. Which again, Addams vibes people - is it too weird to start watching those movies now or no? The one thing that shocked me was how ignorant her cousin could be sometimes. Plus, I didn't get why her aunt never really helped with anything until after her home was destroyed by the idiots of this damn town.
Yeah, things got heated with me and these characters from time to time. Just saying. Other than that, this book had a really good villain too! Oh lord, he was creepy and I loved it all. Ugh, if I could dive back into this book I totally would but alas.. I have so many other books patiently waiting for me read them. I will most definitely reread this next year though! Or maybe in October!!
June 2, 2021
Want to see more bookish things from me? Check out my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfer...
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review*
Zora Novak is not well liked in her small town of Addamsville. She has been keeping out of trouble ever since her father was thrown in jail and she was accused of starting a fire that took two of her fingers. Zora has the unique ability to see ghosts, and she hunts and kills firestarters, just like her mother, who disappeared 4 years ago. When a fire is started, killing the school janitor, everyone points their finger at Zora. With the help of her cousin, Artemis, she is working to clear her name and hunt the firestarter responsible.
This was just an average story in my opinion, I was never really invested in Zora or the story unfolding. The worldbuilding was a bit confusing, and I didn't really find the history behind the firestarters, or where they came from to be very clear. There were so many side characters you were supposed to keep track of and know who they were, but they didn't have much time on page, so it was a bit confusing trying to remember who was who. I was also able to call the big "twist" that occurred and that was disappointing.
I dunno, it was just meh.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review*
Zora Novak is not well liked in her small town of Addamsville. She has been keeping out of trouble ever since her father was thrown in jail and she was accused of starting a fire that took two of her fingers. Zora has the unique ability to see ghosts, and she hunts and kills firestarters, just like her mother, who disappeared 4 years ago. When a fire is started, killing the school janitor, everyone points their finger at Zora. With the help of her cousin, Artemis, she is working to clear her name and hunt the firestarter responsible.
This was just an average story in my opinion, I was never really invested in Zora or the story unfolding. The worldbuilding was a bit confusing, and I didn't really find the history behind the firestarters, or where they came from to be very clear. There were so many side characters you were supposed to keep track of and know who they were, but they didn't have much time on page, so it was a bit confusing trying to remember who was who. I was also able to call the big "twist" that occurred and that was disappointing.
I dunno, it was just meh.
November 6, 2019
3.5 stars
May 21, 2019
Thank you to Edelweiss and Greenwillow Books for the chance to review this title ahead of its release date.
Francesca Zappia. That name makes me hit pre-order no matter what the plot is. No matter how the cover looks. Zappia has me spending my time and money on blind faith alone because the moment I finished MADE YOU UP, she became an auto-buy author, and I became a lifelong fan.
What is this book about, you ask?
Our protagonist is named Zora, and she can see ghosts. She comes from a tumultuous family (father in jail for a Ponzi scheme and mother who has disappeared five years prior) and lives with her older sister, Sadie, in a trailer on a bluff overlooking the small town in Indiana. Years ago, she was blamed for a fire while battling a "firestarter", a vile ghost, and the town looks down on her ever since. When another firestarter shows up in Addamsville again, Zora must dodge a ghost hunting television show and deal with little support from the town she's trying to save.
Zora is the YA version of Odd Thomas, and I am here for it. I've been waiting for something like this, and I got it. Now, listen, this is not your typical Zappia book, BUT hear me out. This hits home with some hardcore emotions. Zora's anger over being blamed by the town and imprisoned father, and feelings of loss over her missing mother, she feels alone at times. Zappia wrote: "This book is about our bonds with our family, our friends, our neighbors, and ourselves." Take away the ghosts and mysteries, and you have a girl who just wants to feel normal and wants what everyone else has: love and support.
NOW ENTERING ADDAMSVILLE is a fun, emotional journey and hits all the sweet spots in a YA. We have an OWNVOICES protag (ace) and a setting both exciting and scary. She writes hardships and struggles and always seem to make me tear up with her prose. Zappia books are in a way, the equivalent of slipping into a warm bath, Lush bath bomb and all and playing some really good old school rock; both relaxing and heart-thumpingly delicious.
I love Zappia's books because she incorporates magic into the real world with such expertise that you believe ghosts are walking around you as you sit and sip your tea. Maybe they are. Maybe we just can't see them. And maybe I just want you to read this book because you won't regret it.
P.S- I could not help but think of Zac Baggins when reading the arrogant ghost hunting, tv host character of Tad Thompson. I could not stop laughing. I still can't. bahaha
Francesca Zappia. That name makes me hit pre-order no matter what the plot is. No matter how the cover looks. Zappia has me spending my time and money on blind faith alone because the moment I finished MADE YOU UP, she became an auto-buy author, and I became a lifelong fan.
What is this book about, you ask?
Our protagonist is named Zora, and she can see ghosts. She comes from a tumultuous family (father in jail for a Ponzi scheme and mother who has disappeared five years prior) and lives with her older sister, Sadie, in a trailer on a bluff overlooking the small town in Indiana. Years ago, she was blamed for a fire while battling a "firestarter", a vile ghost, and the town looks down on her ever since. When another firestarter shows up in Addamsville again, Zora must dodge a ghost hunting television show and deal with little support from the town she's trying to save.
Zora is the YA version of Odd Thomas, and I am here for it. I've been waiting for something like this, and I got it. Now, listen, this is not your typical Zappia book, BUT hear me out. This hits home with some hardcore emotions. Zora's anger over being blamed by the town and imprisoned father, and feelings of loss over her missing mother, she feels alone at times. Zappia wrote: "This book is about our bonds with our family, our friends, our neighbors, and ourselves." Take away the ghosts and mysteries, and you have a girl who just wants to feel normal and wants what everyone else has: love and support.
NOW ENTERING ADDAMSVILLE is a fun, emotional journey and hits all the sweet spots in a YA. We have an OWNVOICES protag (ace) and a setting both exciting and scary. She writes hardships and struggles and always seem to make me tear up with her prose. Zappia books are in a way, the equivalent of slipping into a warm bath, Lush bath bomb and all and playing some really good old school rock; both relaxing and heart-thumpingly delicious.
I love Zappia's books because she incorporates magic into the real world with such expertise that you believe ghosts are walking around you as you sit and sip your tea. Maybe they are. Maybe we just can't see them. And maybe I just want you to read this book because you won't regret it.
P.S- I could not help but think of Zac Baggins when reading the arrogant ghost hunting, tv host character of Tad Thompson. I could not stop laughing. I still can't. bahaha
October 9, 2019
This book slaps.
Okay but for real, this was so good! Now Entering Addamsville follows Zora, a high school senior who has Baggage with a capital B. Her ghost-seeing, demon-hunting mother disappeared a few years ago, and her father, dealing with his grief in a supremely negative way, swindled a bunch of people in town out of substantial amounts of money and ended up in prison. Zora, who can also see ghosts and hunt demons, has to try to save her town from the worst demon of all, with her non-ghost-seeing but super annoying cousin tagging along.
This was so fun! It was such a great balance of creepy, mysterious, and funny. Zora's was such a great perspective to read from. The way the ghosts and demons work, and all the mythology surrounding the incredibly haunted town of Addamsville, were established very well. This kind of urban fantasy, paranormal adventure could easily have gotten confusing, since Francesca Zappia did put a twist on the traditional ghosts and demons, but she set up the story very well. The mix of small-town politics with the supernatural elements were balanced perfectly. I loved the villain as well! I was thoroughly creeped out by him without being completely scared out of my skin.
One thing I wish had been discussed better were the side characters. There were a lot of them that basically didn't get any page time, and it felt like they were just there to pad out the inevitable Scooby Gang without adding anything of actual value to the story.
This book left a lot of unanswered questions, but not so many that I was frustrated. It was just enough to make me desperately want the next book to find out what happens next! I also loved the south-central Indiana setting. I've lived in that general region for the last five years or so, so I'm intimately familiar with this type of town. Though Addamsville is fictional, it feels so authentic to the Hoosier state. I had no idea Francesca lived here before I read this book, but I could tell even before I read her bio at the end that she must have at least lived here in the past. She shows how you can be sick and tired of a place and still love it to death.
Ugh this review is a mess but TL;DR: if you want to read something slightly creepy but not too scary for the Halloween season and you like sassy heroines in small, sleepy towns, this is the book for you.
Okay but for real, this was so good! Now Entering Addamsville follows Zora, a high school senior who has Baggage with a capital B. Her ghost-seeing, demon-hunting mother disappeared a few years ago, and her father, dealing with his grief in a supremely negative way, swindled a bunch of people in town out of substantial amounts of money and ended up in prison. Zora, who can also see ghosts and hunt demons, has to try to save her town from the worst demon of all, with her non-ghost-seeing but super annoying cousin tagging along.
This was so fun! It was such a great balance of creepy, mysterious, and funny. Zora's was such a great perspective to read from. The way the ghosts and demons work, and all the mythology surrounding the incredibly haunted town of Addamsville, were established very well. This kind of urban fantasy, paranormal adventure could easily have gotten confusing, since Francesca Zappia did put a twist on the traditional ghosts and demons, but she set up the story very well. The mix of small-town politics with the supernatural elements were balanced perfectly. I loved the villain as well! I was thoroughly creeped out by him without being completely scared out of my skin.
One thing I wish had been discussed better were the side characters. There were a lot of them that basically didn't get any page time, and it felt like they were just there to pad out the inevitable Scooby Gang without adding anything of actual value to the story.
This book left a lot of unanswered questions, but not so many that I was frustrated. It was just enough to make me desperately want the next book to find out what happens next! I also loved the south-central Indiana setting. I've lived in that general region for the last five years or so, so I'm intimately familiar with this type of town. Though Addamsville is fictional, it feels so authentic to the Hoosier state. I had no idea Francesca lived here before I read this book, but I could tell even before I read her bio at the end that she must have at least lived here in the past. She shows how you can be sick and tired of a place and still love it to death.
Ugh this review is a mess but TL;DR: if you want to read something slightly creepy but not too scary for the Halloween season and you like sassy heroines in small, sleepy towns, this is the book for you.
September 8, 2021
This was just insanely fun? If you're looking for a hard-hitting mental health book that's grounded in realism a la Eliza And Her Monsters, you won't find it here, but I love the cast (mostly, fuck you Buster) and it was super fast-paced. I would've liked it to be a bit longer and have some more explanations that weren't given, but at the same time I don't want every little supernatural element explained. This would be excellent as a graphic novel and/or miniseries.
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September 15, 2022This is a lovely book if you’re looking for pure Halloween fun! I enjoyed the quirky town full of ghosts and mysteries. Great start to a new series!
June 13, 2019
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
I got this ARC at BookCon and thank you to the publisher for providing it in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a fun read! I was really looking forward to it because I absolutely loved Eliza and Her Monsters, and this one did not disappoint. Now Entering Addamsville is about a girl, Zora, who can see ghosts (her whole town is obsessed with ghosts but she is the only one who can see them) and she is being framed for the murder of a janitor at her school who died in a horrible fire. She teams up with her cousin to clear her name, while also dealing with the arrival of a popular ghost hunting TV show who plan to expose the town's ghosts to the country.
For anyone who might not know, I absolutely love stories with ghosts and I want more of them, so I was all for this book just from the description, but on top of that, this book is #ownvoices with Zora being asexual. It was fast paced and there were times I literally gasped outloud at the twists and turns that happened. The only reason this is 4.5 stars instead of 5 is because the beginning was a little slow to get into, but once I was in, it was so hard to put down. I definitely recommend if you like any of the things I mentioned above, and it's also a great murder mystery, since we're trying to figure out exactly who is framing Zora and why.
I got this ARC at BookCon and thank you to the publisher for providing it in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a fun read! I was really looking forward to it because I absolutely loved Eliza and Her Monsters, and this one did not disappoint. Now Entering Addamsville is about a girl, Zora, who can see ghosts (her whole town is obsessed with ghosts but she is the only one who can see them) and she is being framed for the murder of a janitor at her school who died in a horrible fire. She teams up with her cousin to clear her name, while also dealing with the arrival of a popular ghost hunting TV show who plan to expose the town's ghosts to the country.
For anyone who might not know, I absolutely love stories with ghosts and I want more of them, so I was all for this book just from the description, but on top of that, this book is #ownvoices with Zora being asexual. It was fast paced and there were times I literally gasped outloud at the twists and turns that happened. The only reason this is 4.5 stars instead of 5 is because the beginning was a little slow to get into, but once I was in, it was so hard to put down. I definitely recommend if you like any of the things I mentioned above, and it's also a great murder mystery, since we're trying to figure out exactly who is framing Zora and why.
October 1, 2019
rtc. just take my wallet, francesca. do it for morty the dead miner mascot.
Ever wanted to know what a haunted Pawnee, Indiana would be like? Because this is it with the demonic fires, a girl with an axe, and ghosts occupying every space as the body count grows.
Zappia knocks it out of the park with her first SFF book. For fans of spooky small towns with secrets, readers will love Zora's bristling anger as she framed for the strange fires. Born with the ability to see ghosts, it's up to her, her historian cousin and a Scooby Gang versus a reality ghost hunting TV show to learn the truth.
Here's hoping for a sequel!
Ever wanted to know what a haunted Pawnee, Indiana would be like? Because this is it with the demonic fires, a girl with an axe, and ghosts occupying every space as the body count grows.
Zappia knocks it out of the park with her first SFF book. For fans of spooky small towns with secrets, readers will love Zora's bristling anger as she framed for the strange fires. Born with the ability to see ghosts, it's up to her, her historian cousin and a Scooby Gang versus a reality ghost hunting TV show to learn the truth.
Here's hoping for a sequel!
A digital ARC has been provided by edelweiss. All opinions are my own.
October 15, 2019
I am cursed to hate all the books I read in October. I had hoped that Now Entering Addamsville would break the curse, with its fun Supernatural-esque vibes, but that hope was in vain.
The atmosphere of the book is excellent. The characters are diverse; there's an impressive cast: THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN MY BOOK.
The problem was that nothing. happened. in. this. book.
60% into the book is where the action starts, and it is a trek to get that far. Once the action heated up and we saw more of Bach.
This book also really didn't have much in the way of romance. Usually, I'd celebrate the deviation from the typical superficial YA romance, but I enjoyed the potential building romance between them. I wish there had been more, but I suspect that will be in an upcoming sequel.
The atmosphere of the book is excellent. The characters are diverse; there's an impressive cast: THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN MY BOOK.
The problem was that nothing. happened. in. this. book.
60% into the book is where the action starts, and it is a trek to get that far. Once the action heated up and we saw more of Bach.
This book also really didn't have much in the way of romance. Usually, I'd celebrate the deviation from the typical superficial YA romance, but I enjoyed the potential building romance between them. I wish there had been more, but I suspect that will be in an upcoming sequel.
September 17, 2020
This just felt like a pointless book that brought up more questions than it answered and left on somewhat of a cliffhanger, yet it seems like it's a standalone? I'm just so confused after reading this book. I couldn't care less for any of the characters (sure, I felt sorry for Zora for losing her fingers and her mom, but I never *cared* for her beyond feeling bad for her), didn't care about her ghost hunting, or her annoying cousin, or anything else either.
In the beginning, I wasn't enjoying this because I kept comparing it to the last ghost-centered book I read (City of Ghosts), and this couldn't compare to that, but by the end, I was just mad about how poorly this book dealt with all of the mysteries it created.
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