Plant People

Strange Matter #14

by Marty M. Engle, Johnny Ray Barnes

When a strange family moves into the empty house in Rachel Pearson's neighborhood, she begins to notice some unusual behavior, but nothing prepares her for the monstrous plants that threaten to devour the neighborhood

124 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1996

Reviews

[Alejandro Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

At this point, I’m gonna marry Strange Matter. Coming in with this Stay Out of the Basement-esc tale, they hit another home run—and dare I say it’s another one of my many favorites (out of SIX lmao). This is the most scare driven title of the series, and focuses on the horror more than the epics that the other books tended to have, and it, well, is it even a surprise? They cooked; there’s some insanely gross, tense, and horrifying scenes here, and I got damn near squeamish during the basement scene. Fuuuuuck no! There’s even some hints that… mild spoiler… most plants are sentient and intelligent, and I mean the basic guys we’re used to, and that in itself is terrifying. Apart from the scares and stellar sequences, the characters are all good, the story is well-paced, the climax is killer, there’s some crazy turns in this one and jarring (yet great) tonal shifts, and elite exposition. Generally, the book is as usual INSANELY enjoyable/entertaining. And as for negatives… nothing. Again, this series is shocking me read-by-read with its top-tier quality for the genre. It feels right at home whilst really offering the absolute best material I’ve seen from the kids horror universe. So yeah, arguably flawless. Overall, 10/10 (surprise, I know). Johnny and Marty—can one of you adopt me? I’ll help reboot this series WITH A PASSION.

[Sabrina Catherine Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good as I remember. Growing up, my mother worked at Brilliance and brought these stories to my sister, who later gave them to me to enjoy. I'm slowly rebulding my collection 💚💚💚💚

These books are old and they truly show it. With how parents just trust kids around strangers, to how there are no cell phones and internet searches. As well as Rachel having a landline in her room (that girl was so cool! I didn't get my own phone until sophomore year, a Motorola V180 lol)

[Shiv (The Horrorlander) · Rating 5 out of 5]

More action packed and horrific than 99% of other kids horror books I read. Imagine taking Goosebumps: Stay Out Of The Basement and Creepshow's "Lonesome Death Of Jordy Verill"...

And scaling it up to movie-level action sequences and incredible body horror, and villains on straight demon timing. Not to mention, the protagonist has good dialogue and great problem-solving skills shown throughout the book, making her a real hero which how much she goes through.

5/5 Stars PERFECT

[R.A. Danger · Rating 4 out of 5]

On a side note staring at those audio covers, it doesn't look in my opinion as good as the old covers. Those covers make me think they belong in some new series and that it would be better in the teen section (the covers that is).

I been eying this one since it came out. Being that these books are base a lot from cryptids I was thinking of all the dangerous ones I heard about. The vampire vines of Puerto Rico, the Madagascar Man Eating tree, an a known tree (the names escapes me) that’s supposed to kill you if you breath around it or fell asleep under it. Even though they say it doesn't do that, I say it might be a look alike tree; still you won't catch me sleeping under that tree. These plants were in the book were a bit different, not that they didn't have some traits with these three. Them trying to grab Rachel with their vines, eating meat, and producing a sweet smell that hypnotizes its prey.

It seems the plant kingdom has decided it should be the next rulers on earth, by taking over one town at first. As for Rachel she is alone in this town except for her friend who is miles away or one phone call away. She hopes to make friends with the new next door neighbors; unfortunately they don't have much interest in her.

Then Rachel finds out about the plants plan and must find a way to stop them before they take over the town.

There is only one lose end, that is talk about in the book. I don't remember if I read this loose end in a future book or not.