ARAMINTA SPOOKIE 4: VAMPIRE BRAT - Angie Sage

Araminta Spookie is in for a double dose of trouble in book four of the popular children's series; not only has she discovered what appears to be a werewolf hiding deep in the basement of Spookie House - almost worse, she is forced to deal with a visit by her Uncle Drac's nephew Max, a tiny, creepy little suck-up with stiletto-sharp fangs coming out the corners of his mouth, who seems to win over her entire family - even Wanda! - with his over-the-top, syrupy, obviously (to Araminta) butt-kissing ways!  So what's a girl to do but come up with a combination Werewolf and Vampire Trapping Kit, which Araminta is determined to use to catch Max doing something evil, as well as prove to her family and Wanda that there's a werewolf loose in the house.  Though I felt the ending was a bit weak with this one, everything is in place regarding the humor, story, and mystery of this entry in the series to keep readers happy.  And again, there's just something so darned endearing about Araminta; so much so, I have only one more to read before completing the series to date ... and will be sorry to have it done.  ****