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Merryweathers Mysteries #3
The Curse of Ragman's Hollow
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
Just a walk in the countryside. What could possibly go wrong...
Just a walk in the countryside. What could possibly go wrong...
Sam Jones's grandmother is training him to be one of the Cunning Folk, like her. And exams are looming.
But Sam's mother has holiday plans and drags him off to a remote cottage in the middle of nowhere for come contry air. NO mobile phone, nettle soup and long walks are the rule. One such walk takes them to Ragman's Hollow, a place the locals avoid with good reason.
It's a place where animals and people go missing, never to be found.
But that's just superstitious nonsense, according to Sam's mother. But soon she finds there is no smoke without fire and Sam finds himself up against an old, very spiteful, and very tricky enemy.
He's going to need every ounce of his cunning to stop the Ragman. But can he do it alone?
The Curse of Ragman's Hollow is the third spooky tale about a young boy and his Cunning family, full of adventure, warmth, mystery and humour. If you like Niel Gaiman's Coraline and all of Roald Dahl, you'll LOVE the Merrweathers Mysteries.
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- GenresFantasy
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2019
3 people want to read
About the author
Rhys A. Jones
5 books50 followersRhys A Jones was born in a mining village in the Swansea valley in Wales where he attended primary and secondary schools. In 1974, he was offered a place at Medical school in London and qualified in 1979. Medicine and a family followed, but writing as Dylan Jones, he published 4 novels in the nineties, two of which were filmed by the BBC. But a growing desire to moves away from adult thrillers is what has preoccupied him of late. He also plans to write contemporary adult novels (urban fantasy) as DC Farmer.
Sometimes all three of his personae will start speaking at once, at which point he lies down in a dark room and waits for the feeling to pass. The Obsidian Pebble will be re-released in 2013 with The Beast of Seabourne to follow!
Sometimes all three of his personae will start speaking at once, at which point he lies down in a dark room and waits for the feeling to pass. The Obsidian Pebble will be re-released in 2013 with The Beast of Seabourne to follow!
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 5, 2019
4☆ A Fun, Enthralling Adventure, not to be missed!
The Curse of Ragman's Hollowby is the third book in the Merryweathers Mysteries series, but my first book.
I do think you can read this as a standalone but I wish I had read the other books as i feel I missed out on getting to know these fabulous characters.
As soon as i read the blurb for this one I was really excited. Especially as it involved Grandmother teaching her grandson how to use his powers, it's always heart warming to see.
You see Sam is very special, he belongs to a magical group called The Cunning.
His Grandmother Gwladys is educating and teaching Sam how to use his special powers.
But just as Sam starts to learn all about his powers, his Mum plans a holiday to Ragmans Hollow. Putting his training on hold.
Gwladys is apprehensive about Sam and his Mum visiting Ragmans Hollow.
After all its not safe, people have disappeared never to be seen again?... Or is that just a made up tale?
What happens when Sam and his Friends decide to set out on an adventure to see for themselves? Can Sam call upon his powers or will it be too late?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this magical adventure. I loved the relationship between Sam and his Grandmother, I wanted more!
The chapters are nice and short perfect to keep the target readers attention.
The Characters are very well written and I was excited to be going on an adventure with Sam. He is definitely a likeable and relatable character.
The Curse of Ragman's Hollowby is the perfect book to introduce children to fantasy and mystery.
It's not too long in length, the characters are fun and relatable, there is an evil/spooky/creepy character that children will love. There's a good dash of Magic, Mystery, Danger Friendship, drama and Adventure.
So if you are looking for something a lil different for your child, bedtime read, group read or maybe just for yourself after all i loved it... then I highly recommend giving this series a read!
I'm looking forward to the next big Adventure!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
The Curse of Ragman's Hollowby is the third book in the Merryweathers Mysteries series, but my first book.
I do think you can read this as a standalone but I wish I had read the other books as i feel I missed out on getting to know these fabulous characters.
As soon as i read the blurb for this one I was really excited. Especially as it involved Grandmother teaching her grandson how to use his powers, it's always heart warming to see.
You see Sam is very special, he belongs to a magical group called The Cunning.
His Grandmother Gwladys is educating and teaching Sam how to use his special powers.
But just as Sam starts to learn all about his powers, his Mum plans a holiday to Ragmans Hollow. Putting his training on hold.
Gwladys is apprehensive about Sam and his Mum visiting Ragmans Hollow.
After all its not safe, people have disappeared never to be seen again?... Or is that just a made up tale?
What happens when Sam and his Friends decide to set out on an adventure to see for themselves? Can Sam call upon his powers or will it be too late?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this magical adventure. I loved the relationship between Sam and his Grandmother, I wanted more!
The chapters are nice and short perfect to keep the target readers attention.
The Characters are very well written and I was excited to be going on an adventure with Sam. He is definitely a likeable and relatable character.
The Curse of Ragman's Hollowby is the perfect book to introduce children to fantasy and mystery.
It's not too long in length, the characters are fun and relatable, there is an evil/spooky/creepy character that children will love. There's a good dash of Magic, Mystery, Danger Friendship, drama and Adventure.
So if you are looking for something a lil different for your child, bedtime read, group read or maybe just for yourself after all i loved it... then I highly recommend giving this series a read!
I'm looking forward to the next big Adventure!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
May 30, 2019
This is a magical suspense story for Middle Grade readers - and older readers, too! It turns out that this is the third story in the Merryweathers Mysteries series but I have to say it works well as a standalone as I haven't read the other two books - yet - and thoroughly enjoyed this one.
Ten year old Sam is being trained by his Grandmother, Gwladys Merryweather, to be one of the Cunning Folk. His special talent is his ability to make himself and things invisible, though he's still learning just how to do this reliably. Then that much anticipated visit is cancelled by his Mum, Arabella Jones, who takes him with her, her friend, Hester, and her two children, Vilma and Zedrick, to a remote Welsh cottage, a few miles from Ragman's Hollow, somewhere his Mum wants to visit but Gran warns them to stay away. Why has Gran warned them about Ragman's Hollow? What danger lurks there? How can he help keep them all safe?
This is an engaging story, written in short, action packed chapters. It has great characters who are brought to life in the story. There are characters to admire, others to dislike. The horrendous Hester Hollinghurst is a self-opinionated, bullying lady, determined to lead what everyone does on the holiday - including eating what sound like disgusting meals! The events are dramatically related, bringing them to life in the readers' imagination. There is mystery, magic and mayhem in this suspense filled story, with powers to be developed, secrets to be uncovered and a new friend to be made. It was an enthralling read that I have no hesitation in highly recommending for middle grade readers and also suggest their parents and teachers also check it out!
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
Ten year old Sam is being trained by his Grandmother, Gwladys Merryweather, to be one of the Cunning Folk. His special talent is his ability to make himself and things invisible, though he's still learning just how to do this reliably. Then that much anticipated visit is cancelled by his Mum, Arabella Jones, who takes him with her, her friend, Hester, and her two children, Vilma and Zedrick, to a remote Welsh cottage, a few miles from Ragman's Hollow, somewhere his Mum wants to visit but Gran warns them to stay away. Why has Gran warned them about Ragman's Hollow? What danger lurks there? How can he help keep them all safe?
This is an engaging story, written in short, action packed chapters. It has great characters who are brought to life in the story. There are characters to admire, others to dislike. The horrendous Hester Hollinghurst is a self-opinionated, bullying lady, determined to lead what everyone does on the holiday - including eating what sound like disgusting meals! The events are dramatically related, bringing them to life in the readers' imagination. There is mystery, magic and mayhem in this suspense filled story, with powers to be developed, secrets to be uncovered and a new friend to be made. It was an enthralling read that I have no hesitation in highly recommending for middle grade readers and also suggest their parents and teachers also check it out!
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
May 30, 2019
Despite this being the third book in a series, I felt it worked as a stand alone book too although to understand more about Sam and his powers I would still recommend reading the books in order.
Rhys A. Jones creates a fantastic introduction to the fantasy genre for younger children without being over complicated or overly creative to the point of confusing. Sam is pretty much an average young boy living an average life that most children can identify with. He has a cheeky side which I loved about him and a mischievous and interesting Gran too. I found the addition of The Hollingurst family really added a comedy element as well as providing the readers more reasons to relate to and side with Sam. What is different about Sam is that he is a cunning and is able to use some powers and magic that he has been taught by his Gran.
Jones brings the setting to life with detailed description using all the senses but keeping in within most children's experiences so that they can put themselves into the story easily. The descriptions of Ragman and his world are extremely effective without being too far from reality. Ragman himself is scary enough to create menace and malevolence but totally appropriate for the age group it is aimed at.
The shorter chapter enable this to be a good bedtime or class novel and the whole narrative moves at a fairly quick pace.
A thoroughly enjoyable read, likely to capture the imagination and attention of any middle-school aged child.
Rhys A. Jones creates a fantastic introduction to the fantasy genre for younger children without being over complicated or overly creative to the point of confusing. Sam is pretty much an average young boy living an average life that most children can identify with. He has a cheeky side which I loved about him and a mischievous and interesting Gran too. I found the addition of The Hollingurst family really added a comedy element as well as providing the readers more reasons to relate to and side with Sam. What is different about Sam is that he is a cunning and is able to use some powers and magic that he has been taught by his Gran.
Jones brings the setting to life with detailed description using all the senses but keeping in within most children's experiences so that they can put themselves into the story easily. The descriptions of Ragman and his world are extremely effective without being too far from reality. Ragman himself is scary enough to create menace and malevolence but totally appropriate for the age group it is aimed at.
The shorter chapter enable this to be a good bedtime or class novel and the whole narrative moves at a fairly quick pace.
A thoroughly enjoyable read, likely to capture the imagination and attention of any middle-school aged child.
May 27, 2019
The Curse of Ragman's Hollow is a really fun Middle-Grade novel about a kid named Sam, who is training to be one of the Cunning Folk, like his Grandmother, and finds himself needing to use his abilities quicker than he imagined.
I love the fantasy aspect of The Curse of Ragman's Hollow. It's very entertaining, and I can imagine would be fantastic for the age group Middle-Grade targets. It has its lessons surrounded by adventure.
I did have some issues with the writing style of the novel. I had a bit of a hard time connecting with the characters of the story. Particularly in the beginning, though they did grow on me through the novel. I think it's perfect for younger readers, and that is why I'm giving it a 4/5. It wouldn't be fair of me to judge it too harshly based on writing style when it's not aimed at my age group.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I have a nephew that I think would love this. Highly recommended!
*I received a copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
I love the fantasy aspect of The Curse of Ragman's Hollow. It's very entertaining, and I can imagine would be fantastic for the age group Middle-Grade targets. It has its lessons surrounded by adventure.
I did have some issues with the writing style of the novel. I had a bit of a hard time connecting with the characters of the story. Particularly in the beginning, though they did grow on me through the novel. I think it's perfect for younger readers, and that is why I'm giving it a 4/5. It wouldn't be fair of me to judge it too harshly based on writing style when it's not aimed at my age group.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I have a nephew that I think would love this. Highly recommended!
*I received a copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
May 31, 2019
The Curse of Ragman's Hollow is the third book in Rhys A. Jones Merryweather Mysteries series but the first I have read. I think I would advise other readers to start the series in order if possible, to fully understand Sam and Gran's back story but there is enough explanation here to mean that newcomers to the books soon know enough to enjoy it as a standalone if necessary.
From the start, it's clear that Sam isn't an ordinary boy as he practises 'hyskosk peth' or braintrilloquism in his room, worried his Gran won't be impressed with his lack of progress. However, his plans to spend the last part of his school holidays with her are thwarted when his mother announces they are going on holiday with another family, the Hollinghursts. They are to stay in a remote cottage in Wales and his mum tells him she has always wanted to visit the nearby Ragman's Hollow. Gran's impromptu visit just before they leave doesn't go well and it seems that the relationship between the two women in Sam's life is strained. It's also very obvious that Gran believes that going to Ragman's Hollow is a terrible idea but Mrs Jones refuses to heed her warnings, angrily dismissing them as superstitious nonsense.
It will come as little surprise to learn which of the two women was correct but the first few chapters of the book are more concerned with an entirely different type of horror for Sam - namely, the Hollinghursts; Hester and her two children, Zedrick and Vilma. I'm sure many children reading this will have stories about their parents or carers nagging them about too much screen time, eating healthy meals or doing their homework. The appalling Hester, though is on a whole new level when it comes to authoritarian parenting. Sam's first impressions of her aren't favourable as she insists he wears shorts instead of jeans then bans him from computer games and his phone on their long journey to the cottage but over the course of the next few days, she becomes unbearable. It's hard to fathom why Mrs Jones would be friends with such an awful woman in the first place let alone continue to accept her domineering behaviour and I must admit to finding Sam's mother a rather frustrating figure for much of the book. Zedrick and Vilma are almost as bad; unkind bullies who are no company at all for poor Sam.
An ill-fated visit to Ragman's Hollow changes everything and it's from this point that the novel becomes much darker. Although it is a children's book, The Curse of Ragman's Hollow features really unsettling concepts and a terrifying enemy. As the story progresses there are some potentially frightening scenes and a few that are surprisingly emotional so I would exercise caution with younger children or those who are more sensitive. Young readers who enjoy a chilling tale with a likeable and relatable protagonist are in for a cracking time, however, and will particularly enjoy the parts where Sam needs to call on all his bravery and cunning. I read the book to my daughter who said she would have enjoyed more of the tenser parts of the novel and a little less of the domestic drama but there's no doubt that there is a particularly gratifying scene towards the end of the book which should please people.
The Curse of Ragman's Hollow is a gripping and scary adventure story with some surprises and intriguing touches of magic - or as it's called here - cunning. I enjoyed reading it aloud, which isn't always the case with middle-grade fiction and look forward to more Merryweather Mysteries in the future.
From the start, it's clear that Sam isn't an ordinary boy as he practises 'hyskosk peth' or braintrilloquism in his room, worried his Gran won't be impressed with his lack of progress. However, his plans to spend the last part of his school holidays with her are thwarted when his mother announces they are going on holiday with another family, the Hollinghursts. They are to stay in a remote cottage in Wales and his mum tells him she has always wanted to visit the nearby Ragman's Hollow. Gran's impromptu visit just before they leave doesn't go well and it seems that the relationship between the two women in Sam's life is strained. It's also very obvious that Gran believes that going to Ragman's Hollow is a terrible idea but Mrs Jones refuses to heed her warnings, angrily dismissing them as superstitious nonsense.
It will come as little surprise to learn which of the two women was correct but the first few chapters of the book are more concerned with an entirely different type of horror for Sam - namely, the Hollinghursts; Hester and her two children, Zedrick and Vilma. I'm sure many children reading this will have stories about their parents or carers nagging them about too much screen time, eating healthy meals or doing their homework. The appalling Hester, though is on a whole new level when it comes to authoritarian parenting. Sam's first impressions of her aren't favourable as she insists he wears shorts instead of jeans then bans him from computer games and his phone on their long journey to the cottage but over the course of the next few days, she becomes unbearable. It's hard to fathom why Mrs Jones would be friends with such an awful woman in the first place let alone continue to accept her domineering behaviour and I must admit to finding Sam's mother a rather frustrating figure for much of the book. Zedrick and Vilma are almost as bad; unkind bullies who are no company at all for poor Sam.
An ill-fated visit to Ragman's Hollow changes everything and it's from this point that the novel becomes much darker. Although it is a children's book, The Curse of Ragman's Hollow features really unsettling concepts and a terrifying enemy. As the story progresses there are some potentially frightening scenes and a few that are surprisingly emotional so I would exercise caution with younger children or those who are more sensitive. Young readers who enjoy a chilling tale with a likeable and relatable protagonist are in for a cracking time, however, and will particularly enjoy the parts where Sam needs to call on all his bravery and cunning. I read the book to my daughter who said she would have enjoyed more of the tenser parts of the novel and a little less of the domestic drama but there's no doubt that there is a particularly gratifying scene towards the end of the book which should please people.
The Curse of Ragman's Hollow is a gripping and scary adventure story with some surprises and intriguing touches of magic - or as it's called here - cunning. I enjoyed reading it aloud, which isn't always the case with middle-grade fiction and look forward to more Merryweather Mysteries in the future.
May 30, 2019
Sam Jones is learning how to be one of the Cunning Folk from his grandmother. So far he has the ability to make himself and things invisible. He is excited to practice more with his grandmother until his mother, Arabella decides to go on holiday with her friend Hester and Hester’s two kids. They are off to a Welsh cottage near Ragman’s Hollow.
Arabella has always wanted to explore the Ragman’s Hollow but Ran has warned then to stay away. Animals and people that have gone into the Ragman’s Hollow don’t come back. Off they go on their adventure and they find themselves in some serious trouble. Sam is going to have to learn more control of his abilities if he is going to save everyone.
I really enjoyed this story. I didn’t even realize that it was the third book into the series. I easily got into the story and I was as excited to learn as Sam. The quick chapters had me reading up late just to finish one more. The characters we well developed and I have to say as much as I liked Sam and Arabella I couldn’t stand Hester. The Ragman was also a great, scary character.
I loved this book and think any mid-grade reader that likes magic and scares will enjoy the story. Now I’m going to go back and check out the other two books to see what I missed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Arabella has always wanted to explore the Ragman’s Hollow but Ran has warned then to stay away. Animals and people that have gone into the Ragman’s Hollow don’t come back. Off they go on their adventure and they find themselves in some serious trouble. Sam is going to have to learn more control of his abilities if he is going to save everyone.
I really enjoyed this story. I didn’t even realize that it was the third book into the series. I easily got into the story and I was as excited to learn as Sam. The quick chapters had me reading up late just to finish one more. The characters we well developed and I have to say as much as I liked Sam and Arabella I couldn’t stand Hester. The Ragman was also a great, scary character.
I loved this book and think any mid-grade reader that likes magic and scares will enjoy the story. Now I’m going to go back and check out the other two books to see what I missed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
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July 2, 2019The kids and I really loved reading this book before bedtime.
This novel is very different to any others in its genre, it is set in the modern day but hidden behind the normality are strange going ons.
I loved the car journey with the Hollinghurst’s and how all the tech had to be left behind for the car journey.
I really loved Sam’s relationship with his Gran, and Sam’s mother’s relationship with her mum. Especially when telling Sam that they were leaving Gran behind and she wasn’t going on this holiday with them! You could tell by the authors writing that they were a real family and that he understood the family dynamics at play in these situations.
A really good read that I will be recommending and passing my copy of The Ragman’s Hollow on to my friends.
This novel is very different to any others in its genre, it is set in the modern day but hidden behind the normality are strange going ons.
I loved the car journey with the Hollinghurst’s and how all the tech had to be left behind for the car journey.
I really loved Sam’s relationship with his Gran, and Sam’s mother’s relationship with her mum. Especially when telling Sam that they were leaving Gran behind and she wasn’t going on this holiday with them! You could tell by the authors writing that they were a real family and that he understood the family dynamics at play in these situations.
A really good read that I will be recommending and passing my copy of The Ragman’s Hollow on to my friends.
June 9, 2019
What a great story. It has adventure, humor and lovely characters. It is a thrill but not to scary so it is for a great public. The adventure is exciting and in the book are family, destiny and friendship important themes.
I really liked the way of writing and the mystery in this novel. As an adult I loved this kids story. Can Sam win from his enemy at Ragman’s Hollow and more important is he ready for the fight? Will his secret be unfold to his parents, who now don’t know their son is special.
The powers of the key players are fascinating and the story is easy to read with intriguing chapters.
If you love paranormal things and a good story filled with fantasy then this book is for you.
I really liked the way of writing and the mystery in this novel. As an adult I loved this kids story. Can Sam win from his enemy at Ragman’s Hollow and more important is he ready for the fight? Will his secret be unfold to his parents, who now don’t know their son is special.
The powers of the key players are fascinating and the story is easy to read with intriguing chapters.
If you love paranormal things and a good story filled with fantasy then this book is for you.
August 11, 2019
I received an e-copy of this book in order to review for the blog tour. All opinions are my own.
What a fun adventure!
Firstly I was thrilled to discover the Welsh setting for this book – always a bonus.
I really loved the concept of this. A young boy going on a holiday he really doesn’t want to. We were all in the situation as a kid, when our parents made us hang out with people we didn’t want to! And I’m pleased to say that Sam reacted exactly how a kid of his age would.
The family they travel with are very much depicted as a cartoonish ‘enemy’, in the way that everything they do is boring and dull. This was done in a really over the top way, very Roald Dahl-esque. Very panto!
The fantastical element had a very creepy element to it. Bordering on horror – although very much for children so nothing too terrifying!
Overall this was a really fun read.
What a fun adventure!
Firstly I was thrilled to discover the Welsh setting for this book – always a bonus.
I really loved the concept of this. A young boy going on a holiday he really doesn’t want to. We were all in the situation as a kid, when our parents made us hang out with people we didn’t want to! And I’m pleased to say that Sam reacted exactly how a kid of his age would.
The family they travel with are very much depicted as a cartoonish ‘enemy’, in the way that everything they do is boring and dull. This was done in a really over the top way, very Roald Dahl-esque. Very panto!
The fantastical element had a very creepy element to it. Bordering on horror – although very much for children so nothing too terrifying!
Overall this was a really fun read.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews