Douglas Clegg, Mischief

Synopsis:

"Harrow was once a prosperous estate overlooking the Hudson Valley of New York, sheltered by deep woods, hidden from the world, its secrets sealed. But now it's a prestigious prep school, and something terrible is happening there.

Jim Hook doesn't know that just by entering Harrow he may be resurrecting something far older than the house itself. And when he comes up against the members of the Cadaver Society, a mysterious fraternity of misfits and manipulators, he must undergo the nightmarish initiation within the house's secret red chamber. The stones of Harrow are ancient. It is an unclean place of legend and darkness. It may well be the source of all darkness. And the haunting of Harrow is the beginning of all madness."

First published back in 2000, Douglas Clegg ' s novel 'Mischief 'is the first release within the 'Harrow Academy 'series of books.

Set within a private school for boys named 'Harrow Academy ' , Clegg tells the tale of a young first grader named Jim Hook who finds himself becoming thrust into a secret and potentially dangerous society after being found cheating on a history test. The novel throws in supernatural twists and lays down thick slabs of suspense throughout, bringing about an enjoyable novel that is difficult to put down at any one point.

Clegg ' s writing style is very fluid, creating a novel that is easy for the reader to get lost within the pages, as they submerge themselves within the haunting walls of Harrow Academy.

From the very beginning of the novel, Clegg starts building the tension towards the eventual conclusion. Snippets of possible insight into the underlying supernatural element to the tale are thrown in throughout the novel. Only at the very end does the reader see the true meaning behind what is going on in Harrow Academy.

Alas, the conclusion seems somewhat thrown together, with almost a rushed and relatively vague outcome ending what is otherwise a very well written and highly enjoyable read.

'Mischief 'was later followed on by the 2001 release of 'The Infinite 'and the in 2002, the final instalment in the 'Harrow academy 'series with 'Nightmare House ' .

Running for a total of 359 pages, 'Mischief 'is a easy read that could be enjoyed by both fans of the horror genre and fans of supernatural thrillers.