Mini Middle Grade Horror Reviews

I am behind on my reviews and have some catching up to do! Here are a few of the middle grade books I've read recently!

Crater Lake by Jennifer Killick

Who is the mysterious bloodstained man who stops their coach? Why is no one around when Lance and the rest of Year Six arrive at the brand new Crater Lake activity centre? But this is just the beginning of the school trip from hell; a fight for survival that sees five pupils band together to save their classmates from an alien fate far worse than death. But whatever happens, they must Never. Ever. Fall asleep!

I cannot get enough of middle grade horror, and Crater Lake is scifi horror! This book was a lot of fun, and I adored that it had a big scifi element to it. I need more of that in my life.

I already have a copy of the sequel. (It was a must read preorder for me.) I can't wait to check it out.

⭐⭐⭐⭐★
4/5 stars

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The Stitchers (Fright Watch #1) by Lorien Lawrence

The start of a spine-chilling new horror series about the eerie happenings in a small town
 
Something strange is happening on Goodie Lane . . .
 
Thirteen-year-old Quinn Parker knows that there’s something off about her neighbors. She calls them “the Oldies” because they’ve lived on Goodie Lane for as long as anyone can remember, but they never seem to age. Are they vampires? Or aliens? Or getting secret experimental surgeries? Or is Quinn’s imagination just running wild again?

If her dad were still around, he’d believe her. When he was alive, they’d come up with all sorts of theories about the Oldies. Now, Quinn’s determined to keep the investigation going with the help of Mike, her neighbor and maybe-crush. They’ll have to search for clues and follow the mystery wherever it leads—even if it’s to the eerie pond at the end of the street that’s said to have its own sinister secrets. But the Oldies are on to them. And the closer Quinn and Mike get to uncovering the answers, the more they realize just how terrifying the truth may be.

I'm excited about this series! The Stitchers is a fun - what is going on with the old people in this neighborhood - spooky delight.

I can't wait to see what spooky adventure comes next for these kids. I'll be there!

⭐⭐⭐⭐★
4/5 stars 

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The Nefarious Necklace by K.A. Evans

Ghosts are pesky things, and ten year old Gaby Brown would like to get rid of hers. After Gaby touches an old necklace at her local museum, the menacing spirit of an ancient Egyptian girl named Kesi appears. The ghost wants something. And she wants it now! When Kesi threatens Gaby’s family, Gaby knows she must do something. But what? How can she stop a ghost? Gaby and her friend, Jacob, delve into Egypt’s past and realise there’s more to the necklace than they thought. Can they unravel the clues and help Kesi before the ghost gets REALLY angry?

The Nefarious Necklace reminds me of Magic Treehouse books! When Gaby touches an ancient Egyptian necklace, she is transported to ancient Egypt and must help a restless spirit. I think kids that have grown up reading Magic Treehouse would love to graduate into reading The Nefarious Necklace.

The horror is slow to emerge in this one, but it does definitely show up by the end. I would follow Gaby on more quests.

⭐⭐⭐★★
3/5 stars 

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