The Remarkable Inventions of Walter Mortinson

Walter Mortinson doesn't really fit in with the rest of the citizens of Moormouth.  They don't question, they don't create, and they don't think for themselves.  Walter, however, is always creating and inventing, but he has to do it in secret.

He's also an outcast because his mother is the town mortician, and no one wants to befriend a kid who lives with dead people.  Plus, everyone thinks his mother is responsible for his father's death.

When one of his inventions creates havoc, his mother has had enough!  She insists Walter put aside his inventing ways and help her in the mortuary business.  Walter, of course, decides to run away.

Famed inventor, Horace Flasterborn, has invited Walter to become his apprentice, and there's no time like the present.  Walter steals the hearse and grabs Cordelia, his former best friend, and sets off on an adventure.

But nothing is as it seems.  Flasterborn has a connection to Walter's family history, and Cordelia is definitely keeping secrets.  Walter thinks he has it all figured out, but what if he's wrong?

This fantasy tale by Quinn Sosna-Spear is ok, but it lacks a bit of direction.  There are so many subplots and ideas that nothing feels really developed.  It was ok, but I don't really have strong feelings about it either way, which is too bad because this would normally be the kind of book I would love.