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Night Frights #1
The Haunted Mustache
From the author of Junior Monster Scouts comes new spooky and silly series perfect for fans of Goosebumps and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. In this first book, things get hairy for two fifth graders who take on a haunted mustache!
Wolver Hollow is not a normal town. The adults are too busy shuffling off to work at the old coffin factory to notice or care, but the kids know all about monsters, ghosts, and strange lights in the sky. Strange things happen in Wolver Hollow. Creepy things.
But fifth graders Parker and Lucas are determined to debunk one of Wolver Hollow’s Over a hundred years ago, Bockius Beauregard was vaporized in an unfortunate accident and all that remained was his magnificent mustache. People say it returns every year, on the anniversary of Bockius’s death, seeking a lip to claim as its own! When the boys try to prove the story is fake, they find more than they bargained for.
Wolver Hollow is not a normal town. The adults are too busy shuffling off to work at the old coffin factory to notice or care, but the kids know all about monsters, ghosts, and strange lights in the sky. Strange things happen in Wolver Hollow. Creepy things.
But fifth graders Parker and Lucas are determined to debunk one of Wolver Hollow’s Over a hundred years ago, Bockius Beauregard was vaporized in an unfortunate accident and all that remained was his magnificent mustache. People say it returns every year, on the anniversary of Bockius’s death, seeking a lip to claim as its own! When the boys try to prove the story is fake, they find more than they bargained for.
160 pages, Paperback
Published August 31, 2021
15 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 4, 2023
Dieses Buch hat so Spaß gemacht. Hier ein paar der Zitate die ich mir aufgeschrieben habe.
Der erste Satz: "And his mustache was all that remained."
„Every year, men who were normally cleanshaven grew mustaches in preparation for October 19. Women and children took their fake mustaches out of the drawer and taped them above their lips. Parents made a game of it, but their eyes were filled with fear.“
„It floated down and wrapped one curl around a stick, holding it like a pencil. The kids watched in shock as it scratched something in the dirt.
Your lip is mine.
And then it added a smiley face.“
Der erste Satz: "And his mustache was all that remained."
„Every year, men who were normally cleanshaven grew mustaches in preparation for October 19. Women and children took their fake mustaches out of the drawer and taped them above their lips. Parents made a game of it, but their eyes were filled with fear.“
„It floated down and wrapped one curl around a stick, holding it like a pencil. The kids watched in shock as it scratched something in the dirt.
Your lip is mine.
And then it added a smiley face.“
January 3, 2022
And you thought the only date you needed to watch out for on the calendar was Friday the 13th . . . add October 19th to you list. Find out why in this tale about the mustache of a man who passed away in 1888 and the three Parker, Lucas and Samantha who are determined to put the mustache to rest and end their town's fears.
October 15, 2022
Fun and goofy and filled with some chills, this is a perfect read for the early reader who likes to read horror stories. I am excited to see where the series goes!
Read
January 21, 20243.5–cute, quick read. Read this since it was one of the 15 SSYRA books this year.
June 9, 2022
Now that they are in 5th grade, Parker and Lucas and the rest of their classmates are old enough to learn why their town completely shuts down on October 19 and heavily encourages/forces its residents to grow a mustache or stick on a fake one. A man died in an explosion over 100 years ago. While his body was vaporized, his mustache remained. Every October 19, it comes back looking for a new lip, but is it actually true? As the Midnight Owl Detective Agency, Parker and Lucas are determined to solve this mystery. For fans of The Notebook of Doom series, Goosebumps, and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. A good funny, yet scary series for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders.
August 9, 2023
Over all the book was good but the ending, the little afterword paragraph thing that in the version I read was in a box was very disappointing. The ending left me very unfulfilled and maybe it's because it is supposed to "scare" the reader, but it somehow missed for me with the way it was written.
I did like the characters, did like the over all plot and would probably recommend the series to kids wanting "horror" but I don't plan on reading more.
I did like the characters, did like the over all plot and would probably recommend the series to kids wanting "horror" but I don't plan on reading more.
November 1, 2021
Thank you Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was a fun, mystery middle grade read. I don't believe it's meant to be along the lines of a thriller, but I really enjoyed the illustrations and the creepiness of the mustache. This is a great, quick read for elementary kiddos who are super into mysteries or similar books like Goosebumps (without so much scary)!
This was a fun, mystery middle grade read. I don't believe it's meant to be along the lines of a thriller, but I really enjoyed the illustrations and the creepiness of the mustache. This is a great, quick read for elementary kiddos who are super into mysteries or similar books like Goosebumps (without so much scary)!
September 23, 2022
What goes bump in the night? What's scratching at your window while you sleep? What restless sleep is disturbed by the smell of mustache wax?
A ridiculous premise that still manages to produce some tense moments. McGee writes good prose - their descriptions can send chills down the spine of even jaded horror aficionados. A lower-grade chapter book that's surprisingly good at what it does.
A ridiculous premise that still manages to produce some tense moments. McGee writes good prose - their descriptions can send chills down the spine of even jaded horror aficionados. A lower-grade chapter book that's surprisingly good at what it does.
October 30, 2022
Parker, Lucas, and Samantha live in Wolver Hollow where something strange and spooky always happens. The trio are out to solve the mystery of the mustache that haunts the town every year on October 19. Is it really real or just some superstition that the town have come to believe? The trio gather their wits, and courage and the Midnight Owl Detective Agency is on the case.
June 11, 2023
I’m basing my review on the intended audience, which is children. Is this book silly, yes. Is it predictable, yes. Is it the most original story, no. But is is it fun, yes. Is it engaging, yes. Did it hold my attention from beginning to end, yes. For what it is and who it’s written for, it’s a fun book that I think kids will really enjoy.
October 21, 2021
Illustrated by Teo Skaffa. Grades 1-5 easy chapter book fictional. Silly book but story is a little hard to follow. Good for the reader who likes funny stories. Published 2021. Part of Night Frights series.
August 2, 2022
I just found this a bit bizarre… will kids go for a story about a ghost mustache? I would say this is a fit for grades 2-4. It is a quick read and does move things along. I would say it is really more adventure to the plot than any real mystery to be solved.
October 7, 2023
This silly mystery has nothing truly frightening in it. But it does have some vividly cinematic scenes. It would make a great action/comedy movie in the vein of Goonies. (I even wondered if the author grew up in the VCR era and watched such movies repeatedly.) #mockhorror #mystery #mustache #silly
January 20, 2024
Who knew running from a nefarious mustache could be so much fun?! This silly and scary young readers chapter book was a great read -it had short chapters with pictures which is great for young readers! Would definitely recommend.
September 21, 2021
What a fun mystery/scary story for beginner readers and younger kids.
October 26, 2021
A cute scary but not t00 scary book for young kids.
July 26, 2022
Read this one on the beach! A funny little mystery. Grade 3+ would enjoy this book. May use it for 3rd grade when we do mysteries!
September 25, 2022
Really cute for 2nd-3rd graders
May 29, 2023
Fun and goofy with just the right amount of creepy to get a budding thrill seeker an adventure. Very quick read for reluctant readers.
August 25, 2023
3.5 stars- not so scary story with humor for those just getting into chapter books
September 6, 2023
The boy read this one in a few days and took his quiz on it for his book tag. Pretty easy read and fun story to boot. Great for Halloween time.
January 24, 2024
The first ever book club with students at my school. Cute but basic even for an elementary level book.
April 19, 2024
I enjoyed this book much more than I thought. Grades 3-5 would enjoy it. It was silly, funny and had some surprises.
October 21, 2024
Funny concept. Creepy without being too scary.
November 11, 2024
Fun book for kids who like scary books (think Goosebumps). Weird and funny that it’s about a mustache ghost.
April 20, 2025
A fun and quick little spooky adventure that hit my nostalgic memories of reading spooky stories as a kid.
November 13, 2021
What worked:
If you like STRANGE mysteries, this book is for you. As the title says, this small town is being haunted by a mustache, and the people tremble in fear every October 19. Men grow mustaches, and women and children tape on facial hair for protection against the curse. It seems a man’s factory exploded and the only thing they found of him was his top lip and mustache. The ghostly bristles attack bare faces that are foolish enough to leave their homes on the fateful date. Legend says the mustache has killed before.
Lucas and Parker have formed The Midnight Owl Detective Agency. Their class is told the true history of October 19, and they don’t react in fear like most of the citizens. The plot unfolds into a mystery for the kids to solve, as they try to break the curse that’s plagued the town for decades. They have the enthusiasm to get it done, but they lack the essential knowledge needed to get the job done. A know-it-all girl from class has the information, so the boys reluctantly allow her to join their team. Presumably, other Night Frights books in the series will find the kids solving new mysteries in the small town of Wolver Hollow.
The plot contains all of the common elements readers might expect in a ghost story. It has a malicious ghost, a spooky graveyard, a creepy haunted house, and it takes place on a dark and stormy night. The kids use familiar defenses against creatures of the night, such as salt, moving water, and light. The mustache has unexpected abilities readers will not believe, and its evilness is combined with a bit of playfulness, much like a cat toying with a mouse.
What didn’t work as well:
The ending of the book was a bit confusing. Without trying to give away too much information, the conflict was resolved, kind of. Several times during the plot, a character states that ghosts may seek revenge, and they have long memories. The idea of the haunted mustache targeting the kids and returning in the future is offered as a possibility throughout the story, but the epilogue then muddles things up. The purpose of the epilogue is clear, but it adds more confusion to the resolution than anything else.
The final verdict:
Menacing facial hair may be stalking you! This book will appeal to young readers, as it presents an unusual, threatening “monster”. The action moves quickly through a free-wheeling encounter with the spirit that generates enough suspense and fear to entertain kids.
If you like STRANGE mysteries, this book is for you. As the title says, this small town is being haunted by a mustache, and the people tremble in fear every October 19. Men grow mustaches, and women and children tape on facial hair for protection against the curse. It seems a man’s factory exploded and the only thing they found of him was his top lip and mustache. The ghostly bristles attack bare faces that are foolish enough to leave their homes on the fateful date. Legend says the mustache has killed before.
Lucas and Parker have formed The Midnight Owl Detective Agency. Their class is told the true history of October 19, and they don’t react in fear like most of the citizens. The plot unfolds into a mystery for the kids to solve, as they try to break the curse that’s plagued the town for decades. They have the enthusiasm to get it done, but they lack the essential knowledge needed to get the job done. A know-it-all girl from class has the information, so the boys reluctantly allow her to join their team. Presumably, other Night Frights books in the series will find the kids solving new mysteries in the small town of Wolver Hollow.
The plot contains all of the common elements readers might expect in a ghost story. It has a malicious ghost, a spooky graveyard, a creepy haunted house, and it takes place on a dark and stormy night. The kids use familiar defenses against creatures of the night, such as salt, moving water, and light. The mustache has unexpected abilities readers will not believe, and its evilness is combined with a bit of playfulness, much like a cat toying with a mouse.
What didn’t work as well:
The ending of the book was a bit confusing. Without trying to give away too much information, the conflict was resolved, kind of. Several times during the plot, a character states that ghosts may seek revenge, and they have long memories. The idea of the haunted mustache targeting the kids and returning in the future is offered as a possibility throughout the story, but the epilogue then muddles things up. The purpose of the epilogue is clear, but it adds more confusion to the resolution than anything else.
The final verdict:
Menacing facial hair may be stalking you! This book will appeal to young readers, as it presents an unusual, threatening “monster”. The action moves quickly through a free-wheeling encounter with the spirit that generates enough suspense and fear to entertain kids.
January 23, 2022
I love scary stories for kids. I love stories of haunted places for kids. I especially love kid ghost hunter stories. I really thought I would like Night Frights Book 1... I didn't.
What I did like:
The creepy "Lady in White" (movie) vibes in the opening scene. Yes, please!
It's a ghost story.
I wish I could say I enjoyed more things, but I didn't.
What I did not like:
The three main characters are in fifth grade yet the book is written for 7-10-year-olds (closer to the 7 to 8-year-old reader) which means the characters don't get to "act their age." But the themes and certain events are not for a 7/8 year old.
The writing style. Holy repetition, Batman! The author consistently repeated the same sentiment in the same paragraph... so annoying. The constant use of dialogue tags was annoying. Another reason I feel this was written for the much younger reader in mind. And the entire book is as passive as you can get and filled with descriptive infodumps that is even stranger for a kids book.
Edit:
Okay, I wasn't going to mention this as something I really "disliked" but I just read the description again, and it really irks me. Yes, Parker and Lucas are the "main" main characters... except... they're not. Samantha von Opplestein appears on page 10 and is a main character. She appears in nearly every chapter, is vital to their success, and is inducted to their detective agency at the end. She IS a main character. This is a trio of ghost hunters. Why dismiss her role in this book? Why place her on the back cover looking like a weakling? Lucas screams when seeing bugs! And why is she omitted from the marketing blurb?
One reason I can see for this is the misconception that boys read scary stories more than girls. Hogwash!
Yes, the erasure of an entire character despite being such an integral part of the story angers me.
What I did like:
The creepy "Lady in White" (movie) vibes in the opening scene. Yes, please!
It's a ghost story.
I wish I could say I enjoyed more things, but I didn't.
What I did not like:
The three main characters are in fifth grade yet the book is written for 7-10-year-olds (closer to the 7 to 8-year-old reader) which means the characters don't get to "act their age." But the themes and certain events are not for a 7/8 year old.
The writing style. Holy repetition, Batman! The author consistently repeated the same sentiment in the same paragraph... so annoying. The constant use of dialogue tags was annoying. Another reason I feel this was written for the much younger reader in mind. And the entire book is as passive as you can get and filled with descriptive infodumps that is even stranger for a kids book.
Edit:
Okay, I wasn't going to mention this as something I really "disliked" but I just read the description again, and it really irks me. Yes, Parker and Lucas are the "main" main characters... except... they're not. Samantha von Opplestein appears on page 10 and is a main character. She appears in nearly every chapter, is vital to their success, and is inducted to their detective agency at the end. She IS a main character. This is a trio of ghost hunters. Why dismiss her role in this book? Why place her on the back cover looking like a weakling? Lucas screams when seeing bugs! And why is she omitted from the marketing blurb?
One reason I can see for this is the misconception that boys read scary stories more than girls. Hogwash!
Yes, the erasure of an entire character despite being such an integral part of the story angers me.
September 13, 2021
This was really fun and scary i dont know why scary but it was giving me the creeps, I love this book and i think they should switch the names of Parker and Lucas but yea its great.
November 28, 2021
Funny mystery. Great for reluctant reader - grades 3-5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews