What an incredible ghost story to entertain and terrify readers this autumn.
This story is set in Suffolk, a great county to live in, and one that is rich in stories! Charlie is being sent to stay with his Uncle and Cousin in a remote town up the coast from Southwold and Aldeburgh. There he finds some tension between the two- mainly due to the loss of his aunt several years previously. Ariel, his teen cousin still blames her father for not being around when her mother passed away.
In escaping the tension, Charlie discovers a metal detector and sets about exploring the beach. A few bottle caps later and he discovers a brass box, which is both intriguing and creepy.
When a local antiques dealer shows an increasing interest in purchasing the box, Charlie and Ariel decide to open it. What they don’t realise is that something dangerous has escaped from the confines of the box and they will need more courage and help to overcome the next few terrifying days.
This is a brilliant story and with so many emotions ranging from fear to surprise to love, you will find yourself completely immersed in this ghost story. Charlie, while more cautious than his brave cousin Ariel, is a formidable character and he discovers a lot about himself in the week away from home. He has empathy and kindness within him and he begins to truly find his courage, which will help when he will need to face those bullies at school.
Ariel, throughout has been prickly, but after the events and danger she has been facing, a new perspective on her grief emerges and she and her father may finally find some common ground.
The book is filled with characters who help the teens on their journey and who are extraordinary in their own rights. I couldn’t stop reading and lost several happy hours one dark and chilly evening!
My Shelves Are Full 