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Henry and Keats, cousins and aspiring stuntmen, are in desperate need of new bicycles, after their former ones were lost in an unfortunate attempt at a stunt. Keats, the imaginative brain of this operation , decides to answer an ad requesting some help cleaning up around the house and they're off to meet Mr. Cigam of 1313 Houdini Way. The cleaning is not quite what they expected, and includes a shark-headed Zombie, gigantic book worms, and a house that seals openings after the boys pass through the. Will Henry and Keats survive this situation and get the money they need for bikes, or are they in or over their heads?
This transitional chapter book, appropriate for grades 2-4, is a bit too long, but it makes up for it with imaginative situations and great action scenes. The illustrations, done in a greyscale palette, are a mixture of comic book drawing and realism that helps the reader understand the terrifying monsters. An enjoyable read for anyone interested in action and adventure. ( )