different, brilliant, but just not scary enough - Rated 
a very original and great read, good descriptions and surprises
but i just though she could have made the book a lot scarier, even for a around 10-13 book
Adventure, Magic, Tragedy & Joy! - Rated 
I ordered F. E. Higgins book, "The Black Book of Secrets" thinking it was a simple, albeit creative, "little kid" story, for my nephew. Upon it's arrival, as I do with any book I order for a child; I intended to skim through it before passing it on as a gift. And boy-oh-boy, was I surprised!
F. E. Higgins had me hooked from the first page onward! I kept telling myself I had better things to do with my time than feel so engrossed in a "kid" book. The powerful and rich characters, along with the stimulating plot, held my attention to the last word. I simply couldn't put it down and decided I "deserved" the time off to enjoy the author's story telling magic.
Poor Ludlow Fitch, the book's main character, who is rather a street urchin type, leads a distraught and sorrowful life until he decides to blaze his own trail and find a new home and friends. Once he makes his way to the snowy village of Pagus Parvus, he finds his life has only just begun in many ways. As you read along, you will feel that you've taken every step alongside Ludlow, and you will feel his every emotion.
My nephew has slight brain damage and is therefore about ten years old, mentally speaking. The magic and adventure of this story also held his attention and now he wants more (and so do I!) My nephew usually dislikes reading with a passion, so now I can't wait to order more of F. E. Higgins work- for both of us!
Black book of secrets - amazing - Rated
I had to read this for a Childrens Book Day event at work, and to be honest wasn't looking forward to it, but when i started i couldn't put it down, i finished it in 2 and a quater hours (i am a fast reader anyway) but i couldn't stop. It was very good.
Higgins is great at making you love some characters and hate the others, and her descriptive writing is superb, i could picture it all.
A definite recommendation. Brilliant
EXCELLENT! - Rated
When I ordered the black book of secrets I didn't realise it was part of the Macmillan Children's Books collection, when I opened the first page and saw the Macmillan stamp I have to admit I was completely gutted, I presumed that this book was a grown up story but what I had in front of me was going to be no more than a childish attempt of scaring little children, but I was so wrong.
The book took hold of me from the first page and I felt I was walking with Ludlow through the dark cold & snowy village of Pagus Parvus. The descriptions where so clearly written that I was able to see the village and the creepy village inhabitants, like the grave digger and the repulsive Jeremiah Ratchett. The book is written so effortlessly that each chapter just flows incredibly well. I found that the book reminded me of those dark Benson animations- I would love to see an animated version of the book, it would be absolutely brilliant! Fingers crossed the next instalment will be out soon, I would love to know what happened next with Ludlow! A surprisingly brilliant book which got me hooked by the claws, give this a go you definitely won't be let down!
moralistic storyline - Rated
gripping from the first page. Ludlow learns how luck and destiny are interwoven and how he must take responsibility for his own actions.
Couldn't put it down. read it in one day. Enjoyed the ending. Makes you think about the moral decisions you make throughout your life.
Very entertaining easy read.
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