Mercy: The Last New England Vampire Book Review

 Author: Sarah L. Thomson. Release date: 2011. Publisher:  Islandport Press. ISBN: 9781934031364.

Annotation: As part of a school assignment, fourteen-year-old Haley Brown decides to study her ancestor, Mercy Brown, who died of consumption at age nineteen and was thought to have been a vampire who sucked the life from her remaining siblings after her death. The more she learns about Mercy, the more Haley fears that she is being haunted by the restless spirit who seeks to prove the truth about her death.

Personal thoughts: As a big fan of history, I was really looking forward to this novel because it is based on a true story, something I had never really experienced in paranormal young adult literature. I was not disappointed! Although the novel is short, the author does an excellent job of creating the appropriate atmosphere for Haley’s encountering the ghost of Mercy Brown. I also felt that the liberties the author took in fictionalizing Mercy’s story into a ghostly mystery were really well done. I would highly recommend this novel to history buffs, both teen and adult.

Plot summary: Fourteen-year-old Haley Brown is struggling with a lot of uncertainty in her life. Her cousin and close friend, Jake, is dying from an unknown chronic illness. Her dad and stepmother seem to be perpetually focused on her two-year-old half brother, Eddie. And her mom, who left their home in Rhode Island to live in New York City, promises Haley a Thanksgiving dinner of takeout when she comes to visit. To make matters worse, Haley has been assigned to research one of her ancestors, and decides to do her project on Mercy Brown. Mercy, who lived in the late 1800s, died of consumption at age 19. Her mother and older sister Grace died of the disease before her, and after her death, her younger brother Edwin fell ill. Determined to protect his only son, Mercy’s father, at the request of the townspeople, exhumed Mercy’s body. When it was found that her heart contained fresh blood, she was branded a vampire who was returning from beyond the grave to suck the life out of her brother. Her heart was burned, and Mercy’s name was forever slandered. As Haley learns more about Mercy’s life, strange things begin happening. Haley is plagued by the disembodied sound of a beating heart, icy cold sensations, and mysterious messages left for her to see. Could the ghost of Mercy have returned to help Haley clear her name as a vampire?



Mercy Brown's headstone
Exeter, Rhode Island

Review:  Although it is short in duration, this quiet mystery from esteemed author Sarah L. Thomson provides a different approach to the vampire craze that has swept young adult literature, one for readers who want a book with something below the surface. Based on the true story of Mercy Brown who died in 1892, teens who are fans of history, particularly that pertaining to New England, will enjoy the author’s inclusion of historical accounts in the plot of the novel. Mercy was truly exhumed, her heart was cut-out post-mortem and burned, the ashes given to her brother Edwin who was dying of consumption. Although the author does fictionalize the true “vampire” in the novel, learning about the real Mercy Brown and how people, especially women, were often vilified as the source of disease and other natural occurrences adds a great deal of depth to the story. Readers can be entertaining by Haley and her efforts to uncover the truth about Mercy and her connection to the rest of the Brown family, while being asked to think about the implications of the story beyond the scope of the mystery. Being based in part in history, Mercy would have a strong place in a middle school collection, particularly in drawing in more reluctant readers who are unsure about the historical fiction genre. Overall, a brief but strong novel that can be enjoyed by teen and adult readers alike.

Genre: Fiction/Ghost Story

Reading level: Grade 6+

Similar titles: Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake, The Poisoned House by Michael Ford, Tighter by Adele Griffin, Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey, Lark by Tracey Porter.

Themes:  Ghosts, vampires, New England, family history, haunting, mystery.  

Awards/Reviews:  Positive reviews from Amanda Marrone, author of Devoured, Michael Bell, author of Food for the Dead, and Christopher Rondina, author of Vampires of New England.

Series Information: N/A  

Discussion questions:

-      Why do you think Haley preferred to talk to Jake more than her father or stepmother?

-    Do you think Haley was being a good friend to Mel? Why or why not?

-      Why do you think Aunt Brown didn’t want Haley to bring Sunny to her house?

-      Do you think Haley’s feelings towards Eddie changed as the story progressed? How?

-     Research the real Mercy Brown. Is there anything about her life that is not included in the novel?

-       What role did superstition play in Mercy’s time? How have things changed?

The Shadowing: Hunted Book Review

 Author: Adam Slater. Release date: 2011. Publisher:  EgmontUSA. ISBN: 9781606842614.

Annotation:  Callum Scott has been able to see ghosts his whole life, a “gift” he’s tried to keep hidden from the rest of the world. After a bizarre string of gruesome murders wreaks havoc near his English village, however, Callum fears that he is being hunted by something not of this world, and that only his supernatural powers can save him.  

Personal thoughts:  I love a good ghost story, and I was definitely surprised (but pleased!) with how creepy this book was, especially since it is less than 200 pages. Although it is full of British lingo (kitbag, motorway, etc.), I think this novel would be great for reluctant readers, especially boys. The story gets going immediately, wasting little time between scares. It does manage to establish an interesting setting and cast of characters, however, providing opportunities for discussion or critical thinking. I look forward to picking up the second installment, both for the potential scares and the possibilities the series holds for sparking an interest in reading for young adults.

Plot summary: Callum Scott has been able to see ghosts his whole life. When he was younger, he would often embarrass himself by trying to talk to people no one else could see. Now he is in high school and has taught himself how to hide his “gift” from others: his friends, his teachers, and his Gran, who he lives with in a small cottage outside of his English village. One evening, however, Callum suddenly discovers that his powers have taken a startling turn: he now has the ability to see the future, sensing lurking danger when a tingling sensation overpowers his body. It also appears that the ghost population of Marlock has increased in size, with specters from all walks of life floating nearby wherever he goes. To make matters worse, Callum senses something evil. A bizarre and gruesome series of murders nearby have the village on edge. As more and more teenagers are killed, Callum begins to fear that whatever is hunting them is after him as well. Will Callum be able to use the powers he’s kept hidden for years to save himself and the people he loves from this new evil?

Review:  Short but creepy, this first installment in a new horror series for young adults packs a powerful punch for a book of its size. Author Adam Slater’s enthusiasm for the genre is evident throughout the novel. Suspense is built effectively throughout the story with genuinely scary moments, the right amount of gore, and an overall feeling of dread. Callum Scott is a likable protagonist, generally keeping to himself in school but still managing to be popular and easygoing. His relationship with his Gran is very pleasing, as are the descriptions of their quaint and cozy cottage in the woods. Juxtaposed with these more heart-warming aspects of the novel is the horror that is The Hunter. The Hunter narrates the book from time to time, describing in detail how it relishes murder and enjoys toying with Callum. Some of the scenes in the story are more than a little creepy and will certainly cause the reader’s eyes to dart around looking for signs of a monster lurking in the corner. Thrown into the mix are references to supernatural folklore, including chime children, churchyard grims, and various methods of warding off evil. Since it is so short, this novel would be especially appealing for reluctant readers who will respond to the quick pacing and entertaining story. It will also be equally enjoyable for both teen and adult horror fans as well. The second installment, The Shadowing: Skinned is set to be released in 2012.

Genre: Horror

Reading level: Grade 7+

Similar titles: Damage by Anya Parrish, Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake, The Nightmarys by Dan Poblocki.

Themes:  Ghosts, demons, haunting, psychic abilities, murder, England.   

Awards/Reviews:  N/A  

Series Information: First installment in The Shadowing series. Second novel, The Shadowing: Skinned to be released in 2012.  

Discussion questions:

- Do you think Callum’s ability to see ghosts is a gift or a curse? Why?

- Research some of the supernatural folklore in the novel. Where does it get its roots? Is the novel true to the history?

- What do you think happened to Callum’s father?

- What would you like to see happen in the sequel?

The House of Lost Souls Book Review

Release date: 2007. Author: F.G. Cottam. Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton. ISBN: 9780340953860.

Annotation: Something dark and mysterious is haunting the Fischer House; something that lingers on long after visitors have left its walls. Prepare to be scared in this dark and spooky ghost story.

Personal thoughts: This is definitely a book for older teens or adults as it does get quite scary at times, but for those who can handle it, you're in for a treat! I loved the mix of history and fiction, they worked together well to make an excellent ghost story. Can't wait for F.G. Cottam's next novel, Dark Echo!

Plot summary: This ghost story follows the lives of those who have visited the Fischer House on the Isle of Wight off the English coast, those who have survived their visit anyway. The novel begins with Nick Mason, former military operative, who is deeply concerned for his younger sister. It seems that she and her friends, all philosophy students studying the paranormal, visited the mysterious Fischer House and encountered something so awful, one has committed suicide. Mason’s sister seems to have slipped into a perpetual state of paranoia bordering on hysteria, and the other students are following-suit. Seeking to solve the mystery behind his sister’s condition, Mason contacts journalist Paul Seaton. It seems that Seaton visited the Fischer House as a college student himself, and lived to tell the tale, though not without his own sense of unease and paranoia. Together, Mason and Seaton decide to uncover the truth behind what seems to be haunting the girls, and discover a horrifying tale dating back to the 1920s. As Mason’s sister declines more and more, the hunt to stop whatever is stalking her grows more desperate.

Review: British writer, F.G. Cottam, has created a dark, gothic ghost story in The House of Lost Souls that will appeal to adults and teens alike. The novel begins with a sense of foreboding and mystery: something terrible lurks in the Fischer House, something that drives anyone who visits the house insane with terror. After visiting the house, one of four college friends has committed suicide. The other three seem ready to follow suit. Trying to discover what it is that is haunting these students, as well as journalist Paul Seaton, enthrall the reader. The ghostly experiences of those who have visited the Fischer House, as well as the fact that the haunting continues long after they have returned to their normal lives, will appeal to teens. Fans of the horror/monster/ghost genre will enjoy the spooky happenings in The House of Lost Souls. One factor that makes the story appropriate for older teens is the lack of gore, language, or sexual situations that are often better suited for adult horror novels. Cottam prefers the psychological scare, and doesn’t need blood and guts to achieve his goal. Another factor that will appeal to horror fans is the presence of historical horror and occult novelist Dennis Wheatley as a character in the novel. The House of Lost Souls is an excellently crafted and truly creepy ghost story; one that is sure to be

loved by teens and adults alike.

Genre: Horror/Fiction, Adult-crossover

Reading level: Grade 10+

Similar titles: Dark Echo by F.G. Cottam


Themes: Ghost stories, hauntings, occult.


Awards/reviews: Positive reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Financial Times, Lancashire Evening Post and Times Online.




Series information: None

Discussion Questions:

- Did you find this book to be scary? Why or why not?

- Do you think it's possible for locations to be "haunted" or "cursed"?

- Look up one of the famous authors or historical figures featured in the story. Relate how they real lives might impact their appearance in this novel.

- Do you think people still practice the occult?