Reviews

The Legend of Decimus Croome: A Halloween Carol by Kevin Purdy

klou1985's review

emotional funny inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

knittyreader's review

5.0

This book is both funny and very recognizable when you know Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'. It read like 'A Muppets' Cristmas Carol' (a movie I love!) as a book, and then linked to Halloween. That means a combination of fun and jokes, and emotional and sad moments. I certainly shed a couple of tears at moments.

While I loved reading this book in August, I really believe it is even better in October!

I received a free copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.

thejoker's review

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Brilliant!! I thought I was the only who thought that it was weird having ghosts as the main character for a Christmas book. (A Christmas Carol) This book has a similar plot to Charles Dickens novella, but the setting is entirely different and the character are quite updated. I love Halloween every bit as much as I like Christmas, so I'm glad to see there's finally a fun, classic book for the season of autumn. There was a perfect blend of humor, character development, a slight bit of spookiness and some great description of Halloween and Fall settings. This book takes place in modern times America rather than Victorian England. Children, preteens, teens and adults will love this updated version of a timeless classic.

jacquelinebrtls's review against another edition

3.0

this was cute!!

gothicvamperstein's review

5.0

This was such a fun retelling of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. It captures the essense, the story and the characters of the original story really well. The Legend of Decimus Croome is still original in its own right, even as a retelling. I suspect a lot of people would love to read this.

susysstories's review

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I’m a big fan of A Christmas Carol and yes, now I’m a fan of A Halloween Carol. I laughed and I cried and now I also grinned (at the references). This is a modern day retelling of A hriaimed at a younger audience and I loved it.

“You scared the Dickens out of me!”

annarella's review

5.0

A brilliant retelling of Dickens' Christmas Carol.
I found it gripping, entertaining and well written.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

wellwortharead's review

3.0

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.

dexterdog's review

4.0

4.5 stars

kathijo63's review

5.0

Week 44 of the 2018 Reading Challenge: A Ghost Story


2018 Popsugar Challenge: A Book About or Set On Halloween

A retelling of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" with a Halloween spin. This should be a Halloween must-read. I laughed, I cried, I was left with warm fuzzy feelings about Halloween. A very enjoyable book and recommended for all ages!