Review
Another terrifying triumph from the award winning children's author, says David Maybury
- Creature of the Night
- Bodley Head
Creature of the Night
There is no stopping Kate Thompson. Following on from last year’s success with The Last of the High Kings, she is back with her fourteenth book for teenagers. This time, with Creature of the Night, Thompson recreates a vision of Dublin that is laden with urban grit but at once recognisable
Bobby’s Ma is moving him and his half-brother out of Dublin to Clare. Moving him away from his mates, Fluke, Beetle and Psycho Mick, and away from trouble. On the bus down he doesn’t waste any time in planning his escape back to Dublin. But Bobby discovers that life in the country is worse than he had imagined when his new neighbours, the Dooley’s, warn him to leave milk out for the faeries.
The ensuing culture shock establishes a series of escapades that ensnares Bobby, his family and the Dooley’s in a gripping story of debt, drugs and murder. There is nothing gracious or whimsical about Creature of the Night and the bleak, austere world that Bobby and his family are trying to leave behind is exposed with vivid reality.
Having already won most major children’s books awards, Creature of the Night will likely ensure that Kate Thompson’s name will feature on most shortlists next year. A mix of stark realities and folklore, Creature of the Night is a compelling book that you won’t be able to put down.
