Paranormal Investigator Mason Mooney is heartless, both figuratively and literally. He's on a mission to prove to the Paranormal Society that he's the best paranormal investigator around, but they're not so sure. And they're not the only ones.
Join Mason as he tackles ghosts, witches and grumpy teenagers to prove once and for all who the REAL talent in the world of paranormal creatures is. If anyone can take on the ghosts in the Grimbrook's haunted house - it's him. And no one else. But with an evil curse looming over him and the house's inhabitants, is Mason a bit out of his depth? Or is this just the challenge he needs to finally see some sense?
A decent children's book about a self-centered, down on his luck, kid paranormal investigator who helps a young girl whose sister is being haunted. The story was fine, but I didn't like the art very much. Everyone looks constipated and angry about it.
Received a review copy from Flying Eye Books and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
Glorious colour, this graphic novel just leaps out at you, which is why I bought it home. It has a kind of comic book style with simple lines and snarky comments galore. And I think that's what irritated me. Smartarsery for middle grade kids, not really my thing.
Mason Mooney wants to prove to the Paranormal Society that he is the best paranormal investigator around. But the problem is, he’s heartless, both literally and figuratively. Thanks so much to Flying Eye Books for my copy of this book! Mason has a bad attitude and something to prove, and is investigating who is haunting Tanglewood Mansion. He tackles ghosts, witches, and angry teenagers all to prove he is the best and can take them on.
Thoughts: I think this was a fun book with some great underlying messages. While Mason isn’t likable, he does have a reason that he is the way he is. This book shows how kindness goes a long way and deals with issues like making friends and fitting in. I enjoyed the Paranormal Society and liked Iris as a character as well.
The artwork in this graphic novel is lovely and gives the reader a lot to look at! It’s perfect for fall, Halloween, or any time of year! I like that this is going to be a series and this book is the perfect start. This book uses humor, unique characters, and interesting situations to tell a great story! 4-stars!
I enjoyed this comic book so much more than I anticipated. The storyline is pretty nice, and the illustrations… the illustrations in this book are just immaculate. The colours and the drawings are simply beautiful...
It’s difficult to like the protagonist of this graphic novel and there’s a good reason behind that. He’s heartless – quite literally! Miller’s graphic novel debut casts our blond-haired, foul-tempered paranormal investigator as a young boy whose heart he transports carried in a bell-jar. Exactly why this is the case and why he’s so darned grumpy is revealed in this first of a series of graphic novels but not until he manages to solve the creepy conundrum of who is haunting Tanglewood Mansion.
Set within the small community of Grimbrook (which looks and feels like welcome riff on Buffy’s Sunnydale) Mason Mooney first mission involves supporting Iris, a highly intelligent girl whose family have just moved into the area. Her residence seems to be plagued by ghostly activity intent upon making her older sister’s life a misery. Once there, Mason must not only tackle ghosts and witches but also fierce competition from The Paranormal Society a Blyton-meets-Breakfast Club group of teenage investigators led by heart-throb Trent Reilly. Can Mason beat his rivals in solving the riddle behind the hauntings before it’s too late?
The first in a series of paranormal graphic novels, possibly aimed at KS3 and up but perfectly suitable for 9+ readers, Miller’s debut packs a punch with its illustrative quality and humorous glimpse into the awkwardness of transitioning-into-teen life. She has a wonderful eye for perspective, colour and pace and I particularly loved the interjecting wit of the narrator throughout. Full, double-page spreads pack the exhilarating punch just at the right moment whilst smaller panels to draw attention to the more important details: it’s clear that Miller enjoys playing with the form and the story benefits from it greatly.
Having a lead character that is difficult to like with a dark past was a welcome and Iris, Mason’s soon-to-be trusty ally makes for a smart, welcome companion. With Mason Mooney, Miller sets out the template for further adventures and it’s clear that there is room for growth here in further spooky adventures with regards to character and world. This is a beautifully presented debut, rich in humour and with a diverse cast. It’s a story that will enthral any reader who enjoys quirky, tongue-in-cheek humour served with slice of the supernatural.
**Special thanks to Flying Eye for sending me a review copy.
This was such a fun, spooky read with some great underlying messages! Join Mason as he tackles ghosts, witches and grumpy teenagers to prove once and for all who the REAL talent in the world of paranormal creatures is. If anyone can take on the ghosts in the Grimbrook's haunted house - it's him. And no one else. But with an evil curse looming over him and the house's inhabitants, is Mason a bit out of his depth? Or is this just the challenge he needs to finally see some sense? This was such a spooky good time! Perfect for fall, Halloween, or-if you’re like me, anytime of year lol. Mason isn’t the most likable MC, but he has good reason to be-& the reason is quite shocking! Great messages on kindness going a long way for sure in here! Iris is a great character, & I’m eager to see more of her with Mason in the next book that comes out September 7th. Such amazing artwork by Seaerra Miller as well! Loved this!💜
If ever there were a good read to report on goodreads dot com, it might just be this read, because it is what I would call 'good'. I would also call it vibrant, charismatic, charming and continuously funny. My younger self wouldn't have grown bored with a story like this, and I don't think my older self will any time soon. It's certainly a treasure to revisit, even if only to enjoy the artwork or smirk at an amusing line.
God this is BRILLIANT. It’s funny. It’s dark. It’s gorgeously illustrated! I CANT WAIT FOR MORE. It’s just the right amount of spooky. A teenage paranormal investigator is summoned to help a girl having ghostly problems in her house! This is just great!! This is going to go down a storm in my classroom!
Well crafted, likeable characters with a great plot! Many twists along the way. I liked it enough i went and bought extras to give as Christmas gifts. Would recommend and I am sure it will become a favorite!
yes i am logging this childrens graphic novel that my mom found and checked out for me at her school library !!!! i loved the art and the story and writing all adorable 10/10
I loved this style of artwork! The colors pop, and there are spooky details to see on every page. Great plot line and character development. Perfect reading for autumn.
Reading with my 5 almost 6 year old-- My regret about this book is that it's a library book and we don't own a copy because it's gorgeous. The illustrations are beautiful and my little boy is absolutely loving the story. I caught him peeking when he thought I wasn't looking and he was trying to read it without me.
Tout d’abord je remercie la maison d’édition Rue de Sèvres pour l’envoi de ce graphique via la masse critique Babelio.
L’histoire : Nous suivons Mason, un jeune garçon qui se considère comme le meilleur enquêteur paranormal. Il se balade avec un cœur dans une boîte et cela surprend tout le monde. De plus, son objectif, c’est de dépasser la Société du Paranormal, qui est une bande de jeunes se disant les meilleurs enquêteurs paranormaux et qui passent à la télévision. Un jour, il reçoit une lettre venant de Iris, habitant le manoir hanté de Grimbrook. C’est pour lui l’opportunité de faire ses preuves et de prouver qu’il est le meilleur, il part donc aider la jeune fille. En arrivant, elle lui explique que sa soeur est victime d’évènements étranges. C’est alors qu’Iris et Mason vont essayer de résoudre ce mystère, malheureusement, la Société du Paranormal ne va pas leur faciliter la tâche. J’ai eu un énorme coup de cœur pour cet ouvrage jeunesse, l’histoire est intéressante et je n’arrivais pas à le lâcher, je voulais savoir ce qu’il se passait.
Les personnages : Premièrement, Mason, j’ai bien aimé ce jeune homme qui paraît arrogant au départ, mais qui est très attachant. Ensuite, Iris, un peu bavarde et gaffeuse, elle m’a beaucoup fait rire et j’ai adoré la suivre. Puis, la sœur d’Iris, je n’ai pas trop accroché avec elle, elle est assez hautaine et je n’ai pas aimé sa façon de se comporter. Pour finir, la Société du Paranormal, ils ne sont pas méchants, ce sont juste des jeunes voulant faire les intéressants, mais rien de plus, ils sont loin d’être mes personnages préférés.
La plume : J’ai adoré la façon dont l’histoire est narrée, on est directement happé et parfois on interpelle le lecteur, ce qui est vraiment sympa. De plus, d’habitude, je n’aime pas quand il y a trop de bulles mais là, ça l’a totalement fait, sans problème.
Le dessin : J’ai beaucoup aimé les couleurs qui étaient très vives et vraiment très jolies. Pour le dessin, j’ai bien aimé la forme des visages qui sont très douces.
En résumé, je vous recommande vraiment cet ouvrage qui est vraiment très intéressant et qui change un peu de ce que j’ai l’habitude de voir en graphique personnellement. De plus, si vous aimez frissonnez ça pourra vous faire sourire je pense. J’ai vraiment très hâte de lire la suite de cet ouvrage et de continuer à suivre Iris et Mason.
J’espère que cette chronique vous aura plu, je vous fait de gros bisous et vous souhaite de bonnes lectures.
Mason Mooney is the world’s best paranormal investigator (or so he believes). He carries a heart around in a jar and investigates the paranormal activity in his town, Grimbrook. He answers a letter from Iris, a girl whose house is haunted and her sister is in danger. Unfortunately, Iris also wrote to Mason’s nemesis, Trent Reilly and The Paranormal Society. Trent is a heart-throb with a hugely popular TV show, his own merchandise and a memoir. Mason has to prove himself and crack the case before The Paranormal Society steal the limelight.
The story is pretty cool and I want more of Mason and Iris, but it’s the stunning artwork and production of this graphic novel that I really loved. The art is big, colourful and full of detail. Seaerra Miller uses lots of interesting angles and ghostly light to add spook factor to the story. I love the style of the characters too, from Mason’s snub nose and thick eyebrows to the stylish Trent with his pimply face. The endpapers are fantastic too, with their creepy old house wallpaper look. Great for ages 9+ who like their graphic novels with a touch of spookiness and adventure.
Mason Mooney was a light read that I wholeheartedly enjoyed. The artstyle suits my tastes and the story is just right, with the perfect amount of mistery and plot-twists to keep it engaging. I especially loved being able to discover more about the protagonist while i read, and I loved the ending! I am grateful that this is a #1 of a series but it has a end per-sé, so it doesn't necessarily means you oughta buy the whole lot. Even so, I look forward to August 2021 to see what will happen to the best paranormal investigator out there!
I can't believe I haven't heard more about this book before now! This was so quirky and funny, and so different from other kids' comics out there. I have to praise the design of this book - there are some really innovative panel layouts, really utilizing the medium of comics and embracing it. One spread features a view of the whole house, with each room being a panel. The artwork had tons of little details and Easter eggs - stuff that kids will love looking at. It reminds me of the Usborne Solve it Yourself Mysteries. My only complaint is this book was too short!!
Read this with my 10 year old. It had a good range of topics, from paranormal investigating to family bonding issues and celebrity ego. It had a few challenging vocabulary words for a 10 year old. As a grown up, I liked it, lots of parts made me laugh out loud. My kid right away compared the boon to "Gravity Falls", the story held her interest and she said "it was kinda weird in a good way" Overall the book gave us something to talk about with relatable characters, interesting art, and an entertaining story.
This book tells the story of Mason Money as it tackles life as a 'wannabe paranormal investigator' consistently mocked by TV star Trent, Mooney removes his heart and carries him in a jar. This makes the protagonist big-headed and fame-obsessed making him unlikable. Making him unlikable is a different was of looking at the main character who are often the most beloved person in the book. This makes the book a good book to use to look at how different characters can be portrayed.
This was a really witty and fun children's graphic novel. It took me a minute to get used to the art style but really complimented the quirky nature of the story. This is about Mason Mooney who really isn't that pleasant to be around, but you can't blame him since he carries his heart in a jar. He is determined to gather proof of paranormal existence so he get revenge on the heart throb team of television paranormal investigators that made fun of him.