Hello everybody! Today, I’m very excited to be part of the blog tour for Holly Rivers’ second book the Boy in the Post, which I was very excited to hear was coming out as I really enjoyed Demelza and the Spectre Detectors back in 2019. Onto the post!
Like I mentioned in my introduction, I was a big fan of Demelza and the Spectre Detectors, so it was great to hear that this new book is set in the same world, although it follows different characters. It focuses on the three Shalloo siblings- Orinthia, Séafra and Taber- as they get a very unusual summer job working with former postman Grandy Brock, the children he has adopted and most importantly the troupe of animals he is training up to form a new postal service called the Mailbox Menagerie. Then one of the star members of the menagerie vanishes on a trip to New York, and the littlest Shalloo sibling posts himself there to try and find her, meaning Orinthia and Séafra set off to try and find HIM.
I loved our trio of main characters, they’re all quite different to one another and have very distinct personalities that occasionally clash, but the sibling bond between them is so strong and lovely, and I did also really like them as individuals as well. The supporting cast are all so wonderful too, and meeting all the different people Rinthi and Séafra meet on their journey, and while it’s hard to pick a favourite, I think it would be between Mog and Faris for me. The little Demelza and Percy cameo also made me really happy!
And if you know me and you’ve read this blog before, I don’t think you’ll be very shocked to hear that I absolutely loved all of the animals and I think working with them would be an absolute joy. I just love the idea of them delivering post as well!! Like imagine how much that would brighten your day if a cute pelican brought you book post?! I’m so here for it if anyone wants to make that a reality. My other favourite part of the book was the element of mystery that was there, which had a very fun conclusion and all came together very nicely.
If, like me, you loved the adventure part of James and the Giant Peach but could never reread it on account of the horrible opening with Spiker and Sponge, this is the perfect book for you. It has a super fun premise and tons of animals and antics and a great vibe overall. I can’t wait to hear what Holly’s next book will be!
Thank you so much for reading! Have you read Holly’s first book, and are you planning to read this one? Would you like to work training animals to be part of a mail service? I’d love to chat with you in the comments!
Amy xx
Golden Books Girl 
Not read the first book, but sounds like real fun. An adventure that would be ripe for creating an animated adventure from!
Erin
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You could definitely pick this up as a standalone! The little Demelza references were just a really fun bonus 😊
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