The Dead of Winter by Chris Priestley
I’m not really a fan of horror. I read the occasional Stephen King or Dean Koontz but that’s about it, and I never ever watch anything even remotely spooky. But I was still surprised how much this book scared me.
It is seriously yet delightfully spooky for a children’s book. Priestley creates the spooky, creepy atmosphere so well, you feel your heart racing along with the main character’s. Every little detail is so well thought out and adds to the creation of a terrifying atmosphere – not an easy thing to do.
The story itself is exciting, and you want to rush through to the end to see how it all ends. You want to work out the mystery behind the desolate country house where Michael finds himself living after the death of his mother.
A great read, but perhaps not for younger readers, or at least for readers braver than me!!