GOOSEBUMPS HORRORLAND #12: THE STREETS OF PANIC PARK
by R.L. Stine
Scholastic Paperbacks
ISBN: 9780439918800
Ages 9-12
160 pages

• About the Book

The kids are in real trouble now. The Menace has imprisoned them. He laughingly points out that they were betrayed by two of their own: Jackson and Jillian, who tricked the others into entering Panic Park by lying to them. Now, the others are furious, although Jackson and Jillian appear to be completely dumbfounded. When they claim never to have worked for The Menace, he tells them that all of their powers came from him and he is their boss. As the anger of the group escalates into physical violence toward Jackson and Jillian, their evil captor chortles in delight. And when he has his shadow people take the twins away, the terror in the room heightens.

The Menace is just getting started. He shows immediately that he is not fooling around when one of the children confronts him. That poor boy is changed --- and not for the better. When the kids ask The Menace what he wants from them, they're puzzled by his answer: "I need to terrify you." He goes on to brag that he's studied evil for many, many years and he knows how to produce complete and utter fear.

The Menace manages to up the ante when he displays what he calls his "trophy." What it is, and what he does with it, causes many of the children to scream, cry and vomit. Of course, The Menace is enjoying this reaction to the utmost. His next step is to outfit each kid with a bracelet that has a dreadful purpose. As they discover they've been duped by yet another traitor, The Menace shows them…uh, let's just say he shows them another side of himself. And, to quote one of the villains in THE STREETS OF PANIC PARK, "Be afraid…Be very afraid!"

The Menace "treats" the kids to a film about the history of Panic Park that gives a whole new meaning to the term "horror film." What they learn, and the manner in which they experience the movie, also turns their stomachs. Unfortunately, they have plenty of time to think about their wicked captor during their detainment. As the kids attempt to escape, they encounter characters from the previous books in the series --- dastardly characters who conspire with the Menace against them, in the creepiest ways.

Along the way, the kids (and readers) discover answers to such questions as: When is a hug deadly? What harm can a paintbrush do? What kind of a shake from a Shake Shack is most decidedly not a delicious ice cream treat?

THE STREETS OF PANIC PARK fulfills its promise as the last book in an enjoyably scary series. As always, it is frightening, shuddery-creepy, and has a breakneck plot pace. It also has R.L. Stine's trademark dark humor and parts guaranteed to gross out readers. The final resolution offers a satisfying twist, and will make fans particularly glad they came along for the ride.

--- Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon (terryms2001@yahoo.com)

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