The Malamander reminds me of a cross between A Series Of Unfortunate Events and Lovecraftian horror. This book is perfectly strange and creepy while not crossing the boundary into adult horror. The Malamander is a middle grade novel and it does a good job of keeping with that age group.

The Malamander is about Herbert Lemon a kid who washed up in a lemon crate in the town of Eerie-on-sea, he is the Lost-and-founder at the Grand Nautilus Hotel. He is very good at his job but life flips upside down when he meets Violet Parma, a girl his age who also has a history at The Grand Nautilus Hotel. Together they embark on an adventure to find Violet’s missing parents that leads them into the den of the Malamander.

The contrast between Herbert and Violet makes the perfect mystery partnership, Violet is fearless and stubborn while Herbert is extremely intelligent but fearful. Together they complete the duo and are a force to be reckoned with. They unravel the mystery of the Malamander and find clues that very well could lead to Violet’s parents. I enjoyed the relationship between the two protagonists, they keep each other going. Violet encourages Herbert to keep going even when he is scared out of his pants, and Herbert uses his knowledge to keep Violet on the right track. The characters flowed together seamlessly and it made the book enjoyable.

Something that I think works well in kids novels is the use of clever character names. In The Malamander we have Mr. Mollusc, Sebastian Eels, Mrs. Fossil, and Mr. Seegol. The names are nautical themed and also reveal something about each character. This is something I have poked fun at in adult books but for work aimed at middle graders I think it was done well. This works because it is fun and makes the characters easier to remember for younger audiences, plus it’s a little funny.

This book is creepy enough for its young audience but not so creepy that a child will be afraid to sleep, and to me that awareness of audience is something to be admired. Here is an example of one of the “scary” scenes:

Where its eyes should be, there are two enormous pale reflectors. They blink, twice. Then it moves off– darting from its crouch and springing along the murky foreshore at great speed, its feet slap, slap, slapping as it vanishes in a swirl of mist.

The description is creepy but not horrifying, I like that and the imagery used by Taylor is so easy to see. With every description you can see the characters and the scenery they live in. I found that Taylor’s writing swallowed me whole and spit me out in the strange town of Eerie-on-sea. Not only is Taylor wonderful at setting scene, but he is accompanied by the illustrator Tom Booth who breathes life into each character. Unfortunately, because this is an ARC, I didn’t get to see all of Booth’s illustrations but from what I did see I was strongly reminded of Tim Burton. The characters are dark and gloomy but there is still something heart-warming about them.

This book is a fairly short read and I could imagine a teacher reading this book to their class for Halloween. It’s quick, entertaining, and I could see myself reading this to my son when he is older. The Malamander really impressed me and in my eyes deserves a 5/5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book and also thank you to Candlewick Press for granting me access to The Malamander.

The publisher describes this story as fantastical. I agree. Herbert Lemon (great name) and Violet Parma both end up in Eerie-On-Sea at The Grand Nautilus Hotel under mysterious circumstances, and then they team up to solve the mystery of the Malamander. The Malamander is part fish/part human and all magic.
This story has a steampunk kind of vibe with mechanical monkeys, talking cats (!), and a glowing red egg. It's a little like A Series of Unfortunate Events mixed with The Mysterious Benedict Society.
Even human townspeople are quirky (just like real life); some are good, and some are very bad. I liked the diversity and representation of the people in the book. And the spirit of friendship between Herbert and Violet.
FYI: You don't get complete resolution at the end as it seems like this book is the first in a trilogy. Also, this book carries off the first-person narration without a hitch, and it was a joy to read aloud.

Malmander is the first book in the Legends of Eerie-on-Sea series. It's sorta reminiscent of Lemony Snicket and maybe even a little Pseudonymous Bosch, especially The Name of This Book is Secret because of the early caution to "close this book and lock it in a tin box and cast it off the pier." Advice that I chose to disregard. When I saw the cover my interest was instantly piqued. Usually, the fantasy stories I enjoy reading take place in settings where the characters are traipsing through the mountainside, attending magical schools, even within castles and old houses. Well, I think I've found a new setting to add to the list, a salty seaside town. Eerie-on-Sea is mysterious and filled with quirky people and places. There's a Book Dispensary where a tophat wearing mermonkey will fill your book prescription and select the book you need to read. It's also a tad eerie place because it comes with its own legendary monster, the Malamander. I have to admit that at first, I thought the monster was just this legend created to keep the troublesome kids away from the wreckage of the Leviathan, but it turns out the monster was much more than that. And certainly more dangerous.

Malamander is told from Herbie Lemon's perspective and is predominantly about Violet's search for her parents and the monster. Herbie strikes me as kind, caring and intelligent, with a somewhat mysterious past of his own. Five years ago he washed up on the shore of Eerie-on-Sea in a crate of lemons, with no knowledge of his past, not even his own name. The owner of the Grand Nautilus Hotel gave him his name and set him up as the caretaker of the Lost and Foundery. A job that Herbie takes very seriously. Now, Violet, she's a wild-haired, brave girl who's ready for adventure. She's rash where Herbie is more analytical. But one thing is for sure, Violet is determined to find out exactly what happened to her parents. Sometimes her choices lead to more danger for the two of them. As they delve further into the mystery, their quest takes them all over the town of Eerie-on-Sea, even face to face with the legendary Malamander. And although they don't find all the answers to what happened to Violet's parents, it's still a very satisfying story. I suspect that some of this will be resolved in future books. If you're looking for a mystery with a unique setting, quirky people, and lovely illustrations, I'd certainly give Malamander a read. I certainly can't wait to see what adventures these two have next.

Are you a fan of nautical tales, supernatural beasties, and an odd (think A Series of Unfortunate Events or the TV show, Pushing Daisies) yet enticing environment? Then Malamander is definitely the book for you!

It follows Herbert and Violet, two kids with mysterious pasts, as they try to solve the mystery of the mythical Malamander. They run into quirky shopkeepers, mechanical monkeys, cats who speak, and a glowing red egg. I liked where the story took us, but it was very obvious that this was the first in a planned series. I wish we got more about the main characters’ backstories this time around.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc.

The lost and founder Herbert Lemon helps out Violet one night and their world is turned upside down. Add to the mystery of why she is running with a mystic sea creature and its egg of wishes and you have a fabulous tale.. Delightful story with surprising twists and turns.

“Because I’m lost,” she says. “And I’d like to be found.”

Malamander. A fantastical sea creature of which legends are made of. It’s…not real, right? No, it can’t possibly be. Just another myth spread around the small town of Eerie-on-Sea. At least that’s what our protagonist Herbie Lemon tries to tell himself as he finds himself entangled with a girl who seems to have a direct connection with the terrifying monster. Herbie is dutifully at work at Grand Nautilus Hotel as a treasured Lost and Founder when he first encounters Violet Parma. And she’s not alone. Violet is being chased by a man with a hook for his hand which of course means no good at all. After helping his newfound friend, Herbie is in for a journey that involves ancient sea legends, mysterious books, and a talking cat. What is the Malamander? And why do so many people seek it and its mysterious egg? Well…


From start to finish this book is everything and more that you need in a Fantasy. I could smell the sea and taste the salt on my lips. It’s atmospheric, descriptive, and so damn good. The sea scares the hell out of me. Giant ANIMALS in the ocean scare the hell out of me and you all know how much I love being scared. I would PAY to live on Eerie-on-Sea.

The characters are well rounded and enjoyable, yes, even the villains who you know are villains from the start. Herbie is quick witted and funny and Violet is brave beyond all belief. The secondary characters??? Fantastic.


Somewhat creepy hotel owner who has a mystic ball she spies on people with? ✓
Pretty librarian with a maybe talking cat? ✓✓
Random lady who roams the shore for treasure? ✓✓✓
Another thing, the diversity was awesome to read. I gasped when I realized Violet was black. This is what our kids need to read, representations of themselves in books and media. It truly does mean a lot and it’s great to see.

This is the first in a series of books that Thomas Taylor is writing and I absolutely can’t wait for the next one. This is a middle grade book but truly is great for all ages.

And now, whenever I go to the beach I’ll have to glare out at the ocean and whisper:

“…Malamander.”

It’s so dramatic, I absolutely love it.

Loved this mystery for it's many distinct voices and “play on word” places such as the Grand Nautical Hotel located in Eerie on the Sea. Herbert Lemon, the Lost and Founder of the hotel, tells the story in first person. Perfect for the fantasy reader, especially those who want a the Harry Potter “feel”.

Thomas Taylor’s Malamander gets even landlocked readers smelling the chilly saltwater air of Eerie-on-Sea. This original and thrilling adventure follows the young Herbie and Violet as they seek clues explaining her parents’ mysterious disappearance. Eccentric townspeople inhabit this seaside tale wherein the local bookshop houses a magical mermonkey who dispenses the title a reader needs even if it’s not the book wanted.

Malamander continues in the tradition of perennial favorites such as The Mysterious Benedict Society, A Series of Unfortunate Events and Harry Potter; it’s perfect for read alouds or independent tween readers.

Disclaimer: I received this book from NetGalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book Series: Malamander Book 1

Rating: 4/5

Publication Date: May 2, 2019

Genre: MG Fantasy

Recommended Age: 10+ (lost and found)

Publisher: Walker Books

Synopsis: A quirky, creepy fantasy set in Eerie-on-Sea finds a colorful cast of characters in hot pursuit of a sea monster thought to convey a surprising gift.

It’s winter in the town of Eerie-on-Sea, where the mist is thick and the salt spray is rattling the windows of the Grand Nautilus Hotel. Inside, young Herbert Lemon, Lost and Founder for the hotel, has an unexpected visitor. It seems that Violet Parma, a fearless girl around his age, lost her parents at the hotel when she was a baby, and she’s sure that the nervous Herbert is the only person who can help her find them. The trouble is, Violet is being pursued at that moment by a strange hook-handed man. And the town legend of the Malamander — a part-fish, part-human monster whose egg is said to make dreams come true — is rearing its scaly head. As various townspeople, some good-hearted, some nefarious, reveal themselves to be monster hunters on the sly, can Herbert and Violet elude them and discover what happened to Violet’s kin? This lighthearted, fantastical mystery, featuring black-and-white spot illustrations, kicks off a trilogy of fantasies set in the seaside town.

Review: This is a fun book! The characters are likable and the story is exciting. This would definitely be something many kids would absolutely love.

However, I think the story is predictable for me but for a kid I could see where this would be an amazing read.

Verdict: A cute book!

Eerie on Sea is just what the name implies - eerie! When a girl bangs on the window of Herbert's basement abode in the hotel seeking his help in hiding her he is not sure what to make of her but soon is up to his eyebrows in trying to help Violet discover where her parents disappeared to when she was a baby and the secret of the mysterious mermonster that has magically reappeared to terrorize this sleepy little seaside town. Herbert is not exactly what you picture as a knight in shining armor but he has a big heart and a passion for lost things and people. Quirky characters, scary monsters, villains and one eerie legend will have kids racing through this British fantasy. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.

I loved this book. Aptly set in Eerie-on-sea, this book is a charming and slightly unsettling oddball adventure that features two great main characters. I really liked how the plot unfurled throughout the story and there was enough mystery and intrigue to keep the pages turning until the very end.

Such an adventure! This was wonderful book, it was so incredibly lovely and exciting <3

I loved reading Malamander, this book has everything, it reads itself, it is funny, very clever and full of thrilling moments. I adored the characters and their friendship. The writing is simply fantastic.

I can only recommend this one. You will fall in love with it too :)

I need to start reading more middle grades, I miss the adventure we thrills. I enjoyed this book a lot and loved the names of all the characters. This had a little bit of A Series Of Unfortunate Events vibe to me. Also the freaking picture of the Malamander scared me 😂😂 I think a lot of middle-graders would love this book and I can’t wait for the second. Also I laughed when he brought up Pokemon cards! I still have a few of mine lol. Thank you Netgalley for this eARC!

A very enjoyable story with two lovely central characters in the form of Herbert Lemon and Violet Parma. It has the feeling of a future classic, with its cast of eccentrics in the wintry town of Eerie-on-Sea. The storytelling is fast paced and imaginative, with some lovely messages about difference, courage and friendship.

I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Malamander is amazing. It's an incredibly immersive fantasy with lots of fun aquatic references peppered throughout the character names and descriptions. Eerie-On-Sea comes alive with vivid descriptions so precise you almost don't need the charming illustrations, although they are fun. (My arc didn't have all of them , but the ones that where there were so fitting!)

My little boy loved having it read to him, and his mind was blown with every reveal. The mystery is intriguing, and the author feeds us fair hints, although not all of it is easily guessed. I would highly recommend this book for young adventurers especially fans of Lemony Snicket, Cressida Cowell, and Jessica Day George.

It's been a long time since I've read such a complete fantasy, and I loved it.

Malamander is a quick read that will leave readers wanting more. Fans of Lemony Snicket will love this one.

I think this is a cracker of a book.

I suppose in some ways the story treads familiar ground, but it has a really fresh feel thanks in part to Herbie’s first person present tense narration, which is quite unusual in MG books I think? This wonderful narrative voice ensures the adventure zings along with style , and I loved the humour. Herbie Lemon and Violet Parma are a great pairing supported by a fantastic cast of variously quirky (and scary) characters.

I am hooked (!) and look forward to the next instalment.

What an extremely cute, fun, and entertaining story this was! I loved the construct of the Malamander, and the two main characters were a delightful blend of charm, precocity, and, straight-up kid mischief. I loved the word play with character and location naming. Eerie-on-Sea and the Hotel Nautilus offered a marvelous setting for the magic and mystery, as both were full of just the right mix of dilapidation and possibility. The story was well devised, engaging, and offered openings for further adventures. And the concept of the Lost and Foundery was fabulous - a great way to explore childhood fears and concerns and offer myriad opportunities for future installments. In other words, the book delivered exactly what I like to see in this type of children's story!

I love a good cute monster mystery book, and this definitely fit that theme. I think readers of all ages will enjoy this, but I would recommend it more for a younger audience. Fun, fast, and enjoyable!

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC.

An easy read with mystery, adventure, a ghost and a monster or two (you decide who they are) plus two plucky children as protagonists.

Herbie is the latest “Lost and founder” at The Grand Nautilus Hotel, expert in reuniting lost items with their owners; Violet Palma, presents herself to Herbie and proclaims herself to have been ‘lost’ in the hotel as a baby after her parents disappeared. There starts the adventure that the children really cannot escape.

Are all the questions which arise in the book answered? No, obviously not, since this is the first title in a series.

Full of interesting, somewhat quirky characters, and a well crafted world, this book sets the scene for the continuing story.

PS Long live (last?) the Mermonkey!