Aug 08, 2022 02:09 PM
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(Updated Aug 08, 2022 09:43 PM)
This is my first C J Loughty and not the last one I can say for sure. Though The Mystery of Darkhill School is for kids( between nine and twelve years), the mature writing style makes it an intriguing read for even young adults and adults.
I got this one on Amazon Prime Reading. I had heard that many good books were available in this section at simply no cost. It was the book cover which attracted my attention. I do not remember reading the blurb. Just had a sixth sense that this book would be interesting. And so it was.
Following pay cuts at work Mr. and Mrs. Gubbins and family( Son Josh and daughter Bella) were compelled to shift to Darkhill. The children got admitted to Darkhill School. One look at the old, gloomy façade, Bella intuitively knew that the place was haunted. Josh did not like it either. But the school had a good reputation, The Head Master, Mr. Curshaw was old school and formidable. Mrs. Gubbins, highly impressed by the school tour by none other than the Head Master himself, would not hear a no from the children as she thought both could do better with some discipline and focus. It was not that Josh and Bella were rowdy. But perhaps they needed some "special" tutelage!
Bella's first day at school ended in detention with the school bully Dawn who had made Bella her target at first sight. But more than detention, it was that odd feeling of being constantly watched over which most of the children cribbed about in the school, that bothered Bella. And who was that grey, shadowy figure hobbling in the winding corridors, tip tapping on the icy cold floors with his walking stick? Why did the lights flicker and temperature drop suddenly with his imminent approach? Why would the form teacher Mr. Grouse not hear a word when Bella screamed that she was being spooked? What was Mr. Curshaw's "special punishment" for disobedient pupils who would not pay heed to solemn advice and stern admonition?
Loughty's writing style is impeccable. His language is pristine. Visuals are vibrant. Narrative is crisp. Epilogue is fitting. Without getting into lengthy descriptions, Loughty is able to convey the foreboding atmosphere of the school - a character in itself - the bottomless stairwell, the half lit rooms with shadowy cupboards, the creaky doors and windows, the chilly, numbing draughts whizzing in now and then, the whistling winds shrouding the premise in an invisible cloak and above all the Head Master's room atop of overbearing disposition overlooking the sprawling grounds watching over with unseen eyes every child who dared to be wayward.
I recommend The Mystery of Darkhill School not only for children but for parents as well.
After all, not all scary, goose bump inducing experience is ghastly or ghostly. Who knows whether the other worldly being chasing you may have a noble intention or an invaluable lesson to teach which may be life changing for you and your offsprings?
Try on.