Howliday Inn
A harrowing tale of mystery and strange occurances in the night, 'Howliday Inn' is an incredible leap forward, in form and substance, for Harold X, here writing underneath the pseudonym of James Howe. He fully assumes his role as Watson, recording the feats of ratiocination performed by Chester. In the words of the author at the start: "If the memories of that week no longer make my blood run cold, they still have enough of a chilling effect to give me pause." 'Bunnicula's weakness was that the action barely left the living room and that drained vegetables, no matter how pale, somehow failed to inspire fear.
The story begins, as these things often do, with a journey. The Monroes are leaving on vacation and are leaving Harold and Chester to be boarded at the Chateau Bow-Wow, the forecast for the week is ominous, storm-clouds already filling the horizon as they approach the gates.
All of the classic elements of the gothic mystery are present: Our intrepid detectives are left in the care of strangers: Dr. Greenbriar with his impenetrable stare, surly domestic Harrison, and dizzy dame Jill. Fellow guests, travelers thrown together by chance with secrets of their own, each fitting archetypes: the gruff but strong Max, his dim and devoted friend Taxi, the French damsel Louise, southern belle Georgette, the mad cat Lyle and the reclusive blue bloods, Howard and Heather. How their fates intermingle and the identity of the first victim I leave for you to discover.
X, I mean Howe, fleshes out his mystery with literary and popular allusions high and low far beyond that which could be found in 'Bunnicula' that should please young and old, and the increase in intrigue and danger make up for the more cartoonish illustrations found here. Not for the faint of heart, 'Howliday Inn' is no doubt the product of an author at the peak of his powers.
Bunnicula
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