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Thank you so much to Simon & Schuster, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, and #Netgalley for gifting me an ARC of The Clackity by Lora Senf in exchange for this honest review!

As the seventh most haunted town in America, Blight Harbor is home to more than just the living. Evie Van Rathe knows better than anyone since her aunt writes an advice column for those with difficult hauntings. Aunt Desdemona supports Evie’s inquisitive interest in the departed, but she has one rule: stay away from the abandoned slaughterhouse at the edge of town. But when her aunt goes missing in that very place, Evie must disobey her. There she encounters The Clackity, a creature made of shadows and darkness. The two strike a deal before Evie is allowed to pass into another dimension where a long-dead serial killer wanders the neighborhood. In her search for Aunt Des, Evie encounters hungry witches, a dream thief, and a killer who wants to add her to his collection.

Evie is an amazingly relatable and creative young protagonist! She embarks on the classic hero’s journey, testing her courage and smarts as she searches for her aunt in a world whose rules are ever changing. I loved Evie’s refusal to give up, even in her darkest moments with a panic attack brewing. Middle grader readers will easily identify with her, especially those who struggle with the physical symptoms of stress and anxiety. I also have to applaud the brilliant support system that Senf provides her main character. Aunt Desdemona is thoughtful and supportive; she gives Evie the haircut of her dreams (an undercut) even though her style preferences may differ, and she values her niece’s opinions and intuition. Lily, the local librarian, acts as an adjacent guardian, cultivating Evie’s mind and making her feel normal when others in town can only see her past trauma. Positive child-adult relationships have a crucial role in middle grade literature, and it warmed my heart to watch and get to know this family.

There are certainly some spooky scenes, particularly Evie’s interactions with the Ted Bundy-esque John Jeffrey Pope. Senf also plays on the well-known and obscure fairy tales alike which any reader is guaranteed to enjoy. The illustrations are gorgeous as well. I actually wished there had been more so I could have a few additional glimpses into the strange world into which Evie is thrust. I also would not have minded remaining in Blight Harbor, getting to know the culture and the residents (those dead and those living) a bit more. As this is the first in the Blight Harbor series, hopefully Senf will keep us in the town at some point.

A story full of everything that goes bump in the night, this middle grade horror is the perfect summer scare or one to bookmark for a more spooky, autumnal atmosphere! Pre-order now, or get your copy on 28 June.