The Dark Behind the Curtain

by Gillian Cross

Colin Jackus senses that something very strange is happening during rehearsals for the school. The cruelty of the play is becoming very real and haunting the play's cast. It is up to Colin and his friend Ann to stop vengeful spirits from making their final move. Ages 10 and up. First U.S. publication.

Genres: Fiction, Childrens, Young Adult, Horror

Paperback

First published March 28, 1985

About the author

Gillian Cross was born Gillian Arnold in 1945. She was educated at North London Collegiate School, Somerville College, Oxford and the University of Sussex. Although now a full-time writer who often travels and gives talks in connection with her work, she has had a number of informal jobs including being an assistant to a Member of Parliament. For eight years she also sat on the committee which advises ministers about public libraries.

She is married to Martin Cross and they have four grown-up children, two sons and two daughters.

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this when I was a lot younger and my memory of it is that it was a wonderful tense and somewhat scary tale that had me thinking about the book for a long time to come.

There is some historical information here which is always educational - but ultimately it was a delicious and chilling tale, mixed with some themes of trust and friendship.

When I think back to my favourite books ever, this is one of them.

Maybe if I re-read it now I would not think so. These days maybe I am less easily excited by a ghost story. But for young adult readers and older children, this is a very good book.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very interesting to read, but in overall, the story line was too melodramatic. The author builds tension in the story, making you want to flip the page repeatedly till the book is finished. This book is about a boy named Collin who has been forced into the school play but finds something incredibly unusual about it, and realizes that the story the play is based on is actually real, and uncovers more secrets as he goes along. Quite worth reading, and I recommend it to readers from y7-9, but rather cliche.

[Tanisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a nice read.

[Mia · Rating 1 out of 5]

bad, boring

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book with a interesting plot. Enjoyed how the story kept you guessing and the supernatural element throughout. The main character is cleverly written for the plot as he is a troublemaker who no-one believes. Cross is a great writer.

[Olusola Anyanwu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and informative.

[Ria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colin Jackus has made mistakes at school and as punishment he is put into the school play.
But as they are doing Sweeney Todd soon things start to happen, bad things that reflect elements of the play and it's all becoming a little TOO real.
Colin and Ann who can sense the tension try hard to stop it before the night of the play but can they do it in time before someone really gets hurt?
A clever story with a creepy, supernatural element.

[Micky Parise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice story about a school play maybe haunted by Ghost? Enjoyable reading. Pick it up at the library or a garage/book sale.

[Kat Crabbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Has become hard to find, but is well worth the search.