Say her name by James Dawson

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Hot Key Books, 2014. ISBN 9781471402449
(Age 14+) Recommended for fans of horror. Queen of Teen author James Dawson has written a chilling horror story that will appeal to readers who like that genre. Roberta 'Bobbie' Rowe doesn't believe in ghosts, but gets involved in a dare when her best friend Naya and local boy Caine summon the ghost of Bloody Mary, by saying her name five times in front of a mirror. Nothing appears to happen but then girls go missing and horrific messages appear in strange places. It looks as if Bloody Mary has really been summoned and she truly has an ugly agenda. Bobby has five days - five days before Bloody Mary wracks havoc!
Dawson builds up the suspense in this nerve-wracking ghost story as messages appear and girls disappear. Bloody Mary is truly a terrifying ghost and her back story is also intriguing, revealed gradually in a very creepy way. Touches of wit and humour lighten the mood, but it is definitely a story to read in the daylight! And that ending is nerve-jangling!
For a scary read, you can't go past Say her name.
Pat Pledger

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