Each topic in this fascinating, fast-paced series has sure-fire reading and visual appeal and is guaranteed to keep kids turning pages. Volumes are brief, with three to five chapters, and only two or three sentences per page, but the books’ brevity easily establishes a sense of creepy atmosphere. The well-written texts are terse and snappy, heightening tension and guaranteeing smooth, exciting reading. The sharp writing is also surprisingly sophisticated for this younger audience, yet they’re perfectly attuned to the abilities and sensibilities of middle graders and striving readers; note the mummy title is slightly gory. Texts are sometimes delivered in present tense, making the breathless entries feel immediate and compelling. The set includes enticing, sometimes eerie, close-up color and b/w photos bearing informative captions, themselves enclosed within “framed” colored boxes. Enhancing the volumes’ visual attractiveness is large, eyesight-friendly type, set in black or white against colored-background pages, and colored “chapter headings.” Occasionally, different-color fonts appear on the same page. The back matter in each title includes a “Fun Facts” page plus an additional page of facts, both related to a volume’s specific topic; a glossary (no pronunciation guides); “Learn More” (a list of books and websites); and an index. VERDICT Informative, captivating, and entertaining, with tremendous appeal for students. Highly recommended for school and public collections.