The Haunting of Peligan City

Potkin and Stubbs #2

by Sophie Green, Karl James Mountford (Illustrator)

Peligan City, late November. Three months have passed since Lil and Nedly - Potkin and Stubbs - solved their first case. And now, at last, something new and unusual turns up: strange things are afoot at the doll hospital. But investigation turns up no more than an odd new owner. More important is the mysterious epidemic of deaths at the notorious Fellgate Prison. And when the Klaxon breaks the news that City Hall is hushing up that ghosts are real and are terrorising the city, mass hysteria reigns in Peligan City.

Will Lil and Nedly get to the bottom of the case before any more trouble happens - and will they be the first to the scoop? Time to get to the library for help . . .

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Paranormal, Horror, Childrens

371 pages, Paperback

Published September 5, 2019

About the author

Sophie Green Is the author of the Potkin and Stubbs trilogy. She has a degree in zoology and an interest in folklore and urban legend. She was born and still lives in East Anglia and works as a librarian for Suffolk Libraries.

Reviews

[Lucy'sLilLibrary · Rating 3 out of 5]

At the beginning of this book we have a very quick recap which is always nice, but I do think these books were made to be read in order. It is quite dark in places for a middle grade and I think.

I would have been obsessed with this when I was younger. The character descriptions are so much fun, they feel like a child is describing them and I love it....'potato head' and 'shiny head' being favorites.

I really liked the mystery in this book although obvious it was fun following the characters as they worked out what was going on - I enjoyed the ride. This book also brings up some issues such as class which was lovely our main character is always looking out for the little guy and I do get a big superhero/Batman vibe from these books, not just because of the city but because of who our character prioritises it's really a beautiful message.

There were illustrations in the edition I read too and they were so pretty! Lot's of atmosphere and spooky vibes.

[Steph ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5🌟

[Belles Middle Grade Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this last night....& wow. Just as great as the 1st. I cannot wait to start the 3rd one tonight. This one was just as spooky, with all the detective & mystery vibes/story line I absolutely love. Anyone wanting to write a good MG detective mystery, look no further for inspiration, & a lesson on what to do right! This one continues on from the 1st books story-duh lol-but it becomes its own story in its own right perfectly. It doesn’t feel like the first book dragging on into the next AT ALL. It’s done so amazingly well. We find out some more pieces to some puzzles in this one, & yet there still more we don’t know, that just leaves you wanting & so excited for more! I still love my Nedly w/my whole heart! I wish I could give him a big hug...but I don’t think that would be possible! 😆😉Of course the cover is stunning again! Not surprised though. Like the 1st book, there are also amazing illustrations throughout every now & then in this one.😍😍HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!💜💜








Synopsis of 1st book in series: In the corrupt metropolis of Peligan City, Lil Potkin, a determined young reporter, is on the lookout for a scoop. One rainy night she meets Nedly, the ghost of a boy that no one else can see. Nedly has been looking for someone to believe in him ever since the investigation into his disappearance went cold. When they discover that his death is connected to a series of mysterious murders, Lil and Nedly set out to expose those responsible, with the help of a down-on-his luck private investigator, who might hold a clue to Lil’s hidden past.

[Gem (The Creepy Geek) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actual rating 4.5 rounded up

[Geertje · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is, hands down, one of the best middle-grade series currently out there. I can't wait to read the third one; at the same time, I don't want this series to be over.

[lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really close to a 5 star but in my opinion a bit of a bridge book.

It was still such an intriguing book with lots of twists and turns which I wasn’t expecting and I love the characters so much. I also feel it has a scooby doo vibe and I love scooby. I also had to think about this book after finishing it.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one better than Book 1, mostly because of Naomi's involvement - I had seen it coming from a mile off, but it was fun nonetheless - and because this ending definitely was more thrilling. Apart from that, no real other remarks.

7/10

[Elin (Tickmicks bokblogg) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series! I need to read book 3 soon!! 😍

[Olena Brazhnyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Хороша історія, але зараз була дещо не в настрій)
Думаю, якби дочитала одразу у жовтні, коли придбала, насолодилася б десь так, як і першим томом

[Cas Meadowfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scary Mystery for kids

Loved this instalment of Potkin and Stubbs as Lil and Becky hunt clues to why people are dying in strange circumstances, hunting for that elusive scoop.

[jazz_.💕 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the small recap at the beginning since I didn’t read the first book (I didn’t know it was a trilogy at first).The characters were well written and this book would work very well as a tv show also I liked how the author described the characters facial expressions.Over all it was very interesting to read and had a good plot

[Amita · Rating 4 out of 5]

doll hospital scene go crazy

[Tanya Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder Most Unladylike + Who Framed Roger Rabbit + Augusta Goodnight

Lil Potkin has not sat on her laurels since solving her first mystery. She has taken on two jobs. One, as a dishwasher. The other, as a secret reporter for her favorite underground publication. When people all over Peligan City start dying off (mostly the homeless and prisoners, and even the prison governor), Lil knows she and Nedly must find the answers. Meanwhile, a new client (known as The Toymaker) appeals to Abe to solve the mystery of what’s going on at her doll hospital. Will our trio be able to find out what’s plaguing Peligan City, or was it beginner’s luck?

I ADORED this so much! I loved the first, but this one even surpassed that one! Maybe because we have already gotten to know the characters? Anyways, there were twists even I didn’t see coming. Also, I LOVE when MG books prove they can be as twisted and dark as YA and adult and Sophie does this swimmingly. There were a few moments that I was genuinely creeped out!

Am I the only one who pictures Abe as Eddie Valiant (Bob Hoskins) from Who Framed Roger Rabbit? Go back and read the first. They have so much in common!!

As usual, KJ Mountford knocked it out of the park with illustrations!! The covers for the series are some of my favorite covers ever and the story illustrations are wonderful as well!

Buy this for yourself who loves a dark MG mystery. Or, if you’re twisted, get it for someone who has a fear of dolls.

[Del Feeny · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This sequel was even better than the first book! It was suspenseful and creepy all the way. And the entire showdown at the end was seriously tense, I was on the edge of my seat.
I won't spoil, but I'm baffled at myself for not figuring out a big reveal much earlier, ha!

I adore Lil's and Nedly's together, but I'm afraid he'll have to move on soon. I was also glad to finally get Lil's mum involved, but a bit sad there wasn't much of Abe. At least he was always backing up Lil and treating her seriously, which I loved seeing.

It's such a great series: gritty, spooky, and smart. Plus it's filled with KJ Mountford's gorgeous illustrations.

[Hannah Toplis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so much, Lil and Nedly are just so cute. I saw it coming in book one that Lil’s mum was going to be involved in The Klaxon, however as I was also convinced her dad was going to be McNair so there was a surprise with that plot twist. I adore the creepy atmosphere around Peligan Citythe noir vibes. Lil makes me chuckle with how seriously she takes herself at all times and adults humouring her. The genuinely sinister villains are scary even to me, a 30 year old woman. 

[jess (bibliophilicjester) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5! I liked this way better than the first one, though idk if I can exactly pinpoint why. It had the same vibe and intentional cheesiness, but I think it seemed more focused. And we got an answer to a big question I had..maybe about halfway in? I don't mind a cliffhanger ending, but I like when things are revealed within the story. I guess it makes it seem like the new info is for a reason. Anyway, this series reads SO fast for whatever reason, and I think I want to start the next one today!

[Ramona Cantaragiu · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had the some lovely characters, but the plot was much weaker and this bothered me. The action felt rushed at times, there was always this constant promise that a bid showdown is near, but that never came, and the characters' motivations were also a bit underdeveloped. Overall, if you liked the first volume, you won't be disappointed that you also read this one, but if you felt a bit underwhelmed by the first one then I would not recommend continuing the series.

[Liam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading this series, as it's got such a different tone. I love middle grade crime, just as I love adult crime novels. It's great to read something more reminiscent of the work of Hammett and Chandler, rather than Dame Agatha Christie.

Atmospheric MG crime noir with seriously creepy ghosts and villains, it just oozes character.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very creepy with an intriguing mystery. The villains are genuinely scary! I think everyone but Lil probably knew what was going on with her mum but another twist was slightly unexpected. Lil was less annoying in this one - it's hilarious how seriously she takes herself - and I adored Margaret the dog,especially at the end. I'm looking forward to book 3. Not quite 5 stars, but definitely a 4.5.

[Peyyyreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars, sadly i didn't like this one as much as the first one but I think this one is a bridge book to the 3rd one! I think the 3rd book will be the best one in the series. I love the atmosphere of these books and they would be perfect to binge read in the spooky season if you want a fun middle grade series! I highly recommend this series still, it is so fun!

[Sarah✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so good!

I love Lil and Nedly and I thought this one was even more compelling than the first and I’m so excited to get to the last instalment in the trilogy.

Also there were creepy toys in this one which I really liked the descriptions for and the illustrations added to the story and atmosphere so much.

4/5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Lazyeyereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series so much!
The characters are amazing, the story weird and intriguing.
I feel like I am read an old noir detective story, and I am here for it!

Also THOSE ILLUSTRATIONS!!!! COME ON! THEY ARE AMAZING!!!!

[Andreina Sayago · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was spooky and eerie, so much more than the first book. Lil is such a spunky girl and I love how she manages to solve all this mysteries and be so charming. There were some plot reveals that were really cool, and I can't believe how good is the writing for this middle grade book.

[Pris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good as the first one! So dark and spooky, I absolutely loved it! 🖤👻 It gave me the creeps, in a good kind of way! Lil Potkin is one of my favourite characters of all time! ✨

[Hollylovesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!
This series just keeps getting better and better! I enjoyed book 1, loved book 2 and can’t wait to read book 3 which releases in March! I’m interested to see how this series will end.

[Paula Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy these mysteries. Great reads and will be sharing with my class.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.5 stars

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know how I managed to read 200 pages of this in an hour last night but that energy didn't happen today 😅

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Alyce Hunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating 3.5 stars.