(3) 4-6 Case File 13 series. Visiting an archaeological site, "Monsterteers" Nick, Angelo, and Carter hope to uncover evidence that aliens built the Mayan pyramids. Instead, they encounter a power-hungry archaeologist; a series of Indiana Jones–esque tests and traps; and mummies, deities, and demons of Mayan myth. A fast pace, silly humor, and suspenseful problem-solving make this fourth entry another more-wacky-than-scary supernatural adventure. An appended note gives context.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher

(4) 4-6 Case File 13 series. While camping, Angelo, Carter, and Nick (the wise-cracking, monster-obsessed "Monsterteers") discover a homunculus; Carter smuggles it home. Wacky chaos ensues when--thanks to the imbalance caused by the homunculus's absence--doppelgangers escape their forest home, invade the boys' town, and attempt to replace the townspeople. This third book offers more fast-paced paranormal fun, though connections among various folklore influences are rather tenuous.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher

(3) 4-6 Case File 13 series. Monster fans Nick, Carter, and Angelo are delighted when a voodoo curse turns Nick into a zombie. But when he begins losing body parts, the friends must travel to another reality to challenge the Zombie King and break the curse. Savage conflates voodoo zombies with the undead-cannibal type; gross-out humor and mildly creepy adventure keep the pages turning.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher

(3) 4-6 Case File 13 series. "Monster-teers" Angelo, Nick, and Carter team up with Angie, Tiffany, and Dana to investigate a Dr. Frankenstein type creating superhuman football players. When tagalong Cody is abducted by Dr. Dippel, they must return to the mad scientist's lab to rescue him. Boys-versus-girls banter (eventually developing into camaraderie), mildly gross jokes, and a goofy monster sidekick keep this supernatural adventure on the light side.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher