Ratings4
Average rating4.3
Johnny Dixon is plunged into a terrifying mystery-adventure when he removes a blue figurine called a ushabt. from church.
Featured Series
4 primary booksJohnny Dixon is a 4-book series with 4 primary works first released in 1983 with contributions by John Bellairs.
Reviews with the most likes.
I read this for the PopSugar reading challenge prompt “A book you loved as a child.” I actually don't have specific recollections of this book, but I knew that I greatly enjoyed reading Bellairs as a kid, and he was instrumental in developing my enduring love of weird fiction and horror.
Unfortunately this didn't keep its magic for me. It had its moments, but felt a little off-key. I was also struck by how much Catholicism forms the backdrop - probably as a Catholic child, I didn't even notice! But as a non-religious adult, it jumped out at me, and made me wonder how accessible the story is to those of other faiths.
Overall, I think the story has weaknesses in plot and pacing that would be less noticeable to a young reader. And honestly I think my experience of Bellairs was greatly enhanced by the Edward Gorey illustrations that appeared in my old editions. They were absent from this printing, and sorely missed.
Featured Prompt
210 booksBooks read in your formative years can shape the person you become just as much as parents, teachers and friends. What were some of the books that you remember most from your childhood years?