The Place Between

A strikingly beautiful cover is slightly marred by the rather theatrical statement 'Master of Menace' emblazoned across it. Perhaps Walker feel that Hugh Scott needs more positive marketing - he's certainly one of the best writers for children around, though still sadly underrated. Stella and Daniel become aware of strange happenings - trees which move, people who disappear and reappear - and after a near-fatal fire at a local farm an expert on the supernatural, Eric Railford, confirms their suspicions. Scott builds his tension through the interaction of a shadow-world and contemporary existence. When Stella, her mother and an artist, are trapped in the place between the two, Scott tightens the screws by introducing a race against time as Railford reluctantly begins to close the door that connects them. I won't spoil the ending...