Children’s / Teenage fiction: Horror and ghost stories

Book SynopsisWhen Lily takes a walk with her dog Nicky, she notices many lovely things. But poor Nicky only sees monsters lurking at every turn... By interpreting the pictures, the reader can understand that Nicky's fears are only imaginary. This funny and gently scary picture book was originally published in the 1980s and has now become a classic. The clever concept and humour will delight both children and their parents, and help little ones to conquer their nightmares.Trade Review'A perfect introduction to childhood fears. It provides an opportunity for children to discuss the things that frighten them at home, in school or when they are out and about, just like Nicky. And hopefully, gain some much-needed reassurance from children like Lily.' Just Imagine;'The juxtaposition of child and dog's divergent perceptions of the same journey taken together is done with Kitamura's genius mix of the real and surreal; thus making this book an experience to savour and return to for several further excursions.' Red Reading Hub;'An ideal picture book to spark discussion and hone prediction and inference skills with younger children. A beautifully produced reissue of the 1980s classic.' School Reading List; 'Satoshi's distinctive colourful style matches with an engaging tale that will want to be read more than ones. I wish we all lived in the world Lily lives in - so long as there are companions like Nicky to keep us safe!' Nayu's Reading Corner Blog;'Delightful and imaginative, this book will have children looking differently at their pets and their walks home!' My Shelves are Full;'Filled with visual humour and irony as she takes a rather uneventful walk, or so she thinks. As always, Kitamura's humour is ever prevalent and his signature surprise ending doesn't disappoint.' Book Gift Blogger; 'A funny adventure with a dog and an over-active imagination.' Creative Steps Magazine;'There is enough horror to thrill but hopefully not to prompt nightmares and this book would provide an opening to discuss irrational fears with children. Parents may of course remember this story from their own childhood which adds an extra level to the sharing and understanding of this classic picture book from a much celebrated illustrator.' A Library Lady Blog

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Book SynopsisDennis and Gnasher are back for a spooky adventure this Halloween. When the bogeyman of Bunkerton Castle returns and Lord Snooty flees town, Dennis, Gnasher and friends are dared to spend the night within the fortress''s spooky halls.Will they last until morning? Or will the Bogeyman of Bunkerton Castle prove too scary for them to handle?Trade Review“The first thing I ever picked up to read for pleasure was The Beano.” – David Walliams

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Book SynopsisA new darkness is rising in Belterra. With her fiancé Jean Luc as captain, she is determined to find her foothold in her new role and help protect Belterra. But whispers from her past still haunt her, and a new evil is rising—one that Célie herself must vanquish, unless she falls prey to the darkness.Trade ReviewPraise for Blood & Honey: “In Lou’s world she not only finds her voice, but makes men take notice and change their views of women. With so many twists and turns, this book is a must for fans of the first.” -- School Library Journal“Seductive, steamy, and satisfying. Mahurin has delivered a fearless and captivating sequel that has me hooked. This is officially one of my favorite series ever.” -- Adalyn Grace, New York Times bestselling author of All the Stars and Teeth“Decadent and dangerous, Blood & Honey was exactly the book I needed at precisely the right time. The rich cast of characters captivated me, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store next for this merry band of miscreants.” -- Reneé Ahdieh, New York Times bestselling author of The Wrath & the Dawn series"Blood & Honey grabbed me by the throat. Shining with irreverent humor and brutal heartache, every magical word is rendered beautifully throughout the many twists and harrowing turns. Mahurin delivers a triumphant return to Belterra. -- Isabel Ibañez, author of Woven In Moonlight“A breathless, breathtaking continuation of the magical world Mahurin has created pits the strength of love against the need to protect those one loves…at any cost. Would you lose your soul to save someone else’s? Blood & Honey doesn’t just address this question; it slams the reader into the story - and that existential question - in a brilliant, unending roller-coaster ride.” -- Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of Small Great Things and A Spark of LightPraise for Serpent & Dove: “Drips with intrigue and shadow.” -- Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books“A brilliant debut, full of everything I love: a sparkling and fully-realized heroine, an intricate and deadly system of magic, and a searing romance that kept me reading long into the night. Serpent & Dove is an absolute gem of a book.” -- Sarah J Maas, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Court of Thorns and Roses series“Will cast a spell on romance fans.” -- Kirkus Reviews?“Mahurin has taken the witch and witch hunter trope and made it new again. The world-building will draw in readers and Lou’s strong but wistful nature will keep them turning pages.” -- School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisThe third chilling instalment in the new Spook’s legend . . . An assassin lurks in the darkness between earth and oblivion – but who are they, and what is their mission? The people of the County live in fear of the beasts bent on bringing an epic war to their home. How can they possibly hope to survive when their fearsome enemies are fortified with the power of a god? Could the assassin that moves in the darkness be the saviour the County seeks?Praise for book 1 in the series, A New Darkness: 'A solid, suspenseful, and spooky adventure' Publishers WeeklyPraise for book 2 in the series, The Dark Army: 'Unbeatable stuff for readers who like to be terrified!' Andrea Reece, lovereading4kids

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Book SynopsisFirst published in 1977, this cult classic has been reissued for a new generation of ghost-hunters. This book is for anyone who has shivered at shadowy figures in the dark, heard strange sounds in the night or felt the presence of a mysterious `something' from the unknown.Trade ReviewA seminal work of ground-breaking genius * David Nicholls, author and screenwriter *Its macabre contents stayed with me my whole life. Shaped it, even * BAFTA-winning writer, comedian and actor Reece Shearsmith *This is the best book ever published * Reader review *A classic guide to all things ghostly. * Sunday Express (S Magazine) *This book's power to enthral and capture the imagination has not diminished one iota...worth every single penny. * Starburst Magazine *

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Book SynopsisA brand new title in the bestselling gorgeously gothic and wickedly funny Amelia Fang series perfect for readers of 7+MEET AMELIA FANGA little vampire with a big heart.Amelia Fang's mum has a baby vampire on the way! But with the Fang household completely focussed on the new arrival, no one is paying Amelia any attention.Until she is asked to look after three very mischievous caticorns who make it their business to get Amelia in a world of trouble.Now EVERYONE is watching. And not in a good way!Sink your fangs into Amelia's other howlingly hilarious adventures:Amelia Fang and the Barbaric BallAmelia Fang and the Unicorn LordsAmelia Fang and the Memory ThiefAmelia Fang and the Half-Moon HolidayAmelia Fang and the Lost Yeti TreasuresAmelia Fang is perfect for readers of 7+ and fans of Witch Wars, The Worst Witch and Isadora MoonWhen she''s not trying to take over the world or fighting sock-stealing monsters, Laura Ellen Anderson is a professional children''s book author & illustrator, wTrade ReviewThe perfect mix of funny, foul and fearful ', Metro 'Brilliantly imagined . . . laugh-out-loud funny', Sunday Express

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Book SynopsisAn instant New York Times bestseller, Wilder Girls is Rory Power's chilling and unputdownable YA debut. The Power meets We Were Liars in this compelling story of survival and the power of female friendships, perfect for fans of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder.'Body horror meets boarding school in a moving, terrifying thriller' – GuardianEveryone loses something to the Tox; Hetty lost her eye, Reese's hand has changed, and Byatt just disappeared completely.It’s been eighteen months since the Raxter School for Girls was put in quarantine. The Tox turned the students strange and savage, the teachers died off one by one. Cut off from the mainland, the girls don’t dare wander past the school’s fence where the Tox has made the woods wild and dangerous. They wait for the cure as the Tox takes; their bodies becoming sick and foreign, things bursting out of them, bits missing.But when Byatt goes missing, Hetty will do anything to find her best friend, even if it means breaking quarantine and braving the horrors that lie in the wilderness past the fence. As she digs deeper, she learns disturbing truths about her school and what else is living on Raxter Island. And that the cure might not be a cure at all . . .'Your new favourite book' – Cosmopolitan'Wholly original and compelling' – Observer'A staggering gut punch of a book' – KirkusTrade ReviewBody horror meets boarding school in a moving, terrifying thriller . . . one of the year's most memorable debut's. * Guardian, The Best Books of 2020 *Your new favourite book. * Cosmopolitan *Finally, Rory Power combines the challenges of dystopian survival with the dynamics of boarding school life in the wholly original and compelling Wilder Girls. -- Fiona Noble * Observer *This thrilling saga . . . is sure to be one of the season’s most talked-about books, in any genre. * Entertainment Weekly *Groundbreaking . . . brutal and beautiful, raw and unflinching. -- Emily Suvada, author of This Mortal CoilPart survival thriller, part post-apocalyptic romance, and part ecocritical feminist manifesto, a staggering gut punch of a book. * Kirkus, Starred Review *Power's evocative, haunting, and occasionally gruesome debut will challenge readers to ignore its bewitching presence. * Booklist, Starred Review *Wilder Girls is the bold, imaginative, emotionally wrenching horror novel of my dreams – one that celebrates the resilience of girls and the earthshaking power of their friendships. An eerie, unforgettable triumph. -- Claire Legrand, New York Times bestselling author of FurybornWilder Girls is so sharp and packs so much emotion in such wise ways. I'm convinced we're about to witness the emergence of a major new literary star. -- Jeff VanderMeer, New York Times bestselling author of AnnihilationThe perfect kind of story for our current era * Hypable *A feminist, LGBT+, sci-fi-horror story with all the tantalizing elements of gore, mystery, war, and love you can ask for. Real, flawed, brave girls against a world gone mad. A shudderingly good read! -- Dawn Kurtagich, author of Teeth in the MistA very different boarding school tale * i News *A New York Times bestseller, this is a story of survival and the power of female friendships. It’s part thriller and part post-apocalyptic romance, celebrating the resilience and strength of girls * Muddy Stilettos, included in a best book for teenagers round-up *

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Book SynopsisWritten by Julia Donaldson, the author of The Gruffalo, and illustrated by prize-winning Karen George, Wake Up Do, Lydia Lou! is a gentle and playful bedtime read - full of fun sounds to join in with time and time again.One night, a little ghost glides into Lydia Lou’s room to scare her. But no matter how hard he tries, he just can’t wake her up. He thinks perhaps some of his noisy animal friends could help but they have no luck either. Not even a noisy baby will do the trick! From ghosts booing to cats mewing, will anything wake up Lydia Lou?Trade ReviewThis is another fun story by this author that will not disappoint. -- N/A * Carousel (The Guide to Children's Books) *

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Book SynopsisPaul returns home from school one day to discover a tiny ghost is living in the keyhole of his front door. He names him Zippel, and the little ghost is curious about everything, from food and clothes to how the toilet flushes! But Paul's parents want to change the locks - can Paul find Zippel a new home in time? Filled with colourful pictures from best-loved illustrator Axel Scheffler, Zippel is a charming story about finding friends in the most unexpected of places. Translated by Rachel Ward.Trade Review"The most exciting book for this age that I have read in yonks." * The Times *"A warmhearted story...Illustrations by Axel Scheffler perfectly capture the droll humour of the stories." * Books for Keeps *"Full colour illustrations by Axel Scheffler perfectly capture the droll humour of the stories and this is one of the most enjoyable books I've read this year" -- Andrea Reece * LoveReading4Kids *"The jokes sing and we had to stop several times during the story so my giggling six-year-old boy could wipe his eyes dry" * The Times, Best Children's Books of 2019 *"Alex Rühle has created a warm-hearted, smart children’s book which easily lends itself to reading aloud or on one's own. There is a lot of wordplay (not least because Zippel likes to rhyme) and impish slapstick. The brightly coloured comicbook style of Gruffalo-artist Axel Scheffler is a perfect match to the text. A story about family and everyday problems, friendship, courage and a very special little ghost" * Donaukurier *

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Book SynopsisAnimals behaving oddly, people falling suddenly ill – what’s creeping around down at the farm? Crooked Oak’s mystery-solving team return with another spine-tingling adventure. A mystery is growing at Dunwick Farm and it all started with a plane crash … Crooked Oak's mystery-solving team return with another spine-tingling adventure, perfect for fans of Stranger Things and Crater Lake. When an unidentified plane crashes in the fields next to Dunwick Farm in Crooked Oak, it quickly becomes clear that it was carrying some unusual cargo. As people in the town fall suddenly ill and animals start behaving strangely, friends Pete, Krish and Nancy try to find out what was in the glass boxes on board the plane. But as they uncover the facts, the trio realise that they are becoming entangled in a terrifying web …Trade Review"Another belter of a book! An eerie mystery thriller that sucks you in, creeps you out and leaves you flinching at any movement in the shadows for days afterwards!" "This edge-of-seat mystery is instantly engaging … With short, punchy chapters and dynamic, black-and-white illustrations it is especially suitable for less-confident, older readers who enjoy creepy, adrenalin-fuelled stories. Not suitable for those of a delicate disposition, this nightmarish thriller will make your skin crawl" "I've loved this whole series … and The Horror of Dunwick Farm is another cracker"

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Book SynopsisA New York Times bestseller Get Out meets Holly Jackson in this YA social thriller where survival is not guaranteed. Sixteen-year-old Jake Livingston sees dead people everywhere. But he can’t decide what’s worse: being a medium forced to watch the dead play out their last moments on a loop or being at the mercy of racist teachers as one of the few Black students at St Clair Prep. Both are a living nightmare he wishes he could wake up from. But things at St Clair start looking up with the arrival of another Black student – the handsome Allister – and for the first time, romance is on the horizon for Jake. Unfortunately, life as a medium is getting worse. Though most ghosts are harmless, Sawyer Doon wants much more from Jake. In life, Sawyer was a troubled teen who shot and killed six kids at a local high school before taking his own life. Now he’s a powerful, vengeful ghost and he has plans for Jake. High school has become a different kind of survival game – one Jake is not sure he can win.Trade Review"This book is absolutely incredible, chilling, and a must-read" * Buzzfeed *"Powerfully applying the horror genre to explore racism and homophobia in a high school setting, Ryan Douglass’ The Taking of Jake Livingston is an un-put-down-able, chilling tale for our times" -- Joanne Owen * LoveReading4Kids *"Part horror story, part study of grief, this is a compelling, page-turning novel which beautifully balances Tyrese's private crisis with menacing Jamaican folklore, and skilfully draws the two together in a dramatic ending. Both exciting and humane, this celebration of friendship will captivate many readers" * The School Librarian *"Crucial social commentary and insight into the ways discrimination can isolate and depress young adults. Lush and emotive prose chronicles Jake’s journey… Spooky, atmospheric, and layered" * Kirkus *"An exceptional blend of genres – horror, mystery, thriller and contemporary... An extraordinarily crafted exploration of agency during Black gay teenhood" * Shelf Awareness, starred review *

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Book Synopsis*A Malaysian folk tale comes to life in this emotionally layered, chilling middle grade debut, perfect for fans of The Book of Boy and The Jumbies. I am a dark spirit, the ghost announced grandly.Trade Review“Grippingly heart-wrenching and speaks to deeper themes of family, trauma, and friendship…a fascinating, page-turning tale.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Alkaf’s middle-grade debut is unapologetically—and beautifully—Malaysian… it sizzles with tension and safe-but-ghoulish imagery, without letting go of the heartfelt thread of love between a girl and her ghost.” — Booklist "I can’t stop thinking about THE GIRL AND THE GHOST, a desperately beautiful novel about the many ways people can be haunted and the transformative power of friendship and love. A spellbinding story, told with an enormous heart." — Anne Ursu, author of the National Book Award Longlist title, The Real Boy "Delightfully gruesome, humorous, haunted and heart wrenching, The Girl and the Ghost is an intense tale of grief, family, friendship and forgiveness.” — Robin Yardi, author of The Midnight War of Mateo Martinez “An entertaining convergence of the supernatural with the everyday… touches of contemporary Malaysian life enrich the background: ethnic and religious diversity, layers of rapid social change, and loving descriptions of food abound." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

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Book Synopsis'Truly the most magical story ... iridescent and lyrical and heartwarming' - Hilary McKay'A glitteringly magical adventure' - Sophie AndersonLighting Falls is a fantastical story of ghosts and friendship from Amy Wilson, 'the rising star of children's fantasy'.Valerie has been living at Lightning Falls nearly all her life. She’s perfectly happy helping Meg and the rest of the family to haunt the guests who come to stay there at the crumbling Ghost House. One night, she sees a strange boy, Joe, up on the viaduct. There she discovers that beneath the river is a bridge – one that will take her to the world of Orbis, which Joe claims is her real home.A world that is under threat. Plunged into a dangerous adventure, as the link between the two worlds begins to crumble, Valerie is forced to confront the truth about herself . . .Trade ReviewTruly the most magical story... iridescent and lyrical and heartwarming. -- Hilary McKay, author of The Skylarks' WarA glitteringly magical adventure -- Sophie Anderson, author of The House with Chicken LegsFull of gorgeous magic and characters ... beautiful -- Stephanie Burgis, author of The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart This book is absolutely amazing! It's my favourite children's book so far this year! With magic, mystery, spookyness and other worlds, this book will suck you in from page one. * Mother of Dragons Blog *This is such a special book. I love Amy Wilson’s descriptive writing and love the worlds and characters she has created. The plot is fast moving and yet somehow pauses to allow the reader to marvel at the beauty of Orbis and revel in the warm hearted chaos of the ghost house. I am now off to buy every book Amy has ever written! * Edspire *

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Book SynopsisA hellish nightmare for only the bravest of readers Darren Shan's horrifying series, The Demonata, continues with Demon Thief.When Kernel Fleck''s brother is stolen by demons, he must enter their universe in search of him. It is a place of magic, chaos and incredible danger. Kernel has three aims: learn to use magic, find his brother, stay alive.But a heartless demon awaits him, and death has been foretoldTrade ReviewPraise for Lord Loss: “Utterly unputdownable” The Times “The master of children’s horror at his blood-curdling best.” Publishing News Praise for Darren Shan: Lord of the Shadows'Stephen King for kids … Darren Shan has brought his own brand of vampire mythology into the heads and hearts of thousands of children with his vivid and compelling series The Saga of Darren Shan, about one boy's journey from ordinary lad to vampire prince. Once they're hooked, kids tend to rip into the flesh of these books, quickly draining them of their life blood. The covers, with images of ghouls, creeping hands and dripping fangs are terrifying alone. ' Metro Life, Evening Standard Cirque Du Freak“…fast-paced and compelling book which leaves the reader hungry for more.”JK Rowling "I read Cirque Du Freak last week. I loved it. I love the way you manage to juggle the funny with the unpleasant, the affection with the hurt. It's great story-telling."Roddy Doyle The Vampire’s Assistant“The Vampire’s Assistant blazes a thrilling, gruesome trail through a fascinating plot.”The Good Book Guide Vampire Mountain“Get your teeth into it!”Funday Times

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Book SynopsisThe twelfth part of the Saga of Darren Shan one boy's terrifying journey from human to half-vampire to Vampire Prince.Showdown! The Hunters must face Steve Leopard, to fight for control of the night. Will Steve emerge victorious and wipe out the vampire clan? Or will the Hunters prevail? An added problem for Darren is that if the vampire triumph, he is destined to become the Lord of the Shadows and destroy humanity!!! Is he cursed by fate, or is there some way to trick Destiny?Find out in the action-packed, mind-bending, twisting, long-awaited conclusion to The Saga of Darren Shan!Trade ReviewLord of the Shadows'Stephen King for kids … Darren Shan has brought his own brand of vampire mythology into the heads and hearts of thousands of children with his vivid and compelling series The Saga of Darren Shan, about one boy's journey from ordinary lad to vampire prince. Once they're hooked, kids tend to rip into the flesh of these books, quickly draining them of their life blood. The covers, with images of ghouls, creeping hands and dripping fangs are terrifying alone. ' Metro Life, Evening Standard Cirque Du Freak“…fast-paced and compelling book which leaves the reader hungry for more.”JK Rowling "I read Cirque Du Freak last week. I loved it. I love the way you manage to juggle the funny with the unpleasant, the affection with the hurt. It'sgreat story-telling."Roddy Doyle The Vampire’s Assistant“The Vampire’s Assistant blazes a thrilling, gruesome trail through a fascinating plot.”The Good Book Guide Vampire Mountain“Get your teeth into it!”Funday Times

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Book SynopsisThe brand new must-read middle-grade novel from the author of super-spooky Crater Lake. Perfect for 9+ fans of R.L.Stine's Goosebumps and Stranger Things. It's Colette's birthday and the friends are spending an evening at Neon Perch an epic entertainment spot where they can eat pizza, play mini golf and best of all take part in Project Z an epic new escape room experience. It's going to be the best night ever!Or is it . . . ?Somehow, the escape room somehow seems to know each player's greatest fears. And worst of all, there are creatures locked up with them. Creatures from their darkest nightmares . . . giant, poisonous RATS!Deliciously scary and hilarious comedy-horror, perfectly pitched for eight-plus.The Guardian on Dread WoodTrade Review'Imagine a book that serves up those super-spooky vibes that kids love… horrors galore, a delicious dollop of black comedy and a bunch of spiky classmates with a murky, rat-infested mystery to solve . . . Killick is a slick and sassy storyteller… she knows just how far to take her heart-stopping tales of cool comedy and scary horror as she pumps up the action and lets loose her rich imagination. Just be prepared to read this gorgeous, gigglesome chiller-thriller in one sitting!’ Lancashire Post 'Massive kudos to our horror queen, Jennifer Killick, who once again raises the bar for scares and suspense . . . her storytelling is fast-paced and twisty but she still manages to keep it light and hilarious in those darker moments.' Check ‘Em Out Books review, December 2023 Praise for the Dread Wood series: “Brilliantly creepy fun for young horror fans, with an unexpectedly moving ending.” – iNews “Jennifer Killick’s talent for horror and humour is blended brilliantly here as the spiky dialogue, unstoppable pace and genuinely menacing atmosphere build to a tremendous climax”– Daily Mail “Deliciously scary and hilarious comedy-horror, perfectly pitched for eight-plus.” The Guardian “This is Killick’s best book yet; think ‘The Breakfast Club’ meets ‘Stranger Things’, making great use of her talent for comic dialogue and her astute eye for just the right kind of scary for this age group.” – Editor’s Choice, The Bookseller Jennifer has, yet again, upped the level of stylishly slick, sinister storylines and honed her clever range of shock / comedy techniques – from the laugh-out-loud, nose-snortingly funny moments, to the cheekily edgy asides, to the poignant warm-hearted, gentle, fun scenes she does so well. - ReadingZone (Book of the Day, February 16th 2022)

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Book SynopsisThe fourth tall-but-true tale in the darkly comic series SKELETON KEYS from the award-winning duo behind STITCH HEAD. Greetings! My name is Skeleton Keys and these fantabulant fingers of mine can open doors to hidden worlds… Join me for the terrifying tale of the Nobody – a nightmarish unimaginary with a dark mission… On the hunt for an unimaginary, Skeleton Keys meets young Flynn Twist, a boy with a wild imagination who tells of his encounter with a terrifying shadow calling itself the Nobody. Skeleton Keys suspects it could be a shapeless unimaginary searching for a physical form. As night falls the Nobody roams the village of Matching Trousers turning everyone it meets into zombie-like nobodies. No one is safe – not even Skeleton Keys. Soon only Flynn is left. Can he become the brave hero of his imagination and free everybody from the Nobody? Perfect for fans of David Walliams, AMELIA FANG and THE NOTHING TO SEE HERE HOTEL. Praise for SKELETON KEYS: “Guy has mixed cleverly created characters with his trademark humour and wit to give us his best book yet. This is one spooky series I’m going to devour!” – AuthorfyTrade Review“Guy has mixed cleverly-created characters with his trademark humour and wit to give us his best book yet. This is one spooky series I’m going to devour!” -- Authorfy

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for the 2021 CrimeFest Award for Best Crime Novel for Young AdultsShortlisted for the 2022 Grampian Children's Book AwardLauren James is a genius. SFX MagazineLauren James isn't just headed for the stars she's already there. Samantha Shannon, author of The Priory of the Orange TreeWhat if death is only the beginning? When Harriet Stoker dies after falling from a balcony in a long-abandoned building, she discovers a world of ghosts with magical powers shape-shifting, hypnosis, even the ability to possess the living. Felix, Kasper, Rima and Leah welcome her into their world, eager to make friends with the new arrival. Yet Harriet is more interested in unleashing her own power, even if it means destroying everyone around her. But when all of eternity is at stake, the afterlife can be a dangerous place to make an enemy.Trade ReviewHarriet Stoker is such a wild ride. Twisty plot, murderous ghosts, found family, slow-burn romance - I was hooked from the very first chapter and could not put this book down. With characters I instantly loved (and some I hated), this book is by far my favourite Lauren James story. * Alice Oseman *Featured in The Bookseller's September Previews. -- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller *Featured in SFX’s ‘Out Now’ section. * SFX *Featured in the ‘30 best new books for young adults and older children to read during October half-term 2020’ in The i. * The i *I absolutely loved this book, I was engrossed in it. It is brilliantly written [..] I highly recommend this book to anybody who enjoys fantasy; it is a flawlessly crafted novel. * Books Up North *

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Book Synopsis'Twisty and unnerving' – Holly Jackson, author of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder.From the author of the bestselling Wilder Girls comes a twisty thriller about a girl whose past has always been a mystery – until she decides to return to her mother's hometown, where history has a tendency to repeat itself . . .Ever since Margot was born, it's been just her and her mother. No answers to Margot's questions. No history to hold on to. Just the two of them, stuck in their run-down apartment, struggling to get along.But that's not enough for Margot. She wants family. She wants a past. And when she finds a photograph pointing her to a town called Phalene, she leaves. But when Margot gets there, it's not what she bargained for.Margot's mother left for a reason. But was it to hide her past? Or was it to protect Margot from what's still there?Burn Our Bodies Down is a blistering horror-thriller from Rory Power that will grip you from its very first page, and won't let you go until long after you've put it down . . .Trade ReviewWow this was amazing. Rory Power does it again! Burn Our Bodies Down is a masterpiece: an incredible and unnerving mystery that will creep up on you, twisty and labyrinthine, like the eerie cornfields of its setting. -- Holly Jackson, New York Times bestselling author of A Good Girl’s Guide to MurderRory Power’s prose hits like a lightning strike in this deliriously creepy tale, the kind of slow-crawling horror that’ll keep your nightmares up at night. -- Melissa Albert, New York Times bestselling author of The Hazel WoodWith this bloodcurdling blend of agriculture, advanced genetics, and interpersonal turmoil, Rory Power reminds us that seemingly disparate things in life can come together in horrifying ways. I will keep a candle lit after this one. -- Nic Stone, New York Times bestselling author of Dear MartinGritty and strange . . . utterly compelling. * Booklist, starred review *Creates a vivid world with a gothic horror–like setting . . . A riveting, often frightening read. * Publishers Weekly, starred review *

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Book Synopsis"It’s dark monstrous fun!" Wondrous Reads Enter the darkly funny world of Stitch Head, as he steps out of the shadows into the adventure of an almost-lifetime… Deep in the maze-like dungeons of Castle Grotteskew, insane Professor Erasmus created Stitch Head, a small, almost-human creature. His experiments continued, filling the castle with creations so fabulously monstrous that Stitch Head was long forgotten. Until a travelling circus ringmaster knocks at the castle door, promising to make Stitch Head a star. Is this Stitch Head’s chance to venture beyond the castle walls? Or could he be making a terrible mistake…? The first book in the best-selling, laugh-out-loud STITCH HEAD series by award-winning author Guy Bass, with illustrations by Pete Williamson. Full of monstrous fun, STITCH HEAD is perfect for fans of David Walliams, AMELIA FANG and THE NOTHING TO SEE HERE HOTEL. Delve into Stitch Head’s other adventures: THE PIRATE'S EYE THE GHOST OF GROTTESKEW THE SPIDER'S LAIR THE BEAST OF GRUBBERS NUBBIN THE MONSTER HUNTER

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Book SynopsisA contemporary Buffy - Publishers WeeklyThe thrilling and action-packed supernatural mystery from Jennifer Lynn Barnes, no.1 New York Times bestselling author of The Inheritance Games series.Every other day, Kali D''Angelo is a normal sixteen-year-old girl. She goes to public high school. She attends pep rallies (reluctantly). She''s human.And every other day in between . . . she''s not.Though she''s not quite sure what she is on those days, Kali knows what she does . . . she hunts, traps, and kills demons, hellhounds, and other supernatural creatures that threaten her world. On those days, she is practically indestructible.But when Kali notices a mark on a popular girl at school, she knows instantly that the girl is marked for death by one of these unworldly beings. And she knows she has only twenty-four hours to save her.There''s only one problem . . . it''s the wrong twenty-four hours.Trade ReviewA contemporary Buffy * Publishers Weekly *Barnes brings her characters to life in stunning detail. This is not your usual paranormal fare * RTBook Reviews *'If I could marry a book, Every Other Day and I would be on our honeymoon by now' Bloggers Heart Books. * Bloggers Heart Books *'intense, fast paced, exciting and with a kick-ass heroine, trying to overcome a dangerous evil within her home town ... What's not to like?' Book Passion For Life. * Book Passion For Life *'fantastically paced, excellent characters, totally believable set up and just a dash of romance to sweeten the mix. Superb stuff' Bookbag. * Bookbag *'Big thumbs up to Jennifer!! ... The book takes quite a unique turn for a YA book in my opinion and I really enjoyed this. I didn't see it coming and a surprise is always fantastic!!!' District YA. * District YA *'The action is fast, continuous and the kind that makes you just want to read on and on' Death Books and Tea. 'There's a lot to admire about Jennifer Lynn Barnes's new novel, particularly the pacing and the quirky, vivid characters' Inis. * Inis *'Lashing right into action, this novel doesn't hold back ... a total page turner' Kiss. * Kiss *'an awesome paranormal book that had me laughing on the edge of my seat, and crying at one point. Loved it!' The Book Addicted Girl. * Book Addicted Girl *Jennifer Lynn Barnes's writing is beautiful, her use of vocabulary a delight in times of text speak and over simplifying ... Amazing plot twists and conspiracy theories blended together' Book Angel Booktopia. * Book Angel Booktopia *''a gripping read from start to finish' Starburst. * Starburst *'This book was amazing ... I couldn't put it down ... one of the most original books I've ever read' Page Turner. * Page Turner *

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewCantini depicts her undead urchin Tim Burton-style, with stitched lips, gray skin, and purple shadows beneath huge eyeballs . . . the manorial setting has an Addams Family vibe and provides just the right spooky setting for this series opener. * Kirkus Reviews *Cantini’s new series is awash in shadowy mixedmedia illustrations that will snag the attention of young Tim Burton fans. Charmingly morbid, the artwork is full of details and funny, handwritten labels that will keep beginning readers focused on the page. Youngsters will connect with Ghoulia’s warm personality and the relatable challenge of making friends. This series starter is definitely a treat. * Booklist *Cantini’s detailed full-color drawings ramp up the comedy on every page with labels and asides, including a page from Ghoulia’s Halloween-prep journal. This well-paced series opener will work well as both a read-aloud and a humorous choice for newly independent readers. * Publishers Weekly *Cantini’s extensive illustrations are full of humorous details, and Ghoulia is expressive and charming in a Tim Burton kind of way. * School Library Journal *

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Book Synopsis13 SCARY STORIES. 13 AUTHORS OF COLOR. 13 TIMES WE SURVIVED... THE FIRST KILL.The White Guy Dies First includes thirteen scary stories by all-star contributors and this time, the white guy dies first. Killer clowns, a hungry hedge maze, and rich kids who got bored. Friendly cannibals, impossible slashers, and the dead who don't stay dead....A museum curator who despises diasporic inaccuracies. A sweet girl and her diary of happy thoughts. An old house that just wants friends forever.... These stories are filled with ancient terrors and modern villains, but go ahead, go into the basement, step onto the old plantation, and open the magician's mystery box because this time, the white guy dies first.Edited by Terry J. Benton-Walker, including stories from bestselling, award-winning, and up-and-coming contributors: Adiba Jaigirdar, Alexis Henderson, Chloe Gong, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, H. E. Edgmon, Kalynn B

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Book SynopsisThree chilling novellas set in the world of the New York Times bestselling novel Asylum, which Publishers Weekly called a strong YA debut. For the first time, these three terrifying stories will appear together with new found photographs perfect for new readers or diehard series fans looking for new clues and insights into the thrilling world of Asylum. This collection also features bonus sneak peeks at Asylum, Sanctum, and Catacomb, the novels that first introduced the Brookline asylum''s legacy of terror.In The Scarlets, Cal is drawn into New Hampshire College''s twisted secret society—one with a deadly initiation.In The Bone Artists, Oliver tries to make a little extra money for college by working for a seedy organization that traffics in human bones.In The Warden, a young nurse starts a new job at the Brookline asylum but soon becomes suspicious of its unorthodox procedures. . . .Don''t miss Madeleine Roux''s all-new gothic horror novel, House of Furies.Trade Review"With all the elements of a perfect horror book, including illustrations from actual cemeteries and other haunted places in New Orleans, fans of Madeline Roux's Asylum series will be glad to see a return to Brookline." -- Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) Praise for Asylum -- ; "The plentiful illustrations both advance the story line and immeasurably contribute to the spooky atmosphere. With its abundant jump scares, horror readers and fans of the TV show American Horror Story will delight in the fast-paced plot." -- Booklist "Illustrations used in this book are from actual asylums, and the author builds the tension nicely as Dan receives what may be messages from an inmate. A good choice for readers who enjoy books with scary situations that lead to a solid climax." -- Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) "A strong YA debut. Roux (aided by unsettling photo illustrations of abandoned asylums and tormented patients) creates an entertaining and occasionally brutal horror story that reveals the enduring impact of buried trauma and terror on a place." -- Publishers Weekly "Madeleine Roux's Asylum takes the fondest dream of our collective nerdy childhood and handily turns it into the scariest collective nightmare." -- Tor.com "I started reading this one at my desk in broad daylight and still got goose bumps." -- Glamour

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Roux's use of found photographs, text messages, and excellent chapter hooks will keep readers up late, following the misadventures of the appealingly geeky honor students." -- Booklist

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Book SynopsisDown by the railway a white face looks out of a spooky old house, and Jim and Arthur hardly dare investigate.

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Book SynopsisDarren Shan has been made a half-vampire by Mr Crepsley, but the Cirque Du Freak holds more unpleasant surprises for the vampire's assistant.Darren joins the vampire, Mr Crepsley, as his assistant and they return to the Cirque Du Freak. There, Darren makes friends with the snake-boy, Evra Von (who knows what Darren is) and a local boy, Sam, and RV, an eco-warrior and animal lover (who do not). Darren begins to enjoy his life among the Cirque performers as the youngest half-vampire in existence, but he defiantly refuses to drink human blood the whole idea sickens him and he tries desperately to cling on to the part of him which is human.Darren comes face to face with pure evil in the form of Mr Tiny, the leader of the Little People who join the Cirque Du Freak, and who eat anything including human flesh. When he discovers animal bones, RV frees the wolf-man from his cage and no-one could possibly guess how truly terrible the whole effect would be.Trade Review“The Vampire’s Assistant blazes a thrilling, gruesome trail through a fascinating plot.”The Good Book Guide

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Book SynopsisHE DOESN''T KNOW IT BUT DOGNUT IS ABOUT TO SET OFF A CHAIN OF EVENTS THAT WILL AFFECT EVERY KID IN THE CITY.The sickness struck everyone over the age of fourteen.Mothers and fathers, older brothers, sisters and best friends. No one escaped its touch. And now children across London are being hunted by ferocious grown-ups . . . they''re hungry. They''re bloodthirsty. And they aren''t giving up.DogNut and the rest of his crew want to find their lost friends, and set off on a deadly mission from the Tower of London to Buckingham Palace and beyond, as the sickos lie in wait. But who are their friends and who is the enemy in this changed world?Trade ReviewLord of the Flies with zombies . . . tons of nail-biting action! * Rick Riordan, creator of Percy Jackson *Brutal, blood-soaked, full of zombies . . . it's ace * FHM *

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Book SynopsisThe tenth part of the Saga of Darren Shan one boy's terrifying journey from human to half-vampire to Vampire Prince.If you step through after Harkat, you might never come back. Is your friend worth such an enormous risk?A terrifying new world, a deadly new challenge for Darren Shan, the Vampire Prince.Darren and Harkat face monstrous obstacles on their desperate quest to the Lake of Souls. Will they survive their savage journey? And what awaits them in the murky waters of the dead? Be careful what you fish forTrade ReviewCirque Du Freak“…fast-paced and compelling book which leaves the reader hungry for more.”JK Rowling ‘Brilliant, macabre tale.’Guardian "I read Cirque Du Freak last week. I loved it. I love the way you manage to juggle the funny with the unpleasant, the affection with the hurt. It'sgreat story-telling."Roddy Doyle The Vampire’s Assistant“The Vampire’s Assistant blazes a thrilling, gruesome trail through a fascinating plot.”The Good Book Guide Vampire Mountain“Get your teeth into it!”Funday Times

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Book SynopsisGreg thinks there is something wrong with the old camera he found. The photos keep turning out . . . different. When Greg takes a picture of his father''s brand-new car, it''s wrecked in the photo. And then his dad crashes the car. It''s like the camera can tell the future--or worse. Maybe it makes the future! It''s another fan-favorite prequel to R.L. Stine''s blockbuster GOOSEBUMPS HORRORLAND series. Now with a guide to haunted machines and other all-new bonus material!

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Book SynopsisHelp the Haunted Mansion?s famous feathered resident Raven find all the spooky guests for a special party in this unique seek-and-find picture book from Disney!Fans of the How to Catch series will love going on this grim, grinning adventure through the Disney Parks? Haunted Mansion attraction. The Haunted Mansion?s resident Raven wishes that he could join the happy haunts for a night of fun. But first, Madame Leota has a task for him--gather the ghosts up for a special party. Will Raven get his wish to join in on the festivities before the ghoulish night is over?Perfect for spooky season or year-round, the hilarious rhymes and busy illustrations invite families to find ghosts hidden in every corner of this mysterious mansion!

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Book SynopsisAs the giant Idris travels across Wales on a quest to collect stories we meet a vengeful house goblin, a ghost that steals life, dwarves living beneath a garden, a tea party of lady ghosts and many other fascinating and devious fairy folk, reimagined from Welsh legend.

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Book SynopsisA host of the sharpest young adult authors come together in this collection of terrifying tales and psychological thrillers. Clever readers will love teasing out the references and can satisfy their curiosity at the end of each tale, where the inspiration is revealed.Trade ReviewPraise for Slasher Girls & Monster Boys:"If your idea of an excellent summer night is telling ghost stories around the campfire, you'll be jumping for (horrific) joy over Slasher Girls & Monster Boys."—Bustle“Terrifying and new . . . There’s nary a clunker in the collection—this is satisfying, disturbing horror for the modern YA audience.” —Publishers Weekly “Murderous neighbors, creepy bathtubs, and lots of blood . . . Full of thrills and chills [and] gross, creepy fun.” —Kirkus Reviews"This killer collection will satisfy any thriller junkie."—Booklist Online "Satisfyingly diverse and compelling. . . . The majority of the protagonists are female [but] not one is a helpless victim. Many contributors subvert and complicate the roles of protagonist and antagonist, keeping readers on their toes . . . After encountering the horrors here, variously supernatural and disturbingly human, readers may want to leave the lights on.—The Horn Book “Will scare, thrill, and terrify."—VOYA “A ton of terrifying mini thrillers that take inspiration from classic stories. There’s a bit of supernatural in here, some gore-filled-horror, terrifying creatures . . . something for everybody.”—Book Riot Praise for the authors:April Tucholke's Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea:"Deliciously creepy."—TheAtlanticWire.com* “A stunning debut with complex characters, an atmospheric setting, and a distinct voice . . . Tucholke has real talent.”—VOYA, starred reviewStefan Bachmann's The Peculiar:“Richly realized . . . accomplished . . . This is a story young fantasy buffs are sure to enjoy.”—New York Times Book ReviewLeigh Bardugo's Shadow and Bone:“Mesmerizing . . . Bardugo’s set up is shiver-inducing, of the delicious variety. This is what fantasy is for.”—New York TimesKendare Blake's Anna Dressed in Blood:* "Abundantly original, marvelously inventive and enormous fun, this can stand alongside the best horror fiction out there. We demand sequels."—Kirkus, starred reviewMarie Lu's The Young Elites:* “Lu pivots from the ‘coming of age via romance’ formula to pry apart the many emotions that pass under the rubric of love . . . there are no safe places where the pressures of betrayal, death threats, and rejection aren’t felt.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review* “Readers should prepare to be captivated.”—Booklist, starred review* “A must for fans of . . . totally immersive fantasies.”—Kirkus, starred reviewMarie Lu's Legend trilogy:New York Times Bestsellers"Legend doesn’t merely survive the hype, it deserves it.”—New York TimesMegan Shepherd's The Madman's Daughter:* “The fast-paced book is rife with excitement, romance, and intrigue.”—SLJ, starred reviewNova Ren Suma's The Walls Around Us“[An] Intricately plotted psychological horror story.” —New York Times Book Review“[A] supernatural page-turner . . . This stark character classification isn’t a flaw, but rather, a demonstration of Suma’s fantastic writing. Her images, even the horrible ones, linger like dust and glitter after an epic stage performance.” —The Boston GlobeCat Winters's In the Shadow of Blackbirds:* "A story of the breaking point between sanity and madness, delivered in a straightforward and welcoming teen voice."—Booklist, starred review

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Book SynopsisThe Sacrifice is the fourth gruesome and horrifying book in Charlie Higson''s brilliant zombie series.The sickness destroyed everyone over the age of fourteen. All across London diseased adults are waiting, hungry predators with rotten flesh and ravaged minds.Small Sam and his unlikely ally, The Kid, have survived. They''re safe with Ed and his friends at the Tower of London, but Sam is desperate to find his sister. Their search for Ella means Sam and The Kid must cross the forbidden zone. And what awaits them there is more terrifying than any of the horror they''ve suffered so far . . . ** ''Lord of the Flies with zombies'' - Rick Riordan, creator of the Percy Jackson series. ** Charlie Higson is the bestselling author of Young Bond, and creator of The Fast Show. ** Perfect for bloodthirsty fans of Darren Shan and 28 Days Later.Trade ReviewLord of the Flies with zombies . . . tons of nail-biting action -- Rick Riordan, creator of the Percy Jackson seriesBrutal, blood-soaked, full of zombies . . . it's ace * FHM *

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Book SynopsisThe Fallen by Charlie Higson is the fifth awesome book in The Enemy series. First the sickness rotted the adults'' minds. Then their bodies. Now they stalk the streets, hunting human flesh.The Holloway crew are survivors. They''ve fought their way across London and made it to the Natural History Museum alive - just. But the fight will never end while the Enemy lives, unless there''s another way. . . The kids at the museum are looking for a cure. All they need are medical supplies. To get them means a journey down unknown roads. Roads where not only crazed, hungry sickos hide in the shadows. SUDDENLY IT''S NOT SO CLEAR WHO - OR WHAT - THEY''RE FIGHTING.The fourth terrifying part of Charlie Higson''s bestselling Enemy series. The Enemy is among us. . . ** 2013 is the year of zombies, with Brad Pitt''s World War Z and Nicholas Holt''s Warm Bodies films hitting cinemas.** ''Lord of the Flies with zombies'' - Rick Riordan,Trade ReviewLord of the Flies with zombies . . . tons of nail-biting action -- Rick Riordan, creator of the Percy Jackson seriesBrutal, blood-soaked, full of zombies . . . it's ace * FHM *

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