School Library Journal
The new principal at Crosswell Elementary School is very odd. Not only does he look like a character from a horror movie, but lightning and thunder accompany his visits to the classroom. He also seems to exert an unusual influence on "problem" kids. Just one trip to Mr. Amsted's office, and even the worst offenders undergo a complete personality change. Richard and Ted are certain that something evil is afoot. A clandestine investigation convinces the boys that the principal is actually performing lobotomies on the troublemakers. When they spy on Mr. Amsted at home, they believe they witness him murdering his wife. This "Goosebumps" clone is not as gruesome as some other imitators. The principal turns out to be an amateur hypnotist and magician whose wife assists in the stage act of sawing a woman in half. The lack of the usual shocker ending will probably disappoint seasoned fans of the genre but may be appreciated by less-adventurous readers. Otherwise, there is little to distinguish this offering from the dozens of other horror series entries. Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL