Damien Graves

There are 3 short stories in this book: 1. Blood and Sand, 2: Man's Best Friend & 3: Stranger in the House. This volume was better than the first, and I particularly liked the second story which was creepy about a very mangy parrot that takes over a household after its owner dies in mysterious circumstances. The parrot turns Ben's parents into his slaves and Ben is forced to take drastic measures to free his parents from its spell by releasing the evil within the bird. He succeeds but where show more has this evil gone? (Spoiler : Into Ben's pet alsatian Rex) The first story tells the tale of a boring holiday at a run down beach resort where the only highlight is the sand sculpture competition. A creepy man has managed to create some very life-like sculptures in the past - including one of the town's loveable stray dog (that hasn't been seen since) - what is his sinister secret? Final tale is the standard "there's something wrong with our babysitter" a la "have you checked the children?" mode. When Laura turns up to babysit Jessica, Robbie and Megan; 4 year old Megan asks where Laura is and the older children start to notice some very strange things about their sitter, not the least being she now has green eyes instead of her usual brown and she has become left handed! What will happen to Jessica and her family while in the care of someone or something that looks like Laura but clearly isn't? show less

As a parent, I'm always looking for interesting things for my kids to read...so when I saw The Midnight Library series on display at my local library, I was intrigued. We picked up the first few (Blood and Sand, Voices, & End Game) to see if we'd like them. I have to say, it's an interesting series. Each book appears to hold three short stores revolving around a central theme (in this case, Blood and Sand). We've just wrapped up reading this and boy my daughter (9) and I enjoyed the stores. show more All three are well written, suspenseful, and manage to scare without going over the top, that is to say there is a bit of subtleness to the stories that is refreshing. In this trio of terror, you get eerily real sand sculptures, a possessed parrot looking to toy with his new "owners," and a babysitter who doesn't seem quite like she used to be. The first story has some holes in it in terms of how it ended (the believability of "getting away with it after the accusations), but the second and third were of a better quality...with the third being my favorite by far. Overall, I give Blood and Sand 4 stars, the stores are quick to read (one per night for several nights) and the level of subtle creepiness was just right for the age range of this books audience. I'd recommend them for parents having trouble getting your young readers engaged in longer book over the summer (or the holidays). show less

Three short supernatural novellas for younger readers are contained in this the first volume of Nick Shadow's Midnight Library. The first story Voices deals with a young girl who hears conversations in her head ( much like telephone calls) after she visits a witch's grave. Unfortunately for her, the conversations are a fortelling of the future - and eventually she hears her own death. Second story A Perfect Fit is the best as it pertains to a pair of new runners ( called "trainers" because show more this is an English book) that run amok as if possessed. They start off harmlessly enough - trampled flower beds, etc. But soon progress to arson and then murder! the last story is almost a fairytale - An Apple a Day - like Peter Rabbit - don't go into Mr MacGregor's Garden- Tim is warned by his grandmother not to bother her neighbour Old Bill Cole and do not eat the apples from his trees. Tim learns the hard way as that old wives' tale about eating apple pips comes true! Good scary one for Year 7 or younger. show less

Reviewed by Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen for TeensReadToo.com

Damien Graves is back with three more chilling stories that will make you sleep with one eye open.

Louise is beginning to question her friendship with three of her close friends, since all they want to do is bully everyone they see. Their main victim is Mr. Webster, owner of the ever-popular candy store. They think they can have whatever they want, but when Mr. Webster tells them that they can't have the special candy in the show more special box, they know they have to have it. Unfortunately, Louise and her friends will witness firsthand how bad candy really is.

It started out as a little chore for Greg and Sam to clean out Greg's grandfather's house, who had just recently passed away. But while cleaning up, the boys stumble upon a specially made game board that outlines what will ultimately decide their fate and what kind of luck they will have.

For Rory and April, their parents getting a brand new car with a GPS system and all the newest technology was the best thing that could ever happen. Yet, one rainy night, when the siblings decide to update the GPS system, everything electric starts to go haywire. All the appliances could have been possessed, or maybe they were just sending Rory and April a message about their new car and a certain system.

These three stories will make anyone pee in their pants, even adults, and are perfect for anyone who doesn't mind a little scare before bed. show less