Review by Ian Keogh

Due to his father having hurt his leg, which prevented him from working, Scully took a job among the gardeners at the local castle, and in Skull Cat and the Curious Castle, unearthed all kinds of strange activities. The belief among his workmates is that Scully revived the Dark Sorcerer, and that’s going to lead to all kinds of trouble.

Actually, the trouble comes from another source, city administrator Randell, who holds a grudge against castle owner Lady Lamant, and now has a magic staff. It enables him to make off with the vampire’s amulet mentioned in the title, and take it back to his hideout in the mountains, and Scully’s dad with him. How’s Scully going to get there and rescue his father? Well, last time round he made friends with a lot of folk with extraordinary talents…

Norman Shurtliff remixes many of the elements that made his first Skull Cat adventure so enjoyable, so this is another quest with magical and supernatural elements. Scully, though, has grown and is more confident after his earlier experiences, exhibited in the no-nonsense way he treats the troublesome goblin, now named Gupwick. In addition to Gupwick several other characters from the first book return, some friends, and some who pose a danger to Scully, while this time some pirates are added to the mix.

Imaginative storytelling places the emphasis on the art, with simply drawn, but strange creatures meeting each other and Scully. The busy movement is wonderful, and there’s not a page without something exotic to catch the eye.

Events move fast toward the end, which is a constantly shifting balance of power. As before, comics are important, with Gupwick’s knowledge of them playing a part. He’s also useful in figuring out the ancient writing, because the Cathero comics provide a means of deciphering code. It’s supplied for readers so they can enjoy figuring out what some people are saying and what the writing on the wall means. Other extras include a cutaway spread of the pirates’ flying boat including a maze to solve, and a bonus Cathero strip.

Another dose of excitement and charm awaits for young readers.