THE HAUNTING OF LOCH NESS CASTLE

Two bestie beasties go toe to toe with some big fears in this endearing graphic novel.

Bigfoot and Nessie are heading to Scotland to see Nessie’s family. Nessie, a major cryptid celebrity, attracts a crowd wherever she goes—a tabloid has already shared a pic of her snoozing on the plane, and reporters pepper her with questions at the airport. When they get to the underwater Loch Ness Castle, Nessie’s glamorous mum points out that Nessie hasn’t posted a new YouTube video in weeks. An overwhelmed Nessie tells Bigfoot that she finds her mother overly domineering but that running Nessie’s life is the only thing that has made Mum happy since the divorce. As Nessie and Bigfoot explore Loch Ness Castle, a spooky mermaid ghost suddenly appears. Bigfoot and Nessie set out to solve what they believe to be a ghostly mystery, but just like Nessie and Mum’s relationship, the so-called ghost problem isn’t as simple as it seems. Suffice it to say, Nessie isn’t the only creature in this story who needs to find the courage to speak up. Though those unfamiliar with the series will enjoy this installment, most readers will want to pick it up after The Art of Getting Noticed (2022). The manga-inspired artwork, full of sweet pastel colors and soft lines, is charming. Humans, while rare, are racially diverse.

A delightful story full of cute cryptids and heart.