I like the interpretation of a curse as the power of suggestion over a group of people. Our inclination towards belief influencing our perceptions and interpretation. We see that in the large scale in this book with the town curse. The people believe in it so they are inclined to attribute strange happenings as being related to the curse. Its an excuse for wild or weird behavior. Mass hysteria aided by malfeasance. We also see it in the small scale with Kick and her school relationships. She refuses to see the truth about who values and accepts here.There's an emotional complexity that belies the simplicity of the plot. While the mystery's resolution is a bit lacking in evidence, the heart of the story is strong.

I really enjoyed this—everything from the swampy Southern atmosphere to the character names to the surprise (to me; it may even have been stated elsewhere) that it turned out to be a small-town mystery involving bioluminescence and other STEAM-y things. It had echoes of a higher-tech, more sophisticated Scooby-Doo, and slighter echoes of Three Times Lucky (Southern, mysterious, relationship between Kick and the adults in her life, unconventional names—but without TTL’s humor). Kirkus’s review said it plodded, but I didn’t feel that way—though the emphasis on the “Jennas” at the beginning at school (think “Heathers” if you’re of a certain age) seemed a little less important than the attention it was given; there was no resolution that brought the Jennas back towards the end of the book—they kind of disappeared. I have a Mysteries book list for kids at the library and will pop this on it to promote its discovery, as well as ‘handselling’ it in book talks to the right kids. It’s not a must-read, but I found it a solidly good one.

This was such a fun ride! THE MONSTER HYPOTHESIS follows our heroine Kick as she tries to prove a monstrous curse is nothing but a hoax - whilst avoiding becoming a target at her new school.

Without a doubt, the strongest part of this book was the VOICE. It's hilarious and whip-smart, never 'dumbing down' for a middle grade audience. Kick has just the right amount of rule-breaking slyness, combined with the more familiar yearnings of fitting in. I adored her. I also adored her relationship to cousin Carolina, the frilly-dress wearing girl who is fleshed out far beyond stereotypes.

The mystery, too, is cleverly plotted (and occasionally genuinely creepy!) I loved the atmosphere of this seething swamp town, fake psychics and all. The best mysteries are unpredictable whilst still allowing for the reader to make their own guesses, and I think MG audiences will find this book fits the bill.

My only real critique is that occasionally, the story did seem to approach too-familiar territory. Perhaps it's because the last MG I read also involved a hyper-scientific girl trying to solve a mystery + navigate middle school (THE BOX OF BONES) but I did crave a little more freshness. Still, this is a highly personal factor, and I wouldn't hesitate in recommending THE MONSTER HYPOTHESIS to fans of spooky contemporary mysteries. Kick's experiment recipes are even included in the back! 4/5.

This was a good story. A young girl sent to live with her grandmother while her scientist parents were working. Next the 100 year curse that was about to happen. I really enjoyed this book until the end. That is why it got four stars instead of five. The characters were interesting, the plot was compelling, but the end seemed rushed. Loved how the author made the female characters intelligent. They used their knowledge to solve the mystery, but was let down by the adult characters. Would I recommend this book? Yes but next book should have a little more background.