The Intruders (Richardson novel): Difference between revisions

''The Intruders'' is a 2006 teen horror novel by E.E. Richardson. It revolves around the children of two families -- Joel and Cassie Demetrius and Tim and Damian Wilder. Their parents are engaged and the book starts with all of them moving in together into a derelict old house that's been neglected for decades. Cassie is dead set against the move and refuses to even acknowledge the other family while often clashing with Damian. Joel and Tim try to keep the peace, which isn't easy when the two of them start having nightmares about being chased through the house. Joel is also convinced that he keeps seeing other boys in the house, and the rest of the children slowly begin to realise that their house may be haunted.

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* [[All Girls Like Ponies]]: The first time Cassie is even remotely positive is wondering whether or not someone breeds horses nearby.

* [[Berserk Button]]: At first for Cassie it's Damian using the word "sister".

* [[Brick Joke]]: Gerald casually mentions that the cellar is too small. {{spoiler|At the end of the story, it's discovered that there was an extra wall built in the cellar for obvious reasons.}}

* [[Cerebus Retcon]]: An immediate example. The kids find Damon reading a Dr Seuss book in the library, which Cassie finds funny until this line:

'''Tim:''' I don't remember, sorry. }}

* [[Chekhov's Gun]]: The writing "Michael H" in the cupboard in the attic eventually helps Joel to realise {{spoiler|the two boys were related to Victoria Hawkins}}.

* [[Infant Immortality]]: Averted and played straight. {{spoiler|The ghosts are of two murdered little boys, but the children themselves survive}}.

* [[Ladette]]: Cassie is said to be a bit of a tomboy.

* [[Missing Mom]]: It's implied that Tim and Damian's mother died of an illness.

* [[Paranormal Investigation]]: In a variation, the kids do this themselves instead of calling anyone.

* [[Save the Princess]]: Conversed when Joel tries to cheer Cassie up and suggest she pretend she's a princess and a prince will come to rescue her. Cassie's response is that she'll punch him in the stomach and steal his horse.

* [[Slap Slap Kiss]]: A sibling-related variety. Damian and Cassie's relationship evolves into this.

* [[Spooky Photographs]]: Joel finds a whole collection of photos of the killer.

* [[Stuffed in The Fridge]]: {{spoiler|Victoria Hawkins}}.

 

{{reflist}}

[[Category:Horror Literature]]

[[Category:Literature]]