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School Library Journal
Gr 6-9-Each selection in this uneven collection was written at the invitation of the editor in honor of the National Trust's centenary year. All involve the supernatural, and all are set on National Trust properties; however, most lack the tension required of a really good ghost story. One stand-out selection is Terence Blacker's ''A Lady in Blue, Unidentified.'' He tells his tale of vampires in such a commonplace way that by the time the horrible truth has dawned, readers have bought into the story; also, like those wonderful old Twilight Zone episodes, he intimates that the action will go on even after the final scene. John Quinn's ''The Rising Stones'' is another promising piece. Set in Northern Ireland, it tells of Karen, who must run for her life from two bombers. Just as she is most desperate, an ancient causeway rises from the water, and the folkloric wizard from Kylenadree takes her to safety. Other contributors to the volume include Ted Hughes, Dick King-Smith, and Joan Aiken. Static illustrations in both color and black and white are scattered throughout. The latter are more effective, but both lack enough depth to engage readers. With Robert Westall and Lois Duncan available for older readers, and Mary Downing Hahn and Betty Ren Wright for the younger crowd, it should be safe to pass on Ghostly Haunts.-Patricia A. Dollisch, DeKalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA
Genre: Children's Fiction
Gr 6-9-Each selection in this uneven collection was written at the invitation of the editor in honor of the National Trust's centenary year. All involve the supernatural, and all are set on National Trust properties; however, most lack the tension required of a really good ghost story. One stand-out selection is Terence Blacker's ''A Lady in Blue, Unidentified.'' He tells his tale of vampires in such a commonplace way that by the time the horrible truth has dawned, readers have bought into the story; also, like those wonderful old Twilight Zone episodes, he intimates that the action will go on even after the final scene. John Quinn's ''The Rising Stones'' is another promising piece. Set in Northern Ireland, it tells of Karen, who must run for her life from two bombers. Just as she is most desperate, an ancient causeway rises from the water, and the folkloric wizard from Kylenadree takes her to safety. Other contributors to the volume include Ted Hughes, Dick King-Smith, and Joan Aiken. Static illustrations in both color and black and white are scattered throughout. The latter are more effective, but both lack enough depth to engage readers. With Robert Westall and Lois Duncan available for older readers, and Mary Downing Hahn and Betty Ren Wright for the younger crowd, it should be safe to pass on Ghostly Haunts.-Patricia A. Dollisch, DeKalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA
Genre: Children's Fiction
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