Scarecrow by Danny Weston.
Jack and his dad are runaways. Jack’s father recently turned whistleblower, revealing the truth about the illicit dealings of some powerful people. Realising that he and Jack might be in danger, Dad drives them to a remote shooting lodge in the Scottish Highlands, where they intend to lay low.
A really good read. I did enjoy this book. Great story and characters. I loved the cover. 4*.

5 Words: Family, honour, friendship, protection, tradition.

Right from the start, the very tone of the writing sets the scene and starts building the spooky atmosphere. I loved the sense of foreboding.

Coming to the characters, I loved Philbert, the scarecrow. I loved his humour, how he accepted his lot and got on with it. And he was creepy. They're something about scarecrows and dolls and mannequins that creep me right out, and Philbert was no exception. But he was strangely loveable, and with his gruff accent reminding me a lot of my dad, I loved reading about him. Even though he was so dark. And rather murderous.

While the story was a little spooky, mostly due to the atmosphere (but also Philbert because scarecrow), it was also action-filled. The lack of technology gives the story a timeless feel, but is explained in such a way as to make it not only believable, but natural. I loved how Jack hated not having any of his gadgets and lamented the loss of his mobile phone. It starts slowly, and then builds and builds, and I could not put it down.

This was a great read, fast paced and gripping. I enjoyed it myself immensely.

Inevitably it seems, scarecrows that come to life are usually portrayed as sinister and evil and at first this seems to be the case with Philbert. However as troubled Jack gets to know him it becomes apparent that he is not as black as he’s painted, he's not quite ‘scarecrow in Wizard of Oz’ inoffensive, but he is just trying to protect his farmer family. An excellent, spooky story for older children who enjoy being scared, without too much emphasis on blood and gore but with a few shocks and adrenaline spike moments that really get your heart racing.

Thank you so much Penguin Random House UK Children's for this advanced copy of Scarecrow. I was so excited about this book after I read the premise and Mr. Danny Weston did not disappoint. This story was so different! nothing like what I've read before. I loved the Scarecrow as a character and enjoyed the "thriller" aspect of this novel. Great story and a perfect read for this time of year!