Mason Mooney, Doppelgänger Detective by Seaerra Miller. Flying Eye Books, 2021. 9781838740030
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4
Format: Paperback graphic novel
Genre: Fantasy
What did you like about the book? Mason Mooney is a self described paranormal investigator at Grimbrook Middle School. It’s Halloween, and Mason’s friend Iris has roped him into putting on a costume for the school party. When Mason’s nemesis Trent Reilly wins the costume competition, even though he’s not wearing a costume (“Who cares if he’s an arrogant phony and isn’t technically wearing a costume, he still looks GREAT.”) and is sucked into an alternative dimension, it’s the perfect opportunity for paranormal investigation. In addition, Mason notices a doppelgänger in the crowd – another Mason! He and Iris investigate Trent’s disappearance and try to figure out the doppelgänger, whose name is Nosam – Mason’s name in reverse. Is he really as nice as she seems?
This quick read with beautiful, stylish art is a fun middle school romp, and a paranormal fiction lover’s dream. Not only are there doppelgängers, witches, and monsters, but frogs and slime that rain down and snarky jokes about middle school popularity and romance. Also, Mason inexplicably ends up in his tighty whities, which is pretty funny. This title is Mason Mooney’s second adventure and there’s a humorous recap at the beginning which includes the advice “…go back and read the first book.” But it does stand alone.
Anything you didn’t like about it? No
To whom would you recommend this book? For ages 8-12, fans of paranormal comics.
Who should buy this book? Elementary school and public libraries
Where would you shelve it ? Graphic novels
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? No
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Stephanie Tournas, Robbins Library, Arlington, MA
Date of review: December 9, 2021
Youth Services Book Review 
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