A Touch of Chill

Fifteen macabre stories. At its best (Jugged Hare) Joan Aiken's work in this field is spectacularly good. At other times, one feels she's relied on reputation to sell stories or merely fulfilled commissions prestige has brought; disparate elements don't gel, endings aren't quite right. One or two here don't suit kids - most were originally for adults (Middle-aged/elderly characters predominate) and I can't spot any editing. The order of stories, too, could be improved. Nevertheless, much better than her out-of-print Peacock A Bundle of Nerves - less whimsical. One you should certainly read yourself and try with older kids.