Soon after steeplejack Joe Clarke begins work on one of the spires of Muncaster's medieval cathedral, terrible things start to happen and Joe realizes that there is a malevolent force connected to the spire's gargoyle.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Chilly, concise and utterly spooky, this novel is among the late British author's best works. A first-person narrative--liberally larded with bits of Northern English slang--propels the story at a headlong pace, at the same time incorporating intriguing hints of musty medieval history. Not long after he takes on the job of restoring the southwest tower of Muncaster Cathedral, steeplejack Joe Clarke senses--in the very stonework itself--a sinister force that seems to emanate from one particularly foul-looking gargoyle. Joe's suspicions are confirmed when his young son, Kevin, sleepwalks to the tower, spouts archaic Latin and, with much tooth-baring, fights all efforts to remove him. Though Joe eventually succeeds in rescuing his "lad," the entity in the tower finds easier prey in another little boy, discovered dead, having either fallen or jumped from the spire. With the help of a curmudgeonly detective-sergeant and the trendy but essentially good Reverend Morris, Joe searches through the cathedral's history for the knowledge that will enable him to destroy the bloodthirsty gargoyle's power. The tower's secret is indeed a whopper, fittingly capping the unrelenting suspense that precedes its revelation. Ages 10-up.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
From School Library Journal
Grade 7 Up-- Soon after English steeplejack Joe Clark begins work on one of the towers of Muncaster's medieval cathedral, terrible things happen. Eventually he realizes that a malevolent force that is out to claim human victims is trapped in the old building's stones, and connected with one particularly grotesque gargoyle. This ancient horror captures Joe's son and kills his friend and coworker, leaving the man to grapple alone in a thrilling climax. This very short novel is sparely told in a distinct voice, combining zesty working-class slang with vivid imagery ("a nut-and-bolt falling from our height can smash a skull like a bullet smashes a pumpkin"). Readers will remember the gargoyle's lichen-mottled face and blind, hollow eyes and shiver with pleasure. Top-notch horror. --Lyle Blake Smythers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC NONFICTION
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
As far as I can remember...,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Stones of Muncaster Cathedral (Hardcover)
...this was one of the scariest books that I read at the time. I still have the book, and have re-read it only a few years ago. The gargoyle is what scared me the most; anyone who reads this will see why I say this. This is like a combination of "The Shining" and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame". I don't want to give anything away, so I'll just say, read this book. It is very, very short, and one can finish it in one sitting. Don't get too scared though...
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Put your back against the wall & get ready for a scary ride!,
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Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Stones of Muncaster Cathedral (Paperback)
What a great horror story! No, it's not gross, not bloody, not overtly spooky, and the Terminator does not make an appearance, but Westall's subtle writing and build up of true horror make for a literally hair raising read. I read "Stones..." as an adult, that means I was over 30 folks, while between "real" jobs and while working at a children's bookstore. I took this with me to lunch and was glad I had my back to the wall, even at that I kept looking over my shoulder... Not for under 12, but a great scare! ...Enjoy and read read read!
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing!,
By Gerald Ladmirault (New Orleans, LA USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Stones of Muncaster Cathedral (Hardcover)
If someone were to ask me why I read so much fiction, I'd hand them this book. Although it is short, this book is one of the best I've ever read and re-read. From the eerie but gradually intensifying strange occurences, to the uncovering of the cathedral's secret history, to the jaw-dropping climax, this book ROCKED!
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