The Family Library is an important social and literary resource for schools, adults and the wider island community, based at Westmoreland Road in Douglas.

It’s now officially autumn and we are back in the groove at the Family Library.

We’ve been delighted so many familiar faces have popped in to see us over the last few weeks but it’s been equally good to meet new visitors as we began some of our regular term-time classes.

Story Box and Toddle Tots both returned last week, while Stickyfingers well and truly lived up to its billing over the weekend as we made Charlie and The Chocolate Factory themed bunting - inspired by the recent Roald Dahl day.

There’s so much else to look forward to over the next few months so watch this space and keep an eye on our Facebook page for more information about our Story Box Specials which will incorporate guest story tellers from around the island, beginning with some members from our wonderful emergency services.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Hallowe’en, or Hop-tu-Naa as we like to celebrate in the island, without some of the many different festivities we have going on in the Family Library.

It’s a great time for getting together with your friends and family, having fun and celebrating as people island-wide gather for singing, dancing, storytelling, games, cooking and turnip carving, and there will plenty of opportunities in the coming weeks to get involved and have fun.

Keep an eye out for our series of family fun events during half-term which we will be announcing soon!

And don’t forget to visit our new-look website, familylibrary.im

You can also keep in touch with the family library by phoning us on 640650 or through the Family Library Facebook page.

The Whispering House by Elizabeth Brooks is published in hardback by Transworld.

Driven to find out more about her sister’s secrets, Freya is drawn into the world of Byrne Hall and its owners: charismatic artist Cory and his sinister, watchful mother.

But as Freya’s relationship with Cory crosses the line into obsession, the darkness behind the locked doors of Byrne Hall threatens to spill out.If, like me, you loved Elizabeth Brooks’s Call of The Curlew, you will have been anxiously awaiting her new novel.

I’m happy to report that it doesn’t disappoint.

The Whispering House is a dark and atmospheric thriller, which ratchets up the tension one steady notch at a time right up to the end.

The setting of a bleak, isolated stately house (which was once a glittering mecca for artists but has now fallen into decline) is a delight. Likewise, the relationship that develops between Freya and Cory makes for compulsive reading.

All of the characters carry their own dark secrets, which Freya must unravel if she wants to piece together the mystery of her sister’s suicide.

Even when you think you know what’s going to happen, you can’t stop turning the pages.

It’s fantastic to read what is, at heart, an old-fashioned gothic tale, updated for the modern audience.

The themes of loss, love, delusion and obsession are carefully crafted and take the reader on a journey that is sometimes uncomfortable but always utterly absorbing.

This definitely stands out as one of my favourite books of 2020!

Review by Rakie Bennett.