The Crooked House (Stanley Pargo in Suburbia #1) by C.L. Clark


The Crooked House (Stanley Pargo in Suburbia #1)
Title : The Crooked House (Stanley Pargo in Suburbia #1)
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : -
Language : English
Format Type : Kindle Edition
Number of Pages : 150
Publication : First published January 26, 2018

In the first installment of this epic adventure series, young Stanley Pargo realizes he’s forgotten more than just his home when he wakes up alone and lost at sea. His rations are dwindling, and with no memory to guide him, Stanley loses all hope of finding his family until he meets a talking crane who knows far more about Stanley’s peculiar past than he’s willing to reveal.

With the bird’s help, Stanley reaches land and takes shelter in a dark tower that stands as crooked as the man who built it. The man—a kind but blundering professor named Quibbie—befriends Stanley, but the boy soon suspects his new friend might also be keeping secrets of his own.

Attempting to unravel these mysteries, Stanley ventures into the treacherous forest behind Quibbie’s estate and discovers a terrible monster that's been hunting Stanley for reasons he must uncover if he hopes to piece together his broken past and find his missing home.

Includes a sneak peek of the next book in the Stanley Pargo in Suburbia series

The Crooked House (Stanley Pargo in Suburbia #1) Reviews

  • Bethany (Beautifully Bookish Bethany)

    Stanley Pargo in Suburbia: The Crooked House is the first in an indie middle grade adventure series that is quirky, funny, and rather dark at times. Stanley wakes up from a nightmare to find himself in the middle of the sea, sitting in a giant hat. Eventually he is rescued by a talking bird who serves as a butler to a strange professor who lives on a stranger island. This book follows his adventures while there and his search for a way home.

    Overall, I found the story to be enjoyable, funny at times, and inventive. There are some creepy moments that get kind of dark and elements that walk the line between whimsical and absurdist. I listened to it on audio and the narrator was really fantastic. Stanley is a very run of the mill character pushed into a wild world and the story reminded me a bit of traditional adventure stories akin to Mary Poppins. There were a few plot holes or unanswered questions. For instance, we never find out what the thing in the woods obsessed with Stanley's blood actually is. I think this could have been further developed (it is quite short!) but still a fun story. I received a review copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.

  • Melissa Richards

    DNF at 43%.