Review: A Foot in the Grave
Editorial Review - Kirkus ReviewsEight handsome, ambiguous pictures by one of Britain's most innovative illustrators provide inspiration for the same number of ghost and horror stories by a skilled fantasy writer. A nasty grave-robber is hauled into a grave; a ghost-snatcher gets snatched; a poisonous old aunt, literally scared to death by her callous nephew, returns as a strangling vine; a strong-minded ghost refuses to return to the grave after her dog's bones are composted; and more, lighthearted or disturbing. The pictures are striking: luminous, tantalizing, by turns menacing or mysterious, they speak ""story"" from every anguished line, collage-like form, or boldly stenciled image. The stories are entertaining, with a strong sense of place, good pacing, and use of language (English, not American, and the better for it). But the two never fully mesh; they remain products of separate imaginations. A powerful visual image implies more than words can say; still, once one of these stories is told, the reader is left wondering what the real story was. (Even the jacket reflects this ambiguity, combining the title of one story with the picture from another). However, a little ambiguity is not a bad thing for imaginative young readers. An intriguing tour de force.
Review: A Foot in the Grave
User Review - Divya - GoodreadsI first read this when I was 10 or something close - picked it off the school library as a lark. And 19 years later, this still remains one of my favorite 'scary' books! I actually searched all over ... Read full review
Review: A Foot in the Grave
User Review - Judy - GoodreadsFun, young adult ghost stories, but they are often not as chilling and tend to end abruptly. Still good for a rainy day. Read full review
Review: A Foot in the Grave
User Review - Also, Safety Math - GoodreadsAs someone admittedly addicted to scary stories, even dumb ones, this is one of the best collections of them I've ever read. What makes them great is their subtlety and the room they leave for ... Read full review
