What do you think?
Rate this book
Skeleton Cove #1
The Demon of Devilgate Drive
A murder in Nightmare Alley. A missing boy. A demon on the loose.
On the hunt for the elusive Jimmy Brick, 12-year-old Jeff and his pal Suzi find more than they bargained for at Harry McSpawn's pool hall. But it's a mysterious business card that gets Jeff wondering what it is that Jimmy has got himself into. Haunted by a series of nightmares, Jeff sets out to discover exactly what's going on in Skeleton Cove, and why the long-dead Nathaniel Darke is still exerting his malevolent influence over the town.
The Demon of Devilgate Drive is book #1 in this scary adventure series. If you like Goosebumps, you'll love Skeleton Cove!
On the hunt for the elusive Jimmy Brick, 12-year-old Jeff and his pal Suzi find more than they bargained for at Harry McSpawn's pool hall. But it's a mysterious business card that gets Jeff wondering what it is that Jimmy has got himself into. Haunted by a series of nightmares, Jeff sets out to discover exactly what's going on in Skeleton Cove, and why the long-dead Nathaniel Darke is still exerting his malevolent influence over the town.
The Demon of Devilgate Drive is book #1 in this scary adventure series. If you like Goosebumps, you'll love Skeleton Cove!
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2017
1 person is currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Colin Garrow
51 books143 followersColin Garrow grew up in a former mining town in Northumberland. He has worked in a plethora of professions including taxi driver, antiques dealer, drama facilitator, theatre director and fish processor, and has occasionally masqueraded as a pirate.
He has published more than thirty books, and his short stories have appeared in several literary mags, most recently in Witcraft, and Flash Fiction North. Colin lives in a humble cottage in Northeast Scotland where he writes novels, stories, poems and the occasional song.
He plays several musical instruments and makes rather nice vegan cakes.
He has published more than thirty books, and his short stories have appeared in several literary mags, most recently in Witcraft, and Flash Fiction North. Colin lives in a humble cottage in Northeast Scotland where he writes novels, stories, poems and the occasional song.
He plays several musical instruments and makes rather nice vegan cakes.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 9, 2017
The Demon of Devilgate Drive was the second book I’ve read by this author and I immediately started reading a third, so I obviously enjoy Colin Garrow’s work. This book might have been meant for younger readers, as the main characters, Jeff and Suzi, are only twelve, yet even someone of my advanced years can appreciate the author’s endearing wit, and infectious enthusiasm for telling a cracking, sometimes disturbingly scary tale. Maybe I’m entering my second childhood, but The Demon of Devilgate Drive can be lapped up by anyone, except the very young, but that’s their loss.
July 24, 2020
This is most definitely a cross between the cheese of Goosebumps and the thrill of Point Horror books and the action and demons from the Darren Shan series. All 3 are favourites of mine so very high praise. I loved all the aptly names roads and places in Skeleton Cove, all to give a little thrill to the story. I did enjoy the story but boy Suzi and Jeff make a meal out of it all.
They are asked unwittingly by their teacher to check on a student who has “gone missing” and embark on an adventure they did not expect. They get caught by one set of bad guys, tied up, get out and escape, get caught again, tied up and escape and this happens a few times. I can see how YA readers will definitely find it thrilling.
We do have a couple of bits which were close to giving me goosebumps. Shadows in the nights, unwanted smells, sights and it always freaks me out at the thought of an unseen entity sitting on my bed!!!
It is a shortish story, so we don’t get the opportunity to know Suzi and Jeff too well and the reveal at the end was quick, so hopefully, this is built upon in book 2. I did enjoy the adventure underground with this duo, they have an easy relationship together and they have each other’s back. Where one of them falls short of something, the other will back them up and they have such great banter.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and had it been out when I was younger I know I would have definitely devoured this. The characters are young, you sense that, I think that’s why everything they do is that much more perilous and you shout at them to just go home and hammer nails in their windows so no one can get in, but alas it wouldn’t be a story if they didn’t!
Looking forward to the next instalment and learning more about the Ministry and what is instore with this duo! Plus this is a creepy ass cover!
They are asked unwittingly by their teacher to check on a student who has “gone missing” and embark on an adventure they did not expect. They get caught by one set of bad guys, tied up, get out and escape, get caught again, tied up and escape and this happens a few times. I can see how YA readers will definitely find it thrilling.
We do have a couple of bits which were close to giving me goosebumps. Shadows in the nights, unwanted smells, sights and it always freaks me out at the thought of an unseen entity sitting on my bed!!!
It is a shortish story, so we don’t get the opportunity to know Suzi and Jeff too well and the reveal at the end was quick, so hopefully, this is built upon in book 2. I did enjoy the adventure underground with this duo, they have an easy relationship together and they have each other’s back. Where one of them falls short of something, the other will back them up and they have such great banter.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and had it been out when I was younger I know I would have definitely devoured this. The characters are young, you sense that, I think that’s why everything they do is that much more perilous and you shout at them to just go home and hammer nails in their windows so no one can get in, but alas it wouldn’t be a story if they didn’t!
Looking forward to the next instalment and learning more about the Ministry and what is instore with this duo! Plus this is a creepy ass cover!
May 1, 2017
The Demon of Devil Gate Drive has an engaging, fast paced narration such that you actually place your self in Jeff's corner.
The book will hold you and draw you into the world where an innocent quest to help a mate turns into a nightmare.
An almost invincible Demon with an axe to grind is Jeff's nemesis.
But what's a Demon when you have your best pal by your side?
What is the dark past that haunts the town? Will Jeff find the answers he seeks or are they buried beyond his reach?
To find out if Jeff and Suzie Q do actually survive, you will need to read through till the very end. I did. Colin Garrow
The book will hold you and draw you into the world where an innocent quest to help a mate turns into a nightmare.
An almost invincible Demon with an axe to grind is Jeff's nemesis.
But what's a Demon when you have your best pal by your side?
What is the dark past that haunts the town? Will Jeff find the answers he seeks or are they buried beyond his reach?
To find out if Jeff and Suzie Q do actually survive, you will need to read through till the very end. I did. Colin Garrow
July 20, 2020
This book introduces readers to Jeff and Suzi, best friends and amateur sleuths, they love a thrilling mystery, danger and adventure, following the clues and unmasking the villians. No matter how many life threatening situations they find themselves caught up in, they just dust themselves down and get straight back into action. They were a fantastic pair of characters whose personalities complimented each other perfectly. Jeff was cool headed and analytical whilst Suzi was fiesty, a bit cynical at times and had a vulnerable side to her character especially when they found themselves in sticky situations. I was pleased to discover that although this was the first book in the series, Jeff and Suzi were already best friends and the story had been written as if they had investigated cases together previously. The story was set in a time when there was no mobile phones, a call from a phone box cost just 2p, kids knew how to use their imaginations and played outside from after breakfast until darkness fell just like I used too when I was younger. Skeleton Cove was a weird and wonderful world were the streets had fantastic names like Strangers Lane, Crucifixion Close and Lonely walk Road. Nothing is normal in this strange coastal town with its mixed bag of mysterious inhabitants, a secret protective society, hidden tunnels and sinister, spooky characters.
This is a thrilling mystery/adventure with a added dash of the supernatural that is reminiscent of classic mystery series like Goosebumps, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, The Famous Five and other stories that have stood the test of time. Although this is a children's book there is a maturity to the writing that makes it suitable for adults as well.This is a brilliant start to what looks like is going be a very enjoyable series and I look forward to reading many more of Jeff and Suzi's adventures in the future.
This is a thrilling mystery/adventure with a added dash of the supernatural that is reminiscent of classic mystery series like Goosebumps, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, The Famous Five and other stories that have stood the test of time. Although this is a children's book there is a maturity to the writing that makes it suitable for adults as well.This is a brilliant start to what looks like is going be a very enjoyable series and I look forward to reading many more of Jeff and Suzi's adventures in the future.
July 25, 2020
As it says above, if you’re a fan of Goosebumps then you’ll enjoy this! This is a fab horror aimed at kids, but adults will enjoy this too. Jeff and Suzi are tasked by one of their teachers to find their classmate Jimmy, but instead they find something grim…… The discovery leaves them with some bizarre clues and as they delve into to trying to solve the mystery, they get themselves in deeper trouble than they could have imagined. With a demon on the loose, can they solve the mystery before anyone else disappears? And will anyone actually believe them?
Jeff and Suzi are both fab characters. Young, stupid at times but brave, they get involved with things that most children (and adults!) wouldn’t. Their determination to solve the mystery is brilliant; they literally won’t stop despite a number of warnings.
The level of horror in this is just right for kids; nothing too gruesome, but I can imagine if you’re younger parts of this will be pretty scary which is what you want with a horror!
The storyline is brilliant; and the mystery keeps you enthralled. I had no idea about some of the twists in this which was fab! I loved the town of Skeleton Cove, with the streets all have spooky names. I’d love to visit and do some ghost hunting there as I’m sure it would be rife!
Overall a great horror book for children, with a fab mystery which will keep them engrossed; great characters and a great setting! If your kids like horror (or you’re looking for something fun, a little spooky and easy to read) then check this out. Recommended by me.
Jeff and Suzi are both fab characters. Young, stupid at times but brave, they get involved with things that most children (and adults!) wouldn’t. Their determination to solve the mystery is brilliant; they literally won’t stop despite a number of warnings.
The level of horror in this is just right for kids; nothing too gruesome, but I can imagine if you’re younger parts of this will be pretty scary which is what you want with a horror!
The storyline is brilliant; and the mystery keeps you enthralled. I had no idea about some of the twists in this which was fab! I loved the town of Skeleton Cove, with the streets all have spooky names. I’d love to visit and do some ghost hunting there as I’m sure it would be rife!
Overall a great horror book for children, with a fab mystery which will keep them engrossed; great characters and a great setting! If your kids like horror (or you’re looking for something fun, a little spooky and easy to read) then check this out. Recommended by me.
June 4, 2017
'The Demon of Devilgate Drive' is another great story by Colin Garrow. It's my third book I've read by this wonderful author. This time, the protagonist is a boy, Jeff, who, together with his pal Suzi, goes looking for a school pal named Jimmy. Jimmy is often 'missing' from school, but this time it's different. Jeff and Suzi seem to stay ahead of police investigations and stumble upon a dead body. But is he really dead? Did Jeff hear the dead man talk? More than one 'mysterious' occurrence happen to Jeff and Suzi, but together they face all kinds of danger.
I love the way Garrow describes his characters. They are so endearing. Like with 'The Hounds of Hellerby Hall' and 'Death on a Dirty Afternoon,' you can immerse yourself into the story without a problem. This time, you'll be transported back to the seventies, when children played outside until dark and nobody had a phone on them. As is Garrow's calling card, the people in the story speak with accents which helps you with your travel to a different location. When you time travel, you may as well go some place nice :) .
Even though the protagonists are children, this doesn't by any means mean this is light reading. Your children will be biting their blankets while you read to them with a spooky voice about the things that are lurking in the dark!
I love the way Garrow describes his characters. They are so endearing. Like with 'The Hounds of Hellerby Hall' and 'Death on a Dirty Afternoon,' you can immerse yourself into the story without a problem. This time, you'll be transported back to the seventies, when children played outside until dark and nobody had a phone on them. As is Garrow's calling card, the people in the story speak with accents which helps you with your travel to a different location. When you time travel, you may as well go some place nice :) .
Even though the protagonists are children, this doesn't by any means mean this is light reading. Your children will be biting their blankets while you read to them with a spooky voice about the things that are lurking in the dark!
July 23, 2020
It is so true! If you do LOVE Goosebumps then this series is definitely for you! This book is sooo spook, fast paced, easy-to-read and action packed!
I really loved the concept of this book, even though at times I felt maybe it was for a slightly older audience due to some of the events being quite horrific, I loved how the author included the teachers at school and the main characters are school age which I found would really pull this age in and they would be able to relate to the characters!
I loved the creativity of this book I thoroughly enjoyed the demons, and the kidnappings, the skulls, the BIG twists which shocked me, all the constant action and I love the relationship between the 2 main characters!
After reading this one I just couldn’t wait to start the next one and because I loved this one so much I’d like to give it 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️!
Definitely one that can be enjoyed by us adults to! An AMAZING quick read!
I really loved the concept of this book, even though at times I felt maybe it was for a slightly older audience due to some of the events being quite horrific, I loved how the author included the teachers at school and the main characters are school age which I found would really pull this age in and they would be able to relate to the characters!
I loved the creativity of this book I thoroughly enjoyed the demons, and the kidnappings, the skulls, the BIG twists which shocked me, all the constant action and I love the relationship between the 2 main characters!
After reading this one I just couldn’t wait to start the next one and because I loved this one so much I’d like to give it 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️!
Definitely one that can be enjoyed by us adults to! An AMAZING quick read!
May 21, 2017
Colin Garrow should be commended for his ability to write a children's story that not only entertains adults, but will keep the most reluctant reader glued to the pages. His fast-paced story, The Demon of Devilgate Drive with twists and turns in every chapter, keeping the reader guessing right to the very end, is an art few writers manage to achieve. Garrow does it effortlessly. This is a Robert Stine's Goosebumps meets Enid Blyton's Secret Seven or Secret Five but with a cast of two children rather than more. Loved the story, the characters, and the humour that helps lighten the scary and difficult situations the children find themselves in as they hunt for their missing friend, and try to stay alive while doing so. Highly recommended!
June 1, 2017
Hell hath no fury like the demon of Skeleton Cove
Cracking adventure yarn set in the creepily named town of Skeleton Cove, where street names have devilish names. Teenage pals Jeff and Suzi set out to find a missing school mate and get drawn into a game of cat and mouse with the mysterious and terrifying Demon of Devil Gate Drive. The author skilfully creates his imaginary town that seems loosely based on a northern seaside town in the seventies - definitely pre-internet and mobile phones. Echoes of half-forgotten fish finger adverts add to the charmingly constructed setting. A well crafted and compelling YA mystery - recommended.
Cracking adventure yarn set in the creepily named town of Skeleton Cove, where street names have devilish names. Teenage pals Jeff and Suzi set out to find a missing school mate and get drawn into a game of cat and mouse with the mysterious and terrifying Demon of Devil Gate Drive. The author skilfully creates his imaginary town that seems loosely based on a northern seaside town in the seventies - definitely pre-internet and mobile phones. Echoes of half-forgotten fish finger adverts add to the charmingly constructed setting. A well crafted and compelling YA mystery - recommended.
May 5, 2017
Spooky Tale for all ages except the very young ones
I was checking through my unread books for something to read and came across this one. This story sucked me in from the beginning. I loved the creepy names of streets and places. This book has all the ingredients for a bone chilling camp fire story- dead bodies, graveyard, skulls, kidnapping and two student on the trail of a mystery in their town.
I was checking through my unread books for something to read and came across this one. This story sucked me in from the beginning. I loved the creepy names of streets and places. This book has all the ingredients for a bone chilling camp fire story- dead bodies, graveyard, skulls, kidnapping and two student on the trail of a mystery in their town.
May 8, 2017
Spooky and fun!
Loved this. Colin has written a wonderful start to this series. The protagonists are just a little too curious for their own good, but who isn't when they're young? If you like mysteries, in the vein of goosebumps, this will be the series for you.
Loved this. Colin has written a wonderful start to this series. The protagonists are just a little too curious for their own good, but who isn't when they're young? If you like mysteries, in the vein of goosebumps, this will be the series for you.
Read
November 21, 2020Please see blog for [K]'s review:
https://thepturnersbookblog.wordpress...
https://thepturnersbookblog.wordpress...
May 11, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is fantastic for older children and teenagers. It's also great for adults who love a good scary mystery. I'm looking forward to the second book.
May 1, 2017
If you enjoy YA novels you will love this. I know you hear it all the time, but I honestly couldn't put this one down. Great character development (written from Jeff's POV), the dialogue is witty and captivating, I literally laughed out loud at the exchange with Mrs Brick (We're lucky it's Friday, she put her teeth back in !), and a great plot. Suitable for all ages, but especially us adults that don't want to grow up. Loved the author's humour.
April 30, 2017
The Demon of Devilgate Drive is a spooky MG. When I began reading the book, I was annoyed at the antics of the two main characters, Suzi and Jimmy, especially, Suzi: breaking into people’s properties with little regard to the consequences, but I had to remind myself that this was written for kids and kids will often do things that adults might find questionable. Having said this, I have no doubt kids will have a fun time with the book as they follow the characters on their adventures beyond the cemetery.
April 30, 2017
The hunt for missing Jimmy Brick takes young Jeff and Suzi on an exciting adventure of thrills and scares that kept me guessing right to the finale. Laced with a sassy humour, and filled with inventive 70s references and likeable characters, this is a thoroughly enjoyable story for that’s fun to read and impossible to resist.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews