I just finished reading
Followers by Anna Davies. It is the story of a young girl trying to define herself through theater at her private school. Briana Beland is certain she nailed her audition for the school's winter play,
Hamlet, and is hoping to get a good part, if not the lead. She is devastated to learn that she did not make the cast at all and is then asked to be the play's social media director. Soon a mysterious Twitter account is leaving cryptic posts and students start dying. (Sounds scary, doesn't it?!) It's a good book, but it is not spooky. Or maybe it is not spooky enough for my tastes. Don't get me wrong. I am not a fan of horror and gore, but I do enjoy a good, spine-tingling spooky novel. I was disappointed, therefore, that my spine did not tingle nor were there any goosebumps or hair raising. The book had a slow start. It felt more like the beginning of a teen romance instead of a thriller. When the mystery finally began to unfold, the drama played out too quickly. I wanted more lurking in the shadows, suspense, and sleuthing. However, this book would make a good introduction for students (grades 6-10) who are interested in the spooky/scary/mystery/thriller genre but are not quite ready to have the hair on the back of their necks stand up.
If your students are looking for a more spine-tingling thriller, here are few I love:
- Down a Dark Hall by Lois Duncan
- Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
- All the Lovely Bad Ones by Mary Downing Hahn
- Deep and Dark and Dangerous by Mary Downing Hahn
- Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn
(Okay, I admit it. I love all of Mary Downing Hahn's ghost stories. She is amazing!)
If you have any spooky title suggestions, I would love to hear from you.
