Review: The Zombie Stone (Zombie Problems #2) by K. G. Campell

What's worse than discovering you have a zombie problem? Imagine acquiring four more undead tag-alongs. . . . From the acclaimed illustrator of Flora & Ulysses comes the second book in the Zombie Problems trilogy, heralded as "reminiscent of Roald Dahl in uniting the macabre with realism."

When a zombie followed August DuPont home one day, he didn't expect her to stick around. But Claudette is in no hurry to leave August's side. And when he decides to go to Croissant City in search of the elusive Zombie Stone, Claudette joins him. It's a good thing she does, because no sooner had August set out than a mysterious white alligator began to follow him. Reptiles aren't the only creatures to look out for, though. When August is reunited with his dour cousins the Malveaus, and their menacing mother, Orchid, finding the stone before they do takes on a new urgency. Throw in a swamp doctor, a costume parade, a pop star, a seance, a band of smugglers, and four new zombies, and you'd better believe that August's quest is only going to get more complicated.  ~ Goodreads

Source: Final hardcover copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. (A very patient author! because it has taken me several months to read due to just a general lack of reading focus)

Review: Before I get to the review for book #2 in the Zombie Problem series - here's a quick recap of what the series is about. I will strive to be spoiler free but heads up if you don't wan to know anything going in. 

From Goodreads A Small Zombie Problem (book #1) "In his fiction debut--and the start of a new series--celebrated illustrator K.G. Campbell brings a touch of Tim Burton to this singularly strange and wonderful story about a lonely boy whose life is about to get a whole lot more complicated when a zombie follows him home.

A brief recap of book #1: Augustus is a sweet, lonely boy, with butterflies seemingly obsessed with flying around his head, which, as you can imagine, doesn't make him popular with other children. Although, I'd be all over that! lol He spends his time with his Aunt Hydrangea, dreaming of his favorite show - In her Own Life, starring Stella Starz, and picking up a new friend (I use that term loosely - she follows him everywhere and they form a sort of alliance) Claudette. Who happens to be his aunt, in the form of a child zombie. (my review of A Small Zombie Problem)

The Zombie Stone picks up from there, with Augustus trying to find a rare Cadaverite stone that can help return Claudette to her permanent resting place (which sounds mean when I type it lol) that sets him off on a new adventure with both old and new friends and enemies. And more zombies. There can never be enough zombies! 

This series and installment is full of whimsy from the names, the New Orleans like setting, pirate ships, white alligators rising out of the water, parades, costume contests to people with nefarious motives. It's a teeny bit gory, very funny and increasingly twisty. 

At times, having characters from the first book included while introducing new ones, didn't quite work giving short shrift to some plotlines but the author did have a few revelations up his sleeve in regards to Augustus's family and history to keep things exciting.

The new crew of bumbling zombies are a hoot. I know, understandably, Augustus hates having them around, and I get it, but I love how Claudette comes to his rescue and tries to be part of things around her and having a good time in her quasi afterlife - afterdeath?? Adding more zombies just makes it more fun. 

As with A Small Zombie Problem, I adore the illustrations done by the author. They add this extra element to things that help you visualize the more wacky elements.  

I think the adventure was a little less focused but still fun but there were more revelations and lead up to the next installment. I am decidedly not the target audience as a 50 something year old woman vs. a middle grader but I do enjoy this series and look forward to Augustus finding his purpose and confidence.