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Sinister Summer #4
Menacing Manor
The penultimate adventure finds the Sinister-Winterbottoms at the manor of Mr. Frank and Dr. Stein!
After escaping from Edgaren’t and Dr. Jay, the Sinister-Winterbottoms and their friends arrive at Stein Manor Science Camp. They all work together to distract the friendly teenage camp director so they can explore and look for clues about where their parents might be.
Meanwhile, Theo and Alexander settle on a daring plan. They know exactly where Edgaren’t is going to coming for them, and the books. This time, they’ll be ready. This time, they’ll get answers. And this time, they won’t trust the adult in charge, which is easy enough when it’s enormous, lurking, unfriendly Mr. Frank. But as they get closer to opening the books and their parents’ histories, an unexpected foe is watching everything they do. . . .
Fake volcanoes! Real sea caves! Strangely modified frogs! Startling betrayal! And a lightning-struck manor! all combine for the electrifying penultimate Sinister Summer adventure.
After escaping from Edgaren’t and Dr. Jay, the Sinister-Winterbottoms and their friends arrive at Stein Manor Science Camp. They all work together to distract the friendly teenage camp director so they can explore and look for clues about where their parents might be.
Meanwhile, Theo and Alexander settle on a daring plan. They know exactly where Edgaren’t is going to coming for them, and the books. This time, they’ll be ready. This time, they’ll get answers. And this time, they won’t trust the adult in charge, which is easy enough when it’s enormous, lurking, unfriendly Mr. Frank. But as they get closer to opening the books and their parents’ histories, an unexpected foe is watching everything they do. . . .
Fake volcanoes! Real sea caves! Strangely modified frogs! Startling betrayal! And a lightning-struck manor! all combine for the electrifying penultimate Sinister Summer adventure.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published May 2, 2023
11 people are currently reading
520 people want to read
About the author
Kiersten White
64 books13.8k followersKiersten White is the #1 New York Times bestselling, Bram Stoker Award-winning, and critically acclaimed author of many books for readers of all ages, including the And I Darken trilogy, the Sinister Summer series, the Camelot Rising trilogy, Star Wars: Padawan, Hide, Mister Magic, and Lucy Undying. She also has a very large tortoise named Kimberly, which isn't relevant, but she wanted you to know.
Visit her online at kierstenwhite.com.
Visit her online at kierstenwhite.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
April 21, 2023
In this, the fourth book in The Sinister Summer Series, the action is somewhat more low-keyed than the three previous books. Things finally seem to be going favorably for the three siblings and their friends until, suddenly, danger rears its head with an unexpected twist, leaving Menacing Manor with a cliffhanger ending. Can't wait to find out what challenges lie ahead for the Sinister-Winterbottom siblings in the upcoming fifth and final book in this series. Knowing this author, I'm sure that something sensational is in the works (those secrets being guarded by her ferocious tortoise, Kimberly, as described in the Author's Note at the end of this novel.)
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's, Delacorte Press for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's, Delacorte Press for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2023
Menacing Manor is the fourth book in the Sinister Summer series by Kiersten White and it’s just as good as the others. I think this is actually the best one since the first one!
This series follows Wil and her twin siblings, Theo and Alexander as they start their summer with one very important thing missing, their parents. While trying to figure out the mystery of the missing parents, the kids end up at a variety of destinations that each get a little more strange as they go.
These books are the perfect mix of A Series of Unfortunate Events and Scooby-Doo with a dash of the aesthetic from Wednesday. I love how each book takes place at a primary location which makes each installment feel very episodic but also, the hijinks that occur at each place are wildly different so it never feels repetitive. The story grows on itself with each installment so you need to read them in order to fully understand everything.
The writing is so witty that I find myself laughing out loud pretty often. There are also jokes that I think would go right over my children’s heads so that is fun too. It makes the books feel like they could be a family reading experience.
I feel like I could go on and on about how fun this series is but if you like middle grade books at all, I feel like these would be a winner. I can’t wait to see where the next book goes as this one ended on a bit of a cliffhanger.
Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book before it’s release. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This series follows Wil and her twin siblings, Theo and Alexander as they start their summer with one very important thing missing, their parents. While trying to figure out the mystery of the missing parents, the kids end up at a variety of destinations that each get a little more strange as they go.
These books are the perfect mix of A Series of Unfortunate Events and Scooby-Doo with a dash of the aesthetic from Wednesday. I love how each book takes place at a primary location which makes each installment feel very episodic but also, the hijinks that occur at each place are wildly different so it never feels repetitive. The story grows on itself with each installment so you need to read them in order to fully understand everything.
The writing is so witty that I find myself laughing out loud pretty often. There are also jokes that I think would go right over my children’s heads so that is fun too. It makes the books feel like they could be a family reading experience.
I feel like I could go on and on about how fun this series is but if you like middle grade books at all, I feel like these would be a winner. I can’t wait to see where the next book goes as this one ended on a bit of a cliffhanger.
Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book before it’s release. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 24, 2023
My favorite so far in the series! I'm loving the way the mystery is unfolding, and continue to love the thoughtful and warmhearted way the characters and their quirks are approached.
March 13, 2023
1st reading: 3rd-13th March 2023
Rating: 5 out of 5
- 7th book in the month of February 2023
- 24th book in 2023 reading challenge
Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley + in exchange for an honest opinion. Thank you Netgalley and Delacorte Press for the ARC!
Book four in the tragic series about the Sinister-Winterbottom twins, who must solve one wretched mystery after the next, brought to you by #1 New York Times bestselling author KIERSTEN WHITE. The electrifying penultimate adventure finds the Sinister-Winterbottoms at the manor of Mr. Frank and Dr. Stein!
After escaping from Edgaren't and Dr. Jay, the Sinister-Winterbottoms and their friends arrive at Stein Manor Science Camp. They all work together to distract the friendly teenage camp director so they can explore and look for clues about where their parents might be.
Meanwhile, Theo and Alexander settle on a daring plan. They know exactly where Edgaren't is going to be: coming for them, and the books. This time, they'll be ready. This time, they'll get answers. And this time, they won't trust the adult in charge, which is easy enough when it's enormous, lurking, unfriendly Mr. Frank. But as they get closer to opening the books and their parents' histories, an unexpected foe is watching everything they do. . . .
Fake volcanoes! Real sea caves! Strangely modified frogs! Startling betrayal! And a lightning-struck manor! all combine for the electrifying penultimate Sinister Summer adventure.
It's so much better than the second and the third book. This book almost as good as the first book.
This is the fourth book in Sinister summer series and we picked up right away after the ending of the third book. Now we are following more than 3 main characters, we have 8 characters - precious characters - here and their adventure in this Stein Manor Science Camp. I love the 8 characters dynamic here and all the characters development I've been seeing since the last two books.
It's fun, twsity, witty, and yet sinister till the end. I'm so happy that Aunt Saffronia's back now even though I don't expect that ending. I will follow this series until the end. I don't know if this is a 5 books series or 6 books series or more than that but I'm going to read them anyway. I love Alexander, Theo, Wil, Edgar, Lucy, Mina, Quincy, Henry, and even Mr Frank!
It's so good. I highly recommend this book for anyone out there!
Rating: 5 out of 5
- 7th book in the month of February 2023
- 24th book in 2023 reading challenge
Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley + in exchange for an honest opinion. Thank you Netgalley and Delacorte Press for the ARC!
Book four in the tragic series about the Sinister-Winterbottom twins, who must solve one wretched mystery after the next, brought to you by #1 New York Times bestselling author KIERSTEN WHITE. The electrifying penultimate adventure finds the Sinister-Winterbottoms at the manor of Mr. Frank and Dr. Stein!
After escaping from Edgaren't and Dr. Jay, the Sinister-Winterbottoms and their friends arrive at Stein Manor Science Camp. They all work together to distract the friendly teenage camp director so they can explore and look for clues about where their parents might be.
Meanwhile, Theo and Alexander settle on a daring plan. They know exactly where Edgaren't is going to be: coming for them, and the books. This time, they'll be ready. This time, they'll get answers. And this time, they won't trust the adult in charge, which is easy enough when it's enormous, lurking, unfriendly Mr. Frank. But as they get closer to opening the books and their parents' histories, an unexpected foe is watching everything they do. . . .
Fake volcanoes! Real sea caves! Strangely modified frogs! Startling betrayal! And a lightning-struck manor! all combine for the electrifying penultimate Sinister Summer adventure.
It's so much better than the second and the third book. This book almost as good as the first book.
This is the fourth book in Sinister summer series and we picked up right away after the ending of the third book. Now we are following more than 3 main characters, we have 8 characters - precious characters - here and their adventure in this Stein Manor Science Camp. I love the 8 characters dynamic here and all the characters development I've been seeing since the last two books.
It's fun, twsity, witty, and yet sinister till the end. I'm so happy that Aunt Saffronia's back now even though I don't expect that ending. I will follow this series until the end. I don't know if this is a 5 books series or 6 books series or more than that but I'm going to read them anyway. I love Alexander, Theo, Wil, Edgar, Lucy, Mina, Quincy, Henry, and even Mr Frank!
It's so good. I highly recommend this book for anyone out there!
April 24, 2023
I so enjoy these books. The characters are fun, the Sinister-Winterbottoms, the Blood sisters, Edgar, Quincy, and now Henry too. It's a big cast but easy to keep each person straight since everyone is so different and we mostly follow Theo and Alexander on the adventures.
This installment was Frankenstein-themed and we're so close to finding out where the parents went and what exactly is going on. The kids are all working together to piece everything together and I like that they all have individual strengths. There's also a couple of crushes too and it's adorable.
I'm sad there's only one more book, but so excited to see how it all ends!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Delacorte Press and NetGalley for the copy.
This installment was Frankenstein-themed and we're so close to finding out where the parents went and what exactly is going on. The kids are all working together to piece everything together and I like that they all have individual strengths. There's also a couple of crushes too and it's adorable.
I'm sad there's only one more book, but so excited to see how it all ends!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Delacorte Press and NetGalley for the copy.
May 8, 2024
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. It's honestly taking everything in me to not stay up until 2 am to read the last book but I have to be a responsible mother. Booooooooo.
But for real, I loved this one. I will never get over all her little nods to whichever classic scary thing each book was based on. Literally so freaking good. This was different from the first three of course because we're getting to the end and the very stressful parts but the story was FANTASTIC and stayed true to the theme of the first ones which I greatly appreciate. I had a LOT of raised eyebrow moments and she keeps you guessing after every chapter. So well done and the perfect book series for my current Middle Grade Horror mood.
But for real, I loved this one. I will never get over all her little nods to whichever classic scary thing each book was based on. Literally so freaking good. This was different from the first three of course because we're getting to the end and the very stressful parts but the story was FANTASTIC and stayed true to the theme of the first ones which I greatly appreciate. I had a LOT of raised eyebrow moments and she keeps you guessing after every chapter. So well done and the perfect book series for my current Middle Grade Horror mood.
September 10, 2023
we are nearing the end of the sinister summer series, i can feel it. the sinister-winterbottoms siblings and their friends are so close to the truth to their parents' disappearances. in this book, they made their way to a science camp with an unfriendly mr. frank but friendly camp director. after going through so much together, the siblings are starting to know each other more and that helped a lot as the danger lurks nearer and nearer.
July 27, 2023
I really enjoyed the group dynamic in this one. With all of the characters together it was fun and it made the mystery more interesting. The ending was really exciting, and I’m eagerly awaiting the release of the final book!
May 4, 2023
I still haven’t learned anything new. This series is truly a sloooow burn mystery.
May 13, 2023
I think this was the best one yet! Can’t wait for the next one.
May 26, 2023
4/5⭐️s - This is honestly one of the most charming, endearing, and fun middle-grader series ever. I have loved every single one of them, and this one was no exception - I am slightly devastated that the final book doesn't come out until 2024 🙁 They are perfectly spooky while being perfectly lovable. The twins are some of my very favorite characters! I think they also teach very valuable lessons... this one especially touched on not judging someone based on their appearance, trusting your gut, being brave, but not reckless, handling big feelings and tough emotions, and working together. Even as an adult, I value the reminders of these kinds of lessons.
February 17, 2024
2.5 🌟 desaprovechado y algo lento, esperaba algo más de La Mansión Frankenstein,😑
Creo que al final los "malvados" serán todos aquellos "olvidados" por los más cool del grupo no sécómo sentirme con respecto a eso.
Amo a Lucy Blodd 🧛
Creo que al final los "malvados" serán todos aquellos "olvidados" por los más cool del grupo no sécómo sentirme con respecto a eso.
Amo a Lucy Blodd 🧛
June 18, 2023
This was better than the last installment in the series, but it still feels largely repetitive and deliberately drawn out with filler.
The first two books in this series were decent, kind of like an updated version of A Series of Unfortunate Events. Unfortunately the schtick got stale quickly, and the series suffers from the same problem as Unfortunate Events did in that it just feels like the same thing over and over with only infinitesimal progress in plot movement in order to stretch the series out longer. It especially bugs me when kids series do this, because it’s easier to get away with when writing for a younger audience.
I’m also confused as to why we’re at a camp in this book, since the last book was also a camp. Surely White could have come up with a setting more different from the last one at the very least.
The characters remain a mixed bag. I understand what White is trying to do with Alexander, but he’s pretty tough to take, and the cowgirl is just horrendous. It’s a shame because I really like both Will and Theo, and think they’re well drawn characters and terrific for a young audience.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
The first two books in this series were decent, kind of like an updated version of A Series of Unfortunate Events. Unfortunately the schtick got stale quickly, and the series suffers from the same problem as Unfortunate Events did in that it just feels like the same thing over and over with only infinitesimal progress in plot movement in order to stretch the series out longer. It especially bugs me when kids series do this, because it’s easier to get away with when writing for a younger audience.
I’m also confused as to why we’re at a camp in this book, since the last book was also a camp. Surely White could have come up with a setting more different from the last one at the very least.
The characters remain a mixed bag. I understand what White is trying to do with Alexander, but he’s pretty tough to take, and the cowgirl is just horrendous. It’s a shame because I really like both Will and Theo, and think they’re well drawn characters and terrific for a young audience.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
May 5, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children's, Delacorte Press, and Kiersten White for the opportunity to read Menacing Manor in exchange for an honest review.
Menacing Manor is the fourth book (of five) in the Sinister Summer series, and it continues to harbor its Unfortunate Events vibes with a slew if wacky, flavorful characters aiming to solve the mysteries of their families.
This novel has the Sinister-Winterbottom's and company fleeing the summer camp and making their way to Stein Manor to find the Stein family, the one of the last families named on the mysterious collection of tomes the kids have found. The Manor is its own science camp, featuring Frankenstein allusions and vibes.
The children "sign up for camp," though they use the activities to cover their sleuthing. With Victor Stein missing and Mr. Frank watching the children's every move, trying to discover their family secrets proves to be quite the challenge.
Nearing its conclusion, the Sinister Summer books continue proving to be exceptionally fun reads. Menacing Manor maintains the quirky air with its assemblage of intriguing characters. I can't wait for the final installment, for the mystery to find its resolution!
Menacing Manor is the fourth book (of five) in the Sinister Summer series, and it continues to harbor its Unfortunate Events vibes with a slew if wacky, flavorful characters aiming to solve the mysteries of their families.
This novel has the Sinister-Winterbottom's and company fleeing the summer camp and making their way to Stein Manor to find the Stein family, the one of the last families named on the mysterious collection of tomes the kids have found. The Manor is its own science camp, featuring Frankenstein allusions and vibes.
The children "sign up for camp," though they use the activities to cover their sleuthing. With Victor Stein missing and Mr. Frank watching the children's every move, trying to discover their family secrets proves to be quite the challenge.
Nearing its conclusion, the Sinister Summer books continue proving to be exceptionally fun reads. Menacing Manor maintains the quirky air with its assemblage of intriguing characters. I can't wait for the final installment, for the mystery to find its resolution!
February 17, 2024
It is no secret that I love this series. I think the author describes anxiety (and all the other feelings of being a tween) so very perfectly. This book was a perfect next step in the story. Can't wait to see how it turns out.
February 23, 2025
Wil, Theo, Alexander, and an assortment of friends from the last three books head to science camp at a creepy old manor. There’s a bubbly, friendly girl and a mean old caretaker. Will they find what they need before they get found out?
Ends on a cliffhanger of sorts. I’m excited to read the last book and see how it all ends. Audiobook was great as always.
Ends on a cliffhanger of sorts. I’m excited to read the last book and see how it all ends. Audiobook was great as always.
May 9, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Children’s for the ARC of this!
My kids (6 & 9) are obsessed with this series! It gives A Series of Unfortunate Events x Classic Horror Characters. In this one the kids travel looking for V. Stein and instead meet the scary, lumbering Mr. Frank and the sweet Essa. This was a great continuation of the series and we had a lot of fun reading it.
My kids (6 & 9) are obsessed with this series! It gives A Series of Unfortunate Events x Classic Horror Characters. In this one the kids travel looking for V. Stein and instead meet the scary, lumbering Mr. Frank and the sweet Essa. This was a great continuation of the series and we had a lot of fun reading it.
July 2, 2023
I cant believe, I have to wait until JANUARY to solve the mystery, now that we're so close... aaahhhh
July 18, 2024
3.5 rounded down
January 7, 2025
my favorite of the bunch so far, i flew through this
May 13, 2025
B/80 (More than Satisfactory) 3.5 Stars rounded up
November 23, 2023
4.6/5 stars — if there’s one thing that will always be true, it’s that kiersten white and I are both frankenstein girlies to our core 😌 idk how she keeps shocking me with twists in a middle grade series, but she sure does!!!
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Pacing: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
Enjoyment: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Pacing: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
Enjoyment: 5/5
March 8, 2024
this was definitely a filler book, prepping for the final book of the series. this was a VERY lowkey story given the situation these characters are in and unfortunately, it’s my least favorite of the bunch 🌪️
I was also expecting a setting other than another take on a summer camp but the incorporation of Frankenstein into the plot was cool! given we are at a science camp, I wanted more science 🧪
still protecting baby Alexander with my whole heart.
2.5 stars 🔭
I was also expecting a setting other than another take on a summer camp but the incorporation of Frankenstein into the plot was cool! given we are at a science camp, I wanted more science 🧪
still protecting baby Alexander with my whole heart.
2.5 stars 🔭
March 29, 2023
The penultimate book in this wonderful series was a non-stop read. Just like with the previous books, you’ll want to set aside time to read this in one sitting. They’re way too much fun and addictive to stop reading.
Theo and Alexander as characters have grown so much in a short amount of time. It’s so well done and beautiful to watch happen.
I absolutely love that the extended cast got more page time! I was hoping they would all come back into play, so I’m over the moon about that.
We even get to meet a few more quirky characters and we’re seeing more twists, turns and surprises that leave you feeling like “wait whaaaat??”.
I can already tell the final book is going to leave me breathless. I’ll be sad when it’s over but I’ve absolutely loved my time with these books.
*Disclaimer* I received an eARC from Penguin Teen Canada. An honest review was provided.
Theo and Alexander as characters have grown so much in a short amount of time. It’s so well done and beautiful to watch happen.
I absolutely love that the extended cast got more page time! I was hoping they would all come back into play, so I’m over the moon about that.
We even get to meet a few more quirky characters and we’re seeing more twists, turns and surprises that leave you feeling like “wait whaaaat??”.
I can already tell the final book is going to leave me breathless. I’ll be sad when it’s over but I’ve absolutely loved my time with these books.
*Disclaimer* I received an eARC from Penguin Teen Canada. An honest review was provided.
July 3, 2023
As this is the penultimate book in the series, it's time for the larger arc plot to begin setting up for the final confrontation. If the series were a single volume, Menacing Manor would be the B' part where the initial inciting incident is re-contextualized.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2023/comm...
Family Utopia Offroad 33FF66
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Family Utopia Offroad 33FF66
August 16, 2023
By now, this series has become a guaranteed 5 stars, and I honestly couldn’t be happier about it. This year I am struggling to find 5-stars books, so having two Sinister Summer instalments coming out a few months apart has been a blessing for my average rating.
I have already reviewed the first three books in the series (Wretched Waterpark, Vampiric Vacation and Camp Creepy), so this one is going to be a bit repetitive, because I have already said almost everything and also I do not want to spoil anything in case you were thinking of starting the series. Which you should absolutely do. And if you weren’t thinking about it, I highly suggest you pick up at least Wretched Waterpark and give it a try.
Back on topic: my absolute favourite thing about this series — and more than ever about this book — are the characters. Not only I find Theo and Alexander to be two of the best middle grade main characters I’ve ever read about, but I also believe that Kiersten White did an outstanding job with all the secondary and even the minor characters.
The villain is also extremely interesting and I love that they are surrounded by mystery, seeing as mystery is one of the key elements of the Sinister Summer Series. Mystery that I find is handled with such great care and pacing! I could not put the book down, both because I wanted to know more about the plot specific to this chapter of the story and the general plot.
I like how with every passing book a new piece of the puzzle is added to the mix, keeping things interesting and engaging. I cannot wait to read the final book — even though I am extremely sad to say goodbye to this world and these amazing characters — to see how everything comes into place in the end. I might also do a huge reread with annotations (more specifically, sticky notes, because I do not write on books) before book five comes out, to consume the whole story in one go and notice all the small details I might have missed. I just need to buy a physical copy of the third and fourth books.
Another thing I’ve always praised about the series is Kiersten White’s writing style: I love how witty and fun and smart it is, making the reading experience all the more exciting. I also love how she takes from classic literature, without falling into clichés. In this case, as you may have gathered from the cover and title, the inspiration was Frankenstein and I loved what the author did with what is one of my favourite classics of all times.
One last thing and then I will wrap this review up: I always say this, but God bless shorter books and authors who know how to craft the perfect series with less than 300 pages for book, because it’s one of my favourite format and I think you need a great talent to pull it off, especially when you also have to create some kind of world builing like in this case.
This is going to be all for today: in case this wasn’t clear, I highly recommend picking up this series, whether you are a middle grader or not, because you won’t be disappointed. Moreover, the covers are stunning (have you seen the cover for the final instalment, Haunted Holiday? I am obsessed, I need it in my hands right now), so you’ll kill two birds with one stone by adding these to your shelves, am I right?
I have already reviewed the first three books in the series (Wretched Waterpark, Vampiric Vacation and Camp Creepy), so this one is going to be a bit repetitive, because I have already said almost everything and also I do not want to spoil anything in case you were thinking of starting the series. Which you should absolutely do. And if you weren’t thinking about it, I highly suggest you pick up at least Wretched Waterpark and give it a try.
Back on topic: my absolute favourite thing about this series — and more than ever about this book — are the characters. Not only I find Theo and Alexander to be two of the best middle grade main characters I’ve ever read about, but I also believe that Kiersten White did an outstanding job with all the secondary and even the minor characters.
The villain is also extremely interesting and I love that they are surrounded by mystery, seeing as mystery is one of the key elements of the Sinister Summer Series. Mystery that I find is handled with such great care and pacing! I could not put the book down, both because I wanted to know more about the plot specific to this chapter of the story and the general plot.
I like how with every passing book a new piece of the puzzle is added to the mix, keeping things interesting and engaging. I cannot wait to read the final book — even though I am extremely sad to say goodbye to this world and these amazing characters — to see how everything comes into place in the end. I might also do a huge reread with annotations (more specifically, sticky notes, because I do not write on books) before book five comes out, to consume the whole story in one go and notice all the small details I might have missed. I just need to buy a physical copy of the third and fourth books.
Another thing I’ve always praised about the series is Kiersten White’s writing style: I love how witty and fun and smart it is, making the reading experience all the more exciting. I also love how she takes from classic literature, without falling into clichés. In this case, as you may have gathered from the cover and title, the inspiration was Frankenstein and I loved what the author did with what is one of my favourite classics of all times.
One last thing and then I will wrap this review up: I always say this, but God bless shorter books and authors who know how to craft the perfect series with less than 300 pages for book, because it’s one of my favourite format and I think you need a great talent to pull it off, especially when you also have to create some kind of world builing like in this case.
This is going to be all for today: in case this wasn’t clear, I highly recommend picking up this series, whether you are a middle grader or not, because you won’t be disappointed. Moreover, the covers are stunning (have you seen the cover for the final instalment, Haunted Holiday? I am obsessed, I need it in my hands right now), so you’ll kill two birds with one stone by adding these to your shelves, am I right?
February 8, 2024
“We’ll be okay, because we’re together.”
REVIEW
➽ Menacing Manor has Theo, Alex and Wil end up at Stein Manor Science Camp! I love that they aren't alone this time, but are joined by their friends Mina, Lucy, Quincy, Henry and Edgar who are also missing their guardians! All of them were working together to finally find out what happened to their family and why someone was coming after them. The science camp seems interesting and is run by Essa, a young girl who is all too happy to have them. Then there's the strange monstrous Mr. Frank who is constantly trying to get them to leave. I liked unravelling the mystery of the manor and getting one step closer to finding the answers to the big overarching mystery!
INFORMATION
➽ CW's: Kidnapping, Mentions of Death
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March 11, 2024
I'd like book 5 to be out already please.
July 22, 2023
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Menacing Manor is the fourth book in the Sinister Summer series by Kiersten White. Released 2nd May, 2023 by Penguin Random House on their Delacorte Press imprint, it's 272 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats (paperback also out in May 2023 from the same publisher). It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. The fifth book in the series is due out in 2024.
It's not derivative; the author is capable and talented, but to describe the series as Scooby Doo written by Lemony Snicket feels appropriate and accurate. The three Sinister-Winterbottom siblings, the eldest is 16 and permanently looking at her smartphone, and fraternal brother and sister twins aged 12 are on their way to summer camp. Not just any summer camp... they're hoping to find clues to solve the disappearances and odd mysteries cropping up with unnerving frequency (including their parents!). They're still hot on the trail of evil archnemesis Edgaren't, and trying to figure out the rules of their new reality, where people are actually disappearing, and it's left to the siblings to get to the bottom of the weirdness. At camp, they've added some allies to their team and they hope they're ready for a showdown with Edgaren't, but nobody's planned for all the twists and turns.
This is a fun summertime mystery for middle grade readers (Lexile measure is 750L). It's well written and edgy, but not inappropriate. The plotting struck me as a trifle meandering and the pacing was odd (clearly intentional on the author's part), but it's a fun and fast paced ride.
Four stars. This would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, or gifting to a young mystery fan.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Menacing Manor is the fourth book in the Sinister Summer series by Kiersten White. Released 2nd May, 2023 by Penguin Random House on their Delacorte Press imprint, it's 272 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats (paperback also out in May 2023 from the same publisher). It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. The fifth book in the series is due out in 2024.
It's not derivative; the author is capable and talented, but to describe the series as Scooby Doo written by Lemony Snicket feels appropriate and accurate. The three Sinister-Winterbottom siblings, the eldest is 16 and permanently looking at her smartphone, and fraternal brother and sister twins aged 12 are on their way to summer camp. Not just any summer camp... they're hoping to find clues to solve the disappearances and odd mysteries cropping up with unnerving frequency (including their parents!). They're still hot on the trail of evil archnemesis Edgaren't, and trying to figure out the rules of their new reality, where people are actually disappearing, and it's left to the siblings to get to the bottom of the weirdness. At camp, they've added some allies to their team and they hope they're ready for a showdown with Edgaren't, but nobody's planned for all the twists and turns.
This is a fun summertime mystery for middle grade readers (Lexile measure is 750L). It's well written and edgy, but not inappropriate. The plotting struck me as a trifle meandering and the pacing was odd (clearly intentional on the author's part), but it's a fun and fast paced ride.
Four stars. This would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, or gifting to a young mystery fan.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
May 15, 2023
First sentence: The Sinister-Winterbottom children had no problems. Their summer was rolling along as merrily as a summer could, endless days and warm nights perfumed with sunscreen and bug spray, drenched in fun and relaxation.
Premise/plot: The worst summer ever continues in the fourth book of the Sinister Summer series. Each book does build on the others--so don't read out of order. Mainly, characters from other books get picked up and carried along--I'm picturing a tumbling tumble weed. So the first book introduces us to three siblings--Sinister-Winterbottoms. Their parents have vanished completely. They are visiting their aunt (who turns out to be a ghost). They visit different 'sinister' locations for summer vacation. They're solving puzzles, piecing together clues, trying to make everything that is wrong in their lives, right again. So far, four books in and the kids (siblings + all other side characters caught up in this mess) are no closer--at all, not even a little bit--to solving anything. No answers, no not one.
My thoughts: I enjoyed the first book. I didn't really enjoy books two and three. I almost enjoyed book four. I have very mixed feelings on the series. I thought the writing of the book one was fun and delightful. Silly melodrama with some cleverness. I don't know that books two through four continue that vibe. Perhaps if you were to read ALL of the books back to back to back to back, then the books would be more enjoyable. One plus, however, is at least the books aren't horribly long. Especially this one. It didn't drag, which was nice.
Premise/plot: The worst summer ever continues in the fourth book of the Sinister Summer series. Each book does build on the others--so don't read out of order. Mainly, characters from other books get picked up and carried along--I'm picturing a tumbling tumble weed. So the first book introduces us to three siblings--Sinister-Winterbottoms. Their parents have vanished completely. They are visiting their aunt (who turns out to be a ghost). They visit different 'sinister' locations for summer vacation. They're solving puzzles, piecing together clues, trying to make everything that is wrong in their lives, right again. So far, four books in and the kids (siblings + all other side characters caught up in this mess) are no closer--at all, not even a little bit--to solving anything. No answers, no not one.
My thoughts: I enjoyed the first book. I didn't really enjoy books two and three. I almost enjoyed book four. I have very mixed feelings on the series. I thought the writing of the book one was fun and delightful. Silly melodrama with some cleverness. I don't know that books two through four continue that vibe. Perhaps if you were to read ALL of the books back to back to back to back, then the books would be more enjoyable. One plus, however, is at least the books aren't horribly long. Especially this one. It didn't drag, which was nice.
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