Bellairs, John. Johnny Dixon mysteries #bk. nine

When Dr. Charles Coote-a noted folklorist and old friend of Professor Childermass-returns from a conference in New Orleans, he brings home a small, sinister drum. It's made entirely of black wood with red leather straps and small, white bones. Nobody takes Dr. Coote's worries about the drum very seriously, until Fergie taps it a few times and releases an unspeakable evil. Suddenly, Johnny and Fergie and the professor find themselves battling the imposing Madame Sinestra, a voodoo priestess who seeks the magical drum for her evil Caribbean cult. Spells, zombies, and voodoo demons beset our heroes and the fate of the world hangs in the balance. Can they save Dr. Coote? Will they make it out alive? This ninth book in the Johnny Dixon series was completed by Brad Strickland after John Bellairs died, and it has all the spooky thrills that make these mysteries classics

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