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Invisible Fiends #1
Mr Mumbles
Kyle’s imaginary friend from childhood is back… with a vengeance.
Kyle hasn't seen Mr Mumbles in years. And there's a good reason for that: Mr Mumbles doesn't exist.
But now Kyle's imaginary friend is back, and Kyle doesn't have time to worry about why. Only one thing matters: staying alive…
A major series from a fresh new talent, brought to you by the publisher that put horror on the map.
Kyle hasn't seen Mr Mumbles in years. And there's a good reason for that: Mr Mumbles doesn't exist.
But now Kyle's imaginary friend is back, and Kyle doesn't have time to worry about why. Only one thing matters: staying alive…
A major series from a fresh new talent, brought to you by the publisher that put horror on the map.
288 pages, Paperback
Published May 27, 2014
20 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 2, 2021
Kyle had an imaginary friend when he was younger (still a kid) but like all imginary friends Mr Mumbles disappeared. At least he thought he did. Now Mr Mumbles are back and with a vengeance. This middle grade was so much creeper and better then I've could imagine going into this. Didn't except much but boy was it engaging. I would have loved it but also terrafied of it if I had listen to this as a kid but I enjoyed it as an adult as well. Will definitely continue on with the series as this book ended with a bang and I'm so eager to find out what will happen next!
July 21, 2010
This book starts out with a very intriguing prologue, and after reading that I was really looking forward to finding out what happens.
In the first few chapters of the book you find out everything you need to now about Kyle and his situation. This is done in a natural way, and does not feel forced on the reader.
Hutchison also sets the tone for the book nicely, it doesn't take long for the first scary thing to happen. And there's plenty of scares to come later in the book, after all this is Horror.
The first person narrative works very well here. You get an instant feel for Kyle, and how the situation he's thrown into plays with his mind. And Hutchison is also very good at playing with the mind of the reader. It's difficult to get a grip on what is really happening, what is illusion and what is reality, and this helps keep an eerie atmosphere throughout the book.
The story unfolds at a quite rapid pace, there really is not much of a rest between the action sequences. And there is plenty of action in the book. Hutchison is also very good at keeping you mystified, things that seem ordinary can come back as haunting riddles later.
This is a very good debut by Hutchison. The story managed to grip me, and I will certainly get hold of the rest of the books in this series. And if you like a good horror story with a few twists and plenty of action along the way, I suggest you pick it up too.
I have to end this with a little note. As you may have noticed this book was published by HarperCollins Children's Books, and on the back cover there is a label that says 9+. This should in my opinion be treated like video-game labels, not fit for children under nine, but with no upper limit of how old you should be to enjoy it. My + is 27, and I see no problem in recommending this to anyone who likes a good scare regardless of age.
Review taken from my blog: http://weirdmage.blogspot.com
In the first few chapters of the book you find out everything you need to now about Kyle and his situation. This is done in a natural way, and does not feel forced on the reader.
Hutchison also sets the tone for the book nicely, it doesn't take long for the first scary thing to happen. And there's plenty of scares to come later in the book, after all this is Horror.
The first person narrative works very well here. You get an instant feel for Kyle, and how the situation he's thrown into plays with his mind. And Hutchison is also very good at playing with the mind of the reader. It's difficult to get a grip on what is really happening, what is illusion and what is reality, and this helps keep an eerie atmosphere throughout the book.
The story unfolds at a quite rapid pace, there really is not much of a rest between the action sequences. And there is plenty of action in the book. Hutchison is also very good at keeping you mystified, things that seem ordinary can come back as haunting riddles later.
This is a very good debut by Hutchison. The story managed to grip me, and I will certainly get hold of the rest of the books in this series. And if you like a good horror story with a few twists and plenty of action along the way, I suggest you pick it up too.
I have to end this with a little note. As you may have noticed this book was published by HarperCollins Children's Books, and on the back cover there is a label that says 9+. This should in my opinion be treated like video-game labels, not fit for children under nine, but with no upper limit of how old you should be to enjoy it. My + is 27, and I see no problem in recommending this to anyone who likes a good scare regardless of age.
Review taken from my blog: http://weirdmage.blogspot.com
January 3, 2021
Fun creepy kids book, looking forward to reading the next one
October 24, 2019
4 stars.
This was way creepier than I had been expecting, with a pretty good storyline. I had gone into this book thinking it was MG/middle grade but I would be a bit hesitant giving this to that age group as parts of this are more YA/young adult level.
Will definitely be getting back to this series!
This was way creepier than I had been expecting, with a pretty good storyline. I had gone into this book thinking it was MG/middle grade but I would be a bit hesitant giving this to that age group as parts of this are more YA/young adult level.
Will definitely be getting back to this series!
November 16, 2022
Several months before reading this I encountered the works of J.D. Kirk I also discovered that Kirk publishes children’s books as Barry Hutchison, and other adult fiction as Barry J. Hutchison. I have read 19 stories published under the Kirk Name and am now branching out to the ones under the Hutchinson names. This is the third I have read under Hutchinson. He is coming up on 175 books across the three pen names. If I had known that or I might not have picked up this first one. Friends call me a ‘completionist’ in that when I find an author I like, I try to read everything they have published. I have enjoyed all I have read from his pen and this one was no different.
The description of this novel is:
“Kyle’s imaginary friend from childhood is back… with a vengeance.
Kyle hasn't seen Mr Mumbles in years. And there's a good reason for that: Mr Mumbles doesn't exist.
But now Kyle's imaginary friend is back, and Kyle doesn't have time to worry about why. Only one thing matters: staying alive…
A major series from a fresh new talent, brought to you by the publisher that put horror on the map.”
The story focuses on Kyle, his mother and his Grand Mother. There is also his estranged father that he has never met. And a strange girl who comes to his assistance named Ameena, she is apparently moving into the abandoned and believed haunted house next to Kyle and his mum. And of course the title character Mr Mumbles, he was Kyles imaginary friend when he was much younger, and he appears to be back, and interacting with the real world. He is set on revenge for being abandoned. He is bigger, meaner and on a rampage. Can Kyle figure out what is really going on, and does he have the tools and ability to stop it. At one point he is warned that this is a test and the first of a series if he finds a way to survive.
These stories were originally published between 2010 and 2014. They predate any of his published works as J.D. Kirk. There are 6 stories in this series, and it appears to be a completed story arc. The story reminds me of Neil Gaimen’s Coraline and also of Tony Abbot’s The Haunting of Derek Stone series. It would not be a book I would recommend for all Middle Grade Readers or even some tweens. It really pulls of the horror for younger readers. It is a dark story with some very interesting twists. And it looks like it should be an excellent series. It was an great read and I look forward to exploring more books for younger readers under the pen name of Barry Hutchinson.
The description of this novel is:
“Kyle’s imaginary friend from childhood is back… with a vengeance.
Kyle hasn't seen Mr Mumbles in years. And there's a good reason for that: Mr Mumbles doesn't exist.
But now Kyle's imaginary friend is back, and Kyle doesn't have time to worry about why. Only one thing matters: staying alive…
A major series from a fresh new talent, brought to you by the publisher that put horror on the map.”
The story focuses on Kyle, his mother and his Grand Mother. There is also his estranged father that he has never met. And a strange girl who comes to his assistance named Ameena, she is apparently moving into the abandoned and believed haunted house next to Kyle and his mum. And of course the title character Mr Mumbles, he was Kyles imaginary friend when he was much younger, and he appears to be back, and interacting with the real world. He is set on revenge for being abandoned. He is bigger, meaner and on a rampage. Can Kyle figure out what is really going on, and does he have the tools and ability to stop it. At one point he is warned that this is a test and the first of a series if he finds a way to survive.
These stories were originally published between 2010 and 2014. They predate any of his published works as J.D. Kirk. There are 6 stories in this series, and it appears to be a completed story arc. The story reminds me of Neil Gaimen’s Coraline and also of Tony Abbot’s The Haunting of Derek Stone series. It would not be a book I would recommend for all Middle Grade Readers or even some tweens. It really pulls of the horror for younger readers. It is a dark story with some very interesting twists. And it looks like it should be an excellent series. It was an great read and I look forward to exploring more books for younger readers under the pen name of Barry Hutchinson.
April 17, 2017
This book got a little monotonous with the two kids Kyle and Ameena fighting and running from the titular Mr Mumbles, it happens a few times and takes up, I'd say, about third of the book at least, maybe more. It was also not until almost the very end does the reader have any idea what's going on. It just opens and a few pages later there's a big evil dude chasing the protagonist around. One the plus side, the last few pages did set up a really interesting plot that will hopefully be fleshed out in later books. Almost Twilight Zone-ish in its oddness.
January 15, 2012
It can be very dangerous to have an imaginary friend. And for Kyle it is as dangerous as hell itself.
Once decided to forget about his former best friend, Mr Mumbles, teenaged Kyle must fight him. And it's going to be a fight to the death.
This book is a crazy, dark, fantastic journey through Kyle's childhood, domestic secrets and a tightrope walk between imagination, dreams and the so called real life.
Thrilling, crazy, dark, unputdownable and never boring!
Once decided to forget about his former best friend, Mr Mumbles, teenaged Kyle must fight him. And it's going to be a fight to the death.
This book is a crazy, dark, fantastic journey through Kyle's childhood, domestic secrets and a tightrope walk between imagination, dreams and the so called real life.
Thrilling, crazy, dark, unputdownable and never boring!
September 1, 2010
A fantiastic book, terrifying and funny at the same time. Interesting right from the start, and keeps the reader engaged throughout as we follow Kyle in his attempts to escape his murderous forgotten imaginary friend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2012
this was a brilliant book it had you at the edge of your seat and waiting in suspense to see what happened I can't wait to read the next one.
June 13, 2018
Invisible Fiends Book 1
*Mr. Mumbles* by Barry Hutchinson
I really looked forward to begin this YA horror, paranormal series. What I didn't know about the book was that it was aimed for a much younger audience of perhaps 10 or 11 years old. If you read Ven a hundred pages, you won't stumble upon a word that you don't understand- which in fact is a nice thing. The story is written in a simple first person POV narration by teenager Kyle. He imagined some friends in his past and they've come back to seek vengeance from him, but this time as horrible, scary enemies. The book begins with some kind of Armageddon int he world and then the entire thing is just a flashback. The 250 pages in the book cover a time period of roughly 5 hours at the most of a single day and it's fast-paced. Definitely fast paced. The author has laced in quite a lot of hints, Easter eggs and antagonist teasers which makes the reader anticipate it's sequel/ entire series itself. I mean to say, the author writes in such a style as to hint that everything that you're reading right now will be connected to the future books in the series. On a horror scale, I would rate this book as good as Goosebumps if not slightly better, but it really didn't scare me. What I liked most about the book was the locations, character interaction, psychological analysis of the characters and their mind playing games with them. I mean, the story is practically impossible (like all ghost stories are) but this one just crosses the line. How can just believing that a rubber arrow can turn into a deadly weapon actually turns into a metal arrow and kills of Mr. Mumbles. But, this book's entertaining. The most entertaining part was Kyle's meeting with his father and the scenes at 'The Darkest Corners'. I even liked how the storyline connected to Kyle's mother and his Invisible father, this turns it into a hardcore mystery and give the story a serious outlook. Now, Amanda is also another wonderful character that acts as Kyle's sidekick. For most of the part, you'll get to see freehand fighting, a hundred or so things breaking, Mr. Mumbles chasing Kyle and Amanda who fail to escape each and every time. What really freaked me out was the repaired condition of Kyle's home where a big battlestar broke out. I can't really say much because the book doesn't cover a lot of time frame. I really praise the book for putting facts and things in front of the reader and explaining each and every bit right from the beginning and blending some funny, dark and insane characters. Mr. Mumbles was the most boring part, he is just some imaginaries zombie like creature with the purpose to hunt down Kyle just because he stopped being a friend? You're currently at the bottom of my evil antagonists in books list. The swimming pool storyline and it's connection to the past was delightful as well as a bit shaky to read. I really liked the way My. Barry Hutchinson has crafted the story but he just made one big mistake- a dull, boring, ruthless villain . Otherwise, this is a perfect hit. I wish it detected more fan-base. I'm pretty excited to pick up the next book in the series. In the end, there'll still be some burning questions and for that I'll need to read Raggy Maggie. A fantastic protagonist with a haunting past and a yet more terrifying future. Let's see what happens, fingers crossed. I hope that the Williams/mini-bosses in the next book are more entertaining than this, they better be 'cause I just loved the story. The chapter titles and the font style is really freaky. Nice Reading!
*Mr. Mumbles* by Barry Hutchinson
I really looked forward to begin this YA horror, paranormal series. What I didn't know about the book was that it was aimed for a much younger audience of perhaps 10 or 11 years old. If you read Ven a hundred pages, you won't stumble upon a word that you don't understand- which in fact is a nice thing. The story is written in a simple first person POV narration by teenager Kyle. He imagined some friends in his past and they've come back to seek vengeance from him, but this time as horrible, scary enemies. The book begins with some kind of Armageddon int he world and then the entire thing is just a flashback. The 250 pages in the book cover a time period of roughly 5 hours at the most of a single day and it's fast-paced. Definitely fast paced. The author has laced in quite a lot of hints, Easter eggs and antagonist teasers which makes the reader anticipate it's sequel/ entire series itself. I mean to say, the author writes in such a style as to hint that everything that you're reading right now will be connected to the future books in the series. On a horror scale, I would rate this book as good as Goosebumps if not slightly better, but it really didn't scare me. What I liked most about the book was the locations, character interaction, psychological analysis of the characters and their mind playing games with them. I mean, the story is practically impossible (like all ghost stories are) but this one just crosses the line. How can just believing that a rubber arrow can turn into a deadly weapon actually turns into a metal arrow and kills of Mr. Mumbles. But, this book's entertaining. The most entertaining part was Kyle's meeting with his father and the scenes at 'The Darkest Corners'. I even liked how the storyline connected to Kyle's mother and his Invisible father, this turns it into a hardcore mystery and give the story a serious outlook. Now, Amanda is also another wonderful character that acts as Kyle's sidekick. For most of the part, you'll get to see freehand fighting, a hundred or so things breaking, Mr. Mumbles chasing Kyle and Amanda who fail to escape each and every time. What really freaked me out was the repaired condition of Kyle's home where a big battlestar broke out. I can't really say much because the book doesn't cover a lot of time frame. I really praise the book for putting facts and things in front of the reader and explaining each and every bit right from the beginning and blending some funny, dark and insane characters. Mr. Mumbles was the most boring part, he is just some imaginaries zombie like creature with the purpose to hunt down Kyle just because he stopped being a friend? You're currently at the bottom of my evil antagonists in books list. The swimming pool storyline and it's connection to the past was delightful as well as a bit shaky to read. I really liked the way My. Barry Hutchinson has crafted the story but he just made one big mistake- a dull, boring, ruthless villain . Otherwise, this is a perfect hit. I wish it detected more fan-base. I'm pretty excited to pick up the next book in the series. In the end, there'll still be some burning questions and for that I'll need to read Raggy Maggie. A fantastic protagonist with a haunting past and a yet more terrifying future. Let's see what happens, fingers crossed. I hope that the Williams/mini-bosses in the next book are more entertaining than this, they better be 'cause I just loved the story. The chapter titles and the font style is really freaky. Nice Reading!
September 22, 2018
WAAAHHH!!! Oh Mann, ist das spannend!
Also: der Junge Kyle lebt mit seiner Mutter in einem kleinen Nest und eines kalten Wintertages taucht sein unsichtbarer Freund Mr. Mumbles aus Kindertagen wieder auf. Einziges Problem: Mr. Mumbles will jetzt nicht mehr spielen, sondern Rache, weil Kyle ihn im Laufe der Jahre vergessen hat! Zusammen mit der kämpferischen Ameena flieht er und muss sich die Frage stellen: Wie tötet man jemanden, der nicht existiert?
Das Buch hat nur 200 Seiten, aber Hutchinson hält den Spannungsbogen das ganze Buch hindurch oben und so hetzt Kyle von einem Horror ins nächste Schreckensszenario. Ich bin nicht gerade die zimperlichste, aber bei Horrorbüchern geht mir gerne nachts die Fantasie durch und so konnte ich Invisible Fiends nur bei Tageslicht lesen.
Mit spannenden Ereignissen und unvorhersehbaren Wendungen hält Hutchinson den Leser in Atem(not) und setzt zu Beginn eines neuen Spannungsbogens den Schlusspunkt. Wie unfair! Meine Fingernägel überleben das nicht!
Es dürfte klar geworden sein, dass ich das Buch total spannend fand und es verschlungen habe, weil ständig etwas neues passiert und man einfach weiterlesen muss! Ich bin gespannt, wie es mit Kyles neuen "Freunden" weitergeht und was es mit seinen Fähigkeiten auf sich hat.
Also: der Junge Kyle lebt mit seiner Mutter in einem kleinen Nest und eines kalten Wintertages taucht sein unsichtbarer Freund Mr. Mumbles aus Kindertagen wieder auf. Einziges Problem: Mr. Mumbles will jetzt nicht mehr spielen, sondern Rache, weil Kyle ihn im Laufe der Jahre vergessen hat! Zusammen mit der kämpferischen Ameena flieht er und muss sich die Frage stellen: Wie tötet man jemanden, der nicht existiert?
Das Buch hat nur 200 Seiten, aber Hutchinson hält den Spannungsbogen das ganze Buch hindurch oben und so hetzt Kyle von einem Horror ins nächste Schreckensszenario. Ich bin nicht gerade die zimperlichste, aber bei Horrorbüchern geht mir gerne nachts die Fantasie durch und so konnte ich Invisible Fiends nur bei Tageslicht lesen.
Mit spannenden Ereignissen und unvorhersehbaren Wendungen hält Hutchinson den Leser in Atem(not) und setzt zu Beginn eines neuen Spannungsbogens den Schlusspunkt. Wie unfair! Meine Fingernägel überleben das nicht!
Es dürfte klar geworden sein, dass ich das Buch total spannend fand und es verschlungen habe, weil ständig etwas neues passiert und man einfach weiterlesen muss! Ich bin gespannt, wie es mit Kyles neuen "Freunden" weitergeht und was es mit seinen Fähigkeiten auf sich hat.
March 7, 2023
The first in a series.
It is hard to suggest what age group this would be near suited to. It is simplistic in its words while also containing a lot of gory horror elements. I would suggest that some caution should be given with this and younger readers.
The story is told in a way that leaves a lot of questions unanswered throughout. Most of these look to have been left unanswered until the sequels too. This isn't necessarily a bad thing but it also makes the story harder to rate in terms of 1-5*.
There are repetitive elements to the plot and I finished reading the book knowing very little for certain a out the protagonist but there also was enough to make me curious to read at least the first sequel. I can't recommend this as a standalone book but maybe the series could be worth recommending. I'll have to read more to decide on that.
It is hard to suggest what age group this would be near suited to. It is simplistic in its words while also containing a lot of gory horror elements. I would suggest that some caution should be given with this and younger readers.
The story is told in a way that leaves a lot of questions unanswered throughout. Most of these look to have been left unanswered until the sequels too. This isn't necessarily a bad thing but it also makes the story harder to rate in terms of 1-5*.
There are repetitive elements to the plot and I finished reading the book knowing very little for certain a out the protagonist but there also was enough to make me curious to read at least the first sequel. I can't recommend this as a standalone book but maybe the series could be worth recommending. I'll have to read more to decide on that.
February 4, 2024
I didn't hate it. It's fairly interesting how the storyline developed from you have an imaginary friend and forgot about them to he's now trying to kill you because you forgot. And the plot twist with the dad and Kyle believing in himself and his imagination was interesting.
What I didn't like was how it played out. There were times I didn't know wtf was happening and stuff just jumped from one thing to the next, so majority of it I was just like Okay so now this is happening...
It wasn't well executed, not much explained in great detail, more of a read between the lines and guess your own answers, but intriguing idea and sentiment. Just... could've been better
What I didn't like was how it played out. There were times I didn't know wtf was happening and stuff just jumped from one thing to the next, so majority of it I was just like Okay so now this is happening...
It wasn't well executed, not much explained in great detail, more of a read between the lines and guess your own answers, but intriguing idea and sentiment. Just... could've been better
March 8, 2025
Excellent!
Oh, what a joy to renew with Barry J. Hutchison after what, 3 years? His Space Team series got me through a tough patch. My best high-school friend was dying of cancer, the pandemic cut us from people, friends and smiles, life was grey. And through that, Barry's Space Team was a ray of light. I never laughed so much reading anything. He became my favourite author and I missed him a lot. And 3 days ago, I found this book. Not an humorous one as I was expecting, mind you, but a real horror one. Didn't mind more than a few seconds. It was a hell of a ride! Hope to read a lot more from him in the coming years. :)
Oh, what a joy to renew with Barry J. Hutchison after what, 3 years? His Space Team series got me through a tough patch. My best high-school friend was dying of cancer, the pandemic cut us from people, friends and smiles, life was grey. And through that, Barry's Space Team was a ray of light. I never laughed so much reading anything. He became my favourite author and I missed him a lot. And 3 days ago, I found this book. Not an humorous one as I was expecting, mind you, but a real horror one. Didn't mind more than a few seconds. It was a hell of a ride! Hope to read a lot more from him in the coming years. :)
October 17, 2019
Good first entry. A book that may appeal to all ages. Not sure, though, if this is YA or Children's Lit. Parents may wish to be cautious about recommending this to children below middle-school.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
February 24, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It had originally been bought due to it being a pound if I’m honest! Ten for £10 so I popped it in the basket.
I’m so glad I did because it was an awesome read full of the perfect amount of creepiness. Looking forward to ordering and reading book two ✌🏼📚
I’m so glad I did because it was an awesome read full of the perfect amount of creepiness. Looking forward to ordering and reading book two ✌🏼📚
November 3, 2018
I really enjoyed great couldn't put down . Just went into another world.
December 28, 2020
Scary, enjoyable.
September 17, 2021
I am re-reading this series because I remember being obsessed when I was a teenager, so don’t judge
September 30, 2025
One of my favourite children's horror series.
July 30, 2011
After a slow start this book became pretty good in the end, although suffering from being too predictable. But hey, it's a children's book, what did you expect?
May appear to be the weakest book in the series, but still worth a read.
(Although I have to mention that I really like the humour in it and the characters are very lovely and well created. I read the book within two afternoons/evenings. If you're looking for a book to scare the eff out of your kids, this should go on your shopping list.)
May appear to be the weakest book in the series, but still worth a read.
(Although I have to mention that I really like the humour in it and the characters are very lovely and well created. I read the book within two afternoons/evenings. If you're looking for a book to scare the eff out of your kids, this should go on your shopping list.)
October 29, 2011
This book was great fun. I wouldn't want to read it alone in the house though. Mr Mumbles is properly scary. And really dangerous. And really hard to stop. And he's just for starters... I will be reading the rest of the series. In daytime.
October 5, 2013
Mr Mumbles was a fantastic book which was at parts quite scary. The book is very absorbing and you can't put it as you want to see what is going to happen. The author is on of my favorites and I think that this book is very good.
July 8, 2011
not incredibly scary but keeps you on edge if reading with a torch under your bed covers.
November 2, 2011
Don't read this one on a dark night if you're all alone - it's scary! really enjoyed it and think it's great for kids over the age of 10 probably - a little frightening for younger kids!
Read
March 18, 2013Really good, chilling start to a great horror
October 1, 2013
simply scary but interesting at the same time.
February 8, 2014
review to come
October 2, 2014
I found this book compelling; I couldn't stop reading! I was hanging off the edge of my seat just as much at the end as I was at the beginning ,which just shows what a good read it is.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews