October 29, 1999
Mischief
Charlotte Armstrong

This was more of a novella than a full-length novel, and was actually part of a collection entitled “The Charlotte Armstrong Treasury.” It was another one of my library-sale finds. I’d never heard of Charlotte Armstrong, but I’m glad I picked it up.

A man, wife and their child are staying at a hotel in New York City, in town for an award banquet in honor of the husband (I forget for what). Their little girl, Bunny, will stay behind, looked after by a babysitter. Originally, the husband’s sister who lives in the city was to look after Bunny, but backs out at the last minute, and a replacement is found when the elevator attendant offers up the services of his niece, Nell.

Right from the start you sense his trepidation about this. There is something “not right” about Nell. There’s been some kind of serious trouble in the past, though what that trouble was in not clear until later.

In a nutshell, Nell is a psycho. Certified wacko with definite homicidal tendencies, and the way Armstrong slowly, gradually horrifies the reader with this sick girl’s cunning and frightening thoughts and actions is nothing less than genius, and is definitely one of the most superbly crafted characterizations I’ve ever read. Most of the story is told through the view of a young man Nell has enticed to the room, and who soon realizes just how dangerous this girl is. He wants to leave, but she cleverly threatens to accuse him of some kind of sexual assault, and he realizes he is trapped. Also, he becomes aware of Bunny’s presence in the next room, which he hadn’t known about at first, and fears for her safety.

The climactic scene is very tight – a perfect ending that unfolds with perfect timing.

What a find! I’m glad I bought it. There are two more stories in the collection, as well. ( )