Mason Mooney: Paranormal Investigator

Meet Mason Mooney, Paranormal Investigator par excellence. At least that is what he tells you. His one ambition is to beat the heart-throb Trent, leader of the Paranormal Society – single-minded, heartless Mason will pursue his goal. So when a letter arrives offering a paranormal mystery, Mason is happy – but less so when Iris who sent the letter turns up. Together, they set to work – can they succeed? But why does Mason have a living heart in a jar? That, reader is another story….

Tongue-in-cheek, Seaerra Miller, takes on the supernatural horror thriller to delight a KS2/KS3 audience. The themes may be familiar – but this is where Miller’s success lies and what enables her to take full advantage of the potential for humour. And there is plenty to raise a laugh, whether it is the portrayal of the suave Trent, Mason’s egotism or the quiet competence of Iris (unrecognised by any other than the reader). Designed as a graphic novel, the writing is brisk, contemporary and presented mainly as lively dialogue with occasional prose asides. The reader is carried helter-skelter through the action as Miller skilfully employs all the techniques of the form. Then there are the illustrations – bold, energetic, colourful – saturated reds and purples – and lurid neon green ghosts – reflecting the storytelling to perfection. We must look forward to meeting Mason and Iris again.