Fright Night test results: A scientific report
Review by I.M. Berry-Scaird
At the request of several international scientific-psychic phenomenon societies, we have been asked to test a new device called a Literary Horror Meter, in which readers don electrodes to measure breathing, pulse rate, sweat production, and general nervousness, enabling lab technicians to monitor reactions to various thrillers. The resulting data are based on a unit of measurement called a Thriller-Chiller (TC). The scale ranges from one to four, with * producing fun, pulse-racing excitement, suitable for younger readers, to ****, suitable for brave, bold older souls.
Pet Store
***
By M. T. Coffin
(alias George Edward Stanley)
Avon, $3.50, ages 8-12
ISBN 0380784602
Thirteenth in the popular Spinetinglers series, this is a frightfully well-executed book, blending both laughs and drama. Amber's family has to move to Woofburg, where her father has taken a new security job. Turns out the entire town is run by dogs, and humans are kept as pets. Sample line: "Yes, you are lucky," Martha said. "My owners are Chihuahuas! They're high strung and argue constantly. My nerves are shot." This book will make you howl and pant as Amber plans an escape.
The Ghost Followed Us Home
**
By Peg Kehret
Minstrel, $3.99, ages 8-12
ISBN 0671535226
Fifth in the Frightmares series, this is a thrilling, compelling, yet ultimately gentle ghost story. Two young girls, Kayo and Rosie, investigate a burglary in a doll museum, only to encounter the ghost of a little girl and a War World I German soldier. The spooks end up helping the girls foil the thieves, with plenty of chill bump excitement along the way.
The Boy Who Ate Fear Street
**
By R.L. Stine
Minstrel, $3.99, ages 8-12
ISBN 0671001833
Number 11 of Stine's Ghosts of Fear Street series, this novel is truly a taste of terror. Ever since his aunt spiced up his food, young Sam Kinney can't stop eating, whether he's munching macaroni or digging into dirt and bugs. He's got to find a way to stop, or there will be nothing left of Fear Street. Munch on Halloween treats while you devour this adventure.
Screaming Skulls
101 of the World's
Greatest Ghost Stories
** to ***
by Daniel Cohen
Avon, $3.99, ages 8-12
ISBN 0380783495
Here's one the whole family can enjoy, full of fascinating, short recountings of all sorts of strange stuff. More intriguing than horrifying, this is a delightful treasury of terror.
The Hidden Beast
** to ***
by Christopher Pike
Minstrel, $3.99, ages 8-12
ISBN 067155073X
Twelfth in the best-selling Spooksville series, one of the scariest things about this book is its cover, featuring a gruesome dragon threatening to destroy Spooksville. Adam and his friends must defend their turf, and while their exploits are treacherous, kids will enjoy this page-turning read.
Mut Ants
***
by David Jacobs
Berkley, $4.50, ages 8-12
ISBN 0425154173
Part of The Bug Files series, this is a throwback to those wild movies of the 1950s and '60s, full of invading mutant insects. For anyone who's ever owned an ant farm, let this story serve as a warning of what can happen. Gwen is bored in Ohio until her brother orders an ant colony, which happens to be an ancient breed of ant dating back to dinosaur days. Chomp, chomp, chomp -- Gwen must stomp, stomp, stomp.
Waiting Spirits
****
by Bruce Coville
Archway, $3.99, ages 11-up
ISBN 0671536400
Part of Coville's Chamber of Horror series, this is a scary but wildly captivating tale. Teenage Lisa Burton and her younger sister Carrie are bored out of their minds during a family island vacation, until their grandmother suggests they try their hands at "automatic writing," to summon up any roaming spirits. The spirits answer, revealing some haunted family history. There's a bit of sweet-sixteen romance here (nothing more than an innocent kiss) and some blood spilled, but all turns out well in the end, after plenty of frights.
I.M. Berry-Scaird conducts seances and investigates ghostly sightings in Slaughterville, Kentucky. She is a devoted fan of Smashing Pumpkins.
©1996, ProMotion, inc.
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