Review: Menacing Manor (Sinister Summer #4) by Kiersten White

Title: Menacing Manor

Series: Sinister Summer #4

Previous books in this series: Wretched Waterpark (#1) | Vampiric Vacation (#2) | Camp Creepy (#3)

Author: Kiersten White

Genre: Middle Grade, mystery, humor

Publication date: May 2023

Published by: Delacorte Press

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: After escaping from Edgaren’t and Dr. Jay, the Sinister-Winterbottoms and their friends arrive at Stein Manor Science Camp. They all work together to distract the friendly teenage camp director so they can explore and look for clues about where their parents might be.

Meanwhile, Theo and Alexander settle on a daring plan. They know exactly where Edgaren’t is going to be: coming for them, and the books. This time, they’ll be ready. This time, they’ll get answers. And this time, they won’t trust the adult in charge, which is easy enough when it’s enormous, lurking, unfriendly Mr. Frank. But as they get closer to opening the books and their parents’ histories, an unexpected foe is watching everything they do. . . .

Fake volcanoes! Real sea caves! Strangely modified frogs! Startling betrayal! And a lightning-struck manor! all combine for the electrifying penultimate Sinister Summer adventure.

My rating: ★★★★☆

This summer is going to be strange and scary no matter what until we figure everything out.

This book was so fun! This whole series has been a blast so far! I particularly liked this one because of all the Frankenstein references. All the references to classic horror novels have been so fun and have honestly made me want to read the original books.

One thing I have found about these books is that the beginning always seems slower than the end. I don't know what it is about it, but as they search for clues, it's just very slow-paced. Sometimes the info we find is quite interesting, but I do prefer a fast-paced book.

Which is why I enjoy the endings a whole lot more! There's more action, and it's a lot more exciting. And then this one ended in a cliffhanger! Even though we found out a couple of things here and there, we actually still don't know a lot about the missing parents, which is wild! But the next book is the finale, and I'm looking forward to seeing how everything wraps up.

Have you read this book? If so, what did you think about it? If not, what do you think? Does it sound like something you might want to read? Leave me a link to your review or comment below! 😊