The Intruders (Richardson novel)
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.
- 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".
- Big Brother Instinct: Damon has this for Tim. Joel develops a similar thing for him even though they're closer in age.
- Bitch Alert: Cassie's first lines in the book are "what a dump".
- Bloody Handprint
- Brick Joke: Gerald casually mentions that the cellar is too small. 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:
Damon: Tim, remember when Mum used to read these to us? Before she got too sick.
Tim: I don't remember, sorry.
- Chekhov's Gun: The writing "Michael H" in the cupboard in the attic eventually helps Joel to realise the two boys were related to Victoria Hawkins.
- Deadpan Snarker: Damon and Cassie, when they're in good moods.
- Defrosting Ice Queen: Cassie.
- Disappeared Dad: Joel and Cassie's father walked out on them when they were young. Cassie claims to remember him despite being only a year older than Joel.
- Everybody Lives
- Freudian Excuse: Damian is a bit rough and it's understandable when you find out about his mother. Joel also explains that Cassie is aggressive because she's been used to having their mother to herself and isn't ready to share her just yet.
- Ghostly Chill
- Gone Horribly Right: Cassie's joke at attempting a seance actually ends up causing the ghosts to communicate with them.
- Haunted House
- Happily Married: Amanda and Gerald. Not so much Patrick and Victoria.
- A House Divided: Inverted. Cassie and Damian are at each other's throats to start off with but the haunting brings them together.
- Infant Immortality: Averted and played straight. The ghosts are of two murdered little boys, but the children themselves survive.
- Ladette: Cassie is said to be a bit of a tomboy.
- Jerk with a Heart of Gold: Damon and Cassie.
- 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.
- Shout-Out: Damian remarks that this is remarkably similar to an episode of Scooby Doo. They also find him reading some Dr Seuss in the library.
- 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: Victoria Hawkins.
- Supernatural-Proof Father: Damian fills this role as the oldest of the siblings.
- Things That Go Bump in the Night