There is nothing I love more than a scary novel for middle grade kids. I love the short stories of Neil Gaiman and short scary story collections in the way of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz. This book, The Clackity by Lora Senf reminded me of that classic suspenseful fright created for younger readers just by the cover and description. However, Senf brings this story to life with a style all her own. I am so glad I checked out this an advance copy on NetGalley.

I teach 5th grade and they are always clamoring for two things--more graphic novels and scarier books. The Clackity had a bit of both--even though it was not a completely graphic novel. The darkly beautiful illustrations were paired with absolute frightening situations for our heroine, Evelyn. (Although, I did not see a finalized text, the artwork included was dazzling!) I love the story most of all because of the way it does not condescend to its readers.

Evelyn lives in the aptly named town of Blight Harbor, the 7th most haunted town in America, with her Aunt Desdemona who is a local paranormal expert. (Can I just stop and appreciate the way Senf names things? *chef's kiss*) When Aunt Des takes on a job at an abandoned slaughterhouse with links to serial killer that terrorized Blight Harbor many decades ago and disappears, Evie bravely goes to find her, even if it means making a "good and fair deal" with an evil creature.

I absolutely loved Evie's journey and I am sure the young person in your life will love this frighteningly good fantasy as well.

3.7 spooky stars rounded up)

Have to admit I choose this book by the great title and the fun Halloween cover!! I didn’t know much about it and yes the cover provided a big clue that it was going to be a bit spooky.
Blight Harbor is classified as the seventh most haunted town (per capital) in America. Nearly everyone had a ghost living in their house or knew of someone who did.

Evie lives in Blight Harbor with her Aunt Desdemona and Aunt ‘ Des’ has one rule ~
Stay out of the abandoned slaughterhouse at the edge of town.
So when Evie’s aunt disappears, Evie , of course, goes to the abandoned slaughterhouse at the edge of town! She meets ‘The Clackity’ who lives in the slaughterhouse. The Clackity makes a deal to help get Aunt Des back but in exchange for the ghost of John Jeffrey Pope, a serial killer from a hundred years ago.

Okay are you hooked?

Now let’s fast forward to the end. I always love reading the author’s Notes and/or Acknowledgements. In the case, author, Lora Senf tells us her inspiration for writing this somewhat weird story. She, of course, has many people to thank but the one who really got my attention is …. Pete Senf; her husband who took her on a tour of his hometown of Butte, Montana. There he took her to yep! ~ the abandoned slaughterhouse. Which as we know, started the foundation for this story.

Want to thank NetGalley and Atheneum Simon & Schuster Children Publishing for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for an honest professional review.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for June 28, 2022

The Clackity by Lora Senf is a delightfully creepy story about Evie Von Rathe who lives with her aunt Desdemona in Blight Harbor. Something strange happens when Aunt Des begins to investigate the local abattoir. Only Evie can bring her aunt back, Evie receives instructions on how to save her aunt from a being called the Clackity. The Clackity gives her this information in exchange for a promise – a promise that Evie will bring the ghost of notorious serial killer, John Jeffrey Pope, to the Clackity. Evie embarks on a journey where she finds herself collecting keys, meeting witches, and saving ghosts, but will she save her aunt before Pope catches up?

Senf does several things well including plot development, character building, and setting description. The Clackity plot is neatly divided into three parts. Readers first become acquainted with their characters. Second, they are introduced to Evie’s mission, a mission that is clearly laid out for Evie and readers alike. Finally, Evie returns from her mission and becomes acquainted with how her world has changed because of that mission. Senf also does a great job developing characters. Each character that readers encounter has a unique personality. Senf also makes sure that readers have the perfect amount of background information about even the most insignificant characters. Senf describes her characters in a way that readers can clearly visualize these characters as they read. Senf additionally creates a setting that is tailored to her plot and characters. Part of Evie’s journey includes seven different houses that she must travel through. Each house is described in a way that readers will feel as if they are traveling alongside Evie. Senf also includes defining characteristics of the town itself which will immediately draw readers in.

This would be a fascinating book for middle grade readers who enjoy reading about the unusual; I would even venture to say that they will have trouble putting this book down. I look forward to future tales from Senf.

A big thank you from NetGalley for this advanced copy.