I would like to begin by saying "The Monsters of Morley Manor" is my favorite book that you have written. My mother first read it to my brothers and I back in 2009 when we were quite younger. It was an interesting experience, because at the time we were living at my grandfather's house, which was old, creaky, and possessed a mildew scent - similar to Morley Manor. When she read the book to us, it felt as if we were actually there. Ironically enough, my grandfather's house is supposed to be demolished soon, which makes me sad, but reminds of what almost happened to Morley Manor in the book. I believe two years after that, I read it myself for the first time. And finally, the tail end of last year and the beginning of this year, I read the story again. I have to say, I noticed more than I remembered - probably because my mind was too simplistic to comprehend the depth of the story those several years ago. Before Morley Manor, when I was in third grade, I read your Magic Shop books. I also read "Moongobble and Me" when I was in the fourth grade. Your stories have actually inspired me to write - I have been writing since 2012. I really liked the name "Morley" in "The Monsters of Morley Manor". In fact, I stole the name "Morley" for the title of a story that I wrote last year. I know, pretty pathetic on my part, but rest assured, it has nothing to do with Morley Manor. I also would like to say that the descriptions in your stories are some of the most vivid ones I have come across throughout every kind of literature - despite not being lengthy. I have a question too, have Ray Bradbury, Edgar Allan Poe, and H.P. Lovecraft influenced you as a writer? They are some of my favorite authors (Something Wicked This Way Comes by Bradbury reminds me of a book you would write for an older audience). There is more I would like to say, but because of the minimal space of this comment box, I should probably stop. I appreciate any time you spend reading this,
Benjamin---