Mister Creecher

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I now have some rewrites to do on the book before I am reunited with Helen Szirtes whom I am delighted to say is going to be editing for me again on this one. Posted by Chris Priestley at DON cookie 10 August at Chris Priestley 10 August at Janet 24 August at Chris Priestley 24 August at Anonymous 3 March at Chris Priestley 3 March at Newer Post Older Post Home.

About Me Chris Priestley I am an writer, illustrator and painter. I am available for school, library and festival events and these can be arranged through the publicity department of my publishers or through Author Aloud. If you wish to contact me you can either do this through my publishers or via my agent there is a link below or simply leave a comment on the blog.

Comments go into my email inbox before they are published. View my complete profile. Subscribe To Posts Atom. Published by Hot Key Books October UK paperback published by Bloomsbury October Published by Bloomsbury November Published by Bloomsbury September UK paperback published by Bloomsbury Thai edition published by Tawansong. Published by Bloomsbury March Shortlisted for the Wandsworth FAB book awards. Shortlisted for the Coventry Inspiration Book Awards.

Longlisted for the Carnegie Medal Czech edition published by Argo. US edition published by Bloomsbury. German edition published by bloomoon. Italian edition published by Newton Compton. Paperback published by Bloomsbury October Shortlisted for the Salford Children's Book Award Published by Pearson June Published for World Book Day March UK edition published by Bloomsbury.

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Dutch edition published by Pimento. Brazilian edition published by Editora Norma. Portuguese edition published by Bertrand Editora. Japanese edition published by Rironsha. Swedish edition published by Raben and Sjogren. German edition published by Bloomsbury. Turkish edition published by Tudem. Thai edition published by Tawan. It was so vivid, so lifelike — it jumped off the page and into my head.

And he truly made London back then creepy, gothic and spooky: I almost felt like smiling as it was revealed. In a strange, horrible and rather shocking way, it was perfect. It was so unexpected. Which made that final twist all the more brilliant. Creecher kills and Billy steals. Both should be Bad. Both should be Not Liked. Creecher was looked upon in horror, so he became what was thought of him. Billy stole because he had to, to survive. Billy wanted a family, a friend.

Mister Creecher – Chris Priestley

While both had their downfalls, they also had redeeming qualities. They made me question everything. A book of contradictions, friendship, betrayal, murder, science and the search of happiness, Mister Creecher was one heck of a book, a gothic horror story, full of twists and chills, with the most amazing setting and beautiful writing.

You will not regret it. Jan 06, Anne rated it really liked it. This has been on my to-read pile for ages and finally the Christmas holidays gave me the time to soak it up. I shouldn't have waited because it is not such a long book as it appears, and because I was swept up completely with the characters of Billy and Mr Creecher.

I have been fascinated with Frankenstein ever since I was a teenager so I loved following the story from the monster's side of the action. A Dickens' fan too, I loved the writing 'in the style of' the famous writer.

I have to say tha This has been on my to-read pile for ages and finally the Christmas holidays gave me the time to soak it up. I have to say that the middle section when the pair hide in the Circus of Freaks dragged a little for me and I doubt that the young adult audience would get all the references although that doesn't matter at all and I bet Priestley had fun creating them! The last section cranked up the pressure once more and was heart-breaking, maybe all the more so because we are used to the rather saccharine versions of Oliver Twist.

The two characters are perfectly drawn and Billy's slow transformation is brutal. I think a teenager would understand this, and hopefully get the clever twist pardon the pun!! Some have been disappointed by the peripheral characters, but I think this would have detracted from the character studies of Billy and the Creature. Will be promoting this to students of all ages and looking out some more of Priestley's stories. Mar 07, Adam Sparks rated it liked it. I'm really not sure how I feel about this book. I went into it without knowing that it was basically Frankenstein fan-fiction, and I say that without the negativity I would usually bestow upon that word.

I point this out because having read a number of reviews, it seems I was the only one unaware, so I think it's fair to say that this would affect my opinion in c I'm really not sure how I feel about this book. I point this out because having read a number of reviews, it seems I was the only one unaware, so I think it's fair to say that this would affect my opinion in comparison to others.

The story is pretty good for the most part. I enjoyed reading the development of Creecher and Billy's relationship, though there were some weak points. I got a bit tired of them constantly falling out only to make up again by about the third time it happened in a pretty short book. I also felt that by the end of the book, their interactions become really unrealistic; Billy just starts acting like a dick for no real reason. He also happens to be a completely unlikable character. I also really enjoyed some of the characters that the duo met along the way, though there were also negatives there: They all just suddenly drop off the face of the planet.

Why did all the stuff with the couple in London lead nowhere? Why did the writer feel compelled to elude to Mr. Browning being sick only to have him never show up after a couple more chapters? I am guessing some of these are reference to other novels most of this book is but who cares; it doesn't make for a compelling read when everything results in a rather flaccid dead end.

To interject with a wholly positive point; I really loved the reveal that "Mr. Creecher" was in fact Frankenstein's creature. One character I did not particularly enjoy was Jane. Within a chapter of meeting her, you know she's going to die. This kind of predictability is really counter-conducive to an interesting story; the reader should be curiously caught up in wondering where the character is going, not wishing she'd hurry up and die already so the story could move on.

This wasn't helped by Billy's completely unrealistic and sudden falling in love with her after meeting a single time. Even to the point of dropping his only friend. That was ridiculous and poorly written. I also have to be a bit of a negative Nancy when it comes to Priestley's writing. On the surface it's fine, but there are some really gross metaphors dotted throughout the book in the most unnecessary places, while at other points it feels as though he's simply listing off features of a room or actions that Billy took.

It felt rather like reading through a series of bullet-points at times.

It is just as chilling and brilliant as Chris Priestley's other works, such as 'the tales of terror collection' and 'the dead of winter' novel that is also deliciously creepy with lots of twists and turns. This book is wonderfully macabre and genuinely spooky that will send chills down your spine and make you unknowingly keep looking behind your shoulder, as 'the Independant' newspaper added that it is "Genuinely, thrillingly horrible" and for a storyline such as this then that is a great compliment.

Chris Priestley: Mister Creecher

As the saying goes 'don't judge a book by its cover' well this can also be applied to fictional characters to and our views on them and with Frankenstein you may want to think again when you have read Chris Priestley's rendition. I am not a huge fan of horror stories but this book had an even balance between gory descriptions and overdoing it in the way of grusome, explicit details that keep you awake at night. It did not take me very long to read as it is only a short novel and one that is very easy to read, that is character-driven and displays all the qualities of a facinating and exciting storyline that really captures ones imagination throughout.

Jan 22, Rebecca Graf rated it really liked it. I have to admit that I never would have picked up this book to read on my own. The cover and the synopsis is not something that appealed to me. But I had read it on a must-read list and decided to give it a try and expand my horizons. This is the story of a young London boy who is picking pockets one night when an old associate catches him ready to do physical harm.

Just as he is about to get it, an enormous creature appears and saves him. The creature looks like something I have to admit that I never would have picked up this book to read on my own. The creature looks like something from a nightmare but becomes a companion. Through adventures in the city and into the country, lives are changed. The story starts off with action and keeps the reader going along with the plot. It gives the reader just enough to feel like they are present without describing every inch of the scene.

It was very interesting. The monster is following Frankenstein, waiting on him to create another like him to spend the rest of his life with so he is not alone in a strange world. Along the way he hooks up with a street urchin named Billy who unwillingly helps the monster while discovering more about himself along the way. As I was reading, I felt so much sympathy for Creecher, the name of the monster. He did not ask to be created a hideous monster and feared by the masses.

He was trying to live in a world that was not prepared to deal with him. Billy on the other hand was a much more complex character. At times I connected with him while at other time I wanted to put him over my knee and give him a good one. The writing style of the author is very easy to read. I believe the book is geared toward Middle Grades which the writing would easily be read by them.

I do have to warn you that there are some topics that the age group would be familiar with but some parents might need to be aware of. It is nothing major, but the monster talks quite often about his future mate and the children they would procreate. If you like unique twists on old tales, this is a book for you. I purchased this book with my own funds with no expectation of a positive review.

Mister Creecher

I adored their bond together and how hard hearted they both were to let one another into their lives and past but when they do they find friends with each other and salvation. What is clear is that Chris Priestley knows his Horror and knows his audience and gives them what they want and what they need to really enjoy the story of Creecher as he follows Frankenstein from afar with the help of Billy and both learn about trust and the strengths and weaknesses in humanity and themselves.

Aug 24, Emma rated it it was ok Shelves: Street urchin, pick pocket, petty thief. So, when he is attacked by another, he is saved by a giant of a man who he names Mister Creecher. It was a deal of pure convenience. Now, I have to admit something before I go on.

It was trying so hard to fit the time period that it was jarring for me as a modern day reader to click with it. Another problem I had was the characters. I never had that connection to the characters that made me root for them. For me, this is a big thing. If I connect to a character — whether they be a hero of the story of the anti-hero — then I will be rooting for them or I would understand what has motivated them to do what they are doing. However, with me going a bit negative on this book, I did like the subtle hints in this book. When Billy meet Mary Shelley and her husband, and then the twist in the final chapter that connects Frankenstein to another classic I like these tiny things.

Billy is a young thief on the streets of London when he meets Mr Creecher- a giant, mismatched man who is extremely mysterious. We also meet other characters such as Justine the girl who hangs af Review: Points to Chris for including fictional characters into his own fiction. Extra points for including real life figures in this as well, such as Mary Shelley. I enjoyed the Tales of Terror series of books, so I should have enjoyed this. The atmosphere and world building, this time of Victorian London, is excellent, and elements of gothic horror come through a lot.

The back end of London is portrayed fully and you get quite attached to the characters.

The writing is good. There were many times throughout where I just wanted to hug him, but there were also enough times to remind us that at heart, he was a monster. Seeing him learn about things such as reading was really nice seeing him develop in ways that we take for granted. It also means that these two characters, both the antagonists in their respective classics, are really likeable in this book.

Strength 4 tea to a strong horror novel for younger readers. Sep 16, Misty rated it really liked it Shelves: First off I have to say a big thank you to Donna at Book passion for life for asking me to review this for them, I'd never heard of it and might not have read it otherwise and I'm really glad I did because I ended up really enjoying it. I've never read Mary Shelley's frankenstein but after this adaption and reading the factful authors note at the end I'd really like to, to see the authors inspirations for Mister Creecher.

Additional Information

Chris Priestly has come up with a great twist and made the story his own he First off I have to say a big thank you to Donna at Book passion for life for asking me to review this for them, I'd never heard of it and might not have read it otherwise and I'm really glad I did because I ended up really enjoying it. Chris Priestly has come up with a great twist and made the story his own here with some wonderful characters.

I loved watching the unlikely friendship between Billy and Creecher develop during the book, they come together for their own reasons and gain but it turns out they have a lot more in common than they realize, they both have a yearning to fit in and to have someone to love and i think the author did a good job at putting these emotions across throughout. I really felt connected to both of these characters and cared what happened to them, my fingers were crossed for happy endings. Most the books I tend to read are set in the US, other worlds or space lol so I always particularly enjoy when I read something set in merry old England, even if is set way before I was even born!

I thought Priestly did an excellent job of describing London and later more parts of England as our characters travel up North. Whilst this is a horror novel I will say that I didn't feel scared or particularly freaked, maybe I'm just thick skinned lol I did find it plenty interesting though and I just loved the extra twist at the end! Billy is a street urchin, pickpocket and petty thief.

Mister Creecher is a monstrous giant of a man who terrifies all he meets. Their relationship begins as pure convenience. But a bond swiftly develops between these two misfits as their bloody journey takes them ever northwards on the trail of their target Friendship, trust and betrayal combine to form a dangerous liaison in this moving and frightening new book from Chris Priestley.

Billy is a young thief on the streets of London when he meets Mr Creecher- a giant, mismatched man who is extremely mysterious. Points to Chris for including fictional characters into his own fiction.

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