We are given the story in the voices of Cora, Roger (one of the friends that the girls make) and Aunt Ida and I thought it was really good having the three different voices – Cora – who is really inquisitive (not to mention a bit more daring than I would have been – creeping around in the house on her own at night), Roger – whose voice allows us to see a different element of things such as some of the other villager’s perspective and Aunt Ida – and hearing her voice allows you to understand her fear for the girls and see that she isn’t simply being mean but has real cause for concern. At first I thought that maybe it would be too young a read but in actual fact it’s definitely YA and upwards. It’s set in the 50s and I really enjoyed the feel of it and the voices of the children. This was a good read with an intriguing story. Aunt Ida lives an isolated life at the Hall, her life was shattered the last time she looked after two young girls and in fact all the Guerdons have led a cursed life and the arrival of the two young girls is about to wake up an evil that has lain dormant for the past few years! Their aunt is less than pleased to see them and tries unsuccessfully to return them to their father. The girls are both taken to stay with their Aunt Ida who lives in a very old, rambling and run down property in the heart of the country in the village of Bryers Guerdon. The story starts with Cora and Mimi (real name Elizabeth but called Mimi because she’s always saying ‘me, me’ – how cute is that?). This is a really good book and an excellent debut.

Long lankin book