The Stitchers
(Fright Watch #1)
by Lorien Lawrence
Published by Harry N. Abrams
on August 18, 2020
Genre: Middle Grade, Horror, Mystery
Length: 272 pages
Ages: 10 - 14 years
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Synopsis:
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 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.
My Thoughts:
Quinn Parker and Mike Warren are positive that there's something odd (like really, really odd) about the group of ancient neighbors that inhabit their street. Perfectly smooth skin and clockwork-like habits are just the tip of the iceberg. Quinn and Mike keep an eye on the "Oldies" regularly and notice every little oddity, so when the funeral home director, Mr. Brown, starts joining them on their morning runs (and beating them!) they kick up their investigation and land themselves in the middle of a mystery that may prove to be more deadly than they imagined!
Something's up with the neighbors. Everyone knows but no one will really talk about it. The "Oldies" are all productive and respected members of society that donate a lot of money and time to the community, after all. But Quinn and Mike are determined to figure out exactly what the mystery is, landing themselves in some frightening situations.
This was a fun read with lots of mystery and a spooky twist ending that is perfect for this time of year!
I enjoyed all the misleading theories that the characters shared. It really helped keep the ending a mystery that ended up being a little more horrific than I was expecting.
I didn't love the focus on 'young romance' in the story, which isn't too heavy considering this is middle-grade. It may be perfect for the age group considering this is the age of 'crushes' but the MC, Quinn, seemed to have no personality thanks to it.
Readers of RL Stine, Christopher Pike, and Katherine Arden's "Small Spaces" series will enjoy this frightening new series!
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