About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their child begins to seek out 'scary' media and needs a safe, literary outlet for their curiosity about the macabre or the unknown. It serves as a perfect bridge for readers who have outgrown the whimsy of Goosebumps but are not yet ready for adult horror. This collection of eight short stories explores themes of consequence, the supernatural, and the unintended results of poor choices through a lens of dark humor and suspense. While the stories are definitely spooky, they are rooted in a traditional British storytelling style that emphasizes clever twists over gratuitous violence. Parents will find this book useful for encouraging critical thinking about cause and effect, as many of the protagonists face the bizarre consequences of their own vanity or curiosity. It is an ideal pick for reluctant readers who benefit from the fast-paced, episodic nature of short fiction and the high-engagement 'thrill' factor that Anthony Horowitz masters so well.
