The Scarecrows

A dark and deeply disturbing story of a boy overcome by hatred when his mum decides to remarry after his father's death. Even worse, is that she's chosen to marry Joe Morton, the man who embarrassed him at his boarding school Parents' Day, by turning up with his mum, no tie, in his flashy white Range Rover. Simon is torn apart with anger that his mum and little sister, Jane, seem to have forgotten his dad so easily. Having to return home in the school holidays, Simon explores an abandoned mill near his house, but there's something quite weird about the mill, and the way it's been left untouched for so many years. There is another powerful hatred here too, just waiting to be unleashed, and Simon is forced to face his fears. Powerful and at times violent and deeply disturbing - a story for teens.

I first read this when I was about 10 years old, and it has never left my mind. It was my first real encounter with a deeply disturbing sort of thriller, and I have been grateful always. This is no mere blood and guts raggedy man story, this one is much more frightening, with an ending that won't be forgotten. It is very subtle, but the dread and fear just keep building up until there's nowhere left to hide. Give this one a chance, you'll be glad you did.