The Dark Matter Directive

Introduction By Liz Goldfarb

If you're looking for something scary in YA, 'The Dark Matter Directive' by D.Charles Wilson qualifies. It's Book One of his 'Dark Jessings' series. The plot is deceptively simple: two teenaged brothers find they can control ghosts. Two parts Stephen King and one part Huckleberry Finn, this YA adventure should be on the hit list of anyone craving a scare-your-hair-white roller coaster ride. Oddball characters like a crackpot physicist who repels ghosts with stolen space shuttle parts, a Maori mentor, and a psychic who dresses like Cher make it fun. With a splash of science thrown in, it's got a geek-feel to it. It's been described as 'Poltergeist' meets 'Back To The Future.' As The Midwest Book Review said: A nice addition to any YA collection. Some scenes are frightening but there's no gore. Definitely catch this one where you can.—Liz.

From inside the book jacket:

Something very strange is happening to fourteen-year-old Eric Jessing, and his thirteen-year-old brother, Kevin. They are attracting supernatural forces like a pair of paranormal lightning rods.

Now, torn between the normal life they need to hang onto, and the irresistible pull of a world filled with dark forces they can control, they arrive at an astonishing turning point. An ancient ghost, known as The Red Horseman, has emerged from the mists of time to capture the boys, and absorb their newfound ability. And it is much too powerful to control.

Guided by the wisdom of a retired particle physicist and paranormal expert named Harker Jefferies, They embark on a frightening journey overseas to try and defeat the powerful entity, but it will arrive at an unimaginable price. Eric and Kevin must find deep courage, and untangle a terrifying secret that will change their lives forever.

"Darrin Charles Wilson's writing is so powerful and so convincing that I couldn't help but be reminded of the first time I read Pet Cemetery."
- Alisonbookmarks.com

"I can tell you that The Dark Matter Directive should not be read while you are sitting alone... I couldn't close the book."
- Webereading.com

"This book was scary... the kind of freaky weirdness that makes you double check the locks and hide under the covers. Every time I go to a hotel I’m going to get visual images of that thing in the stairwell. Thanks a lot."
- Reading for Sanity

"The dilemma of Eric and Kevin makes for intriguing reading. The Dark Matter Directive is a fine addition to any young adult fiction collection."
- Midwest Book Review