Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Blacklands

by Belinda Bauer

Twelve-year-old Steven Lamb digs holes on Exmoor, hoping to find a body to lay to rest the ghost of the uncle he never knew, who disappeared aged eleven and is assumed to have fallen victim to the notorious serial killer Arnold Avery. Only Steven's Nan is not convinced her son is dead - she still waits for him to come home. Steven is determined to heal the widening cracks between them before it's too late. And if that means presenting his grandmother with the bones of her murdered son, he'll do it. So the boy carefully crafts a letter to Avery in prison. And there begins a dangerous cat-and-mouse game between a desperate child and a bored serial killer. A game that will have more terrifying consequences than Steven could ever imagine...

 

I enjoyed this book, it was so real - humorous yet so understanding of what goes on in a childs head. Very touching in parts. I could get to grips with each character. Prison life was described so vividly, both prisoners and officers - quite illuminating. Even though this book was disturbing in parts I couldn't put  it down.  Recommended *****

 

Felt uneasy that the story was based on actual murders but the explanation of the effects on the family made up this  Recommended ****

 

Many readers will want to avoid the subject but to my surprise I was drawn into the story. The author carries it off and I found it chillingly believable.  Recommended ***  

 

The book is well researched and flows well. The author seems to get under the skin of the 12 year old Steven. However the content is very dark, shocking and, I felt, bordered on the prurient. Not sure if I'd recommend ***

 

It comes to a thrilling conclusion which had me wondering why the author is not better known. She cannot fail to become one of the best in the field.   Recommended *****

 

I felt the author accurately portrayed Steven's life and it's problems, from intimidation by a gang of hoodies to his Mothers bitterness and obvious preference for his younger brother. A story very well told  Recommended *****

 

Very easy to read despite the potent subject involved. Quite gripping.  Recommended ****

 

Quite a disturbing read, the author manages to portray the feelings of Steven and the killer in a startlingly realistic light. The description of their home life is good and made me see the impact on the family Recommended *****