When Miss Blacker never returns from her Spanish holiday Alison goes to look for her and uncovers a story right out of mythology.
Miss Blacker has disappeared. She never came back after the Christmas holidays and Alison is convinced something dreadful has happened to her.
When nobody believes her she sets off to Spain to track down the woman whom she believes to be the best teacher in the world.
It wouldn’t have been so bad if her companion, Heather Jones, hadn’t been quite so fat. The mantequero likes fat girls. He likes them a lot.
In Spain they have a different kind of vampire.
Excerpt
The mid-morning bell rang and suddenly the corridor was filled with the sound of banging doors and running feet. One small figure was running so fast he ran straight into Alison with such force it took her breath away and very nearly knocked her over. Taking the child by the shoulders and holding him at arm’s-length, she said, “Tyson Higgins, how often do I have to tell you – Walk, don't run.”
“Yes, Miss. Sorry, Miss.”
The child gave a terrified glance over his shoulder and Alison followed the direction of his gaze just in time to catch Benson and Phelps, the school bullies, skidding to a halt half-way down the corridor.
“Were they chasing you?” Alison searched Tyson's face anxiously, but he just pressed his lips together and shook his head. “If they're bullying you, you should tell a teacher and we can do something about it.”
“Yes, Miss – I mean no, Miss.”
She looked up as Benson and Phelps drew level, Phelps shooting a truly venomous look at Higgins as he passed.
“All right then.” She let the child go and rubbed her stomach, which was still aching from the impact. “But don't forget.”
“No, Miss. Thanks, Miss.”
Tyson shot off in the opposite direction to that taken by the two bullies and Alison watched him go with troubled eyes.
Poor little bugger, she thought. What chance did he have? And what was the point of telling a teacher? You could maybe protect them while they were in the school, but what about after school? All the bullies had to do was wait round the corner and pounce on him on his way home. And why, for God's sake, did parents give their children names like Tyson? she wondered. They were doomed to turn out little and thin with National Health glasses and a runny nose. Tyson's nose ran so continually that the snot had worn grooves in his upper lip.
Alison sighed and made her way to her own class. First day back after the holidays was always the worst.
Professional Reviews
Elizabeth Jasper's review
After reading Mantequero, which explained the legend of the fat-sucking vampiric stranger of legend that haunts a remote mountain range in southern Spain, I couldn't wait for the sequel - and I was not disappointed! After her teaching colleague, June, mysteriously does not return from holiday, Alison worries something terrible has happened to a woman she likes and admires. With lots of initiative, and the help of a friendly travel agent, Alison travels to Spain, to Las Alpujarras, where June was last seen. In a thrilling denoument, with tension building throughout, Alison finally discovers what did happen to June.
A fairly long short story, this will not disappoint fans of Jenny Twist, who writes with knowledge and confidence.
ManicScribbler
I was delighted to receive an a.r.c. of this story for review because I have long been a fan of this particular writer and I thoroughly enjoyed the first story in the same series. I've waited impatiently since last summer for Mantequero 2, but the wait was well worth it. This author never disappoints.
Back in England, the school term has started but without June. No one seems to know anything about her non-appearance, and nor does anyone particularly care, except for her young colleague, Alison, who decides to make it her mission to discover what happened to June. In a thrillingly sinister way, I began to feel Alison's interest in June affected her deeply - so deeply that she seemed to begin to take over June's life.
This meant taking on June's delightful cat, Jessica and tracking down her young niece, Patsy. Eventually, with the help of Heather, a fat estate agent (warning bells, here, as we know the mantequero thrives on fat) Alison arrives in the small Andalusian village in which June had spent her last days.
To tell you any more would spoil it for you. You'll just have to read it for yourself.
I admire Ms Twist's writing immensely and especially enjoy her descriptions of Spanish country living about which she seems to know so much and write about with passion. There is a real empathy for the simple village folk and their ways and I always become totally immersed in the lifestyles described. It's impossible not to warm to Alison and Heather and hope for a better outcome than the previous heroine.
An engrossing read. Although a short story, it's satisfyingly longer than the first Mantequero, but even so, it was over all too soon for me and left me wanting more. But who knows, the clues are in the story…there could well be a Mantequero 3 hitting our shelves later in the year. Fingers crossed!
Marsha
When I first read Montequero I thought it was truly unique and chilling. Just imagine a sexy and handsome man who loves big women to death. Boy, what a way to go! Anyway, when I learned "Disappeared" (Montequero 2) was coming out, I just had to read it. Once again, I loved the concept and how the new characters tied in so well with the one from the previous book.
Alison is a teacher at Greystone School. When her colleague and mentor, June Blacker, did not report back to school after the Christmas break nor did she call in, she became extremely concerned. However, none of the other teachers or administrators seem to care. When you are overweight sometimes people treat you as though you are invisible.
Alison is determined to find out what happened to her friend. Soon she discovers that June went on a trip to Spain but never returned. With the help of June's travel agent, Heather, they depart for Spain.
The people who live in the small village whisper of a vampire like creature called the Montequero who literally sucks the fat off his victims. They warn Alison and Heather to be careful and not let anyone in their rental. They are especially concerned for Heather since she is a size twenty-six. Soon, Heather begins having the most intense and sexy dreams. She also begins to lose a lot of weight.
Will the Montequero enjoy a new feast or will he be stopped in time? Will the ladies discover what happened to their friend, June Blacker, or will her disappearance go unsolved? Well, I will tell you I loved the ending of this book because it held a special surprise. I for one truly hope there will be future installments in this series because I just love it!
Did you ever wonder what happened after the Archangel Michael through the demons out of heaven? Let one of them guide you through the origin of evil in the world.
