The Magic Apple Tree - Susan Hill

The Risk of Darkness - Susan Hill

The Risk of Darkness is Susan Hill s third and (to date) final book set in Lafferton and featuring police detective Simon Serailler. It very much follows on from the second book and concludes many of its plot lines. In truth, this feels very much like a "winding up" book; as though Hill is tying up all the loose ends and putting her characters in positions where it will be very difficult for her to revisit Lafferton any time soon. There s a slightly tired, unoriginal feeling to it, as though Hill is anxious to get this book over with as soon as possible. One of the reasons the book is a disappointment is the characters. The previous books in the series were ...

The Woman in Black - Susan Hill

This is about the play, based on this novel. When the play opened, I was uncertain that I was going to enjoy it. It started off in a way that made me think, ”Oh no, this is awful!”. However, the beginning is just one twist in a series that keeps you in suspense until the very end. The play is billed as a two-hander, i.e. there should only be two actors in the play all the way through. Spot the extra as the play progresses! It concerns a solicitor, Arthur Kipps, a man attempting to exorcise a nightmare he lived through by setting it down as a story to be read to anyone who will listen. He enlists the help of a younger actor, who loses patience with the ...

The Woman in Black - Susan Hill

Crythin Gifford is quite what it seems. When the Woman In Black takes an interest in Arthur, he finds himself unable to continue rationalising the terrifying events that follow... Susan Hill s novel is completely gripping, from start to finish. Her character development, although a little unbelievable at times, is accomplished very well and the gradual change in Kipps s character is excellent. The descriptions of Arthur s experiences and the appearance of the woman are very atmospheric, as is the isolated setting of the house in the marshes. She uses common, solid themes from the Gothic genre and adapts them well to her story. There are few main characters, and the book ...