Ministry of Pandemonium

Chris Westwood was born in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, the son of a coal miner and a school teacher. His first published writing was for the London music paper Record Mirror, where he worked as a staff reporter for three years. His first children's book, A Light In The Black, was a runner-up for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize. His second, Calling All Monsters, was optioned for film three times by Steven Spielberg. After a break from writing, spending seven years caring full-time for his father, Chris returned with Ministry of Pandemonium, the first in a series of novels set in a secret, alternative London. He now lives part of the time in East London, and the rest of the time in a world of his own.

A marvellously well-written thriller for older children Literary Review There are some deliciously dark moments in this middle grade fantasy by Chris Westwood and the central idea of a Ministry existing to help ghosts pass on to the afterlife is well executed and very believable. Caroline Hooton Book Blog 'Ministry of Pandemonium' is beautifully realised. A deliciously spooky, supernatural thriller -- with real heart. Booktrust Ben doesn't know he's special until he's recruited by Mr October, who wants him to help steer the recently deceased towards the afterlife before they can be diverted by the forces of evil. Suitably horrifying creations -- like the Mawbreed, "industrial-strength vacuum cleaners of doom [which] suck out the souls of the living" -- are balanced by a well-crafted sense of place and excellent characterisation. Sunday Telegraph What makes this story stand head and shoulders above most horror for kids is the sheer quality of the writing. I could not stop reading and I hold Westwood responsible for many hours of lost sleep. The main characters - Ben, October, Lu and Becky - are all originals, and London itself forms another main actor in the drama. This has to be the first book of the series, since although there is a stonking battle at the end, not all is resolved. And I, to my surprise, can't wait for the next instalment. -- Mary Hoffman Guardian