When I was a teenager I watched Nightmare On Elm Street; the classic horror film about a terrifying deformed man who came to get you in your dreams – but only if you were young, American and very fit. I was young, English and not that fit, but even so I was freaked out and really quite scared when I went to bed that night. I’m glad to say nothing else ever spooked me quite so much.

Until I read INVISIBLE FIENDS by Barry Hutchison.

Well THANKS, Baz! Thanks a lot! 

If you’re easily scared DON’T read INVISIBLE FIENDS late at night. (Especially if you’re trapped in a monster-riddled cave.) You’ll be leaving the light on until breakfast. It’s no surprise that telly and film rights are being eagerly sniffed at before INVISIBLE FIENDS is even published (we get the advance copies here in the caves) – the deep eeriness which Barry has drenched this whole story in is very powerful. 

It’s about a boy called Kyle who has long forgotten Mr Mumbles, the invisible friend who helped him through his speech problems as a little boy. It turns out that forgetting Mr Mumbles was a very bad idea. Very bad indeed. Because Mr Mumbles never forgot Kyle. And now he’s back – and he’s not looking for a hug.

This is the 'proof' cover - the proper cover will be ready soon, on Barry's website (see the link on the right)

Across a dark, violent, rainswept Christmas Day, Kyle, with his newfound friend (and life saver) Ameena, must fight forces so evil and relentless, at times it seems they can’t possibly survive. As he discovers powers within himself with which to battle against his foe, Kyle must also travel to a grim, grey hinterland of forgotten ‘friends’ who hold some very nasty grudges.

Will he and Ameena ever escape the deadly revenge of the forgotten ‘friends’? Or will everyone in Kyle’s life eventually have to pay..?

This is the kind of story which will stay in your head for a long time. And you’ll be wanting the next book in the series the second you finish the first.

OK. I need a cup of tea and a blanket now…

And I’ve started to suck my thumb again…