Kirby, Matthew J.
A TASTE FOR MONSTERS
New York : Scholastic, 2016
IL YA
ISBN 978-0-545-81784-4

It’s 1888 in London and one can sense the fear in the air. Someone is terrorizing the city and brutally murdering young women. Could this be the work of Jack the Ripper? Evelyn Fallow, 17, is surprised when the hospital hires her as a maid because of her disfigured lower face…until she sees that she will be working for Joseph Merrick. Merrick gained fame as the “Elephant Man” in a freak show due to his severe facial and body deformities. Evelyn and Joseph’s friendship blooms when the ghosts of recently murdered women appear in his room. Evelyn physically feels the ghost’s painful presence in her jaw. The ghostly visits also weaken Joseph as the same few ghosts start appearing every night in agitated states. Evelyn starts investigating to figure out what might bring them peace for their visits have become too much for Joseph and his doctor fears his imminent death. Can Evelyn figure out how to bring peace to these ghosts by catching their killer before the strain of their visits end the life of Joseph? Read this gripping historical fiction mystery tale to find out! --Sherri Ashlock Teacher-Librarian, Nelsen Middle School Evergreen Book Award Nominees 2018-19