'Mischief' is the second of a trilogy from Douglas Clegg which began with his summer 2000 email serial of 'Nightmare House'. Though the plots of each book are distinct, the linking factor in each is the location - the estate of Harrow, overlooking the Hudson Valley of New York. Where 'Nightmare ... Read review
Advantages: Well, it's not bad. It's just not good either. Disadvantages: A forgettable effort from Clegg, after a run of exquisite titles.
'Mischief' is the second of a trilogy from Douglas Clegg which began with his summer 2000 email serial of 'Nightmare House'. Though the plots of each book are distinct, the linking factor in each is the location - the estate of Harrow, overlooking the Hudson Valley of New York. Where 'Nightmare House' took place a century ago, 'Mischief' is contemporary, and the house is now a Boy's prep school.
Jim Hook doesn't know that he is the ... ...at the school. A fairly recent attendee, he joins the roster in a bid to honour the memories of both his brother and father, killed in a car crash when he was young, and both former students of the school. Before long, he is face to face with the Cadaver Society, a strange conspiracy of shadowy members that has existed for as long as the school itself. They want him initiated in their order, and Harrow itself wants something from him. Something he ... more
'Mischief' is the second of a trilogy from Douglas Clegg which began with his summer 2000 email serial of 'Nightmare House'. Though the plots of each book are distinct, the linking factor in each is the location - the estate of Harrow, overlooking the Hudson Valley of New York. Where 'Nightmare House' took place a century ago, 'Mischief' is contemporary, and the house is now a Boy's prep school.
Jim Hook doesn't know that he is the key that might unlock the darkness by his very presence at the school. A fairly recent attendee, he joins the roster in a bid to honour the memories of both his brother and father, killed in a car crash when he was young, and both former students of the school. Before long, he is face to face with the Cadaver Society, a strange conspiracy of shadowy members that has existed for as long as the school itself. They want him initiated in their order, and Harrow itself wants something from him. Something he may not be able to give.
'Mischief' is a short novel, and even then it is too long. While Clegg's skill as a writer is not in question, this feels like a rushed effort, with little weight. Simply put, there isn't enough story to go round - I felt as though I was reading a padded out novella. One of my major problems with the book is that, quite simply, I don't find Harrow all that interesting a location to be investing these books in. The Overlook Hotel this is not - and if the haunted house in a haunted house tale just isn't frightening, we have a major flaw.
That said, the novel is diverting enough. The characters are clear and sharp in most cases, and there is much pathos to the theme of Jim's alienation at Harrow Academy, and his fears of expulsion and family shame. Had I not been so impressed by Clegg's previous works ('You Come When I Call You' and 'Halloween Man' are both fine novels), I might have rated this better. The thing is though, I know damn well that Clegg has what it takes to impress and scare me, and I felt disappointed that 'Mischief fell so short of the mark. I wouldn't tell you not to pick this one up, but I would probably point you towards some of the author's other woks before you do.
Advantages: suspenseful, well written Disadvantages: weak ending, sequel
“Mischief” tells the tale of Jim Hook, a young adolescent trying to find his way. From Jim’s perspective, he is little more than a shadow of his older brother, and Jim’s worship of him plays a large part in his motivations in life. When his brother dies in a car wreck, Jim tries to honor his memory by being the best he can be. Enrolled in the same prep academy as his late mentor, Jim’s story takes flight.
Harrow is ... ...mansion, renovated over the years with numerous additions to the building. Once, it was a residence. Today, it is a school. It has always been haunted.
Jim is a normal kid, and Clegg brings him to life. He’s got a girlfriend, he works hard, and he makes the usual teenager mistakes. When Jim falls in with the Cadaver Society, his life takes a sharp turn. The Cadavers are a secret society within the walls of Harrow; they seem to be average pranksters… ...
President-X-D 24.07.2003
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