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Theodora Hendrix #2
Theodora Hendrix and the Curious Case of the Cursed Beetle
If you think monsters don't exist, just ask Theodora Hendrix. The second in a brilliantly funny new series, perfect for fans of Amelia Fang.
After facing down an evil hag, a thieving skele-crow and an army of the undead, ten-year-old Theodora Hendrix is certain she can handle anything - that is, until she meets the unpleasant Inspector Shelley and her even more unpleasant pet rat. Shelley and Ratsputin have come to spy on the MLM, and are determined to make trouble at every turn. Then Theodora makes a discovery of her own: a cursed beetle. She needs to destroy it without attracting the attention of the inspector - and fast. The stakes couldn't be higher: if Theodora fails, her beloved monster family will rot in the dankest, darkest prisons of Transylvania...
After facing down an evil hag, a thieving skele-crow and an army of the undead, ten-year-old Theodora Hendrix is certain she can handle anything - that is, until she meets the unpleasant Inspector Shelley and her even more unpleasant pet rat. Shelley and Ratsputin have come to spy on the MLM, and are determined to make trouble at every turn. Then Theodora makes a discovery of her own: a cursed beetle. She needs to destroy it without attracting the attention of the inspector - and fast. The stakes couldn't be higher: if Theodora fails, her beloved monster family will rot in the dankest, darkest prisons of Transylvania...
- GenresMiddle Grade
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2021
2 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 20, 2024
“The world is full of monsters.”
I'd like to thank Beth Parker PR and Simon & Schuster for sending me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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A great addition to the Theodora Hendrix series! This sequel was filled with perfect spooky vibes, from the monster characters to the exciting action scenes. There was a great balance between the serious, suspenseful scenes and the light-hearted jokes. Theodora is a lovely main character; she’s headstrong, determined and brave, always standing up for what she believes in. All of the other side characters were fun to read about. The mystery was intriguing and had multiple layers of complexity. Another aspect I enjoyed was the narrator and how he integrates the reader into the story as if they were working together on the case. Like in book 1, the illustrations were whimsical and perfectly matched the aesthetic of the story. I’m excited to continue the series!
I'd like to thank Beth Parker PR and Simon & Schuster for sending me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
Instagram Post
Blog Post
A great addition to the Theodora Hendrix series! This sequel was filled with perfect spooky vibes, from the monster characters to the exciting action scenes. There was a great balance between the serious, suspenseful scenes and the light-hearted jokes. Theodora is a lovely main character; she’s headstrong, determined and brave, always standing up for what she believes in. All of the other side characters were fun to read about. The mystery was intriguing and had multiple layers of complexity. Another aspect I enjoyed was the narrator and how he integrates the reader into the story as if they were working together on the case. Like in book 1, the illustrations were whimsical and perfectly matched the aesthetic of the story. I’m excited to continue the series!
December 7, 2021
I absolutely love this series with my whole heart! I think I loved this one even more than the 1st book! They’re so atmospheric with the setting of this spooky mansion, the school, etc.-added in with all the eccentric characters from town, to all the amazing characters that live with Theodora in the house. The narrator talks to us the reader like we are on the case to figure things out with the narrator, & it’s just the best. Great humor as well. This mystery was so incredible, & had many different layers to it, including what Theodora had going on at school with that awful Ms. Frumple. Theodora is headstrong, determined, loyal, smart, & so brave. I love seeing her take charge with her adorable best friend Dexter. I love her whole family of amazing monsters, & I can’t wait for more. Theodora, Dexter, & Sherman have my whole heart. This one is FILLED with stunning illustrations on almost every page again by Chris Jevons, along with the beautiful cover! I don’t have kids, but these read like they would make a terrific read aloud with kids maybe? I would’ve loved that as a kid I know. HIGHLY recommend!💜
October 5, 2021
I received a copy of this novel through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have not read the first book in this series and after reading the 2nd book it makes me a bit sad. It was highly cute and enjoyable middle grade story with monsters and curses. Also the illustrations are very pretty! 😊
Theodora is very head-strong and loyal, she stumbles through mysteries with her best friend Dexter and her merry family of monsters. The amount of names to remember is insane but when you get it under control it becomes fun and creative! 😆
I will look into acquiring the first book as well! 🤞😉
I have not read the first book in this series and after reading the 2nd book it makes me a bit sad. It was highly cute and enjoyable middle grade story with monsters and curses. Also the illustrations are very pretty! 😊
Theodora is very head-strong and loyal, she stumbles through mysteries with her best friend Dexter and her merry family of monsters. The amount of names to remember is insane but when you get it under control it becomes fun and creative! 😆
I will look into acquiring the first book as well! 🤞😉
October 29, 2024
A little creepiness, mystery, and monsters come together to form a read packed with adventure, humor, friendship, family and heart.
Theodora Hendrix might have battled down an army of the undead but now a bigger adventure awaits, and it's not the new head of the school. An inspector has been sent from the headquarters to make sure the monsters at MLM are following the rules. After all, adopting Theodora into their midst definitely broke a big one (no humans involved), but there's something off with the inspector. Soon, Theodora discovers that there's an evil plot at play, and her entire monster family is at risk.
I didn't read the first book in this series, but it still was no problem to dive into this one...although it would have also been nice to have gotten the backstory on Theodora and her family and friends. Still, it can be read as a stand alone.
With an atmosphere reminding a bit of Hotel Transylvania, this read follows a ten-year-old girl as she steers through mysteries, adventures, family and middle school. Her adoptive 'family' is a lovely bunch, packed with personality and surprises. It's not a family in the traditional sense (rather, older monsters who form the MLM), allowing the dynamic to offer quirks, warmth, and individuality. It makes for a humorous and never boring mix. Theodora has a warm heart and is willing to take things on as needed, while also possessing a couple, smaller insecurities. This hits with extra potency since she attends middle school, and humans aren't allowed to know about monsters. With the thrill of mystery and danger, it's a read with tons going on.
A narrator slips in and out of the story, addressing readers directly while adding insights, thoughts, and another layer of humor. While the length nods toward 300 pages, the style, font, and many illustrations keep it appropriate even for the younger end of the age group. There are some thoughtful times and descriptions through Theodora's eyes to buffer the many things going on, and add breath. Next to the layers of problems, the multitude of characters keeps everything on its toes and gives a chaotic flair to fit the entire situation.
It's an exciting story with tons of room to grow, twist and bend.
Theodora Hendrix might have battled down an army of the undead but now a bigger adventure awaits, and it's not the new head of the school. An inspector has been sent from the headquarters to make sure the monsters at MLM are following the rules. After all, adopting Theodora into their midst definitely broke a big one (no humans involved), but there's something off with the inspector. Soon, Theodora discovers that there's an evil plot at play, and her entire monster family is at risk.
I didn't read the first book in this series, but it still was no problem to dive into this one...although it would have also been nice to have gotten the backstory on Theodora and her family and friends. Still, it can be read as a stand alone.
With an atmosphere reminding a bit of Hotel Transylvania, this read follows a ten-year-old girl as she steers through mysteries, adventures, family and middle school. Her adoptive 'family' is a lovely bunch, packed with personality and surprises. It's not a family in the traditional sense (rather, older monsters who form the MLM), allowing the dynamic to offer quirks, warmth, and individuality. It makes for a humorous and never boring mix. Theodora has a warm heart and is willing to take things on as needed, while also possessing a couple, smaller insecurities. This hits with extra potency since she attends middle school, and humans aren't allowed to know about monsters. With the thrill of mystery and danger, it's a read with tons going on.
A narrator slips in and out of the story, addressing readers directly while adding insights, thoughts, and another layer of humor. While the length nods toward 300 pages, the style, font, and many illustrations keep it appropriate even for the younger end of the age group. There are some thoughtful times and descriptions through Theodora's eyes to buffer the many things going on, and add breath. Next to the layers of problems, the multitude of characters keeps everything on its toes and gives a chaotic flair to fit the entire situation.
It's an exciting story with tons of room to grow, twist and bend.
December 7, 2021
I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
This is a lovely and enchanting story with beautiful illustrations that is great for a Halloween read or for any child (or grown up) who loves a mystery and creepy monsters too!
This is the second book in the series, and despite not reading the first one… I really enjoyed it. The story tells of Theodora, a human who lives in a house on monsters with a mummy for a mummy, a spider for a pet and a secret room full of curses… Theodora goes to normal human school and has to fight injustice against their notoriously horrid headteacher. But whilst doing this she also has to find out the mystery of the beetles… and stop the evil monster headquarter inspector taking over too…
A fun adventure story, with great illustrations. The story is a great easy read that is lighthearted but breaks the fourth wall often to include the reader in the story, similar to Tom Fletcher’’s The Creekers. A few times I got muddled with the characters names and who they attached too, that may be because it’s the second in the series though. But in general, a great book that I could see lots of children loving especially with the humour included too.
This is a lovely and enchanting story with beautiful illustrations that is great for a Halloween read or for any child (or grown up) who loves a mystery and creepy monsters too!
This is the second book in the series, and despite not reading the first one… I really enjoyed it. The story tells of Theodora, a human who lives in a house on monsters with a mummy for a mummy, a spider for a pet and a secret room full of curses… Theodora goes to normal human school and has to fight injustice against their notoriously horrid headteacher. But whilst doing this she also has to find out the mystery of the beetles… and stop the evil monster headquarter inspector taking over too…
A fun adventure story, with great illustrations. The story is a great easy read that is lighthearted but breaks the fourth wall often to include the reader in the story, similar to Tom Fletcher’’s The Creekers. A few times I got muddled with the characters names and who they attached too, that may be because it’s the second in the series though. But in general, a great book that I could see lots of children loving especially with the humour included too.
October 6, 2021
I haven’t read the first book in this series. Although, I don’t think it is necessary to enjoy this book as it is quite self explanatory and various critical details are expanded on during the story.
I thought this was a lovely, funny, quirky tale about Theodora who is being brought up my monsters. We don’t know why or how this happened and I presume as the series develops we will have more answers 🤞
The story is clever with some twists and turns. the writer keeps you engaged throughout. The illustrations are beautiful, descriptive and suitably comic.
There are lessons throughout about family, belonging and fitting in as well as acceptance of those who are different.
Overall a lovely book with beautiful illustrations. I will definitely keep reading the series and encourage my son to do the same.
I received an advanced digital ARC of this book. Many thanks to Netgalley for allowing this in exchange for an honest review. All my opinions are my own.
I thought this was a lovely, funny, quirky tale about Theodora who is being brought up my monsters. We don’t know why or how this happened and I presume as the series develops we will have more answers 🤞
The story is clever with some twists and turns. the writer keeps you engaged throughout. The illustrations are beautiful, descriptive and suitably comic.
There are lessons throughout about family, belonging and fitting in as well as acceptance of those who are different.
Overall a lovely book with beautiful illustrations. I will definitely keep reading the series and encourage my son to do the same.
I received an advanced digital ARC of this book. Many thanks to Netgalley for allowing this in exchange for an honest review. All my opinions are my own.
January 9, 2025
Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this one in exchange for an honest review!
This book follows a young girl who is being raised by monsters. She has to help her family when things start going awry.
This is the second book in the series and I didn't read the first. I think I would have liked it a bit more if I did read the first and got to know the characters a little better.
This was a fun kids book though. It was full of fun picture and some spooky stuff. This would be a good read around Halloween. I think a lot of kids will enjoy this one.
This book follows a young girl who is being raised by monsters. She has to help her family when things start going awry.
This is the second book in the series and I didn't read the first. I think I would have liked it a bit more if I did read the first and got to know the characters a little better.
This was a fun kids book though. It was full of fun picture and some spooky stuff. This would be a good read around Halloween. I think a lot of kids will enjoy this one.
June 2, 2025
My children and I had a great time reading this book together. I especially appreciated all the clever references to the horror genre and the creative character names, though most of those went over my kids’ heads. We also really enjoyed the mystery that Theodora and her friends are intent to solve, which was both interesting and laced with just the right amount of humor.
*Thank you to Jordan Kopy, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
*Thank you to Jordan Kopy, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
October 2, 2021
Review of Theodora Hendrix and the Curious Case of the Cursed Beetle
by Jordan Kopy
I got this title for my six year old, and she really enjoyed reading it. The characters were fun and dynamic and the story engaging. She does love reading and this kept her interested until the last page. Well done, recommended.
by Jordan Kopy
I got this title for my six year old, and she really enjoyed reading it. The characters were fun and dynamic and the story engaging. She does love reading and this kept her interested until the last page. Well done, recommended.
May 16, 2024
Arc Copy...fun continuation like previous book in the series.
November 12, 2021
CAWPILE-score: 7.86 / 10
I read the first Theodora Hednrix volume last year through NetGalley. It was a cute book with monsters, so when I saw the second book on NetGalley, I immedaily requested it.
C - Characters: 8/10
The characters were still cute, but they didn’t grow much to my heart. Theodora a little bit annoys me.
A - Atmosphere: 9/10
It's cute but spooky. I really love that combo :)
W - Writing: 9/10
The drawings are beautiful and add a lot to the story. It was written for children, so it wasn't anything special.
P - Plot : 7/10
The story is not the strongest part of the book. The story was predictable, with a few twists, but I didn’t expect any more because that’s what’s typical of these books.
I - Intrigue: 8/10
Sometimes I got bored with the story, but most of the time I enjoyed it.
L - Logic: 8/10
I didn’t understand a few things. They could have been better explained
E - Enjoyment: 6/10
3.5 stars
I read the first Theodora Hednrix volume last year through NetGalley. It was a cute book with monsters, so when I saw the second book on NetGalley, I immedaily requested it.
C - Characters: 8/10
The characters were still cute, but they didn’t grow much to my heart. Theodora a little bit annoys me.
A - Atmosphere: 9/10
It's cute but spooky. I really love that combo :)
W - Writing: 9/10
The drawings are beautiful and add a lot to the story. It was written for children, so it wasn't anything special.
P - Plot : 7/10
The story is not the strongest part of the book. The story was predictable, with a few twists, but I didn’t expect any more because that’s what’s typical of these books.
I - Intrigue: 8/10
Sometimes I got bored with the story, but most of the time I enjoyed it.
L - Logic: 8/10
I didn’t understand a few things. They could have been better explained
E - Enjoyment: 6/10
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews