You don’t think it a rather provocative arrangement?’ the clergyman began, then broke off, frowning. He had been interrupted by a noise that made Philo’s hair stand on end. It sounded like a wolf’s howl. Long and drawn-out, it echoed off the high brick walls that penned them in, finishing on a growling quaver.It seemed … Continue reading “Theophilus Grey and the Traitor's Mask, by Catherine Jinks”
‘The parish searcher!’ Mr Paxton exclaimed. He sat back on his heels, squinting at Philo with a quizzical look. ‘May I remind you, Master Grey, that the parish searcher is charged with identifying cause of death, for the bills of mortality?’ ‘Aye.’ Philo knew that well enough. ‘Our unfortunate friend is not dead,’ the surgeon … Continue reading “Theophilus Grey and the Demon Thief, by Catherine Jinks”
When the bogle hissed, she knew it was caught. She knew she was safe. And she turned just in time to see Alfred strike his blow. He speared the monster from behind, while it was still intent on reaching Birdie. But it couldn’t. The salt was stopping it. And before it could even try to … Continue reading “A Very Unusual Pursuit, by Catherine Jinks”
Marcus’s dream holiday involves staying at home and playing his favourite computer game. But when his Mum buys a musty old caravan and drags him off to the beach, Marcus finds himself wandering into OTHER people’s dream holidays – which, in addition to being bizarre, soon turn out to have a dangerous side! Accompanied by his Mum and some new family friends (including a prototype robot), Marcus unwillingly embarks on an adventure that’s more exciting than any computer game.
‘Back seat,’ Saul instructed. ‘Oh, but-’ ‘In the back, please.’ Cadel complied, mutely. He remained silent as Saul slipped behind the wheel, started the engine and pulled away from the kerb. Only when they were heading down Barker Street did Cadel finally remark, ‘You’re not sending me to a safe house, are you?’ ‘I’m sorry.’ … Continue reading “Genius Wars, by Catherine Jinks”
In the suburbs of Sydney dwell a host of vampires, posing as regular humans and living right under the rest of the city’s notice. These particular vampires, however, pose no threat – they’re “reformed”, and are as far from the violent, powerful bloodsuckers we know from the movies as possible. And when one of their … Continue reading “The Reformed Vampire Support Group, by Catherine Jinks”
Mr Barton was being helped from the back of the dray. I could see at once that there was nothing wrong with his legs. It was the upper portion of his body that seemed to pain him. He moved stiffly, with many an involuntary wince and suppressed groan. Having reached the ground, he shook off … Continue reading “The Dark Mountain, by Catherine Jinks”
The smell was the first thing we noticed. It was a terrible smell that made us all cough; a smell of burning meat, with another stench overlaying it. Then we saw Firminus standing by the door. He pointed. ’Something’s trying to get in,’ he rasped. Seventeen year old Cheney has lived his whole life in … Continue reading “Living Hell, by Catherine Jinks”
As I approached the corner I began to slow down. I don’t know why. Perhaps because I had this image in my head: an image of a face materialising out of the darkness on the other side of the window. I didn’t want to turn the corner. I didn’t want to see anything like that. … Continue reading “Elysium, by Catherine Jinks”
“You’ll have to feed him, and wipe his bottom, and save him from the giant olives,” Sybille continues maliciously… So they seriously expect me to spend the next ten years cleaning up after an incontinent old man in the middle of nowhere? If so, they’re going to be sadly disappointed. Babylonne has lived a hard … Continue reading “Pagan's Daughter, by Catherine Jinks”
