Walking with the Dead

After a row with his dad on his fourteenth birthday, Stevie stomps out of a Devon guesthouse only to come face to face with a horribly disfigured old man. The stranger has no fingers or toes, and disappears down a narrow alleyway leaving a broken bell behind, which Stevie picks up and takes with him. That night Stevie can’t breathe, his skin erupts into gruesome sores and his terrifying medieval adventure begins.

The book’s graphic imagery and startling black and white illustrations certainly make for a chilling read. Although Walking with the Dead is aimed at teenagers, the large print size, short sentences and extensive illustrations seem more appropriate for a younger audience. If you are looking for something to encourage reluctant older readers, then this is an excellent choice. It’s also a gripping read for children of any age who are prepared to be scared. SG