A Trick of the Light by Christopher Edge – at a glance
The School Reading Lists’ five word review: Ghostly, bullying, investigation, legends, retribution.
Children’s book title: A Trick of the Light by Christopher Edge.
Children’s author: Christopher Edge.
Genre: Children’s fiction.
Published by: Walker Books.
ISBN: 9781529527384.
Recommended for children aged: 9-12.
First published: October 2026.
This children’s book is ideal for: younger readers who want to try a scary novel. As a starting point for discussion about bullying, following the crowd, and breaking the rules.
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Our review:
Hazel is ten, a bit of a loner, and on a residential trip she really didn’t want to attend. The most popular girl in Hazel’s year, Imogen, has decided to make her a special target, using unkind comments and ignoring everything she says, knowing all her friends will follow her lead. Hazel is disappointed to realise that even Aisha, who she’d hoped wouldn’t follow the crowd, won’t take any notice of her.
Howlsfield Manor, where they are staying, is definitely creepy, but it has lots to do, and Hazel is hoping she can make some friends while she’s away from home. There is another school group also staying there, and a girl called Alice is keen to be friends with Hazel. Alice doesn’t like bullies and, with Hazel, makes a plan to scare Imogen, who is very popular and doesn’t believe in ghosts, so that Imogen knows what it’s like to feel alone.
At first, their ideas don’t work. It’s hard to start rumours if no one acknowledges you’re even there, and so Alice decides to get more inventive. Making a doll called a poppet, which has supernatural connotations, she gets Hazel to cut off a lock of Imogen’s hair, and then the plan really comes together. By the time Alice has enticed Imogen to the top of the manor house’s abandoned and out-of-bounds tower, Hazel knows she has to take matters into her own hands, but can she save someone who so actively dislikes her?
Our verdict:
Christopher Edge is a very popular children’s author with a penchant for middle-grade horror, and the second book in his new series packs a punch. There are more than a few surprises contained here. Although this is a spooky horror story, albeit for younger readers, it still has a serious message and shows how one very popular but unpleasant individual can make others follow them rather than risk becoming a victim themselves.
A poppet, the doll used here, has its roots in medieval English and European folklore, and the hair which Hazel collected is an accurate representation of one of the things used to personalise the unwelcome gift. It is the main part of Hazel and Alice’s plan and becomes the hoped-for reason Imogen is distanced by her group of followers.
As this is the second book in the series, there are some things here which, although explained, would be more instantly obvious if you read the books in order. The ending makes everything much clearer, and the main reveals, all of which are surprising, provide a brilliant conclusion. These are all related to an organisation’s database known as Darkive, and there are reports throughout the story with titbits of information which add extra depth to the storyline by indicating why the organisation is interested in what happened to Imogen. This definitely makes it even more chilling than if it was just Hazel’s story.
Teaching points and book club discussion ideas:
- Hazel feels isolated and alone. If you were in her position, how pleased would you be if someone like Alice befriended you?
- There is a map of Howlsfield Manor at the beginning of the book as well as some other illustrations. Did you refer to them while you were reading the book?
- Imogen was determined not to be seen to be scared. Did she make things worse for everyone by not listening to her teacher?
- There are a lot of surprises when the story reaches its big reveal. Did you work any of it out beforehand, or were you shocked by what happened?
- Although Hazel wanted Imogen to feel ignored, at least one of her friends was still with her as they boarded the bus home. How relieved do you think they felt to be leaving?
- Right at the end of the story, there is a hint that this didn’t take place in the present day. Had you realised this? If so, what gave it away?
- Have you been on a school residential trip? Was there lots to do like there was at Howlsfield Manor? If so, what was your favourite activity?
- Did you enjoy the addition of the Darkive files? What do you think happened in the investigation suggested in the Darkive notes?
- A Trick of the Light sample chapter provides the opening pages of Christopher Edge’s novel, including a map of Howlsfield Manor, Darkive case material and the opening chapters, suitable for introducing the story to readers.
Many thanks to Walker Books for the review copy.
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