This story builds suspense from the start, helped by a truly eerie situation. I like plot lines that ease the characters gently along through a series of simple, everyday events that suddenly end them in deep trouble. This story also has a realistic psychological twist based on how children can be influenced by adults to feelings and actions they never would have believed possible. Which makes it even more scary.

And if you thought it was bad, then the author hits the main character with a true tragedy, and things get really tough for him.

The first half of the book is a bit cerebral, with everything basically happening in the main character’s head, and the writing could be tightened up, as it tends to get wordy at times.

However, once the boy gets out of his uncle’s house, the plot really gets moving, with twists and turns and a good dollop of action at the climax.

This book is a real emotional rollercoaster, made more powerful by the simple realism of the plot. Highly recommended for children who like horror stories scary, but without a lot of violence and gore.

(5 / 5)