Dr. Fell and the Playground of Doom

An abandoned old house has long been the playground of the neighborhood’s children, so when moving vans show up and begin to unload, there is both curiosity and disappointment. The children feel like their best times are being taken from them. Trucks and trucks are unloaded, and a funny-looking old man moves in. A couple days later, the most amazing playground–a combination of castles, pirate ships, and other exciting things–appears outside the old house. Soon children are swarming the place and seem to fall under a spell. The old man, Dr. Fell, seems able to enthrall all the parents and cure injuries miraculously. Three of the youngsters think something doesn’t quite add up and begin a quest to discover what’s really going on. But can they take on the strange Dr. Fell and win?

Author David Neilsen has conjured up a story that will positively fascinate middle-grade readers and cast them under some kind of reading spell–a very good thing. The story is a combination mystery/supernatural/suspense/horror and will keep those eyeballs fast to the pages. Great characters and excellent writing will make this a true winner in the middle-grade category.