The Legends of Eerie-on-Sea Series: Malamander #1

The Legends of Eerie-on-Sea Series: Malamander #1 by Thomas Taylor is a quirky and spooky fantasy set in the mist-shrouded town of Eerie-on-Sea. During the winter season, the town's atmosphere is as mysterious as it is eerie, with thick mist rolling in and the sounds of the sea crashing against the windows of the Grand Nautilus Hotel.

At the heart of the story is young Herbert Lemon, the "Lost and Founder" of the hotel, who helps lost children find their way. One day, a fearless girl named Violet Parma arrives at the hotel, convinced that Herbert is the only person who can help her find her missing parents. However, Violet's search is complicated by a mysterious figure: a hook-handed man who is pursuing her.

The town is also home to a legend—the Malamander, a creature that is part fish and part human, said to lay an egg capable of making dreams come true. As the pair ventures deeper into the mystery, they discover that some townspeople, both good-hearted and sinister, are secretly hunting the Malamander. Together, Herbert and Violet must navigate the dangers of Eerie-on-Sea and uncover the truth behind Violet's lost parents while evading those who seek the legendary creature.

This book blends lighthearted fantasy with suspenseful mystery, setting the stage for a trilogy full of twists, charming characters, and eerie adventures. The story is enhanced with black-and-white spot illustrations, bringing the whimsical and creepy world of Eerie-on-Sea to life.