Product guide

Malamander: An Eerie-on-Sea Mystery, Book 1

Malamander is the first book in the Eerie-on-Sea middle-grade mystery series. Herbert Lemon and Violet Parma investigate the disappearance of Violet’s parents and a local sea-monster legend in a spooky seaside setting.

At a glance

First instalment of the Eerie-on-Sea mystery series.
A lost-and-found worker and a girl search for her missing parents.
The mystery centres on a seaside legend and a possibly real sea-monster.
The listing describes a spooky middle-grade story.

Price

£5.37Save 33%

Reference price: ~~£7.99~~

Price checked: 12 Nov 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

The missing-person mystery and supernatural legend give the story two connected threads.
A 320-page print length offers a substantial read for children who enjoy longer mysteries.
Customer feedback describes the plot as gripping and the characters as engaging.

Technical specifications

9 specifications

Book details
Publisher	Walker Books
Publication date	2 May 2019
Language	English
Print length	320 pages
ISBN-10	1406386286
ISBN-13	978-1406386288

Dimensions and installation
Weight listed	1.05 kg
Dimensions	12.9 x 2.1 x 19.8 cm

Reading guidance
Reading age listed	8 - 10 years, from customers

What to know before buying

Listing details to confirm

The title pitches the series to ages 9–12, while the listing's reading-age field says 8–10 and attributes that range to customers. Consider the individual child's reading preferences and tolerance for spooky themes.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Young readers who enjoy seaside mysteries, unusual legends and a spooky atmosphere.
Families looking for a chapter book for children around the listed reading ages, with adult judgement for younger or more sensitive readers.

Less suited to

Readers looking for a non-spooky story or a non-fiction book.

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.7 / 5 · 1,364 ratings

5 stars79%79%
4 stars16%16%
3 stars5%5%
2 stars0%0%
1 star0%0%

Customer feedback describes the writing as engaging, the plot as gripping and the characters as appealing, with spooky elements that readers found well judged. This suits the book's mystery-and-monster premise, though the reported age range varies and the story's eerie atmosphere may not suit every child.

Positive themes

Customers praise the engaging writing, gripping plot and characters.
Feedback highlights the spooky elements as enjoyable and the story as suitable for children around 8–12.

Frequently asked questions

What is Malamander about?

Herbert Lemon helps Violet Parma search for her missing parents, and their investigation leads to the legend of the Malamander.

Is Malamander part of a series?

Yes. The listing identifies it as the first book in the Eerie-on-Sea Mystery series.

What age is this book for?

The listing title suggests ages 9–12, while its reading-age field says 8–10 and notes that this comes from customers. The story includes spooky elements, so suitability depends on the reader.

How long is the book?

The listed print length is 320 pages.