The Remarkable Inventions of Walter Mortinson

By Quinn Sosna-Spear

An inventor escapes his mundane town, uncovering secrets and destiny on a fantastical journey.

3.8/5 Goodreads · 294 ratings

336 pages· 63,141 words· Est. 9 hour read

$17.99Save 6%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Walter Mortinson's inventions wreak havoc in Moormouth, pushing him towards a dull future in the family mortuary. But when a mysterious letter offers an apprenticeship with a legendary inventor, Walter seizes the chance to escape. Joined by Cordelia, the enigmatic girl next door, they embark on a wild adventure through a world of fish-people and giantess miners. As they navigate this bizarre landscape, Walter must confront the mysteries of his past and the possibilities of his future. Will he find his true calling, or will the secrets they uncover change everything?

From the publisher

In this sweeping and inventive debut novel that’s perfect for fans of Roald Dahl, Neil Gaiman, and Tim Burton, a prodigal inventor flees his home to find his destiny.

In the humdrum town of Moormouth, Walter Mortinson’s unusual inventions cause nothing but trouble. After one of his contraptions throws the town into chaos, Walter’s mother demands he cut the nonsense and join the family mortuary business.

Far off on Flaster Isle, famed inventor Horace Flasterborn plans to take Walter under his wing, just as he did Walter’s genius father decades ago. When a letter arrives by unusual means offering Walter an apprenticeship, it isn’t long before Walter decides to flee Moormouth to meet his destiny.

Walter runs away in the family hearse along with Cordelia, the moody girl next door with one eye and plenty of secrets. Together they journey through a strange landscape of fish-people, giantess miners, and hypnotized honeybees in an adventure that will not only reveal the truth about Walter’s past, but direct his future.

At a glance