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The Stolen
Life's a game—and someone's cheating. Meredith is a new girl at school. An orphan, living with her elderly granny. She must be lonely—or so Carly thinks, trying to be nice. But sometimes nice doesn't work. Sometimes people are worse than you could ever imagine. And Meredith has a secret—a story Carly can hardly begin to believe, about a girl with no future and someone else's past, a vicious old lady who refuses to die, and a young life stolen. For Meredith is not Meredith at all.
262 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2003
9 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Alex Shearer
83 books87 followersAlex Shearer started his writing career as a scriptwriter and has had great success in that field. His credits include The Two of Us, the 1990s sitcom starring Nicholas Lyndhurst. More recently he has started writing for children. His Wilmot stories have been adapted for TV by Yorkshire television, and his children's novel, The Greatest Store in the World, was screened as a feature length TV film on Christmas Eve 1999 by the BBC. Alex's recent novel 'The Speed of the Dark' was shortlisted for the 2002 Guardian Fiction Prize
Alex Shearer lives with his family in Somerset. He has written more than a dozen books for both adults and children, as well as many successful television series, films, and stage and radio plays. He has had over thirty different jobs, and has never given up trying to play the guitar.
Alex Shearer lives with his family in Somerset. He has written more than a dozen books for both adults and children, as well as many successful television series, films, and stage and radio plays. He has had over thirty different jobs, and has never given up trying to play the guitar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 7, 2019
It was such a good book I couldn't put it down.
September 17, 2018
I found my old school reading diary, all the way from 2004/5 when I was 9/10, and I had such a fun time looking back at all the kind of books I read. Mostly because I realised I haven’t changed all that much in my reading tastes! It’s full of things like ‘Victorian Horror Stories’, ‘House of Ghosts’, ‘Chilling Christmas Tales’, ‘Trick of Treat’. To quote myself, from the 28th September 2004 – ‘I like this book because it is quite scary and the type of book I like’. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find my entry about Alex Shearer’s The Stolen (which I probably read in middle school when I was about 10 or 11) but I remember absolutely loving it. It totally appealed to me being quite a ‘weird kid’ who loved supernatural stuff and witches and magic and ghosts. The plot revolves around a young girl, Carly, who tries to befriend a new orphan girl, Meredith, in her class, only to find out that her granny, Grace, has a wild tale about her. According to Grace, she is the real Meredith and her ‘granddaughter’ is a witch who has swapped bodies with her. Carly tries to help out the elderly lady to get her identity back, although, as it turns out, things aren’t quite so simple.
It was a real treat reading this book again. I liked it just as much as I did when I was younger. It has a subtle creepy charm about it, but is also quite moving at times and very human. Carly is a really lovely narrator – she is a self-proclaimed outsider, with her red hair and chubby cheeks and freckles and how she loves to spend her time reading books and keeping to herself. But she is also very warm and funny, and has a real sass to her. I can see why she appealed to me as a kid!
It was also quite funny to read it again and see how similar some elements were to things I still love to read. I still *love* psychological books with all kinds of existential crises going on in them, and narrators who are trying to come to terms with their own place in the world (or alternative worlds!). ‘Outsider’ characters are ones I love to read about, and also write about. Cases of identity crises fill some of my favourite horrors, for example, from HP Lovecraft’s Shadow out of Time, to John Carpenter’s The Thing. Although they are both on a very different level to this little kids’ book, it was interesting to see just how many of the themes appear in the stories I love to this day!
On top of this, I *adore* the family element to The Stolen. I’ll be honest with you, sometimes I get put off of books when a romantic arc comes into them (I know, I know, I still sound just like a kid who is all ‘ew, no, they’re kissing again!’) so it was lovely to read something which was all about friendship and family. This probably brings some of the most moving parts of the story – I won’t give too much away but there is a bit where Carly returns home to her mum and dad and has an emotional breakdown over what has happened to her, and I remember getting so teary over it as a child as it is written in such a helpless and desperate way, where all she wants is to be held by them again. I really like Alex Shearer’s 1st person style as Carly – it really gives such a connection with her and how powerless she feels at times!
Another really strong element is how he writes about the experience of elderly people. He gives an insight into the kind of lives they may live, and it is a very sensitive and moving portrayal. The closing chapter of the book finishes on a really warm and tender note and draws it all together with a message to not underestimate anyone, no matter their age! Alex Shearer uses this theme of witches and magic to illuminate very human voices, and how people can treat each other. There are also some nice twists peppered throughout it.
Although I think there is a degree of oversimplification in it, some stereotypes, and how convenient some of the plot turns are, I can totally forgive that as it is designed for the 8-12 age range. But I really enjoyed reading it again as a 23 year old too! It is full of life and humour, but also with a very gentle, creepy and atmospheric undertone. It is definitely ‘the type of book I like’! Still!
It was a real treat reading this book again. I liked it just as much as I did when I was younger. It has a subtle creepy charm about it, but is also quite moving at times and very human. Carly is a really lovely narrator – she is a self-proclaimed outsider, with her red hair and chubby cheeks and freckles and how she loves to spend her time reading books and keeping to herself. But she is also very warm and funny, and has a real sass to her. I can see why she appealed to me as a kid!
It was also quite funny to read it again and see how similar some elements were to things I still love to read. I still *love* psychological books with all kinds of existential crises going on in them, and narrators who are trying to come to terms with their own place in the world (or alternative worlds!). ‘Outsider’ characters are ones I love to read about, and also write about. Cases of identity crises fill some of my favourite horrors, for example, from HP Lovecraft’s Shadow out of Time, to John Carpenter’s The Thing. Although they are both on a very different level to this little kids’ book, it was interesting to see just how many of the themes appear in the stories I love to this day!
On top of this, I *adore* the family element to The Stolen. I’ll be honest with you, sometimes I get put off of books when a romantic arc comes into them (I know, I know, I still sound just like a kid who is all ‘ew, no, they’re kissing again!’) so it was lovely to read something which was all about friendship and family. This probably brings some of the most moving parts of the story – I won’t give too much away but there is a bit where Carly returns home to her mum and dad and has an emotional breakdown over what has happened to her, and I remember getting so teary over it as a child as it is written in such a helpless and desperate way, where all she wants is to be held by them again. I really like Alex Shearer’s 1st person style as Carly – it really gives such a connection with her and how powerless she feels at times!
Another really strong element is how he writes about the experience of elderly people. He gives an insight into the kind of lives they may live, and it is a very sensitive and moving portrayal. The closing chapter of the book finishes on a really warm and tender note and draws it all together with a message to not underestimate anyone, no matter their age! Alex Shearer uses this theme of witches and magic to illuminate very human voices, and how people can treat each other. There are also some nice twists peppered throughout it.
Although I think there is a degree of oversimplification in it, some stereotypes, and how convenient some of the plot turns are, I can totally forgive that as it is designed for the 8-12 age range. But I really enjoyed reading it again as a 23 year old too! It is full of life and humour, but also with a very gentle, creepy and atmospheric undertone. It is definitely ‘the type of book I like’! Still!
July 7, 2014
This review was originally published on Blogs of a Bookaholic.
A fun children’s book with some surprisingly intelligent commentary thrown in.
I have to admit from the front cover I wasn't really expecting this book to be that great, but Alex Shearer’s writing has a unique style, and that’s what makes The Stolen worth reading. He seems to cut through everything unimportant, zoning in on the meat of life with surprising clarity. None of the book is spent waffling and everything seems to be written for a reason. Many of his comments are incredibly poetic and insightful and they seem even more so coming from the mouth of Carly our young narrator.
This book has the best opening chapter I have read in a long time, impressive insights into life, a strong sense of voice and some juicy foreshadowing that left me excited to find out what was going on. Unfortunately though, this left me with very high expectations for the rest of the book which were never entirely met. In my opinion this was down to Shearer playing too many of his cards at once. All the foreshadowing in the first chapter worked so well, but unfortunately by the second it was already obvious what was going on with this mysterious child Meredith, even if Carly was a little slow on the uptake. For the most part, I still really enjoyed it though.
The characters were all great, but the best by far was Carly. She was so vivid in my mind with her bright hair and insecurities about ‘podgy bits'. Her observations of the school playground were hilarious and she was thoroughly thought out with great character motivations, as all her decisions could be linked back to her past experiences, wishes and dreams and I found this impressive.
A happy 3 stars from me. :)
You can check out my full, unabridged review and others like it Blogs of a Bookaholic. :)
March 5, 2013
This book proves once again that there are lots of really good unknown titles that should be more famous. Sadly, fame is a limited commodity. Oh well, if you read this, and you happen to like a YA story about witches and stolen bodies, go and get this book right now! It's really worth the read.
The story centers around Carly and her new 'friend' Meredith. I use quotation marks because Meredith is like Haibara Ai but less likable (Haibara is a character from Detective Conan, and she acts like an adult). But then, Carly discovers that Meredith is actually a witch who stole her body. The real Meredith is actually the old woman Meredith claims is her grandmother. And so, Carly tries to help right this wrong.
What I love about this story was Carly. She's this really talkative girl who wants a sister/special friend. I wasn't sure if I'd love the story in the first chapter (This story is told from the first person point of view), but I fell in love with her voice and character. She's a truly likable heroine.
Another thing about this story is that it explores the youth/age idea. I think it's a very good wake-up call to all those young kids complaining about their lives. At least they have the energy to complain (I certainly don't). It's also a really good portrayal of how sometimes adults and kids can be condescending to the elderly - especially when you think the elderly in question has lost her mind. My heart just broke at some of the treatment that went on in the book.
My only complaint about the book is that they took Necromancy to be about magic. Strictly speaking, it's about raising the dead, which no one should do because it goes against the will of God (you shouldn't even be doing witchcraft in the first place). But that's me being anal about details.
Overall, this is a really enjoyable book. It's targeted at younger kids, but it'll probably appeal to older kids too.
First posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
The story centers around Carly and her new 'friend' Meredith. I use quotation marks because Meredith is like Haibara Ai but less likable (Haibara is a character from Detective Conan, and she acts like an adult). But then, Carly discovers that Meredith is actually a witch who stole her body. The real Meredith is actually the old woman Meredith claims is her grandmother. And so, Carly tries to help right this wrong.
What I love about this story was Carly. She's this really talkative girl who wants a sister/special friend. I wasn't sure if I'd love the story in the first chapter (This story is told from the first person point of view), but I fell in love with her voice and character. She's a truly likable heroine.
Another thing about this story is that it explores the youth/age idea. I think it's a very good wake-up call to all those young kids complaining about their lives. At least they have the energy to complain (I certainly don't). It's also a really good portrayal of how sometimes adults and kids can be condescending to the elderly - especially when you think the elderly in question has lost her mind. My heart just broke at some of the treatment that went on in the book.
My only complaint about the book is that they took Necromancy to be about magic. Strictly speaking, it's about raising the dead, which no one should do because it goes against the will of God (you shouldn't even be doing witchcraft in the first place). But that's me being anal about details.
Overall, this is a really enjoyable book. It's targeted at younger kids, but it'll probably appeal to older kids too.
First posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
March 21, 2013
If there were some witches and they got into your body, I mean your body switch into the witch, what would you do?
My 11th book in English was such the contents, and it was very interesting even though it was for children. Although the main character was very smart and she over came the witches and got back their bodies with her best friend, of course, it wasn't easy for them. They struggled against the witches because the witches were also very smart.
I was in America over for a month, and I just read two books in a month. I'm on a track for my goal this year, but I want to start reading my 13th book in English without using a dictionary tomorrow.
My 11th book in English was such the contents, and it was very interesting even though it was for children. Although the main character was very smart and she over came the witches and got back their bodies with her best friend, of course, it wasn't easy for them. They struggled against the witches because the witches were also very smart.
I was in America over for a month, and I just read two books in a month. I'm on a track for my goal this year, but I want to start reading my 13th book in English without using a dictionary tomorrow.
March 7, 2018
I remember reading this book when I was younger, it was the first book I ever read all the way through on my own! As a kid with concentration issues, that was amazing news! I know that when I finished it, I felt like a new person and didn't know what to do with myself. Of course, there were some parts that were dragging on but I can't blame the author for that. As a writer, I know that getting rid of the parts that are boring can make the story lose essential plot points.
I have been searching for this book to this day since I gave the book back to the library and was scared I had made it up haha!
I have been searching for this book to this day since I gave the book back to the library and was scared I had made it up haha!
April 8, 2013
Wow. Just brilliant.
Even though I read this book well over a year ago, it stuck in my mind, the plot, utterly brilliant! My only problem was that it ended way too soon! But I just loved the book.
It's about a girl who's got no real friends. And when a new girl moves to her school, she befriends her, only to get herself into a mischievous plan by two witch sisters. If you like thrillers and absolute page turners, this is the best book for you!! Took me while to read, but it's great.
Five stars!
Even though I read this book well over a year ago, it stuck in my mind, the plot, utterly brilliant! My only problem was that it ended way too soon! But I just loved the book.
It's about a girl who's got no real friends. And when a new girl moves to her school, she befriends her, only to get herself into a mischievous plan by two witch sisters. If you like thrillers and absolute page turners, this is the best book for you!! Took me while to read, but it's great.
Five stars!
Want to read
January 13, 2023I read this 20 years ago when it was first released. Over the years, I would randomly think about it, but I couldn’t remember the name of the book. I finally decided to do a Google search with some key terms, and I found it! Lol
June 9, 2008
This book was awesome and SO intense! There's a random story change in the middle, you'd never expect it!
April 15, 2016
i loved this book recommend but around page 190-200 it dragged but i still loved it so i rated it 4 stars
February 7, 2019
I read this about 10 years ago when I was just 11 years old. My brother had borrowed it from his school's library and loaned it to me for a day. I didn't expect to even be able to finish it in that time, but somehow, tearing through it faster than I had ever read anything before, I managed. Unfortunately, after it was returned to the library, my brother and I both forgot the name of the book and author. But the storyline hasn't left my mind all these years. I actually can't believe I was able to find it again! I just got the urge to type a very short summary of the plot into google a few minutes ago (as I have done several times over the years) and this Goodreads came up as the second result! Reading the reviews here has made it obvious that I've misremembered some details, though.
I can't wait to get my hands on this book again and see how it holds up!
I can't wait to get my hands on this book again and see how it holds up!
July 31, 2025
While I can tell this was written with a younger audience in mind, I still enjoyed it. I remember reading it when I was in primary school and loving it and looking back, I can see exactly why. I decided to pick it up because the concept and parts of the story stayed within my mind since I read it all that time ago. The concept is cool and well executed, stirring an array of emotions and guiding you gently through them. A good short book for those who love something on the tame side of dark and twisty.
November 29, 2018
I really liked this book. It has the main character Carly's very own thoughts about red hairs and some feelings, etc. And I was really surprised like her, when she learned that Grace actually wasn't the good granny that she had known from the start. I felt every feeling of Carly with her. And the subject is really interesting and original too, the writer describes everything great, especially the difficulties that old people have. It was a thrilling book!
January 31, 2019
Been ages since I read a book which I'm not the intended age demographic and I'm sufficiently entertained by the gripping plot. It kept me turning the page until and at the edge of my seat from start to finish.
February 5, 2017
I felt so bad for Carly and Meridith for turning into old ladies
But after they turned back, the witches die! Shame on you Grace and Briony
But after they turned back, the witches die! Shame on you Grace and Briony
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2018
I read this book a long time ago in junior high. I was really impressed by it.
June 22, 2020
Revisited a favourite from when I was a kid, definatley enjoyed it much more then! Which makes sense as it's not a book for adults.
May 3, 2021
genuinely the best book i have ever read
June 18, 2021
This book traumatised me as a child. I was so frightened of it, and I still think about it randomly sometimes. Still pretty good though.
April 9, 2022
Alright for a children's book 😅
June 5, 2023
I really enjoyed this story, loved the twist that I didn’t see. Couldn’t put it down. Great read
December 2, 2019
‘The Stolen’ centers around Carly, a confident, chatty and humorous young girl with an appearance as eccentric as her personality; Carly has no real friends and no siblings but she likes it that way, until she meets Merideth, the slightly odd new girl at school, and believes she’s found a best friend and sister in one. Carly befriends Merideth and in a bid to help her out of an unfortunate situation gets wrapped up in an intricate plan involving witches.
This was a favorite book of mine as a child. It was first read to me by my year 4 teacher, and the time, I had never read a book like it before, it was intense, terrifying and completely unpredictable and it has stuck with me ever since. I recently reread ‘The Stolen’ as I wanted to remind myself why I once loved it so much and I enjoyed it just as much as I did when I was young.
Shearer instantly grips the reader with an extremely likable main character, a chilling undertone and some great foreshadowing. A highlight of the book is the main character, Carly, Shearer brings her to life through his vivid description and her hilarious narration; the reader can't help but empathise and experience Carly's story with her. The book takes a very interesting look at age and youth from the viewpoint of you and old and at times is extremely haunting. In my opinion, Shearer should be a more recognised children’s author, with ‘The Stolen’ he offers a truly unique and captivating plot. If you enjoy suspense and surprises you will love this book.
This was a favorite book of mine as a child. It was first read to me by my year 4 teacher, and the time, I had never read a book like it before, it was intense, terrifying and completely unpredictable and it has stuck with me ever since. I recently reread ‘The Stolen’ as I wanted to remind myself why I once loved it so much and I enjoyed it just as much as I did when I was young.
Shearer instantly grips the reader with an extremely likable main character, a chilling undertone and some great foreshadowing. A highlight of the book is the main character, Carly, Shearer brings her to life through his vivid description and her hilarious narration; the reader can't help but empathise and experience Carly's story with her. The book takes a very interesting look at age and youth from the viewpoint of you and old and at times is extremely haunting. In my opinion, Shearer should be a more recognised children’s author, with ‘The Stolen’ he offers a truly unique and captivating plot. If you enjoy suspense and surprises you will love this book.
September 2, 2020
This review contains spoilers!!
I read this book in 6 hours after seeing great reviews about it. However, I was really disappointed.
Although I couldn't put the book down as I was intrigued to know what happens, I felt the plot was just too predictable. At the beginning of the book I was so excited to read something different that I had never come across before but I just ended up finding myself irritated that my guesses about what would happen were correct.
I like an unpredictable story and this just didn't do it for me. At first, I couldn't work out what 'Meredith' was and why she treated her granny so disrespectfully. But later on when it was mentioned in the book that the witch had a sister, Briony, I practically guessed the rest of the book.
I knew that things weren't going to be as they should when Grace was going along with Carly's plan of the sleeping pills all too easily. I don't know, it was just so predictable that she was in fact Briony.
I could go on and on about the rest of the plot but I don't want to ruin anymore! The ending didn't disappoint, but again was very predictable.
I don't regret reading the book as it kept me occupied for a whole afternoon and early evening but it's not a book I would read again.
I read this book in 6 hours after seeing great reviews about it. However, I was really disappointed.
Although I couldn't put the book down as I was intrigued to know what happens, I felt the plot was just too predictable. At the beginning of the book I was so excited to read something different that I had never come across before but I just ended up finding myself irritated that my guesses about what would happen were correct.
I like an unpredictable story and this just didn't do it for me. At first, I couldn't work out what 'Meredith' was and why she treated her granny so disrespectfully. But later on when it was mentioned in the book that the witch had a sister, Briony, I practically guessed the rest of the book.
I knew that things weren't going to be as they should when Grace was going along with Carly's plan of the sleeping pills all too easily. I don't know, it was just so predictable that she was in fact Briony.
I could go on and on about the rest of the plot but I don't want to ruin anymore! The ending didn't disappoint, but again was very predictable.
I don't regret reading the book as it kept me occupied for a whole afternoon and early evening but it's not a book I would read again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2012
The plot of this book is so imaginative and creative yet there are some parts that are very true to life. There is also an unbelievable twist about half way through the book that makes it a real page turner. It has an unpredictable and surprising ending.
February 27, 2013
I think it's been a few years since I've delved into this book, but I remember falling in love with the story, the suspense and the unexpected turns along the way.
Perfect in every way. I hope to read it again.
Perfect in every way. I hope to read it again.
March 1, 2014
I loved this book and even though it got boring at parts, the story did stick in my mind and I loved the way the author made the book believable.
I recommend it to people who like creepy but gripping books with lots of real life snippets inside it. Great read.
I recommend it to people who like creepy but gripping books with lots of real life snippets inside it. Great read.
June 25, 2009
One of the first books ive read and it was brilliant
August 27, 2012
perfectly creepy in every way!
November 25, 2010
what would you do if your soul is stolen and changed into a 100-year-old granny?????
January 8, 2011
This is one of the best books in the BOB reading list!! It has an really unexpected twist in the story. Fantastic Book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews