Terry Castle, daughter of legendary horror film director and producer, has followed in her father's bloody footsteps, and written her first horror novel for young adults. The novel, Fear Maker: Family Matters (Volume 1) is a wonderful first step on that path of terror, and it is fitting that it is written for young adults. William Castle loved to make kids scream.
The story revolves around 12 year old Adam Castle's discovery that his parents are involved in a plot to kidnap and kill pretty little Jennifer Isles, Adam's classmate and secret crush. Adam vows that he will not let Jennifer die, and the story follows Adam through the environs of Hollywood as he sets out to be her knight in shining armor. Adam enlists the help of his friend Julian, and even gets his annoying little sisters involved in his race against the clock. The story takes Adam and his cohorts on a roller coaster ride of terror.
Visits to the cemetery, a spooky old house, text messages from a mysterious sender accompanied by the smell of cigar smoke, and encounters with characters with uncertain motives give Family Matters both a William Castle and Alfred Hitchcock feel that William Castle fans will feel very nostalgic about. Those who aren't familiar with Castle will settle in with this quite comfortably as well. Young people will enjoy this novel, while wishing they could share Adam's adventure. Older readers will find themselves drawn back into their youth, as I did, and find themselves thinking of the adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, although a little bit scarier. Maybe a collaboration between Mark Twain and Stephen King?
There is a little gore, and even a dismembered corpse, but nothing to make the reader feel overwhelmed, even those who might be squeamish. Overall, this a fun ride for all ages, and a great first novel from Terry Castle. While Terry keeps her father's memory alive for his fans with this book, she will be gaining new fans of her own with this offering. I can't wait for the next volume in the story.
