Horror Books

What a awesome book my 3 year old and 5 year old were enraptured in the story! The artwork is superb the words just rolled off my tounge a great book to act out too :)

This is a good book for all ages. It's scarey and funny for kids.

This book is hilarious. The author does a great job in making this book funny for kids. You might think that it's going to be scary but t's cute. I read this book to my little brother and he loved it! My new favorite author is Barbara Park.

This story is about a boy.The bogeyman was under the boy bed whild he was reading a animal book . the bogeyman came , and The boy was scare.the bogeyman start to talk to the boy about something . The bogeyman tell story to the boy, and tell bogeyman told the boy to not leave his sock siting there because he going to chock . So the bogeyman went to the sister room.

We have gotten this book at lesst 10 times over the past year at
our local library. I finally decided we had to own it.
The story is hysterical and really eases "boogeyman" type fears in
young children. We love to read it with our own "boogeyman" voice
(A heavy new york accent!). This is a stroy both parents
and kids will love. Barbara Park is the author and she is
also the author of the similarly hysterical Junie B. Jones series.
Highly recommended!

This combination ghost story, seance, and gripping historical novel, is compelling and unique. The scene shifts intriguingly back and forth between a boy's prep school in 1960's Boston, and varying stages in the life of Andre St. Loup, a Civil War Colonel whose fate touches off a titanic struggle between warring worlds. Subterranean machinations, witty teenage persiflage (the kind unheard of nowadays)and a grand climactic climax round out the experience. A marvelous and beautifully written book.

Not only is this book amazing and provoactive with regards to both historical literature as well as just plain exciting narratives, but George O'Har himself is a great man. I met him in England on an Oxford field trip and I can tell you the man himself is as ecelectic, exciting, alive, and awe inpsiring as is his literature. For this reason not only should you DEFINITELY read psychic fair but, in fact, any book George writes in the future.

Lucid, captivating and richly entertaining - George O'Har's razor-sharp wit, artful use of characterization and passion for historical context makes Psychic Fair a genuine page turner for thriller aficionados and mystery buffs alike. O'Har blends history, humor, adolescent kinship and the supernatural into a lively and sometimes chilling hands-down great read. I can't wait to see what O'Har has in store for us next.

I can imagine that this book would appeal to a wide spectrum of readers: horror fans; fans of revenge thrillers; readers fascinated by the occult; lovers of historical fiction; even sophisticated young adults. I read it simply because it was an excellent psychological thriller punctuated by O'Har's perennially crisp style and excellent knack for characterization--young Adrian Sparke as a character is as strong as the plot.

Devoured it; loved it. O'Har's story spans decades - indeed, centuries - and he has managed to create vivid, dialogue-driven characters in all time periods. This, I don't have to tell the avid reader, is no small feat. His narrative creates both fear and contemplation; in fact, just for kicks, he invented his own language (which made me think of Russell Hoban). At different times while reading, I was also reminded of Salinger, Fitzgerald, Harper Lee, and... surprisingly... Henry Adams. In all respects, the novel is a triumph, and potential consumers - and critics - are doing themselves a tremendous disservice if they don't carve out some time for themselves, pick up Psychic Fair, and give it a well-deserved read.

What Northrup has to say is as interesting as the way he says it. I really loved his style of writing: chatty, wry, ironic, funny, serious--often at the same time.

I am so happy that he won the 1999 native american journalism award for his editorials, which appear in indian country today , news from inidan country and the circle. this book is wonderful and very funny! the poem he writes about John Wayne visitng Vietnam is a masterpiece and shows " the Duke" for what he really is a wimp and a wuz! get this book it's truly a gem!

This book is brutal without being harsh, funny without being lightweight. In a society where everyone (and I do mean everyone) is made to feel guilty for everone else's suffering, this is a breath of fresh air. The problems Northrup faces every day are aired alongside with the joys. For every pain, he offers a happiness.

And he never says you can't understand. He just offers another way to see his life.

Don't buy Ian Frazier's book if you want any kind of accurate picture of today's Indians. Buy this one instead - this is the book to get if you want to begin to understand the complexities of being an Indian. The author speaks to both the initiated and the ignorant. It's both a moving and a fun read.

I picked this book up at random while browsing the "Native American studies" shelf at my local book megastore, and I was quickly drawn in, reading it cover-to-cover in a day. Jim Northrop is an Anishinaabe who lives on the Fond du Lac Reservation in Northern Minnesota, and in this book he writes about reservation life, about Native American political issues, and about his own travels and experiences. One of the great strengths of this book is his honesty as a memoirist. While sticking largely to a humorous matter-of-fact tone, he does not shy away from his grief at his son's suicide attempt or his difficulties returning from war in Vietnam. Another strength is the conversational quality of the writing itself. At first it bugged me, short sentences put together into these meandering run-on paragraphs, but after some reading I began to think more of Italian vocal technique, where the tone continues, rising and falling, with words just dotted on the surface. Eventually it felt like I was just hanging out with the guy, listening to his interesting stories. There are times when the writing falls down, for example during an extended series of sports metaphors during a dicussion of racism, or in the rather forced series of kangaroo references when describing a tribal "kangaroo court". But despite these problems I found the writing compelling and accessible. I'm not qualified to analyze the political arguments he sometimes makes, but his perspective on treaty rights, sports mascots, and gambling will certainly stay with me, informing and broadening my thinking when I next encounter these issues in daily life.

From beginning to end it keeps you on the edge of your seat! An insightful and frightening journey into the world of spritual warfare that will leave you sleeping with the lights on. I'm an avid reader and never before has a book haunted my dreams like this one. Heisler is definately among the best! Can't wait for his next!

SALVATION is the real deal. I like it more than Stephen King's THE SHINING and possibly more than Blatty's novel THE EXORCIST.

I've read hundreds of horror novels, and I can spot a good one.

SALVATION consists of a prologue and six parts. I recommend skipping the prologue at first and waiting until after you've finished reading part three. Read the prologue sometime after that.

I think one of the main characters should appear in some sequels, but I'm concerned about some of his powers. I think Arandavius has too much power to heal people and undo physical damage to objects. (At least the author limited Arandavius in some way: he can't cure insanity.)

I hope the storyline of any sequel features action in at least two places at the same time. Arandavius apparently can't be in two places at once. (He can travel quickly though -- almost instanteously. He just walks into a shadowy corner in one room and walks -out- of a shadowy corner in a completely different building. Pretty cool.)

Also recommended: Heisler's "Santa's Little Helpers", Stephen King's "Cell" and "Desperation", and William Peter Blatty's "The Exorcist."

PLEASE FORGIVE MY WRITING BUT ALL I CAN SAY IS "WOW", I STARTED THIS BOOK DURING THE DAY AND WAS AFRAID TO GO DOWN THE BASEMENT! AS IT GOT DARKER SO DID MY IMAGINATION, SO I DIDN'T MOVE WITHOUT MY DOG BESIDE ME. I HAVEN'T BEEN AFRAID TO SLEEP WITHOUT A LIGHT ON SINCE THE "EXORCIST", BUT MY ELECTRIC BILL IS DOING DOUBLE TIME! I CANNOT WAIT FOR A SEQUEL, I'M HOPING THERE IS GOING TO BE ONE. I LOVE THE WRITERS STYLE AND I KNOW THIS IS GOING TO BE AN AUTHOR TO LOOK FOR ON THE BEST SELLERS LIST! GLAD I GOT THIS BOOK AS A CHRISTMAS GIFT, IT WAS VERY GOOD.

W A Heisler has quickly become one of my favorite authors. This book is a great read. It kept me in suspense and on constant guard of my surroundings while I read it. I highly recommend it!

move over dean koontz, stephen king, peter straub. there's one new scary mother in town. i read this book in record time. characters will forever be memorable. arandavius is impressive, i do not want to ever meet him in a dark or well lit place, but i definitely want him in my corner in the event that i would have to need him. i will also say that one night when i finished reading, i kept the lights on all the way to bed, if i wasn't a mature, fairly rational adult, i would have looked under the bed. awesome book. loved it, can't wait for the next book.

I have to admit that I came to Amazon looking for this particular book because I had started reading it but never finished it. I found it in a used bookstore. I'm so glad I found it because I've been wanting to finish it. This book is the creepiest book I've ever (began) reading. I can't wait to see how the book further develops! And I can't read many of the reviews because I'm afraid that they will give away the ending!

I thought this was the best book I have ever read.You never know what is going to happen to them next!

This is a VERY good book. Will keep you in suspense until the very end. I've read almost all of Tankersley's books, but this one shocked me the most.
The characters are well done and the storyline is fantastic. This book is a lot more mature than her other books. Anyone who likes anything else that she's written definitely needs to read this one.

This is a tale for all time. A true suspense novel that keeps you guessing until the very end and still surprises you is almost unheard of. This one may even give you nightmares.

Pamela in stranded in the Ozarks for an unknow amount of time, but trust me, the sooner she is out of the place the better. Trying to find out what keeps her up at night in fear will probably keep you up at night out of fear as well.

I found this book in the Young Adult section of my library, but when I started reading it, I wondered why it was there, because it seemed like it was more for an older audience. The main characters in the story are adults (not old, though), and it wasn't written like many of the other books I have read by Richie Tankersley Cusick. However, I found myself getting into the story and really liking it, even though it didn't have romance in it (at first). This book is actually creepy and gory (somewhat), and scary, and a little sad.

The main character, whose husband and son died, and she is still really sad about it, for some reason is at a farmhouse in the Ozarks in the middle of nowhere (I think she crashed her car)with a strange family. The little six-year-old girl can tell the future, a young boy is treated terribly by his mother for no reason (when you find out the reason, you'll be very surprised!), and the father seems controlling. Every year the family makes scarecrows, but he orders them all to be burned at the end of the year, which the main character finds very strange. There is also the mother's sweet, much younger sister, who is very normal and wants to get out into the real world, where she has never been (the family really is cut off from all other people), but her sister forbids it. When it is time for all of the scarecrows to be burned, the younger sister hides hers and doesn't burn it, because she so desperately wants a guy friend.

The main character begins to really get freaked out when she realizes that the family does not want her to leave their home, and she knows she is in danger.

This book is very well written, with great detail. All of the elements are woven together neatly, and the ending will amaze you. All of the answers to why this family is so strange will reveal themselves. I strongly recommend this book, also if you have strong, um, morals (?) this might not be a good book for you.

If you like vampires then this book is great! It was a bit confusing in the beginning because of the short stories, and your wondering what the heck was that. But I tell you, it all comes together. The first and second books are both really good!

Its one of those, that flows smoothly. Its action pack and a lot going on.
You have to read it to believe it. Cant wait for the third one!!!

Searching for the Fountain of Youth could result in finding the fountain of a bloody red death!
Drew Silver takes readers down into the vampire mines but follows a more modern vein when DNA experiments go bad in the search for the Fountain of Youth.
"The Vampire Within: New Blood," is the second book in the "Vampire Within" series and further probes the deadly battle between professors at a California college who use students in their war for fame and fortune, using the students as both pawns in the war and guinea pigs in their experiments.
I must admit to being "in the dark" for awhile, starting with the middle book of a planned trilogy. But in an odd way, this worked as I shared being in the dark with the students who were caught between the two slightly insane professors. Are there any other kind of professors, other than crazy?
For vampire fans looking for twist in the impossible to kill off vampire legend, I can highly recommend this book but do suggest picking up the first book as well as this middle and most recent book.
A few other points to tempt you (without giving away too much) to read this and other books in the series. I don't think it should surprise anyone that when there are questionable experiments taking place on a college campus, the US Government just might be involved. Plus, how can any vampire story, even one that starts in sunny California, not find a connection with Romania?
If I have any cautionary note for prospective readers, this is a story with many characters and you need to pay attention to the twists and turns to keep all the characters straight in your mind.
Author, Drew Silver resides in San Diego. Her experience with law enforcement, martial arts and her love of vampire stories provide a wealth of experience sure to enhance this trilogy. Watch for the 3rd books late 2008.
Highly Recommended by Reviewer: Peter Klein, Allbooks Reviews

I really liked this book, and the one after it, and am eagerly awaiting the third. I guess the only negative thing I could say is Silver introduces so many characters its easy to confuse who is who. Very quick read, I can't wait to see what happens next.

If the lines of good and evil weren't clearly laid out for you in the first installment, it will definitely smack you right between your eyes in the second one! Drew Silver continues the adventure in New Blood and doesn't falter one time. The plot continues with Dr. Grosse's attempt to foil Dr. Cohn's plans to create a perfect army. Justin leads the pact in their pursuit to find a way to stop Dr. Cohn's minions from picking them off one by one all while dealing with their transformation from human to vampire. Their adventure will find them splitting up with half of the pack on their way to Romania to find the original source of Dr. Cohn's serum.

Drew Silver's New Blood will immerse you in a whole new world and keep you hoping the story never ends! It's a must read!

Does each of us have a vampire lurking within us, something primal that can give in to the most visceral emotions and needs? And, if so, are we able to use a higher strength and power from within to combat these needs?

And, less philosophically, do we get by with a little help from our friends?

Drew Silver's "New Blood," the second installment in her The Vampire Within trilogy, continues the story introduced in the first of the series, "The Beginning." Students at Triton University, a fictional college in an upscale California city, comprise the usual population of jocks, jerks, and serious students, both rich or on scholarship. The difference, however, is that a number of them volunteered for a biological experiment admininstered by an apparently evil Dr. Cohn. The procedure involved injecting them with a serum, rendering their personalities nonexistent except for a hunger for flesh and blood, preferably human.

Havoc is wreaked throughout the city, and a group of friends, including the hyperwealthy siblings C.J. and Greg, and a romantically linked pair, Justin and Jennifer, find themselves part of an antiexperiment, led by another scientist, Dr. Grosse. Grosse's treatment is intended to minimize the effects of the experiment and in essence save the human race from devouring itself. The subjects still have cravings, but they're limited to the vampire's version of steak tartare.

It is in "New Blood" that Silver's cleverness as a plotter becomes evident. Bit by bit, the history of the experiment begins to unfold, and science fiction offers its neck to supernatural, mythos, and government and medical thrillers--and there's plenty of blood for each genre. The families of several of Dr. Grosse's subjects were somehow involved with the beginnings of the experiment that began in Europe--you may guess where, but the location should be left to the reader.

After finishing the second book in the trilogy, you may need a dose of Dr. Grosse's serum to keep yourself from e-mailing the author and begging her to hurry up with the third book. In the absence of scientific assistance, however, it might be more fun to while away your time casting the characters for the movie to which this book lends itself to. I pick Sonia Braga for Maria, the maid who's hiding something. How about you?

Wishing Makes It So is a horrific tale about a mini-monster infiltrating a sympathetic family. Belinda, a beautiful five year old orphan, moves in with The Chrestmans, a loving family willing to share their hearts and home. But being compassionate can prove fatal when the new member of the family isn't the center of attention.
Marilyn Meredith weaves a skin crawling web of manipulative scheming and diabolical actions that will make you cringe. This book is addictive. Its pages turn as if it has a will of its own. Her story telling is artfully done making the characters seem as real as a person sitting in front of you and the antagonist as threatening as a stranger tailing you in a dark alley. Loved it!
Violette L. Reid, PeachPublishing

"A psychological thriller is played out in Wishing Makes It So. This incredible story will amaze readers as the devious acts of a sociopath are revealed."

"Steven and Alyse Chrestman are the proud parents of three adorable children, Andrew, Holly and Pammy. They feel that they have been blessed with a loving family and decide to open up their home to a four-year-old girl named Belinda."

"Little do they know that Belinda has been place and moved from several foster homes due to behavioral problems and demented incidents that have endangered the lives of others."

"Belinda immediately begins to cause havoc in the Chrestman's home. Alyse becomes suspicious of her as she catches her in numerous lies and it appears that she is intentionally trying to harm the other children. Unfortunately, Steven turns a blind eye to the deceitful deeds of Belinda. He doesn't realize until it's too late that they have opened their home to a killer."

"This is a chilling read that will intrigue and surprise readers."

Wishing Makes It So is a shocking thriller about a couple with three children who take in a female four-year-old formerly bounced around a variety of foster homes. Secure in their belief that they can give their new charge a loving, stable environment, they are unaware of the seemingly innocent girl's all-consuming drive to be an only child. It is a yearning that will drive the little girl to ruthless and deadly acts, even as her nautral charm disguises her murderous intentions, in this taut and chilling novel.

With a heartfelt conviction that "love conquers all", Alyse Chrestman convinces her husband, Steven, and their two older children, Holly and Andrew, to open their hearts and home to an unfortunate foster child. Four-year-old Belinda Sleigh seems to be the perfect candidate and fits in nicely between eighteen-month-old Pammy, the youngest Chrestman, and Holly and Andrew. Steven's experience as a counselor and Alyse's teaching skills, along with their combined success in a marriage where love and nurturing are the norm has already produced three happy, well-adjusted children and leaves no doubt as to their capabilities to handle whatever initial challenges might arise. With the help of housekeeper, Celina, and her husband and groundskeeper, Juan Miguel, little Belinda's life is about to turn into a fairy tale.



Dismayed that Belinda shows her no affection, Alyse watches as the beautiful little waif seeks comfort and acceptance in the arms of Steven, who has always strived to show equal attention and time to each child. It is soon evident that Belinda has Steven wrapped around her little finger when he continues to dismiss devious pranks played on Belinda's new siblings as accidents. Little Pammy alone is unwavering in her love and acceptance of the newest member of the family. When Alyse and the older children realize little Belinda's malicious behavior is more than they can handle, Alyse is accused of jealousy and their once-solid marriage may be moving toward rocky ground.



An unheeded warning, a heart-wrenching discovery and an unbelievable accusation keep this plot moving at a fast and furious pace. Despite the fact I was warned that Wishing Makes It So is a dark novel, I was unprepared for the raw emotion I had to deal with as I agonized with this unsuspecting family. Just when you think you can let down your guard and life is returning to some semblance of "normal", the terror starts anew.



Put an extra cushion on your reading chair, folks. If you like edge-of-your-seat suspense, that's where you'll be perched until you reach the very last page. Meredith dispenses suspense and horror with equal disregard for your anxiety level as she interrupts the cozy life of the Chrestman family in this superb tale of blood-curdling psychological suspense.

Author Marilyn Meredith has written some very good books over the years--many of which I have read prior to reading her latest suspense thriller "Wishing Makes It So". However, this is not like any of her other creative efforts--and it is certainly her best work to date. She takes a four-year foster child with such an innocent looking persona and gives us a charming and evil little manipulative monster. The storyline involves malicious and dangerous behaviors by poor little Belinda that ruins a wonderful family whose only intentions were to give her a loving family.

Meredith is a master at using a good mix of dialogue and characterizations with her narrative, so that the plot unfolds to give the reader a great psychological horror story. The story is fresh and alive and will grab the readers fullest attention--not allowing them to walk away form the book until they have devoured the last pages to find out what conclusion awaits them. It is a page burner that readers will find un-nerving but very much entertaining. This will become a classic novel of its genre someday, once others in the media discover this hidden gem as I have!

The American Authors Association (AAA) gives this book a FIVE STAR rating and a recommendation to buy and read this book!

I recently read John Passerella's first Buffy novel, Ghoul Trouble, and LOVED it. He captured the characters with such ease and approximately. And now, with Avatar, he does the same with the characters. Angel, Cordelia, Doyle, and even Kate are displayed respectfully and with the right characterization.

When a demon materializes in LA, needing to find 12 victims to complete a cycle in which the demon will be reunited with its true body, Angel and the crew are on top of it, along with the help of Detective Kate Lockley. The demon is using a man, who he promised the world to, to find his victims online in chatrooms. The demon appears to his victims as what they most desire. On a side note, Cordelia wants a website made for Angel Investigations, and that results in some humorous moments. Especially with the aide of a teenage computer geek.

Passarella really knows how to write a novel. It's absolutely expertise, and he knows exactly what he's writing about. He never makes the novel drag or become dull. There is one incident that makes the whole novel though. It plays out when Cordelia is chosen as bait to lure the demon in so Angel and Doyle can destroy it. We then see who each one of them desire. It's a very interesting and suspenseful moment in the novel.

John Passerella is now up there with Christopher Golden and Nancy Holder as one of the best Buffy and Angel novelists. I hope to see more coming from him in the future.

This was the fourth Angel book that I've read. So far, it's the first that really seemed to capture the characters and the spirit of the show. According to the blurb at the back, this is only Passarella's second novel (and his first solo attempt), but surprisingly it reads like it was written by a seasoned pro. The dialog is realistic (okay, Angel uses a few too many puns during the battle scenes for my taste, but a small flaw in an otherwise fantastic grasp of the character), the fight scenes intense and the plot well thought out. If you're an Angel fan who is unhappy with the quality of some of the tie-in books that you've read, here is one that is sure to please.

Loved it! Fans of the TV show will definitely enjoy this novel. At some points it kind of grossed me out, but I couldn't stop reading because I enjoyed at the same time. Highly recommend.

Elliot Grundy has made a deal with a demon. In return for everything he desires Elliot will help the demon to complete a ritual that will allow it to be reborn. Using Internet chatrooms, the pair are luring unsuspecting men and women into meeting with the demon, disguised as the victim’s ideal date. However, little does the demon know that an ancient cult seeks to posses and control it for their own purposes…

When Doyle’s visions lead Angel to the scene of a murder, he discovers that a man has been attacked by a demon that leaves behind nothing of the victim except for their skin. It soon emerges that this is not the first attack and that both men and women from all over L.A. are being targeted. The victims seem to have nothing in common, and the description of the attacker differs in every case. Angel has no idea who or what this demon may be.

“Avatar” was a fast-paced, enjoyable read. John Passarella manages to capture the characters exactly as they are in the TV show and ultimately produces an original, entertaining novel that maintains your interest throughout. There is no pause in the action and “Avatar” is one of the best of the Angel or Buffy books I have read so far. I recommend this book to all Angel fans.

There is a killer stalking the streets of Los Angeles, one sucks the essence from his victims leaving an empty husk. The only thing the victims have in common is the manner of their deaths and their link to the Internet. An Internet savvy demon is the last thing that Angel thought he would have to deal with - but you never say never in his line of work. As he tries to track the killer he is unaware that he is not the only one hunting the killer. A cult is on the trail too, but they plan to bind the demon. Now Angel is in the way - and they don't like that.

There are some authors for series like Angel and Buffy that make you feel like they are sitting inside their world. You get that feeling from John Passarella - it really feels like he has spent time with Buffy and Angel and really gotten inside their heads. The storyline of this novel is both gripping and seamless. It could have just as easily been an episode off the series. I agree with other reviewers here that Passarella compares really well to Christopher Golden and Nancy Holder and I can only hope that he writes more in the series.

i remember this book, i was about 12 yrs old when i ran across it in the public library. the cover of the book caught my attention and man... the pictures in the book were even better. i was reading the other reviews and just like everyone else, the story of the patchwork monkey stood out the most, i vaguely remember the one about the chicken. the images of this book will definately stick with you. for the life of me i couldnt remember the entire name of this book, all i could remember was eerie creatures. i told my 13yr old son about this book which i thought he would probably get a kick out of it. this book in my opinion is the best scary childrens book published... steven king eat your heart out.

i read this book when I was in 2d grade, when my brother in 5th grade brought it home from the library. I read the patchwork monkey, and it scared the heck out of me!! and that picture of the monkey. EWWW! I was searching online for several days to figure out the name of this book. (Patchwork monkey kept sending me to crafts sites). Any a fantastic book, very scary. Would love to get a copy (used are a bit pricey) PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE REPUBLISH AN ANNIVERSARY EDITION!

i read this book when I was in 2d grade, when my brother in 5th grade brought it home from the library. I read the patchwork monkey, and it scared the heck out of me!! and that picture of the monkey. EWWW! I was searching online for several days to figure out the name of this book. (Patchwork monkey kept sending me to crafts sites). Anyway, a fantastic book, very scary. Would love to get a copy (used are a bit pricey) PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE REPUBLISH AN ANNIVERSARY EDITION!

UPDATE: Check out the-haunted-closet.blogspot for more images and information about the Patchwork Monkey.
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A short collection of horror stories for children, beautifully illustrated by the great Rod Ruth, probably best known for his magnificent work in the "Album of..." series (Album of Dinosaurs, Album of Sharks, Album of Whales, etc.)


There are nine stories contained here, yet the one that seems to have had the most impact on young readers is the first, "The Patchwork Monkey", by Beverly Butler.

And rightfully so. Many of the other stories are fantastic, some truly science fiction, but "The Patchwork Monkey" dwells in a world any child can relate too... an annoying sibling, an adult who plays favorites, an evening at home alone while the parents are out, and a creepy doll that excites the imagination.

Even though the scares hit home, I doubt most readers caught all the nuances of this story as a child. I know I didn't:

Molly being scolded by her mother for watching a "witch" television program; Molly spinning the story of Mrs. Welles and her parasitic doll Patches seemingly out of nowhere, then pondering that Mrs. Welles had communicated that information to her through "vibrations"; the fact that Mrs. Welles gave the murderous doll not to Molly, but to the "favored" brother Jason; and how ultimately the doll actually BECOMES the brother for a brief instant...

It's too bad this book has become a rare artifact instead of a common offering on store shelves. It's also too bad no one has had the insight to develop this story as a short film or even an animated piece.

I FINALLY found a copy of this on ebay. Keep looking, and eventually you can catch one for less than $100.

I read "The Patchwork Monkey" when I was 7, and slept with my parents for a month. It scared me so bad that my mom had the librarian get rid of the book. We've spent the past 2 years trying to track down an affordable copy, and now that I have it, it's everything I remember it to be. Doesn't really *scare* me now, but is still pretty creepy. I count this book as my inspiration to be a writer. I can only hope that one day I can do to some other kid what this book did to me.

It was easy reading and fast. There were times it was hard to put down and others I just couldn't stay focused. It's a good fantasy about love, loyalty, right/wrong. However, when it was done, I felt it was a story stating to me, believe in yourself and don't be mean to your dog. I just wasn't that impressed with the book. It started off excellent with the 1st kill, but then it just didn't have that same excitment page after page. It felt long. I found myself wondering when I was going to finish it.

This book is a beautifully written fantasy. Confronting issues regarding identity & family, this tale flows from one chapter to the next. The author fully meets her goal of writing a story that one would be happy to listen to at the fireside.

This book is really suspenseful and exciting, and the same thing never happens more than once. If you like fantasy like me, then you are sure to like this book! A book that is unlike any other that I have read, and a definate thing for any good wish list.

If you like fantasy, you'll love The Beast of Noor. Janet Lee Carey has created a brother and sister who take us on a journey that I will never forget. They sacrifice all to save those they love and then go one better and sacrifice even more to save the beast. The outcome is unforgettable. I highly recommend this book.

Miles and Hanna Ferrell live in the country in Ennes Isle, just outside of Shalm Wood. Miles wants nothing more in life than to go to Othlore and be trained in magic. He's been studying with the Falconer, but he feels like his teacher is holding him back more than he's helping. If only the Falconer would teach Miles a few spells... Hanna just desperately wants to feel normal and safe. But between her different colored eyes, the legend surrounding her family, and especially since the return of the Shriker, it doesn't look like normal or safe are in Hanna's future.

Stranded in a cave to escape a surprise storm, Grandpa tells them again the legend of the Shriker. He tells them how the Shriker used to be a brave and faithful dog, until he ways betrayed by his own master and cursed by death himself. Now, as the Shriker, he hunts human prey every full moon. The master who betrayed him, Rory Sheen, happens to be an ancestor of Miles and Hanna. Now that he's back the brother and sister won't be safe in the village, and no one is safe in the woods once the sun goes down.

When Miles tries to take matters into his own hands, things get more than a little out of control. Suddenly it's up to Hanna to save him. Hanna was always the quiet one. The one who stood back and let Miles handle things. The one who asked for the happy tales by the fire, because the others scared her too much. Now, she's right in the middle of the scariest one of all, and if she ever wants to see her brother again she'll need to find a lot of inner strength, and quickly.

This is a great, creepy, interesting tale. I don't know how comfortable I would be hearing it at a fire on a dark night. Granted, I'm a big wimp, but that's only part of the point. It's scary enough for those who are looking for that, but it's also a great story, which is what good legends are. There's a fair amount of fantasy, a little magic, personal discovery, even a sweet little love story woven in. There's a little bit of something for everyone. Perfect for a stormy, foggy night, curled up with hot chocolate, warm and safe in your house.

Reviewed by: Carrie Spellman