num_pages: 312
description: Another fine collection of short stories by the late British author. Westall's tales are spooky and eerie, rather than downright scary. He creates likable characters and effectively sets them in slightly supernatural situations. "The Haunting of Chas McGill," for example, is a gem of a tale, perfectly plotted. During the London blitz in 1939, a boy discovers that a deserting British soldier (or perhaps his ghost) is hiding out in the old school into which he has moved. He comes up with a way to save the soldier, but in a delicious twist, his scheme has a surprising effect on his own family. Most of the stories are equally satisfying. Five of them feature adult characters exclusively. They are excellent, but seem slightly out of place, especially since Westall created such memorable children. In stories like "Fifty-Fafty" and "The Red House Clock," the thoughts and feelings of the boys who narrate are fascinating. When supernatural elements subtly appear towards the end of these stories, they have a significant impact because readers are already so involved with the lives of the characters. Three of the eleven stories also appear in The Call and other Stories (Viking, 1993); one has not been previously published; some are from out-of-print collections. A treat for horror fans as well as for those who appreciate well-told short stories. (School Library Journal)Contents:3 • Woman and Home • (1989)23 • St. Austin Friars • (1982) 53 • The Haunting of Chas McGill • (1982) 85 • In Camera • (1992) 113 • Fifty-Fafty • (1989)125 • The Cats 147 • The Boys' Toilets • (1985) 177 • The Red House Clock • (1989) 207 • The Call • (1989) 224 • The Cat, Spartan • (1989) 246 • Blackham's Wimpey • (1982)
language: English
title: Shades of Darkness: More of the Ghostly Best Stories
titlecomplete: Shades of Darkness: More of the Ghostly Best Stories
genres: Ghosts, Short Stories, Young Adult, Supernatural, Horror
ratings_count: 42
publisher: Farrar Straus & Giroux