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The Watch House cover art

The Watch House

By: Robert Westall
Narrated by: Georgia Maguire
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Summary

'The dust flew in clouds making her cough. Anne looked inside the last glass case. More writing. It was moving! Balls of fluff being pushed around like tiny mice. More letters appeared as she watched...ANHELP...ANHELP...ANHELP...Anne HELP!'

Who is writing the messages in the dust? What is the story behind the huge skull in the old Watch House? 

Alone and unhappy in Garmouth, Anne knows the shadows are following her. Spirits of long-dead sailors who won't rest. And from behind its empty windows, the Watch House is watching her....  

The Watch House is the first ghostly story for young audiences written by noted author Robert Westall. Originally published in 1977, it was adapted for television by the BBC in 1988. This brand-new audiobook edition marks the first time the classic spooky story has been performed in audio.

Robert Westall was an English author and teacher best known for fiction aimed at children and young adults. In the latter case, some deal with complex, dark and adult themes. 

He has been called 'the dean of British war novelists'. His first book, The Machine Gunners, won the 1975 Carnegie Medal for the year's outstanding children's book by a British subject. It was named one of the top 10 Medal-winning works for the 70th anniversary celebration in 2007. Westall also won a second Carnegie (no one has won three), a Smarties Prize, and the once-in-a-lifetime Guardian Prize.

©1977 Robert Westall (P)2020 Spokenworld Audio & Ladbroke Audio Ltd

Critic reviews

"Robert Westall mixes up his usual potent brew of atmosphere and emotion...deeply satisfying." (Times Educational Supplement)

What listeners say about The Watch House

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Great story, average story telling

I read the book in the 1980's and loved it so I was delighted to find this on Audible.

I am pleased it has a female narrator since the central character is also a woman. However, some of the reading is just sloppy. Ships generate a bow wave, not pronounced bow as in how you tie your laces or the weapon used by Robin Hood.

it just pulls you out of the story and wrecks the narrative.

Altogether, it is a wonderful audio book for 10 yr+ listener.

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