Seven Ghosts

Grimstone Hall is probably the most haunted house in the country. As well as an annual horror festival, the trust that owns it runs a ghost-story competition for children and, every year, the writers of the 20 best stories get to spend a day at the Hall.

And that’s how Jake finds himself in a grand entrance hall surrounded by gold framed paintings and fancy mirrors. But something makes Jake feel rather uncomfortable.

Could it be that the other prize-winning children seem too good to be true? Or is it the way that the tour guide, Mrs Fox, keeps giving him funny looks? Whatever it is, Jake’s sense of unease increases until he finally comes face-to-face with a terrible truth.

With a masterful build-up of tension and discomfort, this creepy story is unnerving and chilling rather than overtly terrifying but readers of a sensitive disposition should probably read it with the lights on.

Presented in a super-readable format, and with atmospheric pen and ink illustrations that reflect the unsettling narrative, Seven Ghosts will appeal to readers of a range of ages and interests including those looking for accessible text with exciting content.