The Bother with the Bonkillyknock Beast

A lovely holiday with her Granny at Bonkillyknock Castle beside the loch sounds ideal to Mary-Kate Martin.

There will definitely not be any monsters and what’s more, she has her rucksuck full of lucky charms and a brand new tam-o’-shanter hat with a red sequinned pom pom on the top. Everything will be alright. She can relax.

Until that is, they arrive at their destination and she discovers she will be taking part in the World Society of Monster Hunters (the good type!) Conference. Having previously gained a medal for hunting a monster, Mary-Kate is proud to be a member.

All is going well until an ear-shattering howl interrupts the convention. Is it possible the Loch Morgavie monster is the one who is howling and causing all the mayhem in the castle?

Armed with her packet of glitter pens and a strawberry scented notebook, MK joins fellow monster-hunters Millicent and Simon to discover who is the culprit.

Could the elusive fairy tress flowers have something to do with why a monster with luminous green fur has ransacked the castle?

Is there some truth to the tales of the monsters of Bonkillyknock Castle bringing good luck?

Mary-Kate, the wonderfully confident Millicent and anxious Simon need to discover the answers before Lady MacMerry, who is determined to harm any beasts. Could it be that kindness and bravery are the answers?

As for Simon who comes from a family of Monster disposers, what secrets does he hold?

This enthralling story is set amongst the fabulous world of Scottish folktales and castles. It is beautifully written, with so many great details deftly included. Actually it is an absolute visual delight, and I would love to see this on screen.

Mary-Kate and her friends make a great team, balancing their strengths and looking out not only for one another but for Morris the bow tie wearing hamster too.

I enjoyed reading the extracts from ‘The Best Advice for a Beginner’ Pamphlet, W.S.M.H.XC111 Conference Material. Sage advice for monster hunting and life!

For fans of fabulous stationary, there’s always the right colour of glitter pen to match any given situation! Sparkly red shoes were lucky for Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, could they be lucky for MK?