When it comes to books for junior readers, they just love stories that feature magic, fantasy and adventure, and The Ramion Series Collection blends all three themes into wonderfully imaginative tales that whisk young readers off into an imaginative land. Hidden deep within the deepest, darkest depths of the Kent countryside lies the land of Ramion – a place where anything can happen, where strange creatures lurk in the shadows and where magical mischief is never far away. It’s an irresistible setting for young readers and Frank Hinks uses it to full effect in The Body Collector.
The Body Collector is a fantasy adventure, for readers aged 7+, about the Body Collector and a skull who wants his body back. It is the fifteenth book in the much‑loved Tales of Ramion series.
So let’s visit Kent and the land of Ramion. The story centres on three brothers: Alexander, Benjamin and Julius. They live in Shoreham, Kent, in a valley that is surrounded by hills and woods. With their vivid imaginations and a superb knack for finding adventure, the boys spend their days exploring the landscape they call Ramion. Unfortunately for them, Ramion is also home to Griselda the Witch, who would very much like to eat them. Luckily, the boys have been taught how to defeat ghosts and monsters, and with the help of their loyal rabbit Scrooey‑Looey and their cat Snuggle, they’ve managed to stay safe and enjoy their unusual but happy lives.
But that wouldn’t be much of an adventure, so danger is never far away. Charlie Stench, also known as The Body Collector, is a sinister figure who roams the forests of Ramion gathering bodies, preserving them and turning their heads into floating skulls which he sells at the market. Some of his gruesome creations remain at his mansion, Stench Manor, drifting through the grounds with eerie intent. One of these skulls, Boris, has ended up in the possession of Griselda. Unfortunately for her, Boris is not evil. He enjoys performing tricks and scaring people, but he absolutely refuses to fry them, much to Griselda’s frustration.
Disappointed and fed up with Boris’s lack of wickedness, Griselda replaces him with five mini skulls – each one is evil and more than willing to cause chaos. Their mischief soon spirals out of control and they capture Griselda along with her three dim‑witted dwarf guards. Boris comes to her rescue, but only if she promises to help him retrieve his body from The Body Collector. Griselda agrees, though she secretly crosses her fingers, as we know all cunning witches do, and begins plotting her own plans for Boris.
Meanwhile, Benjamin runs away and ends up trapped inside The Body Collector’s house. With Charlie Stench eager to turn him into his next floating skull and Griselda eyeing him up as her next meal, Alexander, Julius and Snuggle must race to save him. Their rescue mission is helped along by a magical plant sent by the Gardener, adding another layer of enchantment to their daring adventure.
Overall, The Body Collector is a fun, lively and imaginative fantasy that is far less frightening than its title suggests. The name will certainly grab the attention of young readers, but it’s the colourful characters, magical twists and fast‑paced action that will keep them turning the pages. The book has everything children love: brave adventurers, witches, monsters, magic and even a floating skull who simply wants his body back.
Frank Hinks has delivered an exciting, humorous and engaging story, brought vividly to life with thirty‑five full‑page illustrations bursting with colour and personality. The short chapters make it an ideal read for younger readers gaining confidence, as well as adults who enjoy sharing fun, fantastical tales at bedtime.
The Body Collector is a delightful and entertaining addition to the Ramion series, one full of charm, imagination and adventure. A fun and exciting read that children will thoroughly enjoy.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £12.99 (Hardback) / £8.99 (Paperback)
Available to buy from Amazon here.
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