What do you think?
Rate this book
Skeleton Cove #2
The Curse of Calico Jack
A mysterious book. A creepy kidnapping. A ghostly pirate on the loose.
Researching ideas for a pirate story, 12-year-old Jeff and his pal Suzi uncover a mysterious book that reveals weirdly moving images of a scary pirate captain. After an old movie appears to replicate the images, one of Jeff's teachers is kidnapped, prompting the investigative twosome to seek help tracking down the ghostly buccaneer.
But Calico Jack has a history in Skeleton Cove and he's out for revenge...
The Curse of Calico Jack is book #2 in this scary adventure series. If you like Goosebumps, you'll love Skeleton Cove!
Researching ideas for a pirate story, 12-year-old Jeff and his pal Suzi uncover a mysterious book that reveals weirdly moving images of a scary pirate captain. After an old movie appears to replicate the images, one of Jeff's teachers is kidnapped, prompting the investigative twosome to seek help tracking down the ghostly buccaneer.
But Calico Jack has a history in Skeleton Cove and he's out for revenge...
The Curse of Calico Jack is book #2 in this scary adventure series. If you like Goosebumps, you'll love Skeleton Cove!
181 pages, Paperback
Published December 8, 2019
2 people want to read
About the author
Colin Garrow
50 books142 followersColin Garrow grew up in a former mining town in Northumberland. He has worked in a plethora of professions including taxi driver, antiques dealer, drama facilitator, theatre director and fish processor, and has occasionally masqueraded as a pirate.
He has published more than thirty books, and his short stories have appeared in several literary mags, most recently in Witcraft, and Flash Fiction North. Colin lives in a humble cottage in Northeast Scotland where he writes novels, stories, poems and the occasional song.
He plays several musical instruments and makes rather nice vegan cakes.
He has published more than thirty books, and his short stories have appeared in several literary mags, most recently in Witcraft, and Flash Fiction North. Colin lives in a humble cottage in Northeast Scotland where he writes novels, stories, poems and the occasional song.
He plays several musical instruments and makes rather nice vegan cakes.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 20, 2020
Jeff and his best friend Suzi return for another thrilling adventure, this time finding themselves pitting their wits against a ghostly pirate and his crew. As with the first book the story is told entirely from Jeff's perspective,a really likeable character who is very perceptive and intelligent for his age and I feel that he has hidden depths which haven't been revealed yet. Suzi's behaviour and demeanour had been affected by events during the demon investigation and she wasn't as feisty and adventurous as she was in the previous book. As with Jeff, I feel that she also has hidden depths that will be revealed in future adventures. As with the previous book, there was references to the pop culture of the 60s,70s and 80s but they were all mixed up and spelt differently like FibFabFour, Dobie and Boyle (lol) and Nightmare on Scary Street. And many of the weird and wonderful residents of Skeleton Cove made a return as this thrilling adventure unfolded.
This is a thriller adventure that is a gripping mix of Skeleton Cove folk lore, danger, skull duggery, the supernatural, mystery and adventure that is perfect for both children and adults. The Author has created a wonderful world that is the perfect setting for a series of mysteries and adventures and a fantastic cast of brilliant characters to inhabit his fictional world. This is the second book in what is looking like is going to be a incredible series, I really really enjoyed both this one and the previous title The Demon of Devilgate Drive and I can't wait to read book 3. Very very highly recommended to all lovers of a thrilling mystery & adventure.
This is a thriller adventure that is a gripping mix of Skeleton Cove folk lore, danger, skull duggery, the supernatural, mystery and adventure that is perfect for both children and adults. The Author has created a wonderful world that is the perfect setting for a series of mysteries and adventures and a fantastic cast of brilliant characters to inhabit his fictional world. This is the second book in what is looking like is going to be a incredible series, I really really enjoyed both this one and the previous title The Demon of Devilgate Drive and I can't wait to read book 3. Very very highly recommended to all lovers of a thrilling mystery & adventure.
July 24, 2020
his book was so much fun, I mean who doesn’t love a book about Pirates. Unfortunately, it was not the Johnny Depp kind but the Javier Bardem version. Falling apart, skin rotten and completely dead.
It was fun to see Suzi and Jeff back together, embroiled in another mess. Although this book focuses more on Jeff and his plight and was over way way too quickly!!!
I loved the idea of Jeff, Suzi and Jimmy sitting in the loft, with a lantern discovering a picture moving in the book, that would have FREAKED ME OUT! And the scene at the cinema would have been terrifying. I love that it was an old school cinema, where everything is done on the reels and someone has to change it!
It was interesting to see how they would get out of this mess. Although this is just shy of 200 pages, I can’t tell you what happens. It’s over way too quickly and I loved everything about it.
Beaumont is back in this book and with more mention of the Ministry, but we get some new characters who I look forward to reading more about.
Where I did enjoy the first book, this one was a step up and so much fun. Funny quips and characters I have begun to care about in just a short space of time. I love that author does not let you forget that they are only school children, with the adults helping them out. You see them doing the mundane of classes and then as soon as they are done they are off on an adventure.
Garrow has definitely created a series I am invested in and I see there will be a third book! Looking forward to that one I love the dialect of the characters, the spooky and unfortunate town of Skeleton Cove. I love the easy friendship and potentially more bond with Susie and Jeff. It just all works for me. I want more.
Now, will someone tell me what the answer to the riddle was??? 😉
It was fun to see Suzi and Jeff back together, embroiled in another mess. Although this book focuses more on Jeff and his plight and was over way way too quickly!!!
I loved the idea of Jeff, Suzi and Jimmy sitting in the loft, with a lantern discovering a picture moving in the book, that would have FREAKED ME OUT! And the scene at the cinema would have been terrifying. I love that it was an old school cinema, where everything is done on the reels and someone has to change it!
It was interesting to see how they would get out of this mess. Although this is just shy of 200 pages, I can’t tell you what happens. It’s over way too quickly and I loved everything about it.
Beaumont is back in this book and with more mention of the Ministry, but we get some new characters who I look forward to reading more about.
Where I did enjoy the first book, this one was a step up and so much fun. Funny quips and characters I have begun to care about in just a short space of time. I love that author does not let you forget that they are only school children, with the adults helping them out. You see them doing the mundane of classes and then as soon as they are done they are off on an adventure.
Garrow has definitely created a series I am invested in and I see there will be a third book! Looking forward to that one I love the dialect of the characters, the spooky and unfortunate town of Skeleton Cove. I love the easy friendship and potentially more bond with Susie and Jeff. It just all works for me. I want more.
Now, will someone tell me what the answer to the riddle was??? 😉
July 26, 2020
If you saw my review yesterday, you’ll know that this is book 2 in the Skeleton Cove Horror series, and after reading book 1 I was excited to read this too. And I wasn’t disappointed!
We’re back with Jeff and Suzi and this time they get themselves mixed up with a dead pirate who wants revenge! After last time I’d hoped they learn not to fiddle with anything that looks suspicious, but their determination is strong! Researching pirates for homework, they come across a strange book which leads to a number of weird things happening in town. Then one of their teachers goes missing, and it’s down to Jeff (with the help of Maggie, the police woman) to investigate. But just as they think things are coming to a conclusion, everything escalates…..but can they save Skeleton Cove in time?
This is another brilliant children’s horror book. Probably a bit more gory than the first, but not too much and will definitely give your kids a scare (it is horror after all!). The storyline is fantastic, I loved the way that it all unravelled! The mystery definitely keep you turning pages.
The characters are fantastic, and I enjoyed this one even more now I feel I know the characters better. I also thought it was great that they get some adult help this time, and that the grown ups are starting to believe them (rather than thinking they’re making up stories!).
Yet again the setting of Skeleton Cove is brilliant. The fact that we got to see a different part of it this time and learn about pirates and smugglers was fab.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this. The Curse of Calico Jack is definitely my favourite so far in the Skeleton Cove Horror series, so I’m looking forward to seeing what’s coming next! If your kids like Goosebumps then they will enjoy this, but just be aware that it could be a little scary for younger readers (especially if they have brilliant imaginations!). Adults will enjoy this too, so if you’re looking for something fun to read with a great storyline, then give this a go. Highly recommend by me.
We’re back with Jeff and Suzi and this time they get themselves mixed up with a dead pirate who wants revenge! After last time I’d hoped they learn not to fiddle with anything that looks suspicious, but their determination is strong! Researching pirates for homework, they come across a strange book which leads to a number of weird things happening in town. Then one of their teachers goes missing, and it’s down to Jeff (with the help of Maggie, the police woman) to investigate. But just as they think things are coming to a conclusion, everything escalates…..but can they save Skeleton Cove in time?
This is another brilliant children’s horror book. Probably a bit more gory than the first, but not too much and will definitely give your kids a scare (it is horror after all!). The storyline is fantastic, I loved the way that it all unravelled! The mystery definitely keep you turning pages.
The characters are fantastic, and I enjoyed this one even more now I feel I know the characters better. I also thought it was great that they get some adult help this time, and that the grown ups are starting to believe them (rather than thinking they’re making up stories!).
Yet again the setting of Skeleton Cove is brilliant. The fact that we got to see a different part of it this time and learn about pirates and smugglers was fab.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this. The Curse of Calico Jack is definitely my favourite so far in the Skeleton Cove Horror series, so I’m looking forward to seeing what’s coming next! If your kids like Goosebumps then they will enjoy this, but just be aware that it could be a little scary for younger readers (especially if they have brilliant imaginations!). Adults will enjoy this too, so if you’re looking for something fun to read with a great storyline, then give this a go. Highly recommend by me.
July 21, 2020
This middle grade fantasy-adventure novel is pitched perfectly for the intended age group and was lots of fun to read. It is part of a series and there are references to events form book one however it works well as a stand alone. I do have book one to read so keep an eye out for my review.
Strange goings on begin to happen in Skeleton Cover when Jeff and his pal Suzie find some old books on pirates in the attic whilst looking for help with a school project. Mysterious sightings of pirates and moving pictures followed by a few disappearances all seem to point that there's a pirate ghost returned to the Cove to seek revenge. Can Jeff and his friends solve the mystery or is Skeleton Cover doomed?
Full of swashbuckling adventure and mystery and fun characters this is a great middle grade novel for even the most reluctant reader. The town of Skeleton Cover is atmospheric and quirky with caves to explore, an old movie theatre and quirky inhabitants. The setting is richly described and really adds to the atmosphere of the plot. The narrative is pacey and the story moves along quickly with no time to become bored or distracted. It hooks you in from the beginning and keeps you there.
The main characters are just normal children who are easily relatable for other children around this age. They are well written and have a great spirit of adventure a little like a modernised version of the Famous Five but a little darker and more intense.
Overall this is a great adventure story for younger readers and works great as an independent or shared read.
Strange goings on begin to happen in Skeleton Cover when Jeff and his pal Suzie find some old books on pirates in the attic whilst looking for help with a school project. Mysterious sightings of pirates and moving pictures followed by a few disappearances all seem to point that there's a pirate ghost returned to the Cove to seek revenge. Can Jeff and his friends solve the mystery or is Skeleton Cover doomed?
Full of swashbuckling adventure and mystery and fun characters this is a great middle grade novel for even the most reluctant reader. The town of Skeleton Cover is atmospheric and quirky with caves to explore, an old movie theatre and quirky inhabitants. The setting is richly described and really adds to the atmosphere of the plot. The narrative is pacey and the story moves along quickly with no time to become bored or distracted. It hooks you in from the beginning and keeps you there.
The main characters are just normal children who are easily relatable for other children around this age. They are well written and have a great spirit of adventure a little like a modernised version of the Famous Five but a little darker and more intense.
Overall this is a great adventure story for younger readers and works great as an independent or shared read.
July 24, 2020
Well book number 2 certainly didn’t disappoint! I read this straight after book number 1 and I LOVED being back in Skeleton Cove! I’d love to take a holiday in Skeleton Cove this we some of their spooky action! Never a dull time in that place that’s for sure!
This time we start Jeff and Suzi at school have a lesson with Mr Beaumont, who gives the class some homework, which is to write a short story about Pirates! When Jack goes home with Suzi his mum tells him that his dad had some pirate books which are up in the attic!
Jeff and Suzi soon go up there to dig out the books, but when one looks different strange things quickly start to happen! Is Calico Jack back or is it someone copying him? Can they find out and stop them in time ? Can they do all of this without finding themselves in the same danger as they did previously? Well you need to read and find out!
I still love both Jeff and Suzi they are both inquisitive, determined, strong kids, both AMAZING characters and I loved this bond again in this book! I could see it being a young childhood sweetheart story line! I hope we get to see their friendship and trust build even more in book number 3 that’s coming this summer apparently!
Calico Jack is a scary, dark, dangerous pirate, I love the creepiness in the books, how the pictures move! I do have to say the author of this series really can set a scene! The atmospheres in these books are incredible, smells, the air, the descriptions of the places! All amazing and really draw you in!
Another amazing job from this author and I’d like to give this one 4 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ , mainly because the first book just DID IT for me! I loved everything about it, and although I LOVED this one to, it was just a little slower for me and the bar was set so high from the first one that it made it so difficult! But to say I’m so excited for the next book in this series is an understatement!
A series that is easy-to-read, exciting, spooky, action packed, with amazing atmospheres! Definitely one to invest in!
This time we start Jeff and Suzi at school have a lesson with Mr Beaumont, who gives the class some homework, which is to write a short story about Pirates! When Jack goes home with Suzi his mum tells him that his dad had some pirate books which are up in the attic!
Jeff and Suzi soon go up there to dig out the books, but when one looks different strange things quickly start to happen! Is Calico Jack back or is it someone copying him? Can they find out and stop them in time ? Can they do all of this without finding themselves in the same danger as they did previously? Well you need to read and find out!
I still love both Jeff and Suzi they are both inquisitive, determined, strong kids, both AMAZING characters and I loved this bond again in this book! I could see it being a young childhood sweetheart story line! I hope we get to see their friendship and trust build even more in book number 3 that’s coming this summer apparently!
Calico Jack is a scary, dark, dangerous pirate, I love the creepiness in the books, how the pictures move! I do have to say the author of this series really can set a scene! The atmospheres in these books are incredible, smells, the air, the descriptions of the places! All amazing and really draw you in!
Another amazing job from this author and I’d like to give this one 4 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ , mainly because the first book just DID IT for me! I loved everything about it, and although I LOVED this one to, it was just a little slower for me and the bar was set so high from the first one that it made it so difficult! But to say I’m so excited for the next book in this series is an understatement!
A series that is easy-to-read, exciting, spooky, action packed, with amazing atmospheres! Definitely one to invest in!
July 22, 2020
I’m not a huge reader of Middle Grade books, but I’ve got to say this book was altogether as good as I’d hoped it would be! I found the characters entertaining, the writing pretty good, and the alternate history intriguing even if it played such a small role in the overall plot. I liked the combination of generic “bad guys” and genuinely creepy ghostly pirates–it created a great sense of the uncanny while also demonstrating that our protagonist is still a child. This was an overall entertaining and fun read! I definitely recommend it if you like short reads about ghost pirates!
For a more in depth review, check it out on my book blog: https://beesandbooks.home.blog/2020/0...
For a more in depth review, check it out on my book blog: https://beesandbooks.home.blog/2020/0...
July 26, 2020
Ignore the cover - from the literary point of view, otherwise it has a good marketing appeal ! Don´t get scared! The Curse of Calico Jack, by Colin Garrow, the second book from the Skeleton Cove Horror, is the kind of horror book that suits a middle grade reader with interests for quality books.
Relatively short in length - under 100 pages - it is written in a fast pace, with horror entering slowly the story. It is not coming through the computer or virtual realities, but through a book, which makes the book a follower of classical horror stories. A choice which suits the 17th century ghost which is visiting a group of school friends. You have elements of suspense but also a healthy touch of mystery, while looking for hidden treasures and angry pirates.
I am usually careful with my choice of horror books, but The Curse of Calico Jack is tempered in the sense that you do not have blood and nightmares and aggressivity unless necessarily for the further development of the story.
Although is part of series, one can read the book independently, as the story is autonomous, but after all it will make you curious to find out more about how the adventure actually began.
A good read even if you are not a middle grader, but only looking to spend some pleasant time in a company of a book full of adventures.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Disclaimer: Book offered for review as part of the book tour, but the opinions are, as usual, my own
Relatively short in length - under 100 pages - it is written in a fast pace, with horror entering slowly the story. It is not coming through the computer or virtual realities, but through a book, which makes the book a follower of classical horror stories. A choice which suits the 17th century ghost which is visiting a group of school friends. You have elements of suspense but also a healthy touch of mystery, while looking for hidden treasures and angry pirates.
I am usually careful with my choice of horror books, but The Curse of Calico Jack is tempered in the sense that you do not have blood and nightmares and aggressivity unless necessarily for the further development of the story.
Although is part of series, one can read the book independently, as the story is autonomous, but after all it will make you curious to find out more about how the adventure actually began.
A good read even if you are not a middle grader, but only looking to spend some pleasant time in a company of a book full of adventures.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Disclaimer: Book offered for review as part of the book tour, but the opinions are, as usual, my own
Read
November 21, 2020Please see blog for [K]'s review:
https://thepturnersbookblog.wordpress...
https://thepturnersbookblog.wordpress...
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews