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345th out of 682 books
—
716 voters
The Curse of the Blue Figurine (Johnny Dixon #1)
John Bellairs, the name in Gothic mysteries for middle graders, wrote terrifying tales full of adventure, attitude, and alarm. For years, young readers have crept, crawled, and gone bump in the night with the unlikely heroes of these Gothic novels: Lewis Barnavelt, Johnny Dixon, and Anthony Monday. Now, the ten top-selling titles feature an updated cover look. Loyal fans a
...moreHardcover, 200 pages
Published
May 1st 1983
by Dial Books
(first published 1983)
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Jan 13, 2009
Jennifer
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
juvenile-fiction,
oldies-but-goodies
Best Bellairs title, IMHO. Scared the pants off me and still does. A particularly deft handling of how a child experiences guilt.
I stumbled on this old edition (notice I didn't select the non-Gorey-illustrated edition- for shame publishers! for shame! Gorey's illustrations were as much a part of the experience as Bellairs words) in the Goodwill last season. An unfortunate head cold left me longing for simpler reading fare and Bellairs lived up to my middle school memories. A solid mystery with real characters. You better beat Summer to the old editions wherever you may find them before she snatches up every last Gorey-ill...more
1 like · like · see review
Continuing on in my comfort reading binge, I slipped into juvenile fiction to re-read this John Bellairs book. I loved his books when I was younger -- from the Edward Gorey covers to the creepy mysteries therein I always preferred the Johnny Dixon/Professor Childermass books to the Lewis/Rose Rita/Mrs. Zimmerman books, so how psyched was I to find that one of the books I grabbed last weekend just happened to be the very first Johnny Dixon book??*
The Curse of the Blue Figurine tells the story of...more
The Curse of the Blue Figurine tells the story of...more
I was a Bellairs addict in elementary school, probably initially because of the irresistable Edward Gorey illustrations. These have held up fairly well, perhaps because the 1951 setting hasn't gone out of date.
This is the creepiest and best of the Johnny Dixon mysteries, which introduces Johnny and Professor Childermass, Gramma and Grandpa and the horrible ghost of a Catholic priest. I was startled at how much practice of religion lurks in the book (pre-Vatican II, too!) and how much religion i...more
This is the creepiest and best of the Johnny Dixon mysteries, which introduces Johnny and Professor Childermass, Gramma and Grandpa and the horrible ghost of a Catholic priest. I was startled at how much practice of religion lurks in the book (pre-Vatican II, too!) and how much religion i...more
The first of the Johnny Dixon books is now available on Amazon as an ebook! The only reason to own a paper version is if you can find one with the original Gorey artwork, and I'm sure one day I'll get one. In the mean time, it was nice to reread it. This is actually one of the creepier Bellairs books, and I remember that I don't own an original Gorey copy because when I read my friend Jacob's in elementary school, it badly frightened me. I own originals of all of the other Bellairs books, though...more
Okay, I'll preface this with I'm not the biggest fan of the Gothic genre and that I put down this book at one point thinking, "There's no way I can recommend this to kids."
However, I came around to it because here's the thing: This is totally going to be the sort of book which will get some kids enjoying reading. And it is a fun book; it's a really good book. It's an old-school ghost story. The sort I couldn't abide as a kid because I was easily terrified. There came a point where I thought it...more
However, I came around to it because here's the thing: This is totally going to be the sort of book which will get some kids enjoying reading. And it is a fun book; it's a really good book. It's an old-school ghost story. The sort I couldn't abide as a kid because I was easily terrified. There came a point where I thought it...more
I think I've saved my Bellairs obsession till last because I used to get a new book in the series every Christmas. I've mentioned in an earlier review that Johnny Dixon's my favorite character in the series, and I particularly love his story arc. Professor Childermass, his friend and eccentric neighbor, is one of my favorite characters throughout ALL of the novels, and his "fuss closet" idea was one I used myself! There's also a higher level of spiritual undertone in this series than there is in...more
Synopsis:The debut juvenile gothic horror mystery adventure of Johnny Dixon and Professor Childermass
Thoughts: I loved Bellairs' books as a kid and have been re-reading a spate of them lately. Out of the three series of books in this vein, I have to say that ones with Johnny Dixon and the professor are my favourites. Bellairs creates a very believable 1950s-era Massachusetts town for the characters to run around in, and fills it with weird and wonderful characters. Professor Childermass is a fou...more
Thoughts: I loved Bellairs' books as a kid and have been re-reading a spate of them lately. Out of the three series of books in this vein, I have to say that ones with Johnny Dixon and the professor are my favourites. Bellairs creates a very believable 1950s-era Massachusetts town for the characters to run around in, and fills it with weird and wonderful characters. Professor Childermass is a fou...more
Apr 14, 2010
Dread PirateRobots
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
childhood-classics
Holy crap. There were a few of these I read in one shot. Start to stop. I got home once from school, by way of the library, and I ended up with the back of the house to myself... I started it and I literally didn't put it down. I was so jumpy near the end, in that near-twilight haze... My eyes had more or less adjusted to the darkening shadows of the cold hallway, but to my sprawled little body, ANYthing was possible, and probably lurking around the corner... SOooo spooky! And for whatever reaso...more
I actually read these books as a kid, and honestly don't remember very much about the story. Except, I have to rate them 5 stars because they had a significant enough impact on me, that I have spent probably the last twenty years trying to remember either the title or the author of these books. And, I have only just now discovered the title and author because interestingly enough, they were on my Goodreads Recommendations list. Thank you, Goodreads. I am looking forward to re-reading these ones!...more
Do you know what would have solved our main character's problems from the beginning of this book? If he had decided not to be a thief. I just didn't get why the author completely ignored the fact that his character had stolen the figurine. It's like that was irrelevant. Instead, he could have included the ethics of the event in the horror story that followed.
Some of the John Bellairs stories are kinda entertaining young kiddo "horror," but I didn't like this one.
Some of the John Bellairs stories are kinda entertaining young kiddo "horror," but I didn't like this one.
There seems to be a theme with Bellairs' books. The theme is: when it seems like the ghost is winning and everyone is going to die, the boy hero will suddenly be flooded with a boldness he has never known before and smash the amulet/ring/fetish object/statuette/book/box of ashes/wand/glasses/clock/small instrument/spyglass/piece of bone/locket/manuscript/vial/bottle on the ground, causing the ghost to lose his power. Everybody wins! Have some Sacher torte!
I love Bellairs' scary mysteries. I loved them as a child, too. They were just scary enough so I would make a running leap for the bed in the darkened room, but not scary enough to keep me awake. I also feel like he takes his young characters seriously. That even when the young mind is passionately irrational, it is still real.
I read the copy with Edward Gorey's perfect illustrations. Really, he's the perfect choice.
I read the copy with Edward Gorey's perfect illustrations. Really, he's the perfect choice.
I really liked this book a lot better than I thought I would. I had read A House with Clock on its Walls a few years ago but didn't like it much. But I enjoyed this one and even stayed up late to finish it. It's the first book in the Johnny Dixon series. I'm not rushing out to get the other books but I will pick one up if I find it at a garage sale and I do think I have a few other Johnny Dixons on my tbr.
I woke up last night in the middle of the night with the name of this book running through my mind, my heart was filled with dread and horror. I read this in middle school as a part of a series of the same characters. I remember really liking them. They were intense and scary for an innocent 10 year old.I am going to read some of this series again to see if they might be something my 10 year old will like.
Super-scary and chilling-- because of what Bellairs leaves unsaid! Talk about respecting one's audience-- he pitches some of the details so far above middle readers' heads that it almost forces them (and adult readers) to look things up (arbalests, anyone?). I think the way he describes guilt here is particularly fine, though Johnny Dixon is no match for Louis Barnavelt.
several years ago, a friend mentioned that john bellairs was a favorite of his when he was younger, and i'm sad that i waited so long to pick up a jonny dixon mystery. needless to say, this will not be my last. the curse of the blue figurine is fine & frightening fare, and it fits the season perfectly. five toothsome stars.
Fun start to the Johnny Dixon series. Johnny starts out living in a new place, and finds that he's highly receptive to spirits of both good and evil. This book introduces both Johnny, the Professor and others to the world of ghosts and spirits. Then we're off! Fun characters in the story and a great way to read about the 1950's.
Read this as a young kid. Remember reading on long car trips and being really creeped out, in a good way, couldn't put it down. Recently started reading HP Lovecraft stories, and they reminded me of these Johnny Dixon series books. Turns out they are both in the 'gothic' literature genre.
This was the first book I ever remember devouring on my own. For some reason my mom brought it home for me, even though as of yet I had showed any interest in reading. I don't know why but I began to read it immediately. I eventually read everything I could get my hands on by John Bellairs.
Picked this up from the shelf at the train station. Not overly impressed - I thought the language could have been tighter, and there were some unresolved plot holes in the storyline. This is the first book I've read by John Bellairs, and I guess I was expecting more.
I loved John Bellairs as a kid, and was pleased to find that the reread of this 25 years later was still amazing. I love the slight horror feel and the wonderful characters - I was never as big on Johnny Dixon as Lewis Barnavelt, but his story has aged well.
Eerie and cool at the same time. I read this book when I was in 8th grade and never forgot it. It was the first book that wasn't Dr. Seuss that I really liked. I couldn't put this book down. It got me hooked on books.
These are "children" books, but they're pretty scary! Also very engaging, well-written, and enjoyable. Might suggest a little proof-reading before giving to kids, if they're prone to being frightened.
I fell in love with John Bellairs when I was a child. His "House with a Clock in its Walls" is still one of my favorites. Bellairs is a master at creating scary kid lit.In this book, Johnny Dixon discovers an Egyptian ushabti hidden inside a hollowed-out book in his church's basement. When he takes it home, mysterious things begin to happen. Prof Childermass, who told Johnny about the ghost of Father Baart which haunts the church, doesn't believe the ushabti is magical. The only person who belie...more
Aug 11, 2009
Jessie
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
ya-best-for-book-talks
When students want a mystery book I recommend John Bellairs. His books are good for this age group. I liked this book and have read many of his other books. Safe author, good plots, fun.
What ages would I recommend it too? – Six and up.
Length? – Most of a day’s read.
Characters? – Memorable, several characters.
Setting? – Real world, 1951.
Written approximately? – 1983.
Does the story leave questions in the readers mind? – Ready to read more.
Any issues the author (or a more recent publisher) should cover? No.
Short storyline: Johnny Dixon is in a new place and fighting new battles. When he discovers help from an unseen force, he trusts them, even though they tell him to keep a secre...more
Length? – Most of a day’s read.
Characters? – Memorable, several characters.
Setting? – Real world, 1951.
Written approximately? – 1983.
Does the story leave questions in the readers mind? – Ready to read more.
Any issues the author (or a more recent publisher) should cover? No.
Short storyline: Johnny Dixon is in a new place and fighting new battles. When he discovers help from an unseen force, he trusts them, even though they tell him to keep a secre...more
Apr 18, 2011
Mad_Maudie
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
mysteries,
ya-and-or-kids
I read books before I put them on the shelf in my class for my students to check out, and I really enjoyed this little mystery. I really think my students will, too. It's well written.
Read this as a kid, so maybe I'd give it fewer stars now. At the time I remember being really sucked into the story. And I remember learning what an Abyssinian cat was!
Not nearly as good as when I was 9 and reading this. Figured I would give some YA I read another shot. Definitely something for Ian, but not as good as I remember.
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John Bellairs
(1938–1991) was an American novelist working primarily in the Gothic genre. He is best-known for the children's classic The House with a Clock in its Walls 1973) and for the pathbreaking fantasy novel The Face in the Frost (1969). Bellairs held a bachelor's degree from Notre Dame University and a master's in English from the University of Chicago. He combined writing and teaching fr...more
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14 jan. 08:17