Crypt: Traitor's revenge by Andrew Hammond

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Headline, 2102. ISBN 978-0755378227.
(Age: Teenagers: 13 years and up - in particular boys). Recommended. This book is the second in the C.R.Y.P.T. series and although I have yet to read the first The Gallow's Curse, I was certainly able to follow the storyline in Traitor's revenge. It follows the investigation of the Crypt team: Covert Response Youth Paranormal Team into some paranormal activity at the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, London. I love the fact that a significant historical figure from British history is portrayed in such an unusual manner. People's preconceived notions of ghosts and their abilities will be challenged by reading this book.
Never so fast has 340 pages been read. I love the suspenseful story line that takes the reader on lots of plot twists. I didn't want to put the book down. Take a historical event, a city steeped in history - York and add ghosts with diabolical intentions and you have one exhilarating read. Andrew Hammond's evocative imagery takes the reader right into the room with the characters. The chapters are written in such a way that the pace of the book speeds up building to the climax of the story.
I think in particular that this book will appeal to teenage boys - it has attention grabbing storylines, characters that they will relate to and enough gruesome gore and blood that will have them begging for more. I believe that as the chapters are one - three pages long that it may even appeal to reluctant readers. The way they are written ensures that the reader craves to know what is going to happen next. I loved the book and cannot wait to read the first one so that I can understand the story of the main characters and as to how C.R.Y.P.T. was established.
I was a little disappointed by the ending as it seemed to be settled very quickly after such a build up the throughout the chapters. I felt that the ending was a little rushed. Having said that I am really looking forward to the 3rd in the C.R.Y.P.T. series Mask of Death which will be released in 2013.
Elaine Grottick

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