You’re sure he’s a seventh son? he asked.

It had been a long, hard day, and I was ready for my supper. WHEN the Spook arrived, the light was already beginning to fail.

The only time I have ever behaved like such an interfering parent! So please don't hold that against me.My recommendation is that children and young adults 11 and up would love this series. Without wishing to write spoilers it is hard to go into details, but there is one particular theme, several books into the series, that led me to speak to teh school about placing these in an older section of the school library. Nevertheless I have a hard time recommending them to 9 year olds because while this first one is just fine, there are theems in some of the later books that are downright disturbing. Good interesting stuff.The stories are quite original, and well constructed, but not of great depth, and some of the themes feel like they are aimed at an older age group than 9, although the stories are perhaps not sufficiently complex to be branded young adult. For adults too, the story is well written and never becomes tedious. My 9 year old daughter started reading Spooks, and she raved about it so now I have been reading them too.The strength of these books lies in the fantastic storytelling of teh author who spins a tail that really will achieve that suspenful state of tension that will delight younger readers. (Luckily the chapters are of a digestible length.) Read more

There are definitely suspenseful parts and at times it is very hard to put down. (I also look forward to the movie set for production in 2009.)If you like your books with something supernatural and a twist or two this is the story for you. (I can think of many women who say the same of men.) Then again, when malevolent witches are a very real thing, it seems to be good advice to follow.Prior to finishing the first book, I'd already purchased the second. Especially those with pointy shoes.' But it's also laughable. Most of the writing was easy to digest (while some sentences didn't seem to run smoothly the first time, you must remember that the author is British.)Some things that are said in the book (particularly about women) are cringeworthy.

He's who you call when there's something evil afoot!)Although a children's book (ages 10 & up according to Harper Collins) I truly enjoyed this book. She envisions him as becoming the next Spook (the person who keeps away all the creepy crawlies. Ghasts, Ghosts, Witches, Boggarts! Young Tom Ward, the 7th son of a 7th son is his mother's gift to the County.

Revenge of the Witch by Joseph Delaney