REVIEW: Tales of Terror from the Black Ship

Tales of Terror From the Black Ship
Author: Chris Priestley
Middle Grade Horror Stories

Ethan and Cathy live in an old Inn at the top of a cliff overlooking the sea. They live with their father, who in grief over the loss of his wife, often drinks too much and easily flies into rages at the children. One night, when the children are ill, their father leaves to fetch a doctor. As he leaves, he tells them not to leave the house or allow anyone to enter while he is gone. As children have a habit of doing, they don't obey.

While waiting for their father to return, the children amuse themselves by telling scary stories. A storm rages outside, giving great atmosphere to their macabre tales. Suddenly, there is a knock at the door. A sailor stands on the stoop, asking for shelter until the storm breaks. He regales them with several terrifying tales of the sea.

This is the second book in the 4-part Tales of Terror series by Chris Priestley. I love how Priestley weaves these creepy seafaring stories in and around the tale of two ill children left alone in an old inn during a bad storm.  The stories are all related to the sea, but they are all completely different. Pirates, ghost ships, cursed artifacts, sea monsters, storms....just a lovely collection of scary stories. The book is written for middle grade children, so the stories are spooky but age appropriate. Even adults can enjoy this creepy voyage! I really enjoyed the book! The stories (and a creepy twist at the end) are well written and fun to read. :)

The book covers & stories are illustrated by wonderfully creepy black and white drawings by David Roberts.

This is a great follow-up to the first book in the series: Uncle Montague's Tales of Terror.

My rating: 9/10
Ages 10+
Mild horror, age appropriate for Middle Grade childen