The Curse of the Wendigo

The chilling sequel to Yancey's Printz Honor book, The Monstrumologist, is as fast-paced, elegant, and, yes, gruesome as its predecessor. Dr. Pellinore Warthrop and his apprentice, Will Henry, travel from the bleak Canadian wilderness to the streets of New York City while attempting to determine what—man, myth, or monster—is responsible for a string of murders. The deaths are unfailingly horrific and graphic (with much flaying of skin, plucking of eyes, and removing of faces), and Will and his mentor suffer physically and emotionally throughout, grappling as much with the belief systems at the core of their beings as they do with the alleged wendigo (a North American equivalent to a vampire, neither of which Warthrop believes exists) that is thought to be responsible. The development of the relationship between hapless Will and the demanding monstrumologist is the most rewarding aspect of the story; as Warthrop clings to his scientific bedrock as loved ones die and his very profession is threatened, Will also clings—to a diminishing sense of his own humanity. Ages 14–up. (Oct.)