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The Grindle Witch
When Jack Jolly moves from the city to the tiny Northern village of Grindle, he thinks his life's just become a lot more boring. But then he finds himself plunged into the middle of a terrifying mystery, and confronting an ancient evil - the Grindle Witch.But when Jack and his new friends, Paddy and Leila, take drastic measures to stop the Grindle Witch, they realise that they may have unleashed more than they bargained for.A creepy supernatural tale that will have readers on the edge of their seats.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2015
4 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Benjamin J. Myers
14 books9 followersBen was reading about myth, magic, adventure and weird science as soon as he could pick up a book; and he’s been writing from as soon as he could hold a pencil. He was born in Stoke-on-Trent, England, and he’s been a soldier and a lawyer as well as a writer. THE BAD TUESDAYS series of books and THE GRINDLE WITCH have been enjoyed by young adults, older adults and children around the world. He has three children and when he’s not reading or writing books he enjoys swimming, fishing, music and mountains. Visit Ben’s website at https://wordpress.com/view/benjaminjm... and follow him on Twitter @BenjaminJMyers and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BenjaminMyer...
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 27, 2021
Read aloud bedtime book. Scarier than I was expecting! Lots of cliff-hanger chapter endings and nail-biting action. Jack has moved to Grindle and is trying to fit in at his new school. A grisly murder of old Tom kicks off an epic adventure where friendships between locals Leila and Paddy and newcomer Jack are forged and they race to solve the mystery as more murders are committed. This is paranormal fantasy with a twist of horror that was a bit edgy for an 8 year old. I'd put the age appropriateness at 11 and up. Very well written with a driving plot.
January 27, 2019
GOT THIS FROM THE LIBRARY BUT COULDNT get into it.
April 1, 2023
The author was recommended as a writer of good folk horror. This is - I'd guess - intended as YA. (Though it's quite gory for YA.) The background is beautifully described and reminds me a little of Alan Garner though with a substitution of action for mysticism. The book certainly rips along at a goodly pace, though it sacrifices character development in its urge to scare. The addition of Weland the Smith ties in Norse mythology with, a little oddly, Christian demonology, and together these sit with witchcraft, so it's a bit of a grab-bag, which works only because of the pace of the narrative.
June 18, 2022
Quite an enjoyable book and not quite the fairytale-ish book I was expecting. This is modern life with witches and demons and hunters of the same. Characters ages are 15, so we are riding the border of junior and YA. I liked these characters, honest and individual and Mr Creek is mysterious. Definitely worth a read.
April 26, 2015
Brace yourselves and be prepared for a pacey, supernatural adventure – it’s an attention-holder for sure!
Bored Jack Jolly had only been in the village of Grindle for two weeks when the first ‘incident’ took place. His father, a pathologist, was called out to investigate the death of a local chap, but the authorities are at a loss as to what could have caused such destruction.
It’s not a great start to a new ‘quiet’ life in the country, especially now the villagers are desperate to know who could have done such a thing. But the havoc doesn’t stop there…
Jack and his new friends, Paddy and Leila, are naturally curious and soon they unwittingly stumble over the divide that separates them from relative safety and where they will connect with supernatural entities.
Needless to say, more trouble brews and the young teens get into all kinds of scrapes. And when an odd character arrives, with his skinny limbs and a Fedora, things get a whole lot weirder...
Without a doubt, Jack makes the perfect unwitting hero. Being shy and socially awkward, it’s great to hear his thoughts when he believes he’s said something so utterly stupid, only to make it ten times worse in his head, then say something even more stupid – you get the idea! We see the trio’s friendship grow alongside their personalities, which in turn strengthens their bond.
Between being faced with making decisions in some pretty bizarre circumstances and an evil showdown taking place, there’s also a lovely crush blossoming between two of the friends, but nothing heavy to worry about though.
It’s so refreshing to read that their battles can be fought without the aid of a single mobile phone or Google; in a mystery / adventure, it proves that problem solving can be done with pure intellect and leg work (or cycle power in this case) and yet the story’s not in the slightest bit old fashioned – and the unexpected twist at the end was a real gem!
Just one thing, I think younger children may find some descriptions a wee bit unnerving; some of them conjure up some pretty grim scenes, particularly where 'attacks' have taken place. Don’t get me wrong, they are brilliantly portrayed, but it is a tad graphic in places.
Talking of graphic, that cover is just amazing in real life and totally compliments the story.
(I must offer my sincere thanks to the publisher for sending me this hardback copy of this book for review. It's a great book, so I'm truly grateful.)
Bored Jack Jolly had only been in the village of Grindle for two weeks when the first ‘incident’ took place. His father, a pathologist, was called out to investigate the death of a local chap, but the authorities are at a loss as to what could have caused such destruction.
It’s not a great start to a new ‘quiet’ life in the country, especially now the villagers are desperate to know who could have done such a thing. But the havoc doesn’t stop there…
Jack and his new friends, Paddy and Leila, are naturally curious and soon they unwittingly stumble over the divide that separates them from relative safety and where they will connect with supernatural entities.
Needless to say, more trouble brews and the young teens get into all kinds of scrapes. And when an odd character arrives, with his skinny limbs and a Fedora, things get a whole lot weirder...
Without a doubt, Jack makes the perfect unwitting hero. Being shy and socially awkward, it’s great to hear his thoughts when he believes he’s said something so utterly stupid, only to make it ten times worse in his head, then say something even more stupid – you get the idea! We see the trio’s friendship grow alongside their personalities, which in turn strengthens their bond.
Between being faced with making decisions in some pretty bizarre circumstances and an evil showdown taking place, there’s also a lovely crush blossoming between two of the friends, but nothing heavy to worry about though.
It’s so refreshing to read that their battles can be fought without the aid of a single mobile phone or Google; in a mystery / adventure, it proves that problem solving can be done with pure intellect and leg work (or cycle power in this case) and yet the story’s not in the slightest bit old fashioned – and the unexpected twist at the end was a real gem!
Just one thing, I think younger children may find some descriptions a wee bit unnerving; some of them conjure up some pretty grim scenes, particularly where 'attacks' have taken place. Don’t get me wrong, they are brilliantly portrayed, but it is a tad graphic in places.
Talking of graphic, that cover is just amazing in real life and totally compliments the story.
(I must offer my sincere thanks to the publisher for sending me this hardback copy of this book for review. It's a great book, so I'm truly grateful.)
April 18, 2015
I was one of the lucky few who received The Grindle Witch from Goodreads First reads.
I was so invested in this book and the characters. The author Benjamin J. Myers described the settings and characters wonderfully.
I enjoyed watching Jack grow and gain confidence throughout the book. The little love interest that developed was so sweet.
The story itself had me wanting to know what was going to happen next, why was the witch there? Was there a demon? What will happen next to the the three friends.
My only issue was some of the descriptive words the author used, being that the book is a 'children's book' I felt that they may not understand their meaning. It's not a huge issue more of a personal observation.
I really did enjoy the book and will be looking out for future releases from this author.
I was so invested in this book and the characters. The author Benjamin J. Myers described the settings and characters wonderfully.
I enjoyed watching Jack grow and gain confidence throughout the book. The little love interest that developed was so sweet.
The story itself had me wanting to know what was going to happen next, why was the witch there? Was there a demon? What will happen next to the the three friends.
My only issue was some of the descriptive words the author used, being that the book is a 'children's book' I felt that they may not understand their meaning. It's not a huge issue more of a personal observation.
I really did enjoy the book and will be looking out for future releases from this author.
May 1, 2015
Pulls a rabbit out of the hat! From a shocking opening, the story weaves a fascinating tale. I'm not going to give too much away, other than to say that, for a while, I had rather thought that the story had tried to do too much, too soon. But Benjamin J. Myers manages to maintain the pace of the opening third, and piles hook upon hook, twist on twist, to create a story that manages to be both breathless and creepy. I would recommend to anyone who enjoyed the Spooks books by Joseph Delaney, or the Lockwood & Co stories by Jonathan Stroud.
May 21, 2015
I loved reading this book. From the start it was exciting and flowed well making it easy to read. The book has great characters. The descriptions throughout the book help you develop a sense of place so that you feel that you know the village and surrounding landscape as though you've been there yourself and ridden your bike down the same lanes. The hair raising bits were gripping and I couldn't stop reading. I really recommend this book.
June 12, 2016
Quite a likeable book. Not scary as the cover or title would suggest. Does take a dark turn towards the end, and felt a bit rushed at times. The epilogue was not great and was a different tone to the rest of the book which I think it could have lived without. Overall a good little adventure.
September 29, 2016
I really wanted to enjoy this book but unfortunately I just found it drawn out and poorly executed. I appreciate that even though it is a kids book it is quite creepy at times and suspenseful, but I just couldn't get into the story and the characters made no connection with me.
November 4, 2016
Such a creepy book, don't be fooled by the childish cover. Knew I was going to like this book by the way a cave was described in the first few pages - something about a dark mouth? Can't remember but the atmosphere is really good in this book.
April 28, 2015
a creepy tale that I enjoyed reading to my nephews and which they enjoyed even more
April 27, 2015
This book genuinely scared me
To the point I was dreaming of witches halfway threw
I will highly recommend this book
Thank you to good reads
A fantastic boom I give 5 stars
To the point I was dreaming of witches halfway threw
I will highly recommend this book
Thank you to good reads
A fantastic boom I give 5 stars
November 8, 2016
This is an entertaining, easy read. It's technically a children's book, which I wasn't aware of when I entered the giveaway.
I received my copy of this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
I received my copy of this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
April 13, 2017
The Grindle Witch is a very exciting and frightening fantasy book. In the book demons and witches do exist and that’s what I really like about it. The story is also well made up by the author, because in normal life there is no possibility that something like this could happen.
In the book there is constantly a danger, because the kids in the book know that every time it gets dark there could happen something terrible.
I found it an awesome book, because it took me away from reality in a fantasy world and I would really recommend it to everyone who likes fantasy books!
In the book there is constantly a danger, because the kids in the book know that every time it gets dark there could happen something terrible.
I found it an awesome book, because it took me away from reality in a fantasy world and I would really recommend it to everyone who likes fantasy books!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews