When Robert's family move from Dublin to the countryside, it's meant to be a new start for them all. Yet less than twenty four hours later Robert has stolen a car and is speeding his way back to his friends and old life. He hadn't reckoned on the mysterious power of their new home though. Whilst he can't wait to be free of the festering old house, it seems the house isn't finished with Robert yet.

 Robert loves his wild life in Dublin. Stealing whatever he can lay his hands on, joyriding and getting high with his gang is a pretty sorted way of life as far as he is concerned. It seems his Ma has other ideas though as he discovers when they arrive at their new home in the country. The rumours of a child murder and fairies are enough to convince Robert not to hang around and he plots his escape from the moment they arrive. It seems that it may not just be rumours though and when his younger brother Dennis starts to leave out milk and cake for the fairy each night, Robert is properly spooked. Lars the previous tenant did a runner and he can quite understand why. A chance discovery of Lars' diary begins the trail of another mystery though. Why would he leave but not take his money or passport?

 This is the first book which I have read by Kate Thompson, the winner of several major children's book prizes. I found it a gripping read, well plotted with credible characters and an exciting (unexpected) conclusion. It is a starkly realist story made all the more interesting by its supernatural twist. It is a great read for boys, although I would recommend it for upper key stage 3 and key stage 4 due to its language content and occasional violent episodes. A great plot to engage reluctant male readers, this is definitely not for the feint-hearted!

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2008-07-02