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The Piper
He who pays the piper calls the tune.
When Peter and his little sister, Daisy, are evacuated from London to the countryside, they find themselves on an isolated farm in the middle of a treacherous marshland. As Daisy gets drawn deeper into the secrets of their new home, Peter starts to realise that something very sinister is going on. What is that music they can hear at night? And who are the children dancing to it?
When Peter and his little sister, Daisy, are evacuated from London to the countryside, they find themselves on an isolated farm in the middle of a treacherous marshland. As Daisy gets drawn deeper into the secrets of their new home, Peter starts to realise that something very sinister is going on. What is that music they can hear at night? And who are the children dancing to it?
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2014
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268 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 24, 2018
I really enjoyed this. Was quite creepy.
October 11, 2014
This is a ghostly story aimed at older children which I, as a grown woman, also really enjoyed. Set in the Romney Marshes it is the story of Peter and Daisy, two young WWII evacuees are billeted at a remote farmhouse. As soon as they arrive, strange things start to happen with eerie piped music being heard at night, and who are those children dancing outside? There is just so much about this book that is creepy, especially the strange, nice one moment and sinister the next, housekeeper. The location is especially creepy – misty marshes where you must never stray from the path because of the dangers – which really helped to capture the sense of isolation in the setting.
As the book is aimed at a younger audience, the story gets right to the heart of the matter very quickly with no long passages of description, just a very chilling, creepy tale unwinding at a very good pace with not a word wasted. It is a fairly quick read, I finished it in one (very long) sitting, and I didn’t get bored once.
There wasn’t a single thing about this book that I didn’t like, the storyline and characters really grabbed me and kept my attention right to the end in a story that is well plotted with a fine attention to detail. I loved it.
As the book is aimed at a younger audience, the story gets right to the heart of the matter very quickly with no long passages of description, just a very chilling, creepy tale unwinding at a very good pace with not a word wasted. It is a fairly quick read, I finished it in one (very long) sitting, and I didn’t get bored once.
There wasn’t a single thing about this book that I didn’t like, the storyline and characters really grabbed me and kept my attention right to the end in a story that is well plotted with a fine attention to detail. I loved it.
January 5, 2024
Kudos for making my skin crawl because of the eerie and dark atmosphere throughout the book. I feel like a peaceful morning do not exist in Romney Marshes.
Although I didn't necessarily loved the book to death, the mystery of the missing girls really made me sit in my bed for a half a day just so I could finish the story of Peter and Daisy. It was an OK read. I got bored quite a few times because of the repetitive telling of the disappearances but I guess the aim is to add more chill to the horror of it all.
A lot of horror lovers would root for this book. Just not for me, I guess.
Although I didn't necessarily loved the book to death, the mystery of the missing girls really made me sit in my bed for a half a day just so I could finish the story of Peter and Daisy. It was an OK read. I got bored quite a few times because of the repetitive telling of the disappearances but I guess the aim is to add more chill to the horror of it all.
A lot of horror lovers would root for this book. Just not for me, I guess.
December 31, 2018
This is how horror is done!
Review to come!
--------------------
UPDATE
Okay so this is one of the middle-grade books I read this year and now here I am, writing this review 1.5 hours away from 2019...
The plot and characters of this novel are still fresh in my mind- which is exactly why I loved this. The relationship between the siblings and the grandfather at the beginning was amazing. I loved the mystery of the plot and my heart broke for the brother. The dialogue and suspense was done right and although this is for younger readers, I was still hella scared of the premise. Usually I tend to stay away from historical fiction, but this being primarily set during the war really intrigued me.
My crystal ball tells me that there is a reread due for 2019...hehe
Review to come!
--------------------
UPDATE
Okay so this is one of the middle-grade books I read this year and now here I am, writing this review 1.5 hours away from 2019...
The plot and characters of this novel are still fresh in my mind- which is exactly why I loved this. The relationship between the siblings and the grandfather at the beginning was amazing. I loved the mystery of the plot and my heart broke for the brother. The dialogue and suspense was done right and although this is for younger readers, I was still hella scared of the premise. Usually I tend to stay away from historical fiction, but this being primarily set during the war really intrigued me.
My crystal ball tells me that there is a reread due for 2019...hehe
November 22, 2020
Excellent scary ghost story.
November 7, 2020
It can't be better than that. Absolutely Mind Blowing, I freaking liked this one. No way there's just literally no way that you gonna hate this book if you really a horror digger reader...
The book seemed ghostly more than horror genre if you know what I mean, but it did the job in what most of horror book could not. There's a lot of tensed situations in there and you will get scared by the reading of those chapters. The Piper which is the title of the book also got the fearful issue with the character too. I just loved it. Though the mention of it was being very limited but it was all the elements of the story which would blow your mind for sure...
Peter and his little sister Daisy found themselves in a farmhouse far from there home, where they met a cursed family. About that cursed family they didn't know at first visit. Everything seems perfectly all right but something else nudging Peter that he couldn't put a finger at. The house got some creepy vibe on it, nothing fancy but negativity. Daisy too become someone else while she was in the house with that little girl. At night there's sound of a hypnotic music which almost impossible to ignore. The day goes by and the more it goes the more something coming to engulf them soon. Peter somehow knows that he and most specifically his sister Daisy is in great danger. As he promised his Mom while coming to that house he needs to protect his sister no matter the cost. & Peter must hurry or else he may never see his sister again...
Full 5...
December 15, 2014
Posted on blog first http://www.mrripleysenchantedbooks.com/
'Please,' he whispers as he thrust a copy of his book at me. 'Read this,' the strange man grunts at me. He leaves me with no choice as he quickly vaporises into thin air; I can still feel the prickly sensation from the strange encounter on that unusual day in November. To be brutally honest, that surreal vision kept me up all night as I read 'The Piper' by Danny Weston. Could he be the vision and the voice that I heard? Ah well, we will perhaps never know.
This story landed in the hands of a reader who loved every minute spent reading each page. It's the best spine-tingling, atmospheric tale that I've read for some time - I really love to read good books like this. Just of late, I feel that this genre is becoming quite scarce to find. It is a good old-fashioned campfire ghost story, but with a twist to the tale.....
The story is set on the eve of World War Two. At this time, children were evacuated from busy cities to the safer countryside. Peter and Daisy are two such children who have been sent to a rather strange farmhouse in the middle of a desolate landscape. The house and the family have a dark secret. From the moment they arrive, they are aware that something evil and mysterious haunts the place.
Just like the Pied Piper and the town rats, you are soon hypnotically drawn into the mysterious past. It is like an eerie melody that plays repetitively and alluringly until you finally wake up. Be aware though, as you might not be in the same place that you were before you started reading. It is a spooky fantasy that will hit you full in the face the more that you read. Watch out for the floating cold hands that drag down weary people into the murky waters and children vanishing on mass. Peter's sister finds herself in terrible danger; her last breath may soon become her final scream.
I thought that the plot was very well written and cleverly executed. It is a classic blend of Pied Piper meets The Machine Gunners. I read the whole book in one night as I couldn't put it down. The bleak sensation of war mixed with a hidden dark family history pulls you in to a vice-like grip. The loose ends are tied together in a satisfying climax that will stay with you for some time. If you like the ghost horror genre, then this book is a recommended read. Warning: be prepared to be up all night.
This book is out in all good book shops now ready to buy for the festive season.
'Please,' he whispers as he thrust a copy of his book at me. 'Read this,' the strange man grunts at me. He leaves me with no choice as he quickly vaporises into thin air; I can still feel the prickly sensation from the strange encounter on that unusual day in November. To be brutally honest, that surreal vision kept me up all night as I read 'The Piper' by Danny Weston. Could he be the vision and the voice that I heard? Ah well, we will perhaps never know.
This story landed in the hands of a reader who loved every minute spent reading each page. It's the best spine-tingling, atmospheric tale that I've read for some time - I really love to read good books like this. Just of late, I feel that this genre is becoming quite scarce to find. It is a good old-fashioned campfire ghost story, but with a twist to the tale.....
The story is set on the eve of World War Two. At this time, children were evacuated from busy cities to the safer countryside. Peter and Daisy are two such children who have been sent to a rather strange farmhouse in the middle of a desolate landscape. The house and the family have a dark secret. From the moment they arrive, they are aware that something evil and mysterious haunts the place.
Just like the Pied Piper and the town rats, you are soon hypnotically drawn into the mysterious past. It is like an eerie melody that plays repetitively and alluringly until you finally wake up. Be aware though, as you might not be in the same place that you were before you started reading. It is a spooky fantasy that will hit you full in the face the more that you read. Watch out for the floating cold hands that drag down weary people into the murky waters and children vanishing on mass. Peter's sister finds herself in terrible danger; her last breath may soon become her final scream.
I thought that the plot was very well written and cleverly executed. It is a classic blend of Pied Piper meets The Machine Gunners. I read the whole book in one night as I couldn't put it down. The bleak sensation of war mixed with a hidden dark family history pulls you in to a vice-like grip. The loose ends are tied together in a satisfying climax that will stay with you for some time. If you like the ghost horror genre, then this book is a recommended read. Warning: be prepared to be up all night.
This book is out in all good book shops now ready to buy for the festive season.
November 29, 2019
Review for "The Piper" BY Danny Weston
Peter and Daisy are evacuated to the countryside during World War 2 to a remote farmhouse. When they arrive they start hearing music that only they seen to be aware of. However Peter soon discovers the truth but is it too late?
This book is aimed more towards young adult readers but I really enjoyed it and found it creepy which I was hoping for. I enjoyed the fact that it is read back from the memories of Peter when he is an old man and a grandad telling his granddaughter the story. It was very well wrote, filled with suspense and a true page turner. I also loved the storyline which is based on a twist of the Pied Piper. The plot hits straight away so is very easy to get into and I would recommend to young adults as well ass any fans of a good creepy book. I found it was a good length so didn't drag out or end too quickly and I liked what the author did at the end. There are some true aspects to this book which Danby Weston gives references and websites to in the end which is a great little addition. I rated this book 5/5 on Goodreads and Amazon
Peter and Daisy are evacuated to the countryside during World War 2 to a remote farmhouse. When they arrive they start hearing music that only they seen to be aware of. However Peter soon discovers the truth but is it too late?
This book is aimed more towards young adult readers but I really enjoyed it and found it creepy which I was hoping for. I enjoyed the fact that it is read back from the memories of Peter when he is an old man and a grandad telling his granddaughter the story. It was very well wrote, filled with suspense and a true page turner. I also loved the storyline which is based on a twist of the Pied Piper. The plot hits straight away so is very easy to get into and I would recommend to young adults as well ass any fans of a good creepy book. I found it was a good length so didn't drag out or end too quickly and I liked what the author did at the end. There are some true aspects to this book which Danby Weston gives references and websites to in the end which is a great little addition. I rated this book 5/5 on Goodreads and Amazon
February 26, 2019
This that good shit™
June 11, 2018
This was my first time reading a story based on the Pied Piper and it was great. I definately want to read other books in this category. My only criticism is that after a steady build up to the climax the ending was quite quick. But i enjoyed the building suspense and do recommed it for others to read.
October 12, 2014
Loved loved loved this brilliant book couldnt put it down wanted more worth more than 5*.loved the characters its a ghostly story couldnt put this book down won this book on first reads really glad I did recommend who liked to read a chilling story fantastic writing.
June 16, 2016
I enjoyed this book. It has a good if maybe a little rushed plot. I come from Rye so know the Romney Marsh. It made me look into the history of the Royal Military Canal.
March 31, 2022
The Piper is another book that has been waiting very patiently on my bookshelf. I am so pleased I finally got to read it as I have enjoyed it immensely. It is a creepy ghost story which had me completely captivated.
It begins with an extremely chilling prologue dated 7th September 1874. The 7th of September proves to be quite a significant date throughout this story.
In Chapter one we meet Helen and her Grandad Peter (in the present day) as she visits him on his Birthday at his care home. During this visit Peter finds himself confiding in his granddaughter about his time during the war when he and his sister, Daisy, were evacuated from London to the countryside. This in itself is terrifying to me. I can’t even imagine being sent away as a child and I would have been hysterical if my children had had to be taken away from me. I know many, many families had to face this devastation though. It must have been heart-breaking for all involved.
Peter and Daisy are taken to Sheldon Grange which is in the middle of nowhere and is seemingly a peaceful, safe haven. Peter thinks he’s in for a relaxing holiday but finds he is to work alongside the caretaker/handyman, Adam to earn his keep. Daisy is to be company for the owner’s daughter, Sally. It is a huge change for them, but they are certain it won’t be for long and it seems they are to be well looked after.
Little did they know of the Sheldon’s horrifying history and the real reason they were offered refuge. Peter soon starts to realise something is not quite right, but he promised his mother he would look after Daisy and he is determined to do so, whatever it takes. Such a brave young man who has never forgotten Sheldon Grange but has never told a soul what happened there, until now.
Such a brilliant book. I loved it!
The very last sentence gave me goosebumps.
I very much recommend!
https://chataboutbooks.blog/2022/03/3...
It begins with an extremely chilling prologue dated 7th September 1874. The 7th of September proves to be quite a significant date throughout this story.
In Chapter one we meet Helen and her Grandad Peter (in the present day) as she visits him on his Birthday at his care home. During this visit Peter finds himself confiding in his granddaughter about his time during the war when he and his sister, Daisy, were evacuated from London to the countryside. This in itself is terrifying to me. I can’t even imagine being sent away as a child and I would have been hysterical if my children had had to be taken away from me. I know many, many families had to face this devastation though. It must have been heart-breaking for all involved.
Peter and Daisy are taken to Sheldon Grange which is in the middle of nowhere and is seemingly a peaceful, safe haven. Peter thinks he’s in for a relaxing holiday but finds he is to work alongside the caretaker/handyman, Adam to earn his keep. Daisy is to be company for the owner’s daughter, Sally. It is a huge change for them, but they are certain it won’t be for long and it seems they are to be well looked after.
Little did they know of the Sheldon’s horrifying history and the real reason they were offered refuge. Peter soon starts to realise something is not quite right, but he promised his mother he would look after Daisy and he is determined to do so, whatever it takes. Such a brave young man who has never forgotten Sheldon Grange but has never told a soul what happened there, until now.
Such a brilliant book. I loved it!
The very last sentence gave me goosebumps.
I very much recommend!
https://chataboutbooks.blog/2022/03/3...
May 11, 2017
This isn't the kind of story I usually read, but every time I picked it up to read some more, I just couldn't put it down again. And not only because it was a retold version of the Pied Piper story, though that's what grabbed me originally.
It's a story told in flashback, where the main character, Peter, is an old man speaking to his granddaughter about the horrible things that happened during the second world war during the evacuation of children away from London.
Young Peter went with his sister Daisy to make sure that she was safe when she was picked by a strange woman who turns out to be the housekeeper of this manor along the moors. The family wants Daisy particularly as a companion for the sick daughter of the house, but they take Peter as well.
What starts out as something fairly innocuous almost immediately turns into suspense and incredible pacing. And, unlike many fairy tale retellings, this was a thriller rather than a romance, which definitely made it more interesting to me by comparison.
It's a story told in flashback, where the main character, Peter, is an old man speaking to his granddaughter about the horrible things that happened during the second world war during the evacuation of children away from London.
Young Peter went with his sister Daisy to make sure that she was safe when she was picked by a strange woman who turns out to be the housekeeper of this manor along the moors. The family wants Daisy particularly as a companion for the sick daughter of the house, but they take Peter as well.
What starts out as something fairly innocuous almost immediately turns into suspense and incredible pacing. And, unlike many fairy tale retellings, this was a thriller rather than a romance, which definitely made it more interesting to me by comparison.
October 4, 2017
I'm a little disappointed that I didn't like this as much as I had hoped. But can you blame me for hoping this would be terrifying? Cause that cover is stunningly scary! But the actual story? Not so much. Maybe if I was a little younger I may have been more freaked but I feel like the actual story could have been more fleshed out (excuse the pun) with more of a back story for the Piper. We find out who he is but not anything else personal which I feel could have happened in a few creepy scenes with the Piper and Peter and Daisy. The plot idea itself was brilliant and that ending left me a little like 'okay...'
December 28, 2017
The Piper is a book for younger readers, but I think older readers will enjoy it just as much. Peter and his younger sister Daisy are evacuated to an isolated farm on the dangerous Romney Marsh. The story is tense right from the time they make their journey with Bessie and Adam to the farmhouse as night falls and the sense of unease grows steadily. Daisy is a companion for bedbound Miss Sally and she soon starts acting strangely. She sees girls dancing in the garden and nighttime and hearing pipe music. This is a dark and eerie tale of two devoted siblings.
January 17, 2018
The piper is a thrilling book, in which Daisy and Peter-tow young children from London-are evacuated. At the marsh they discover haunting stories of French prisoners, and every night they hear strange music. This book kept me hooked, giving me enough clues to work things out, but keeping enough information covered to make its reveal dramatic. The story was incredibly realistic, a story in which there is not really evil and good, or right and wrong. Both sides' actions are for love, and that is what makes the ending even more sad and devastating.
August 11, 2020
Classic ghost story for children (and adults) with some genuinely scary moments and a nice structure in which the story of two WWII evacuees is told via the boy, who's now an old man. All the classic elements of a good ghost story are here, but it still feels fresh and engrossing. Ending felt a little bit predictable hence only 4 stars, but highly recommended for ghost story enthusiasts of all ages.
August 29, 2020
I hate this book with a passion. I read it years ago and I regret it so much. The Storyline isn't bad but it's great either, I didn't like the writing style either, there was no connection for me.The only reason it's not a 1 star is because It's got everything I like a "horror" book, it just didn't speak to me at all, you get me?
The only reason I've still got the book is because it's signed.
The only reason I've still got the book is because it's signed.
August 24, 2025
War on the horizon, a vengeful spirit from the past, a centuries long curse, creepy dolls, and an ominous housekeeper. The Piper is a perfect gothic yarn aged down for middle grade audiences, though Weston did not skimp on the horror. This is the second book of Weston's that I've read and he excels at the genre, utilizing familiar and comfortable tropes while spinning and original story.
September 7, 2017
Well written ghost story for older children that keeps you guessing until the end of the book. Picked up this book in Edinburgh so I am not sure how available it is in the US. It was named Best Children's Book in Scotland.
February 1, 2018
creepy!
November 15, 2019
I loved this one , it was creepy, the mystery was smart, and most of all I lover Peter, the way he was keen to care and protect is just so lovely and sweet...
February 3, 2023
Amazing wrapped up all my questions
January 22, 2025
Really gripping, great for younger readers! I imagine this would be perfect for teen horror fans who would definitely be Robert Eggers fans one day!
June 13, 2025
Pieces don't fit together
Clunky prose
Build up to a tragic ending which didn't happen
Lacking in resolution
Clunky prose
Build up to a tragic ending which didn't happen
Lacking in resolution
January 24, 2026
Interesting story
Great storyline with characters that backed it up well. It moved along at a good pace with twists and turns to keep me reading.
Great storyline with characters that backed it up well. It moved along at a good pace with twists and turns to keep me reading.
December 8, 2019
I just love the structure of this book so, so much. Creepy historical SFF middle grade is a market Danny Weston is really making happen for me.
December 1, 2014
The Piper is a gothic horror story in the tradition of The Turn of the Screw, where on the surface everything seems fine, but scratch and a dark, sinister underbelly is revealed. After a creepy prologue, we meet Helen, who is visitng her Grandad Peter inb a nursing home for his birthday. When Helen tells him in passing that she has signed up for a school trip to Romney Marsh, her grandfather forbids her to anywhere near the place. He tells her it is dangerous, and starts rambling about Daisy and how they had both seen too much. Helen has never heard him speak of Daisy, so she asks Peter to tell her more, and the real story starts to unfold...
Peter and his little sister Daisy were part of the mass evacuation of London prior to the beginning of WWII, called Operation Pied Piper. When they arrive at the billetting centre, Peter and Daisy are selected by Mrs Beesley, housekeeper at Sheldon Grange, a propery set next to Romney Marsh. It's a desolate journey in the cart as darkness starts to fall and this helps to create a feeling of unease that holds fast right through the book. Mrs Beesley and the farm hand, Adam, are at great pains to return to the Grange before dark, but neither will really say why. As they draw closer to the Grange, Peter and Daisy hear strange flute-like music but Mrs Beesley and Adam do not acknoiwledge it and deny it exists. Peter does not like it at all, but Daisy is captivated. On the very first night Peter has a disturbing dream about drowning and music and dancing. He is confused by it, and more than a little scared. Daisy begins talking to the dolls in the room she has been given and the music they heard on the Marsh can be heard by Peter and Daisy every night - growing louder each time. The children meet Sally, the eight year old daughter of the owner of the Grange, Mr Sheldon. Bedridden, but chirpy and well-read, she and Daisy become fast friends. Peter starts to feel more and more uneasy as one of the dolls becomes Daisy't constant companion and she is drawn more and more to the music of the night.
On a trip into town with Adam, Peter encounters Professor Lowell, who is shocked to hear Peter has a little sister living at the Grange. The Professor tells Peter a terrifying tale about the history of the house and a curse that has hung over the Sheldon family for generations. After Adam tries to ensure he and Peter stay in town overnight, Peter realises his sister is in grave danger and races against time, and the malevolent Mrs Beesley, to save her. The moment when Peter bursts into Sally's room and realises where the clanking noise he has heard at night is coming from is a gasp-out-loud moment.
I really enjoyed the classic "spookiness" of this story. Peter is a believable protagonist and the other characters are well drawn too. I found myself glued to this once Peter had the full picture - I just had to find out what happened as quickly as possible. Hopefully you will find the same.
Recommended for ages 12 and up - spooky and scary!
Peter and his little sister Daisy were part of the mass evacuation of London prior to the beginning of WWII, called Operation Pied Piper. When they arrive at the billetting centre, Peter and Daisy are selected by Mrs Beesley, housekeeper at Sheldon Grange, a propery set next to Romney Marsh. It's a desolate journey in the cart as darkness starts to fall and this helps to create a feeling of unease that holds fast right through the book. Mrs Beesley and the farm hand, Adam, are at great pains to return to the Grange before dark, but neither will really say why. As they draw closer to the Grange, Peter and Daisy hear strange flute-like music but Mrs Beesley and Adam do not acknoiwledge it and deny it exists. Peter does not like it at all, but Daisy is captivated. On the very first night Peter has a disturbing dream about drowning and music and dancing. He is confused by it, and more than a little scared. Daisy begins talking to the dolls in the room she has been given and the music they heard on the Marsh can be heard by Peter and Daisy every night - growing louder each time. The children meet Sally, the eight year old daughter of the owner of the Grange, Mr Sheldon. Bedridden, but chirpy and well-read, she and Daisy become fast friends. Peter starts to feel more and more uneasy as one of the dolls becomes Daisy't constant companion and she is drawn more and more to the music of the night.
On a trip into town with Adam, Peter encounters Professor Lowell, who is shocked to hear Peter has a little sister living at the Grange. The Professor tells Peter a terrifying tale about the history of the house and a curse that has hung over the Sheldon family for generations. After Adam tries to ensure he and Peter stay in town overnight, Peter realises his sister is in grave danger and races against time, and the malevolent Mrs Beesley, to save her. The moment when Peter bursts into Sally's room and realises where the clanking noise he has heard at night is coming from is a gasp-out-loud moment.
I really enjoyed the classic "spookiness" of this story. Peter is a believable protagonist and the other characters are well drawn too. I found myself glued to this once Peter had the full picture - I just had to find out what happened as quickly as possible. Hopefully you will find the same.
Recommended for ages 12 and up - spooky and scary!
May 13, 2018
Read this for a book awards thingy in school a few years ago I got to go to the event and I met the author best moment ever
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