Roberta Writes – Spirit of the Shell Man by Chris Hall #bookreview #readingcommunity

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What Amazon says

A series of strange events accompany the delivery of an unusual wooden box to the bookish Professor who lives on the hill, while down by the sleepy harbour a dusty convoy of huge earth-moving machines roll into town. Soon afterwards, an expensive-looking yacht arrives, skippered by an enigmatic sea captain, accompanied by her weird and troublesome little crew who cause chaos in Albertina’s chicken-run and wreak havoc in the posh new hair salon.

The mysterious mute captain, her nose permanently buried in an old notebook, is clearly seeking something. Meanwhile the Professor’s interest is piqued by an unusually attentive congregation of praying mantises in his back yard. Then, as construction work begins on the unspoiled hillside beyond the town’s looming headland, the disturbance of long-buried bones unleashes a grim and ghostly presence from the ancient past with the potential to destroy the tranquil little town.

Join the cast of colourful characters from Song of the Sea Goddess, as they embark on a new adventure where legend and reality intertwine, and once again they must join forces to combat a deadly threat to their otherwise peaceful lives.


Spirit of the Shell Man is a beautiful book, full of drama, colour, and vitality. I was delighted by the author’s depiction of the exciting variety of cultures, foods, and people that constitute the small and multicultural population of her fictional town in the Western Cape of South Africa. I could almost smell the Auntie’s sweet rooibos tea, a traditional South African drink, and Andreas’ delicious Greek styled meals.

My review

Each of the characters is so relatable to me, a fellow South African, and I adored Albertina who works hard and is filled with determination and resilience, but who also enjoys life to the fullest with her penchant for pretty, bright clothes and shoes, wigs, and hats. The author has captured the essence of Abdu who owns a store which sells a variety of antique, interesting, and useful items, and the two Auntie’s who always know exactly what is going on and who are intent on fostering the glimmer of romantic interest they have detect between Abdu and Albertina. Jannie with his long dreadlocks and easy smile, is the embodiment of a brave and loyal friend, while the Professor is aptly described as being very intellectual with a good dollop of endearing forgetfulness. There is also Toti, the Professor’s adorable monkey whom he treats like his ‘little girl.’

Life in the town has been quiet for the past year but suddenly it is disrupted by the arrival of a large yacht captained by a mysterious and unapproachable woman and her three unusual goblin-like creatures. At the same time, construction work begins on the beautiful and unspoiled headland. It doesn’t take long before chaos and confusion reigns as the creatures run amok, attacking Albertina’s cherished chickens and stealing Jannie’s food. The construction is also running into problems with the unexpected discovery of human bones.

The Professor has received a mysterious box which contains something heavy. He doesn’t know how to open it and hopes that Abdu with his knowledge of ancient articles can assist him. The advent of the box has coincided with the appearance of dozens of praying mantises.

Before long, the unusual group of characters are embroiled in a strange adventure which is becoming more dangerous by the minute.

This is a delightful and action packed story set in a beautiful coastal town and filled with varied and engaging characters.

Purchase Spirit of the Shell Man

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Published by robertawrites235681907

I am a writer of young adult fiction and poetry

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