Based on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, The Legend of Decimus Croome is bound to become a Halloween classic for readers of all ages. Follow old man Croome as he is visited by the lovely but disturbing spirit of his dearly departed wife. She warns him of three spirits yet to follow. And oh what spirits they are. Each one is more frightening than the last as they deliver a chilling message for Croome and his fellow Halloween humbugs.
The Ghost of Halloween Past is a truly horrifying yet disturbingly hilarious spirit who delivers Croome to his distant and not-so-distant past. Along the journey, Croome is warmed with nostalgia then terrified by painful memories from Halloweens gone by.
The second spirit is a shape-shifting witch who breaks every stereotype about witches while nearly driving Croome insane with her wild antics and slapstick delivery. As the Ghost of Halloween Present, she takes Croome on a crazy magic carpet ride that reveals his negative influence on those closest to him. The witch also introduces Croome to the magic of Halloween on enchanted visits further afield.
The third phantasm delivers the final glimpse of Croome's diabolically repulsive life and the future that is in store for him if he doesn't change his wicked ways. Croome is forced to confront the impending consequences of his cruel and heartless lifestyle. He is spirited away to a bleak future including a terrifying visit to a desolate cemetery.
Throughout this delightful and spooky Halloween novel, you will be haunted by ghosts, inspired by a brave young leukemia patient and entertained by a precocious feline named Black Magic.
Join Tommy Bobbich, Decimus Croome and a whole cast of ghosts, witches and ghouls in this modern day holiday story that is sure to provide you with chills, laughs and even a few touching moments as you read The Legend of Decimus Croome: a Halloween Carol. You will never look at Halloween the same again.
At the time of this review this book is currently #303 in Children's Spine-Chilling Horror in the Amazon rankings and while it is a little less than I had hoped for as far as chills and thrills I think it is appropriately spooky for middle grades. Decimus Croome is a crotchety old man, though not nearly as cold hearted as scrooge since he does have some small glimmer of affection towards his grandson even before the spirits come calling on him. I did enjoy this twist on A Christmas Carol but I can't say that it is the masterpiece that Dickens wrote. As a mom I would say it is at a reading level for grades 5 and up.
I received a complimentary copy for review.
About the author
Kevin Purdy is the undisputed master of Halloween fiction, and he has definitely taken it to a whole new level with his latest Halloween masterpiece "The Legend of Decimus Croome: A Halloween Carol." This classic Halloween novel is available in paperback, e-book and on Audible. No matter what your age, "A Halloween Carol" will fill you with nostalgia and joy for a Halloween world that reins supreme among all the holidays as a time of tricks, treats, autumn splendor and hilarious spookiness. "The Legend of Decimus Croome" has made it to the very top of numerous Goodreads lists including the best "Spooky, Shivery, Silly" list.
Kevin Purdy grew up in the small logging community of Libby, Montana near the Canada/Idaho borders. Since then he has lived in Oregon and now resides in Colorado. He is the owner of PurdyBooks Publishing Company and has a Master's Degree in Reading Instruction. He was a middle school teacher for over twenty years and now writes full time. He especially enjoys writing family-friendly stories about Halloween with a special obsession for ghosts. His books are suitable for all age groups and make great read-alouds for youngsters.
His latest novel is "The Legend of Decimus Croome: A Halloween Carol" and is based on "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. You will recognize some similarities to the 19th century classic, but you will love all the differences. It is set in America in modern times and, of course, is based on Halloween hauntings instead of Christmas ghosts. It just makes sense. Ghosts are for Halloween. Santa Claus is for Christmas. (-:
"The Legend of Decimus Croome" has been used extensively by teachers of grades 4 through 10 as both a Halloween reading celebration and in a comparative literature unit with "A Christmas Carol." The younger students love the playful language and hilarious Halloween characters. Older students will enjoy comparing the writing styles of Kevin Purdy and Charles Dickens.
Once you read the book, you may want to visit the iPetitions website and sign the petition to make The Legend of Decimus Croome a movie and graphic novel. You may also want to visit PurdyBooks.com or the PurdyBooks Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter sites for book quotes and author updates.
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