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What the critics say

The Haunting of Charity Delafield is a beautiful book with fairytale-like qualities which make it a completely charming read right from the first word through to the very last. I enjoyed it thoroughly . . . Definitely a book I would recommend to others
- Overflowing Library

The novel was fast paced and edgy...Charity is a loveable yet slightly naïve character who you instantly fall in love with...There are some exciting and captivating magical twists that I really enjoyed. This book is full of magic and mystery and it will bring the child out in you.
- Dark Readers

A perfect fantasy novel for older children . . . in all senses, a magical tale
- Reader's Digest

This enchanting tale strikes a great balance between magical and creepy. The story is pacy and around each corner so to speak, a new twist awaits the reader...The beautiful front cover sets the tone of this clever, entertaining little story which is spooky but not overly scary, allowing young audiences to be introduced to the gothic genre. The book itself is beautifully packaged and it will make a great Christmas present too.
- Library Mice

Ian Beck is no stranger to fairytales and here he creates a fairytale of his own, weaving in motifs from traditional sources as well as from Victorian classics such as The Secret Garden or even George Macdonald. The result is both charming and very readable.
- Books For Keeps

Creates a gloriously Gothic atmosphere of suspense . . . Beck's book is exquisitely produced, and a delight to hold; this would make a perfect present for a dreamy child of 9+ . . . Proves, triumphantly, that there are better books out there than the endless Twilight rip-offs pumped out for young girls. We just have to find what is beautiful, and true
- Times

The Haunting of Charity Delafield is a great story about all sorts of mysterious goings on, all cleverly put together by the fantastic Ian Beck. It's told really well and overall, it's one of my new favourite books.
- We Love This Book

The Haunting of Charity Delafield' is a charming little book which would make the perfect Christmas present, with its gorgeous gold edged cover and pocket size - just right for slipping into someone's Christmas stocking. Although aimed at a slightly younger audience, the story is so exquisite that I think older readers will be won over by it too...I really loved this delightful story which I can see myself picking up to read again and again...The ending was beautifully written and in my opinion, absolutely perfect. If you like happy endings then you'll love this one!
- A Dream of Books

This has all the ingredients of an enthralling adventure - a lonely child, a missing parent, a series of clues and a surprisingly satisfying twist of an ending.
- The Daily Mail

Beks' book is exquisitely produced and a delight to hold; this would make a perfect present for a dreamy child of 9+.
- Saturday Review (supp. to Saturday Times)

it's a lovely story...blending the current fashions for Gothic fiction and all things faerie. There's a fairy tale feel to it all and, like all good fairy tales, there's a little bit of darkness...The whole thing is an utterly delightful read. The mystery plot has real tension about it but you're never far from a happy feeling.
- The Bookbag

Despite its cold and stark setting, The Haunting of Charity Delafield is a heart-warming tale of friendship, family and love with an uplifting, magical twist.
- Booktrust

There's a bit of magic, and there is a romance or two..Lovely drawings for each chapter, and a pretty Christmassy cover.
- The Bookwitch

This enchanting story will draw readers into Charity's mysterious world from the first pages as they will her on to discover the secrets that surround her family. A spine tingling fairytale for older children.
- NI 4 Kids

What a delightful and intriguing children's book this is! Charity's dark secret is revealed in a fast page-turning series of events that will keep the reader enthralled from start to finish in this charming book. A great read!
- Waterstones

Shot through with mystery, this is a deliciously old-fashioned story of how one lonely little girl unravels the obscurity of her past. Charity has no mother, a father whose remoteness keeps him at a distance and the burden of an unnamed 'condition' which prevents her doing the things she wants to. But behind a demure and obedient exterior, Charity is a curious child: one snowy day she sets out, determined to find out what lies behind her recurring dream... It's a touching journey of discovery filled with atmosphere and surprise.
- The Guardian

Shot through with mystery, this is a deliciously old-fashioned story of how one lonely little girl unravels the obscurity of her past. Charity has no mother, a father whose remoteness keeps him at a distance and the burden of an unnamed 'condition' which prevents her doing the things she wants to. But behind a demure and obedient exterior, Charity is a curious child: one snowy day she sets out, determined to find out what lies behind her recurring dream ... It's a touching journey of discovery filled with atmosphere and surprise.
- Guardian Children's Book website

A deliciously eerie tale for 10-12-year-olds about the world of faerie colliding with early Edwardian rationalism.
- The Daily Telegraph

Looking for a good wintry adventure to give to a 7-9 yr old? How about The Haunting of Charity Delafield by Ian Beck.
- Achuka

There is something very comforting about The Haunting of Charity Delafield. It's the sort of book you'd want read whilst curled up by the fire - stroking a cat and toasting marshmallows.
- Armadillo

An enchanting, thoroughly magical new fairy tale... Superb book for ages 8 to 12 years.
- Fallen Star Stories

In Ian Beck's The Haunting of Charity Delafield (Bodley Head, £9.99), we meet a young girl who lives a quiet life, suffering from a mysterious 'condition' but afflicted, too, by a strange, strange dream. It's an elegant, atmospheric tale, with frost and mystery and a bit of magic.
- Independent on Sunday

Flame-haired Charity Delafield has grown up in a vast, isolated house - most of which she is forbidden to explore - with her fiercely strict father. With only her kindly nurse, Rose, and her cat Mr Tompkins for company, she knows very little of the outside world - or of her own family's shadowy past. What she does know is that she is NEVER to over-excite herself, because of the mysterious 'condition' that she has been told she suffers from. But Charity has a secret. ..
Ian Beck is a familiar name to the Doubleday/Corgi lists with his previous successful picture books. A freelance illustrator for over twenty years (including such notable artwork as the record cover for Elton John's Yellow Brick Road album), Ian turned to writing and illustrating children's books on the birth of his own first child.
- girliegossip

The Haunting Of Charity Delafield is one of those books that once you open the first page, will transport you into another world completely and keep you hooked until the very last page. Reading it was an absolute pleasure...All the ingredients of a delicious Gothic tale are here: a huge, intimidating mansion, family secrets and loyal servants. Everything about this book screams children's classic and it reminded me of books like The Secret Garden by Francis Hodgeson Burnett and The Wolves Of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
- Heaven, Hell and Purgatory

This book is beautifully written. It reads so smoothly and naturally...The words flow so well together and the illustrations at the start of each chapter have all been exquisitely made. That coupled with the beautiful cover art, with its foil effects and Christmas feel make it a perfect winter read.
- Empire of Books

With its beautiful snowy cover this little book is ideal present material for the nines-plus who enjoy a gentle, enchanting story.
- Newbury Weekly News

Ian Beck is no stranger to fairytales and here he creates a fairytale of his own, weaving in motifs from traditional sources as well as from Victorian classics such as The Secret Garden or even George MacDonald. The result is both charming and very readable. Within the confines of the genre, Charity is a lively and likeable heroine who invites the reader to believe in her pradicament.
- Books for Keeps

Full of suspense, action and mystery and there was a quick pace from the beginning. It was sweet and refreshing and such an enjoyment to read.
- The Reader Room

This is a sweet and magical tale and will delight young readers.
- Book Trailers 4 Kids and YA

Ian Beck is a man who knows not just how to write, but how to write well and The Haunting of Charity Delafield is definitely a wonderful novel for children...The setting of The Haunting of Charity Delafield is perfect. The huge, Victorian mansion set within snowy grounds and surrounded by a strange, ancient forest is gorgeous and makes this a wonderful book to read around Christmas time.
- Mostly Reading YA

A wonderful wintry novel, The Haunting of Charity Delafield is a magical tale aout a young girl who lives in a vast mansion with just her father, servants and cat for compnay.
A bodley Head Book, it's priced at £9.99 in hardback and will prove an ideal heart-warming read to while away the cold winter nights.
- Aldershot News

The world of faerie comes very close in this lovely story, helped by the gorgeous illustrations. This is a book to capture the imagination of any child who enjoys fairy stories, mystery and magic. Charity is a fascinating child, and it is interesting to see how she develops her curiosity throughout the story.
- Monsters And Critics

This is a book of great charm, with an old house full of secrets,a courageous young heroine and a touch of ancient magic. A substantial and satisfying read for those who like ot be immersed in a story.
- Carousel

A mixture of adventure and faerie magic
- The Guardian Children's Books Site

Ian Beck builds up an unsettling gothic atmosphere packed with suspense . . . This is an elegant mystery . . . It's going to be edge-of-the-chair, do-not-disturb time as you join the determined Miss Delafield and delve into secrets stashed away in her family's dark and intriguing past
- South China Morning Post