Delaney once again combines chills with character development as Tom and others face difficult questions. Should common enemies always create allies? Can Tom kill his friend Alice's murderous mother? Meanwhile, the soul-sucking demon buggane poses a constant threat. Arrasmith's black-and-white illustrations reinforce the idea that the supernatural creatures, even Tom's temporary cohorts, are worth a shudder.

The County is at war and the Spook’s apprentice, Tom Ward; his master; and Alice return home from Greece to find the Spook’s home—and his priceless library—burned to the ground. Fleeing invading soldiers, they cross the sea to the island of Mona where they must face the new threat of a “buggane,” as well as that of their old foe—and Alice’s mother—the witch, Bony Lizzie. There is little in this seventh installment of Delaney’s series that feels new, although Tom’s role, as Alice points out, is growing as his master’s is fading. Mr. Gregory is not the force he once was and Tom makes more than one reference to his sadness at seeing his master so low and defeated. Delaney continues to explore what is the most interesting theme in his series: whether the fight against evil ever justifies the use of “dark” magic. By the end of the book, with the buggane (a shape-shifter that sucks out a person’s life force then feasts on the shell that is left behind) and Bony Lizzie vanquished, the Spook and his young helpers realize they must next fight the Fiend (the devil himself) and contact Grimalkin, the witch assassin, for an uneasy alliance. Delaney’s narrative tends to tell more than show, and consequently, this set-up for the next book in the series is quickly summarized. The pact with Grimalkin should prove fascinating and if this adequate installment is a necessary step to get there, the series’ fans will happily take it.—Vikki Terrile.