Written by Holly Rivers, Illustrations by Alex T Smith, Published by Chicken House
Demelza is a scientific genius, creating inventions, plotting new ideas and trying new things. She is about to try something completely un-scientific though.
Living with Grandma Maeve, Demelza is left to her own devices a lot of the time, unless it is bedtime. Grandma Maeve is strict about bedtimes. After hearing some spooky sounds one night, Demelza sets out to investigate and make a trap. Enlisting the help of her constantly ill neighbour, Percy, Demelza is in for a surprise.
In the greenhouse, Grandma Maeve is found chanting and conjuring up spectres. She does this to help the living say goodbye and grieve for their loved ones. In actuality Demelza comes from a long line of Spectre Detectors, including her parents, who died in a car accident.
There is a lot to take in and understand but the plot truly thickens when Grandma Maeve is kidnapped. Demelza needs all the help she can get to find her. Help comes from Percy, from the skull named Lord Balthazar and even from super strict headmistress, Ms Cardinal.
Twists and turns, shocks and surprises, spooks and science fill this incredible book and it was hard to put it down….so I didn’t. I read it entirely in one sitting!
Demelza may just be my new favourite character, curious, brave and scientifically gifted. She learns some new talents throughout her adventure and now must balance her passion, “Demelza Clock: Inventor” alongside her gift “Demelza Clock: Spectre Detector”.
Another triumph from Chicken House- this is one not to be missed! I plan to buy the finished copy just to immerse myself in the genius illustrations from Alex T Smith!
My Shelves Are Full 