The Cryptid Catcher (The Cryptid Duology, 1)

The Cryptid Catcher is the first book in a monstrously fun middle-grade duology by Lija Fisher about a boy who inherits a job hunting legendary creatures.After Clivo Wren's archaeologist father dies mysteriously, the newly orphaned thirteen-year-old finds out the truth: his dad was no archaeologist. He was actually a cryptid catcher, known for finding elusive beasts like the bloodsucking chupacabra. His goal: discover the one extraordinary cryptid whose blood grants immortality—before the knowledge falls into the wrong hands. The mission remains unfinished, and now there's only one person who can take the renowned cryptid catcher's place: Clivo. He may not know the first thing about monster hunting, but he's willing to give it a try—because anything beats staying home with his salsa-crazy aunt and her neurotic cats.Praise for The Cryptid Catcher:"[Fisher] dishes up an action-oriented romp, puts a resourceful but not superhuman protagonist at the head of a colorful, diverse (of species as well as race) supporting cast, and salts the plot with tantalizing hints that the stakes are about to broaden.” —Booklist, starred review "Fisher's debut, the first half of a duology, delivers adventure and laughs. . .readers will be ready for the sequel when they turn the final page." —Kirkus Reviews