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The Peculiar Peggs of Riddling Woods
This is the story of a sleepy town called Suds. A place where stories fill the air of children who keep turning grey and disappearing without a trace…
Poppy and Erasmus are certain there's something peculiar going on in Suds, and they're determined to unravel its secrets. But when they discover the answers might lie in the darking and twisting woods, can they find the courage to creep inside and solve this riddling mystery?
“A thrilling read...flavoured with fairytales, drizzled with a syrup of fear and sprinkled with heart.” M.G. Leonard, author of Beetle Boy
352 pages, Paperback
First published March 28, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
July 6, 2019
This was absolutely wonderful! Everything about this worked for me, from the brilliant characters to the dark and gripping fairytale that unfolded around them. Poppy and Erasmus were superb, as was everyone else around them - especially the chilling villains!
I was utterly absorbed in the story and didn't want it to end. I hope Samuel J. Halpin continues writing because I loved this!
The illustrations by Hannah Peck were also lovely, a great addition to the story.
I was utterly absorbed in the story and didn't want it to end. I hope Samuel J. Halpin continues writing because I loved this!
The illustrations by Hannah Peck were also lovely, a great addition to the story.
September 19, 2020
I Loved this book. I loved it. Just loved it. No matter how many times I say this, it’s never enough.
Samuel J. Halpin takes us to Suds- a sleepy town with unexplainable disappearances of children from all over the town. Poppy is visiting the town to stay over with her grandmother when she meets Erasmus who tell her all about these disappearances. This is when they decide to solve the biggest mystery in town. But the secret to all of it lies in the Riddling Woods where Peculiar Peggs live in a mill that makes the most beautiful clothes one has ever seen.
I fell in love with the characters. Poppy, Erasmus, and Misty- they are strong and brave, never back down from a challenge and their loyalty for each other is immense. I loved how each of the other characters had a part to play in solving the final mystery.
The plot is exceptional. The writing is simple, but it sucks you right in. The book had my attention right until the end. And honestly, I was scared that the book would end and this fantasyland bubble would burst soon.
The Peculiar Peggs of Riddling Woods is a complete package. It is adventurous, mysterious, funny, dark and has a kickass protagonist supporting a brilliantly written plot.
Samuel J. Halpin takes us to Suds- a sleepy town with unexplainable disappearances of children from all over the town. Poppy is visiting the town to stay over with her grandmother when she meets Erasmus who tell her all about these disappearances. This is when they decide to solve the biggest mystery in town. But the secret to all of it lies in the Riddling Woods where Peculiar Peggs live in a mill that makes the most beautiful clothes one has ever seen.
I fell in love with the characters. Poppy, Erasmus, and Misty- they are strong and brave, never back down from a challenge and their loyalty for each other is immense. I loved how each of the other characters had a part to play in solving the final mystery.
The plot is exceptional. The writing is simple, but it sucks you right in. The book had my attention right until the end. And honestly, I was scared that the book would end and this fantasyland bubble would burst soon.
The Peculiar Peggs of Riddling Woods is a complete package. It is adventurous, mysterious, funny, dark and has a kickass protagonist supporting a brilliantly written plot.
June 3, 2019
Still turning the pages! Just because, Just in case.. the story is not over yet!
This book is a bundle of everything, adventure+tragedy+magic+Horror+Love+Longing+Friendship and many more!
Its not a children book, should be read by everyone to feel the warmth and tenderness of writing and subtlety. Reads like a bed time story, tells the story on so many levels.
Just one wish, wished it wasn't over yet :'(
This book is a bundle of everything, adventure+tragedy+magic+Horror+Love+Longing+Friendship and many more!
Its not a children book, should be read by everyone to feel the warmth and tenderness of writing and subtlety. Reads like a bed time story, tells the story on so many levels.
Just one wish, wished it wasn't over yet :'(
December 22, 2022
This was fun!
November 30, 2018
Suds is a sleepy town, nothing to boast of and there is nothing remarkable about it. Yet is very unusual in its own way. Why? It is a town with a very strange history much like it’s strange name. It’s a strange town full of curious and atypical people. Suds was famous once for its garment mill, but that’s a part of history now.
Children go missing in Suds without a trace. The signs are the same: their hair goes white, their eyes steely grey, and one day they vanish into thin air.
Our protagonist, Poppy, is in the town to spend some days with her grandmother, finds a mysterious green silk covered book in the train to Suds and keeps it with her.
Poppy’s granny lives by some strange rules:
All clothes must be brought off the washing line (even if wet) by Six O’CLOCK.
All sugar cubes must be kept under lock and key.
At night, close your window, lock it, draw the curtains.
Never, DON’T YOU EVER, DUST THE WINDOW SILLS.
Due to some unavoidable circumstances, Poppy has to enroll herself in the local school. She meets a strange boy, Erasmus when she is with her granny on her visit to the clinic. Poppy and Erasmus become friends albeit not with a happy start. Both of them suspect something strange and set out to investigate the mystery all by themselves. Tagging along with them is Mitsy, with her alluring yet mysterious book, Fairy tales of the English South.
We’re warned about Mumbling Marley, another character who lives in Riddling Woods. I won’t give away much of his character, you’ve to read the book to find out about him!!
Will Erasmus and Poppy be successful in solving the mystery? Who are the Peggs? What is their story? Why do they only target children? What is Riddling Woods?
My review:
Let me be a little honest here. I started reading the book with zero expectations about the plot. I knew I was going to like this book after reading the first 20 pages, but what I didn’t expect was to like it this much!
A very smartly written book!! Brilliantly executed! Laden with mysteries, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat! A solid page turner, which has all twists and turns at the right places. It keeps you wanting for more!! The narrative is even and doesn’t fall flat and never does it lose its essence. I recommend this to everyone, kids and adults alike, because this is a book everyone will enjoy, cherish and talk about for a long time. The writing is very very imaginative and deliciously dark. All of the twists and turns will keep you on your toes. It’s not predictable at all which makes it a highly enjoyable read. The plot construction is very subtle and as the mystery unfurls itself, it grows on you. What I loved most about this book is that how layered it is, and how the surprise elements increase page after page. I wasn’t able to put this down at all. A book which will stay in your mind long after you read it! You’ll request other people to read it as soon as possible just because you can discuss it with them! I really really enjoyed reading it! This book came to me at the right time when I needed to read a fresh story. A very smashing, exceptional and out of the box story!! I wish I could visit Suds. It’s hard to believe this is Halpin’s debut novel. I want to read more by him!
Keep a lookout for this book as it releases in January 2019.
Thank you Usborne YA for the early proof copy.
Children go missing in Suds without a trace. The signs are the same: their hair goes white, their eyes steely grey, and one day they vanish into thin air.
Our protagonist, Poppy, is in the town to spend some days with her grandmother, finds a mysterious green silk covered book in the train to Suds and keeps it with her.
Poppy’s granny lives by some strange rules:
All clothes must be brought off the washing line (even if wet) by Six O’CLOCK.
All sugar cubes must be kept under lock and key.
At night, close your window, lock it, draw the curtains.
Never, DON’T YOU EVER, DUST THE WINDOW SILLS.
Due to some unavoidable circumstances, Poppy has to enroll herself in the local school. She meets a strange boy, Erasmus when she is with her granny on her visit to the clinic. Poppy and Erasmus become friends albeit not with a happy start. Both of them suspect something strange and set out to investigate the mystery all by themselves. Tagging along with them is Mitsy, with her alluring yet mysterious book, Fairy tales of the English South.
We’re warned about Mumbling Marley, another character who lives in Riddling Woods. I won’t give away much of his character, you’ve to read the book to find out about him!!
Will Erasmus and Poppy be successful in solving the mystery? Who are the Peggs? What is their story? Why do they only target children? What is Riddling Woods?
My review:
Let me be a little honest here. I started reading the book with zero expectations about the plot. I knew I was going to like this book after reading the first 20 pages, but what I didn’t expect was to like it this much!
A very smartly written book!! Brilliantly executed! Laden with mysteries, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat! A solid page turner, which has all twists and turns at the right places. It keeps you wanting for more!! The narrative is even and doesn’t fall flat and never does it lose its essence. I recommend this to everyone, kids and adults alike, because this is a book everyone will enjoy, cherish and talk about for a long time. The writing is very very imaginative and deliciously dark. All of the twists and turns will keep you on your toes. It’s not predictable at all which makes it a highly enjoyable read. The plot construction is very subtle and as the mystery unfurls itself, it grows on you. What I loved most about this book is that how layered it is, and how the surprise elements increase page after page. I wasn’t able to put this down at all. A book which will stay in your mind long after you read it! You’ll request other people to read it as soon as possible just because you can discuss it with them! I really really enjoyed reading it! This book came to me at the right time when I needed to read a fresh story. A very smashing, exceptional and out of the box story!! I wish I could visit Suds. It’s hard to believe this is Halpin’s debut novel. I want to read more by him!
Keep a lookout for this book as it releases in January 2019.
Thank you Usborne YA for the early proof copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2020
I finished this yesterday, & it was like reading a dark, amazing fairytale. I loved it. Definitely filled the place in my heart for spooky MG. Poppy was such a great main character. I loved her. She had already been through so much at a young age. Again, another MG that talks about grief & handles it well. It also shows the different ways each person affected handle their grief. I loved Erasmus so much! Him & Poppy made such a terrific team! Some of his characteristics reminded me of Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory, & I loved that lol(I love Sheldon). He was so funny at times, w/o even trying to be. All the towns people were great also, & added a feel to the story that made it even easier for me to imagine this little town. Besides Erasmus, the characters that have my heart in this story are Gran, Churchill, Marley, & Marley the dog. Ughhh they were all just🥰🥰my heart! The villains in the story were very creepy!! I loved the Sherlock & Watson vibe b/n Poppy & Erasmus. I love a good mystery to solve, & these 2 were great little detectives. The ending was perfect. I really hope this author comes out w/more in the future. I loved his writing. The cover is absolutely beautiful!! There are also amazing illustrations all throughout the book as well!!😍😍 I highly recommend this book!
Synopsis: This is the story of a sleepy town called Suds. A place where stories fill the air of children who keep turning grey and disappearing without a trace...Poppy and Erasmus are certain there's something peculiar going on in Suds, and they're determined to unravel its secrets. But when they discover the answers might lie in the dark and twisting woods, can they find the courage to creep inside and solve this riddling mystery?
Synopsis: This is the story of a sleepy town called Suds. A place where stories fill the air of children who keep turning grey and disappearing without a trace...Poppy and Erasmus are certain there's something peculiar going on in Suds, and they're determined to unravel its secrets. But when they discover the answers might lie in the dark and twisting woods, can they find the courage to creep inside and solve this riddling mystery?
November 28, 2018
3.75 stars.
Update: After thinking about it more and more, I have to give this one a 4 stars! :)
This book is nothing like you have ever read. It’s so unique and it’s rich with imagination. It’s adventurous and enjoyable! Like I had so much fun reading it.
What I like:
- The whole imagination of this book. Like I don’t know if this is a retelling of a fairytale or not, but it’s great and magical.
- The characters are enjoyable! I adore Poppy, Erasmus and Misty. But POPPY! She loves AGATHA CHRISTIE... I mean....... yeah... 10 points right there! She knows what’s up!
- I adore the last part of the book most! Not gonna say anything more :)
I think the reason why I didn’t give it five stars are:
- It’s too detailed to my liking. There are some part that was really detail, and I didn’t really grasp it, so I lost my focus in the middle. BUT if you’re all about detail, I am so so so sure that you will enjoy this book a lot!
- I read this book hoping for being creeped out. While I think it was creepy, it’s not enough to creeped me out. BUT if you’re a scaredy cat and want something that creepy but not so creepy, this one is for you!
- I feel like there could be a little “punch” here and there to make it more “punching”.
But seriously, overall, I enjoyed this book! And I still recommended it to all of you who are in the mood of something creepy. The story is brilliant, really :)
*Thank you Usborne Book for the review copy!
Update: After thinking about it more and more, I have to give this one a 4 stars! :)
This book is nothing like you have ever read. It’s so unique and it’s rich with imagination. It’s adventurous and enjoyable! Like I had so much fun reading it.
What I like:
- The whole imagination of this book. Like I don’t know if this is a retelling of a fairytale or not, but it’s great and magical.
- The characters are enjoyable! I adore Poppy, Erasmus and Misty. But POPPY! She loves AGATHA CHRISTIE... I mean....... yeah... 10 points right there! She knows what’s up!
- I adore the last part of the book most! Not gonna say anything more :)
I think the reason why I didn’t give it five stars are:
- It’s too detailed to my liking. There are some part that was really detail, and I didn’t really grasp it, so I lost my focus in the middle. BUT if you’re all about detail, I am so so so sure that you will enjoy this book a lot!
- I read this book hoping for being creeped out. While I think it was creepy, it’s not enough to creeped me out. BUT if you’re a scaredy cat and want something that creepy but not so creepy, this one is for you!
- I feel like there could be a little “punch” here and there to make it more “punching”.
But seriously, overall, I enjoyed this book! And I still recommended it to all of you who are in the mood of something creepy. The story is brilliant, really :)
*Thank you Usborne Book for the review copy!
February 15, 2019
There is something going on in Suds, and it is up to Poppy and (sadly) Erasmus to find out what is happening and to stop it.
I have been on and off trying to write a review for this book, but I just can't seem to get things right, so I will be writing a good/not so good review instead. I am sure I can do that.
Good:
-The town of Suds. It seemed like such a quaint little town but there is something much darker and sinister going on. I loved how the author described the town, the little shops, the woods, and other details.
-The Peggs, who they were and what they were and what they were doing. I had a suspicion early on about what was going on in the mill, but still it was quite shocking to find out for real what was going on. Hot dang. They were a creepy bunch of characters with a great backstory which we read nearing the end. Learning what the Peggs do to kids that disappear/get drained, well, I guess that is one detail NO ONE ever wants to know.
-Grandma's rules and why she has them. Slowly, bit by bit, we find out why she has this set of rules and how they have protected her house (and her and Poppy) for so long).
-I loved that next to horror/mystery we also have the loss of Poppy's mom and how she and her dad is handling that. Sure, I wasn't too happy how he handled things, dumping your daughter for months is just a no-no. Talk to her, tell her things, don't leave her with someone else in this time.
-Then there is Erasmus and his mother, his often drunk and embarrassing mom. Yep, the author managed to write these realistic things and combine them with magic, horror, and mystery.
-How everything just clicked together in the end.
-The twist near the end regarding Poppy's mom. Holy WOW, I didn't see that one coming. I guess I could have, there were some hints here and there regarding Poppy's mom, but still, I was just so into the book that I missed it all.
-I really loved grandma. She was a sweet old lady and I loved, just LOVED that she could sew so amazingly. I wouldn't have minded seeing some of her work. Plus, it was pretty awesome that, despite things that happen in this book, she keeps on sewing, keeps on creating.
-I adored Poppy, she was strong, interesting, fun, and I loved how she kept an open mind to people.
-Mitsy was pretty sweet, I loved how much she read. Sure, at times it was a bit too much that she went so far for Erasmus, but I guess it is also kind of cute.
-That cover! So beautiful and spooky!
-The tiny little book that Poppy found and how it connected to everything.
-Marley! He was so much like Hagrid (with his speech, how big he was, that he always seemed to get into something without meaning to) and I just wanted to give him a big hug. I am glad that he got some of the spotlight and that we learn more about him and how he ended up the way he did.
-The illustrations! I just love it when books add illustrations to the mix. And I just adore the style of these they fitted so well with the story.
Not so good:
-Erasmus. Erasmus is actually the sole reason why I rated this book a 4.5 instead of a 5 stars. He was annoying, he was mean, he was rude, he kept making smartypants remarks (like when Poppy comments on it being one o clock when he calls her and he corrects her that it is only 12.57), he keeps acting like he is all superior (when he isn't). Really, I am normally a kind person, and I can see that Erasmus had his good sides, but if this was me? I wouldn't have befriended this person. I am sorry, I don't mind if my friends make a comment here and there, but all the time? Act all bitchy about anything and everything? No, thank you. And yes, it sucks that his mom is like that, but that doesn't excuse his behaviour.
-Oh yes, and, given the blurb, I had thought more disappearances, more missing kids, but instead not much of that happens. :P We do learn of kids that are turning, but disappearing? Not really.
All in all, a mysterious dark book with great characters (well for most), great villains, and some reality added to the mix that works perfectly. I would definitely recommend this one to everyone.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I have been on and off trying to write a review for this book, but I just can't seem to get things right, so I will be writing a good/not so good review instead. I am sure I can do that.
Good:
-The town of Suds. It seemed like such a quaint little town but there is something much darker and sinister going on. I loved how the author described the town, the little shops, the woods, and other details.
-The Peggs, who they were and what they were and what they were doing. I had a suspicion early on about what was going on in the mill, but still it was quite shocking to find out for real what was going on. Hot dang. They were a creepy bunch of characters with a great backstory which we read nearing the end. Learning what the Peggs do to kids that disappear/get drained, well, I guess that is one detail NO ONE ever wants to know.
-Grandma's rules and why she has them. Slowly, bit by bit, we find out why she has this set of rules and how they have protected her house (and her and Poppy) for so long).
-I loved that next to horror/mystery we also have the loss of Poppy's mom and how she and her dad is handling that. Sure, I wasn't too happy how he handled things, dumping your daughter for months is just a no-no. Talk to her, tell her things, don't leave her with someone else in this time.
-Then there is Erasmus and his mother, his often drunk and embarrassing mom. Yep, the author managed to write these realistic things and combine them with magic, horror, and mystery.
-How everything just clicked together in the end.
-The twist near the end regarding Poppy's mom. Holy WOW, I didn't see that one coming. I guess I could have, there were some hints here and there regarding Poppy's mom, but still, I was just so into the book that I missed it all.
-I really loved grandma. She was a sweet old lady and I loved, just LOVED that she could sew so amazingly. I wouldn't have minded seeing some of her work. Plus, it was pretty awesome that, despite things that happen in this book, she keeps on sewing, keeps on creating.
-I adored Poppy, she was strong, interesting, fun, and I loved how she kept an open mind to people.
-Mitsy was pretty sweet, I loved how much she read. Sure, at times it was a bit too much that she went so far for Erasmus, but I guess it is also kind of cute.
-That cover! So beautiful and spooky!
-The tiny little book that Poppy found and how it connected to everything.
-Marley! He was so much like Hagrid (with his speech, how big he was, that he always seemed to get into something without meaning to) and I just wanted to give him a big hug. I am glad that he got some of the spotlight and that we learn more about him and how he ended up the way he did.
-The illustrations! I just love it when books add illustrations to the mix. And I just adore the style of these they fitted so well with the story.
Not so good:
-Erasmus. Erasmus is actually the sole reason why I rated this book a 4.5 instead of a 5 stars. He was annoying, he was mean, he was rude, he kept making smartypants remarks (like when Poppy comments on it being one o clock when he calls her and he corrects her that it is only 12.57), he keeps acting like he is all superior (when he isn't). Really, I am normally a kind person, and I can see that Erasmus had his good sides, but if this was me? I wouldn't have befriended this person. I am sorry, I don't mind if my friends make a comment here and there, but all the time? Act all bitchy about anything and everything? No, thank you. And yes, it sucks that his mom is like that, but that doesn't excuse his behaviour.
-Oh yes, and, given the blurb, I had thought more disappearances, more missing kids, but instead not much of that happens. :P We do learn of kids that are turning, but disappearing? Not really.
All in all, a mysterious dark book with great characters (well for most), great villains, and some reality added to the mix that works perfectly. I would definitely recommend this one to everyone.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
November 9, 2018
Samuel J. Halpin has sewn together the finest of fantastical worlds thrumming with a strangely delightful sense of danger & dark magic lurking round every corner. Prepare to become entangled in this splendidly-scary mystery!
February 27, 2019
Thanks to the publisher for sending me a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
'.... 1. All the clothes must be brought off the washing line (even if wet) before six o' clock. ..... "
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The Peculiar Peggs of Riddling Woods is about a town - Suds - where children have been mysteriously disappearing for a long time. Poppy arrives in this town to live with her grandma who makes her follow these strange rules, and soon she befriends the weird Erasmus. Both of them team up to find how and why children disappear. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
When I started this book, I had this feeling that I wouldn't like it. I have already read a few of the 'two kids teaming up to find what the hell is going on' books so I thought it would be like one of those. But I was so wrong! This book is one of the most imaginative books I have ever read. It's creepy with this eerie atmosphere. All though out the book, you're following this mystery and even though you might think you know what the twist will be, you still get very surprised. Like I was. I figured out a few of the 'fishy' things but I was still shocked by the plot twist.
The characters were enjoyable. I loved Gran the most. She's such a free spirited and carefree woman. I was really annoyed with Erasmus because of how apathetic and I'll mannered he was. But, sometimes, you don't have to like a character to understand them and that was the case here. Poppy is someone I don't know how I feel about. She's the MC of the book but she's not really a memorable character.
The Peggs were really wicked and creepy. I won't say a lot about them because they're the mystery here but hands down, they're one of the creepiest MC villains.
I loved the writing the most. It hooks you right into the story and builds the suspense and intrigue as you continue the story. This is also a very quotable book and I will be definitely be using it as caption in the future posts! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Overall, it was a really good book and the kind that I would recommend to Neil Gaiman's fans.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
'.... 1. All the clothes must be brought off the washing line (even if wet) before six o' clock. ..... "
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The Peculiar Peggs of Riddling Woods is about a town - Suds - where children have been mysteriously disappearing for a long time. Poppy arrives in this town to live with her grandma who makes her follow these strange rules, and soon she befriends the weird Erasmus. Both of them team up to find how and why children disappear. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
When I started this book, I had this feeling that I wouldn't like it. I have already read a few of the 'two kids teaming up to find what the hell is going on' books so I thought it would be like one of those. But I was so wrong! This book is one of the most imaginative books I have ever read. It's creepy with this eerie atmosphere. All though out the book, you're following this mystery and even though you might think you know what the twist will be, you still get very surprised. Like I was. I figured out a few of the 'fishy' things but I was still shocked by the plot twist.
The characters were enjoyable. I loved Gran the most. She's such a free spirited and carefree woman. I was really annoyed with Erasmus because of how apathetic and I'll mannered he was. But, sometimes, you don't have to like a character to understand them and that was the case here. Poppy is someone I don't know how I feel about. She's the MC of the book but she's not really a memorable character.
The Peggs were really wicked and creepy. I won't say a lot about them because they're the mystery here but hands down, they're one of the creepiest MC villains.
I loved the writing the most. It hooks you right into the story and builds the suspense and intrigue as you continue the story. This is also a very quotable book and I will be definitely be using it as caption in the future posts! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Overall, it was a really good book and the kind that I would recommend to Neil Gaiman's fans.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
May 12, 2024
"Det finns te om ni är törstiga..."
Jag var inte så törstig...
Jag var inte så törstig...
August 13, 2022
Per leggere la recensione in blog cliccare qui:
https://ilconfinedeilibri.blogspot.co...
https://ilconfinedeilibri.blogspot.co...
September 9, 2024
4.5, rounded up.
Best praise I can give this? I went and looked up his other book (The Midnight Switch). And immediately bought it.
It's been well-reviewed so I'll just add these few thoughts:
- the cover art belies the CREEPINESS of this book. Need clothes-peg fingers, sugar cubes, woad, silk moths, a miniature pig, maybe an exploding dead rat... :S But seriously, the cover is too cutesy. This book is too clever and fun to be very scary, so I get the choice. But I don't think it was a good marketing choice. Other editions need creepier covers.
- the book was a bit too busy. There were so many great ideas and scenes and threads woven in, that I felt I wasn't able to fully appreciate each part. Like I said, I like this guy's head, and so I ordered his other book ASAP. ;) All kinds of good stuff. Just needs some streamlining, and maybe he can save some stuff for the next book... which I will read.
- I was totally hoping that teacher, Mr. Hern, was going to be a member of the Wild Hunt. Please write an appropriate sequel. XD
- the term 'bean-nighe' does not come up in this. I was hoping for more of the folkloric 'washer women', but this was completely original
- I love Erasmus. :) But man, the drunken, belligerent alcoholic mother... and Dennis, the A*hole school secretary... some of the adults were super unlikeable. Poppy's dad was exceptionally depressingly realistic.
- The real moral of this story really is: don't ignore fairytale books, and don't ignore the annoying younger kid. Oh, and Grans with Type II diabetes need to knock off the sherry and strawberry wheels. That too.
- I sort of didn't totally understand the sugar cubes.
(If you're reading this to a class, make sure you have the forked clothes pegs (the kind without the spring, just split wood), a pile of sugar cubes, and maybe some silken fabrics (or bolts of any shimmery polyester, I guess), and some woad on hand? I honestly don't think I've seen an actual cube of sugar in a decade or more, so I can't be alone in trying to picture them, hazily).
Best praise I can give this? I went and looked up his other book (The Midnight Switch). And immediately bought it.
It's been well-reviewed so I'll just add these few thoughts:
- the cover art belies the CREEPINESS of this book. Need clothes-peg fingers, sugar cubes, woad, silk moths, a miniature pig, maybe an exploding dead rat... :S But seriously, the cover is too cutesy. This book is too clever and fun to be very scary, so I get the choice. But I don't think it was a good marketing choice. Other editions need creepier covers.
- the book was a bit too busy. There were so many great ideas and scenes and threads woven in, that I felt I wasn't able to fully appreciate each part. Like I said, I like this guy's head, and so I ordered his other book ASAP. ;) All kinds of good stuff. Just needs some streamlining, and maybe he can save some stuff for the next book... which I will read.
- I was totally hoping that teacher, Mr. Hern, was going to be a member of the Wild Hunt. Please write an appropriate sequel. XD
- the term 'bean-nighe' does not come up in this. I was hoping for more of the folkloric 'washer women', but this was completely original
- I love Erasmus. :) But man, the drunken, belligerent alcoholic mother... and Dennis, the A*hole school secretary... some of the adults were super unlikeable. Poppy's dad was exceptionally depressingly realistic.
- The real moral of this story really is: don't ignore fairytale books, and don't ignore the annoying younger kid. Oh, and Grans with Type II diabetes need to knock off the sherry and strawberry wheels. That too.
- I sort of didn't totally understand the sugar cubes.
(If you're reading this to a class, make sure you have the forked clothes pegs (the kind without the spring, just split wood), a pile of sugar cubes, and maybe some silken fabrics (or bolts of any shimmery polyester, I guess), and some woad on hand? I honestly don't think I've seen an actual cube of sugar in a decade or more, so I can't be alone in trying to picture them, hazily).
December 24, 2018
I always love a story with a twisted fairy tale element and Samuel J Halpin’s The Peculiar Peggs of Riddling Woods, with its intricately imaged magical realism, is 100% my kind of book. Atmospheric and wholly imaginative, Halpin’s superb storytelling had me charmed from start to finish.
When Poppy visits her grandmother in the town of Suds, she quickly realises that something peculiar is going on - from stories of disappearing children, to old wives’ tales about never dusting the window sills, to the dark and spooky Riddling Woods on the edge of the town.
Together with her new friend Erasmus, Poppy sets about to get to the heart to the town’s secrets. Along the way, the pair (whose friendship is charming and brings a real warmth to the story) have to navigate gritty real-life issues such as Grandmother's poor health, Poppy’s own grief at the death of her mother and an unpleasant experience of school bullying. On top of everything else, Poppy can't seem to shake from her mind the old local legends about the witch-like Peculiar Peggs that reside in an old mill near the town, preying on unsuspecting children.
Brilliantly told, this is an enjoyable story with the perfect balance of darkness and light to make it thrilling without being too scary for children in KS2. In a setting where nothing is at it seems, readers will relish the intrigue and find themselves deeply immersed in this world of dark magic and mystery.
Thank you to the publisher for kindly sending me an advanced copy of the book.
When Poppy visits her grandmother in the town of Suds, she quickly realises that something peculiar is going on - from stories of disappearing children, to old wives’ tales about never dusting the window sills, to the dark and spooky Riddling Woods on the edge of the town.
Together with her new friend Erasmus, Poppy sets about to get to the heart to the town’s secrets. Along the way, the pair (whose friendship is charming and brings a real warmth to the story) have to navigate gritty real-life issues such as Grandmother's poor health, Poppy’s own grief at the death of her mother and an unpleasant experience of school bullying. On top of everything else, Poppy can't seem to shake from her mind the old local legends about the witch-like Peculiar Peggs that reside in an old mill near the town, preying on unsuspecting children.
Brilliantly told, this is an enjoyable story with the perfect balance of darkness and light to make it thrilling without being too scary for children in KS2. In a setting where nothing is at it seems, readers will relish the intrigue and find themselves deeply immersed in this world of dark magic and mystery.
Thank you to the publisher for kindly sending me an advanced copy of the book.
August 26, 2019
Oke....
WAT EEN NAMEN HOLYMOLY. Ik werd er echt volledig door overspoeld. Ik denk dat er nog meer namen in dit boek genoemd werden dan in alle 7 harry potter boeken, en dit is een jeugdboek. Nee maar echt.
Over Harry Potter gesproken, er zit een personage in die DUIDELIJK Hagrid moet voorstellen, hahah. De tekening van zijn personage, hoe die praat ("der motte d'r twee zijn"). Lame!
Wel origineel, maar super duper hak op de tak. Bloem wordt direct op het spoor gezet en alles wat ze moet ontdekken wordt op der schoot geworpen...
Dus nee.
1 pluspuntje is de diversiteit in het personage van Erasmus, maar verder... Ik vond het té mysterieus (en daardoor vaag, niet pakkend) en te chaotisch.
WAT EEN NAMEN HOLYMOLY. Ik werd er echt volledig door overspoeld. Ik denk dat er nog meer namen in dit boek genoemd werden dan in alle 7 harry potter boeken, en dit is een jeugdboek. Nee maar echt.
Over Harry Potter gesproken, er zit een personage in die DUIDELIJK Hagrid moet voorstellen, hahah. De tekening van zijn personage, hoe die praat ("der motte d'r twee zijn"). Lame!
Wel origineel, maar super duper hak op de tak. Bloem wordt direct op het spoor gezet en alles wat ze moet ontdekken wordt op der schoot geworpen...
Dus nee.
1 pluspuntje is de diversiteit in het personage van Erasmus, maar verder... Ik vond het té mysterieus (en daardoor vaag, niet pakkend) en te chaotisch.
March 9, 2019
The Peculiar Peggs of Riddling Woods is one the most imaginative, exciting and dark children’s books I’ve read in a long while. Samuel’s characterisation and excellent plotting sucked me into the book and I gulped it down in just a couple of sittings. Be prepared for twists and turns in unexpected places and dialogue to die for. I can’t wait to see what Sam writes next!
March 18, 2020
Dit boek was echt wayyyy te gecompliceerd, de helft van de tijd kon ik er geen touw aan vast knopen.
Toch drie sterren, want het maakt de griezelverwachtingen goed waar, het is creepy as hell. Voor kinderen dan.
Toch drie sterren, want het maakt de griezelverwachtingen goed waar, het is creepy as hell. Voor kinderen dan.
December 6, 2022
I thought this book was good and I would recommend for someone who loves plot twists! This book has an amazing plot twist at the end and I couldn’t put the book down at the end! I hope a lot if children will read this book as I loved it
February 20, 2021
This was an excellent book.
I liked the relationship between the main character and her grandmother.
I liked the relationship between the main character and her grandmother.
February 16, 2022
This book is fantastic!! If you like plot twists and a delicious fairytale then this is it. Love Gran and the way she was so sensible. Best book I’ve read all year!!
September 23, 2022
To było.... zajebiste, naprawdę. Ten klimat folkloru, mroczny, a zarazem tak fascynujący, że nie mogłam się oderwać.
February 11, 2019
"Across the sky they fly by night in airborne wicker hamper. Once they've got you in their sight, there's nowhere else to scamper."
Sometimes, book covers and titles deceive you. But the title of this book is not deceiving at all. It's more like spooky and mysterious. Just as the story line.
It was kind of slow paced but the mystery and suspense was maintained so well throughout the book until the end...when the big revelation came through. The imagination of the author, I could feel it through this story and their characters. This childlike, yet mature imagination was what got to me the most. The setting of the story, the way the author wrote it and created this amazing yet spooky tale of riddling woods was just out of this world.
I am so in love with middle-grade books now. This one is truly worth the read. Erasmus and poppy and Gran were my favorite characters. Also, Marley the dog and Churchill the pig. I just fall in love with the pet animals so much😍.
And oh my God! The ending was so gripping like I couldn't stop reading and worrying about poppy and Erasmus. I was taken aback by the descriptions and all the background spookiness.
I am so thankful to USBORNEYA for sending me this review copy. Ya'll should definitely read this book. It is not just for middle-grade children. It is a very captivating book and it will surely baffle you. There is this deep lesson about friendship and bravery, which the author portrayed so beautifully.
Sometimes, book covers and titles deceive you. But the title of this book is not deceiving at all. It's more like spooky and mysterious. Just as the story line.
It was kind of slow paced but the mystery and suspense was maintained so well throughout the book until the end...when the big revelation came through. The imagination of the author, I could feel it through this story and their characters. This childlike, yet mature imagination was what got to me the most. The setting of the story, the way the author wrote it and created this amazing yet spooky tale of riddling woods was just out of this world.
I am so in love with middle-grade books now. This one is truly worth the read. Erasmus and poppy and Gran were my favorite characters. Also, Marley the dog and Churchill the pig. I just fall in love with the pet animals so much😍.
And oh my God! The ending was so gripping like I couldn't stop reading and worrying about poppy and Erasmus. I was taken aback by the descriptions and all the background spookiness.
I am so thankful to USBORNEYA for sending me this review copy. Ya'll should definitely read this book. It is not just for middle-grade children. It is a very captivating book and it will surely baffle you. There is this deep lesson about friendship and bravery, which the author portrayed so beautifully.
June 18, 2020
The Peculiar Peggs of Riddling Woods is a story of Poppy, Erasmus, and their sleepy town called Suds. It’s a gripping tale of disappearing children, mysterious twisting woods, unusual incidents, and creepy Peggs living in the woods. Poppy has moved to her grandmother’s place for a few days while her father is away. She befriends Erasmus and observes strange activities going on in the town. Together they unwind the secrets that lie in the riddling woods.
This book gives all the feel of a chilling, adventurous fairytale; best reads like a bedtime story. It is a beautiful story with lovely characters out to unravel the crafty mystery of the town. The complete book reads at a very good pace, but I loved the last few pages. Those last sixty pages made me hooked; read them in a haste to know how the story unfolds. They were the best pages in the book.
I recommend if you’re looking for a carefree yet a fascinating read with the thrill and eerie magic. I very much enjoyed this little bundle of fairytale book.
This book gives all the feel of a chilling, adventurous fairytale; best reads like a bedtime story. It is a beautiful story with lovely characters out to unravel the crafty mystery of the town. The complete book reads at a very good pace, but I loved the last few pages. Those last sixty pages made me hooked; read them in a haste to know how the story unfolds. They were the best pages in the book.
I recommend if you’re looking for a carefree yet a fascinating read with the thrill and eerie magic. I very much enjoyed this little bundle of fairytale book.
January 11, 2020
This was brilliant!
Children have been going missing for years in Suds and Erasmus and Poppy take it upon themselves to investigate why. Not everything is as it seems in Suds & Poppy’s gran seems to have her wits about her with her four house rules.
The folklore/fairytale aspect of this story was amazing. I highly recommend this!
Children have been going missing for years in Suds and Erasmus and Poppy take it upon themselves to investigate why. Not everything is as it seems in Suds & Poppy’s gran seems to have her wits about her with her four house rules.
The folklore/fairytale aspect of this story was amazing. I highly recommend this!
April 7, 2022
Una favola dark, con belle tematiche e bellissime immagini. Nonostante l'avventura di Poppy mi sia piaciuta sotto plurimi punti di vista, il finale mi è larso avere una spiegazione molto articolata e tirata. Alla fine tutto torna, sì, ma senza quel piacere che si prova quando ogni pezzettino del puzzle che ti eri fatto in mente si incastra al suo posto giusto: le spiegazioni finali sono tante e molto contorte, per cui devi prenderle così come sono e metterti l'anima in pace... Questo aspetto mi ha un po' rovinato il gusto della lettura, ma per il resto ho apprezzato il romanzo!
October 16, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. Very imaginative and silly but dark and adventurous. Lots of lovely messages and emotive storylines. A children’s story but written in a way where the literature is still engaging for adults. :)
June 12, 2019
Great middle grade book
October 10, 2019
4.5 stars rounded up
June 6, 2022
Genoten!
‘En Zwello was net als elk ander leeggelopen dorp, waar de post niet sneller kwam en de mensen niet aardiger of onaardiger waren dan twee dorpen verderop.’
‘En Zwello was net als elk ander leeggelopen dorp, waar de post niet sneller kwam en de mensen niet aardiger of onaardiger waren dan twee dorpen verderop.’
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