Good work / BAD job

This little suspense story proved to be a pleasant surprise. The only R. L. Stine novel I had previously read had been TWISTED -- shall I make a bad joke by saying that this was also its title? THE BABY-SITTER is a straightforward scary story in which increasingly creepy things happen, clues are (not-too-closely) scattered, and the danger (minimized presumably due to the age of the target audience) has to be weighed against the absolutely certain consequences of (eek!) QUITTING A JOB. It is not a great mystery, but still a good read, especially once you realize whodunit. The writing is clear and simple, with relatively short sentences but variety in the vocabulary, and very realistic dialogue. There are some amusing GHOSTBUSTERS references, and a refreshing absence of preachiness. The little brat being babysat is drawn from life!

If there were a "Grades 6 to 7" category I'd have selected it, because younger kids may not like the mild romance, and older ones will probably see through the plot. THE MAN IN THE WOODS, by Rosemary Wells, is set in a more morally complex world and should interest the same audience. ARE YOU IN THE HOUSE ALONE? by Richard Peck is a superior and disturbing novel for older teenagers/young adults: proceed with caution.