Scorpion Falls by Martin Chatterton

A look at Martin Chatterton’s website tells the reader that If you're a fan of Stephen King, or Stranger Things, you'll love Scorpion Falls. And true to his word the author has written a gothic horror/thriller that fans will love.

Theo Sumner is a 14-year-old living in an isolated mining town, Scorpion Falls. He is a loner, targeted by bullies at school and having a challenging time at home with his mother in a wheelchair with MS. He works at the Iguana Motel to help make ends meet and is very friendly with Ari Patel the daughter of the owner of the motel. He is uniquely placed to see what is going on in the town and when teenagers start to disappear, he focuses on a stranger who has stayed in room 42 of the motel.

Told in Theo’s words the novel moves forward at a fast pace. There are some frightening scenes like eyeballs being found on a bed in the motel, and Theo’s mum admitting she put them there. Even more bizarre things happen when he falls into the back of a wardrobe, into a terrible maze. Twists and turns, strange happenings, a sinister research facility - just what is going on?

Chatterton pulls the reader into Theo’s mind in an exciting and tense gothic thriller with nods to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and Theseus and the Minotaur. There are themes of racism and alienation to challenge the reader and the twist at the end of the scorpion’s tail is unexpected. Teacher’s notes are available.

Definitely recommended for readers who enjoy strange happenings and thrilling moments.

Themes: Gothic thriller, Missing persons, Racism, Alienation.

Pat Pledger