The monsters next door by Kate Alice Marshall

The Monsters Next Door is a great introduction to the horror genre for younger readers.  Charlie is nothing special, especially when you compare her to the rest of her family. Her sister is a ghost who is learning to be visible, one of her brothers is a werewolf and the other has telekinetic powers, both her parents work for an organization supporting and protecting other people with powers and her home includes a cursed doll. 

Just as her parents are departing for a well-deserved and vital holiday neighbours move in across the street and although they appear nice and normal, Charlie can’t help feeling that something is not adding up.

Charlie is a likeable older sister who is struggling to be responsible, keep her family safe and worrying about her parents.  At times she comes across as bossy or superior but in reality she is just doing what she can with her “ordinariness” to survive.  She is a strong character who guides the story and ensures that her family stays together. The rest of the family and other characters are all well written and create tension and work really well within the story. 

This story is completely engaging while being just a little bit frightening!!!  Readers who like to be kept on the edge of their seat will enjoy this book, especially those who are looking for something a bit more in depth than the Goosebumps series.  This book is bound to be one that will become a favourite for readers who want to be scared or are looking for an introductory horror story.  I would recommend this book for any school or home library as it is one that I really enjoyed.

Themes: Horror, Family, Ghosts, Sibling rivalry, Relationships.

Mhairi Alcorn