21 Jan 2022

Slightly spooky books?

 

Fancy some books to curl up with during these cold days? I read these books over Christmas and loved the slightly spooky element that all three had. Why don’t you try one of them out?


         




The Lamplighters by Emma Stonex 

Was this a ghost story, a psychological thriller, or a classic locked room crime? I wasn’t sure when I started! The novel flips between a few days in 1972 when three lighthouse keepers disappeared from their lighthouse without a trace and 1992 when an author decides to research this mystery again. The chapters set in the ‘70s are from the viewpoint of Arthur, Bill and Vince who were the three lighthouse keepers. The chapters set in the ‘90s are from the point of view of their three partners who were left behind. Obviously, everything is not what it seems at the beginning and gradually more and more secrets are revealed. I loved the twist at the end. 


The Upper World by Femi Fadugba 

If you love physics and love a good science-fiction novel you will love this. The whole book flips between Esso and his school day, and Rhia and Esso 15 years later. There is a lot physics in it as the characters are trying to explain time travel and I have no idea if the science was correct or not! The whole book revolves around trying to change the past and save Rhia’s Mum. Did they succeed? You will have to read it to find out!

 

The Illustrated Child by Polly Crosby 

This follows the story of Romilly and her Dad living in their decrepit farmhouse. Romilly’s Dad writes a series of children’s books with her in it, beautifully illustrated. However, the popularity of the books means that she effectively becomes a prisoner in her own home, supposedly home-schooled but in reality running wild. There is an old dark family secret which she gradually uncovers but at what expense? I loved this book and was not expecting the twist at the end at all.

 

Mrs Godden