Witch Hill - Marcus Sedgwick

Marcus Sedgwick seems to be one of the authors that I forget all about, and then I discover another of his books and fall for his writing all over again!

Jamie is haunted by the terrifying fire that broke out in his family home. Sent to stay with his aunt in Somerset, his respite is interrupted by the strange incidents that occur in the small village. First the evil old witch in his nightmares, and the ancient chalk carving uncovered on Crownhill, then a tale emerges of a seventeenth century witchhunt victim. The thing that connects them all...fire. Jamie is forced to face his worst fear and uncover the truth.

Witch Hill is a short but compelling tale. Sedgwick's skill is in the atmosphere and tension that he weaves and the emotions that he invokes. The description of Jamie's fears are heartbreakingly real, making his plight all the more moving. I particularly loved the references to the 'ancient' (depending on which history text you read!) chalk carvings and seventeeth century witch hunts.

Highly enjoyable.