Mermedusa by Thomas Taylor

Herbie and Violet’s fifth gripping adventure brings the internationally bestselling Eerie-on-Sea series to a heart-stopping climax.

It is midwinter once again, and the hosts of a paranormal podcast have descended on Eerie-on-Sea eager for a sighting of the legendary malamander. Herbert Lemon, Lost-and-Founder at the Grand Nautilus Hotel, is feeling uneasy – and not just because of the visitors. He’s being plagued by unsettling dreams, and the head-splitting “Eerie Hum” that is reverberating through the town.

Something is dreadfully wrong, and it seems to be coming from Eerie’s very core. Herbie and his friend Violet Parma will need all their courage as they head deep below the town to seek answers. Perhaps here, finally, they – and the malamander too – will discover the Deepest Secret of Eerie-on-Sea.

I am very sad that Mermedusa is the last of the Eerie-on-Sea adventures as this is a series I have thoroughly enjoyed including reading Malamander to my class this year.  But Thomas Taylor certainly doesn’t disappoint with Mermedusa.  There’s a real sense of finality through the story as all the old threads are teased out and brought back to the forefront and we finally get some answers to some of the questions that have been frustrating me since the very first story!  This is absolutely a satisfying and thrilling conclusion to a fantastic series.

Herbie Lemon continues to be the heart of the story with his gentle and cautious manner – though he has gotten a lot braver since the first mystery!  He always shows his courage when it is most important.  However, integral to this story are some of the side characters and I was particularly pleased that Mr Mollusc got some real depth in this tale as we found out more of his past and perhaps some of the reasons why he is as he is.  

Mermedusa is a triumphant conclusion to an absolutely fantastic series.  5 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to Walker Books and NetGalley for this ebook review copy.  Mermedusa by Thomas Taylor is out 7th September and you can pre-order a copy here.