Uncle Montague's Tales of Terror

Young Edgar loves visiting his eccentric, Great-Great Uncle Montague even if it means going though the spooky woods to get there. For Uncle Montague is a very talented storyteller and has a story to tell about all the creepy odds and ends he has lying around his study. I loved the goosebumpy feeling I had the whole time I read this book. The fact that each tale's main character was a child made it even more spooky for me. I loved the gothicy feel each tale had and although the stories were short they were definitely potent and got their message across. As always, my main complaint with short stories... that they are just too short and right when I'm finally getting into the story they end. Needless to say, I thought Mr. Priestley delivered with this group of stories. The underlying story of Uncle Montague and Edgar was, I think, the creepiest by far... but I won't give anything away. I loved the wordplay used, I think Mr. Priestley has a talent for using simple words and descriptions that definitely enhance his stories and make them far more sinister. Although I felt some of the stories ended quite abruptly, in retrospect, I think, this was what made me think of them well after I was done reading them. I recommend that younger readers take the warning on the back cover seriously, as this isn't a book to be read alone or late at night... especially those who are faint of heart. If they are brave enough, then I definitely recommend a quick glance in the closet and definitely take a peek under the bed. As the not-so-young adult I am, I found these to be deliciously creepy, spine-tingling and definitely worth the read.

The art of spooky storytelling is alive and kicking (or should I say undead and kicking?). Priestley's clever book can be devoured mouthful by mouthful as each short story is presented as part of a greater over-arching tale of terror. This was just the right level of scariness for brave children or less brave adults, and the beautifully written tales are complemented by Gorey-esque illustrations that capture the wry dark Victorian charm of the writing. Can't wait to read Priestley's other Tales of Terror books.

Uncle Montague is a bachelor who lives alone in a house that is packed with artifacts and collectibles. Edward loves to walk through the woods and visit Uncle Montague to hear his spine-tingling stories. Uncle Montague is reminded of each story as he picks up an artifact that is associated with it in his memory. Edward's imagination is sent into a tailspin when he begins to wonder how Uncle Montague knows all of these frightening stories, and a darker side of Uncle Montague begins to emerge. Not all the stories have clear-cut endings, and Edward's fears become your own as you read these scary narratives. From the Vicar's son who needed a hammer to mount his collection in the garden, to the Demon on the bench end, and Christina, who, to her horror, was granted three wishes, Chris Priestley has crafted a book that is impossible to put down, and definitely left me wanting more. This book should appeal to reluctant readers with its fast-paced fear factor with a literary touch that just grabs you and won't let go. Reviewed by: Grandma Bev