If you hung out in a lot of arcades like me as a kid, you will love this middle-grade video game horror story. As a hardcore gamer, twelve-year-old Danny is thrilled to be spending a week during the summer with his Uncle Bill at his old-school arcade, PixelWorks. It's going to be a week of nonstop gaming, snack bar food and fun with Bill, who, unlike Danny's parents, gets his love of games. But when Bill acquires a new vintage game called Grin with a sinister history, strange things start happening at the arcade and it's up to Danny to ban together with his friend Jodi, who he reconnects with, and his favorite video game streamer, to save everyone, and the arcade, from Grin! Thank you to Netgalley for providing an ARC to me for this book, I really enjoyed the fast-paced but slow-building creep factor in this book and I really loved Danny's character. It reminded me of a longer episode of Are You Afraid of the Dark, and in my book, that is everything!

Danny is thrilled to be spending a week with his Uncle Bill, mainly because he owns that biggest arcade in Tennesse, PixelWorks. In addition to having access to all of the cool games as well as the snack bar, Danny gets to geek out about the history of arcade games, and doesn't have to worry that he's disappointing his parents by not going outside and playing "sportsball". On the ride to his uncle's he sees his favorite YouTuber, Mr. Griller, talking about an arcade game that has quite an urban legend around it. The game Grin is apparently privately manufactured, since only one machine seems to have existed, and this one is quite mysterious and seems to have led to the death of anyone who ever played it. Danny is enthralled, and, of course, when he is touring the back rooms of PixelWorks, he finds the very game in the "graveyard" of old machines that his Uncle restores. It was a pricey piece of equipment, $8,000, and when Danny mentions it to Bill, his uncle decides to drag it out onto the floor and plug it in. He cuts his hand doing so, but is so enthralled by playing the game that he barely notices. The next day, the vibe in the arcade is odd, and the workers, including Emma, Trey, and Sam, who runs the kitchen, notice it. Danny wants to investigate more thoroughly, and when he meets up with an old friend, Jodi, who has moved back to town, the two decide to approach the matter scientifically. In addition to reaching out to Mr. Griller, Danny watches Jodi as she plays Grin, and logs her reactions. She seems to get sucked into the game, and when Danny tries to break her trance, she gets rather violent. Danny has seen the same behavior in other arcade patrons, and even in his uncle. He himself has played the game, and seems to hear a voice in his head afterwards. Bill tells Danny that he purchased the game from the daughter of Griffin Patterson in Chicago, and after he tells Mr. Griller this, the YouTuber uncovers a lot of disturbing information about the history of the game, including the fact that the body of Gregory Heller, the Peach State Peeler (who killed his victims with scissors) was found on top of the arcade game after he was shot by police. When Danny finds Bill in the arcade sharpening a large pair of ceremonial ribbon cutting shears, as well as acting rather altered, he begins to worry. With the help of Trey (who doesn't play games), he manages to get the game back into storage, and Mr. Griller lets him know that his only chance to free his uncle from the game's grip is to smash it. Even if Danny and his friends manage to do this, will the spirit of Heller really leave the arcade?
Strengths: If there is a book that better describes the average tween of 2025, I don't know what it is. Watching YouTube on a car ride instead of talking to one's mother? Wanting to spend all day inside playing arcade games, drinking pop, and eating chicken nuggets? I'm surprised that Gillespie didn't dress Danny in plaid pajama pants, a black hoodie, and Crocs. Uncle Bill is aspirational to Danny; he owns an arcade full of weird, vintage games, never went to college, and best of all, lives in a trailer packed with video games in the parking lot of PixelWorks even though it's technically illegal. And would be glad to have Danny work for him. Also, Danny has suffered from anxiety and has had panic attacks, although these have been better since he turned to horror and started scaring himself so he could learn to cope. That explanation alone is why teachers and librarians should read this book. In addition to all of that, this has some excellent scary moments. An unhinged uncle in a trance sharpening giant scissors? A warehouse full of arcade games? The ghost of a serial killer not only haunting an arcade game but using the game to take over people's bodies so that the serial killer can wander around wearing someone else's meat suit? Oh, my! Gillespie, who did the clever Give Me Something Good to Eat, has definitely hit all of the things tweens want in a creepy tale!
Weaknesses: I'm not a fan of creepy books, and this was a bit too much for me at times, with the game having a flesh like screen, and lots of blood and murders. However, this is EXACTLY what my students want. So that they can, you know, learn to deal with any life situation that involves gory dismemberment?
What I really think: This is the perfect book for readers who loved Alexander's Darkroom. Just look at that cheesy, 1990s style cover! I'll definitely have to buy two copies of this one, and might later purchase a third if it is as popular as I think it will be.

This book was an absolutely incredible spooky middle grade story. Young readers will love all the gaming vibes and the build-up of the tension and horror was perfect. Kids who want a truly creepy story will devour this one.

I really liked this book. It was more along the lines of a Goosebumps series. I believe that is what it really reminded me of and I really that series. The game coming to life seemed like the newer Disney series of Goosebumps where he was trapped inside the head of the minion and would come back to when certain things were said. But this was completely different which made it better in way. The way the uncle was playing the game and got possessed by the very thing he loved was kinda of scary because it makes you think of not just games but other things that we find possessive like video games for kids these days, too much screen time is not good. I feel like this is a great book for a middle schooler to start reading on something if they like the Goosebumps series. It is scary, makes you think a good problem solving thought and it really grabs the reader with the amount of detail that it possesses. I loved it and I look forward to the release, I need to add this to my bookshelves .

This week, I was lucky enough to get my hands on an advance copy of Grin by D.W. Gillespie. It’s an absolute game-changer.

The story centers on Danny, who’s crashing with his Uncle Bill for the week. Bill owns PixelWorks, a retro arcade that feels like stepping straight into a time capsule. Everything’s neon and nostalgia. Uncle Bill scores a new addition to the arcade, Grin, a legendary game that’s more urban legend than reality.

Once Grin is added onto the main floor of PixelWorks, all sorts of strange things start happening. Good thing Danny has access to video game streamer Mr. Griller, who gives most of the lore dumps and does a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to the story behind Grin. Uncle Bill starts acting a little strange and that's when Danny and his friend Jodi discover that Grin is the home of a serial killer's soul, and this soul has taken over Uncle Bill.

The story is an awesome read for anyone who loves retro video game arcades, middle grade horror and live streaming show downs with serial killers this book is for you. I loved all the arcade game references sprinkled throughout the book. They add a layer of realism to the story. Gillespie captures the main character’s anxiety with a deft touch and strong relatability, adding depth to Danny’s character arc. The ending feels a touch quick compared to the rest of the story but still sticks the landing for me. The only thing I am left questioning is what was the song that made Heller dance like that? Overall, Grin was an absolute blast to read; spooky, nostalgic, and just the right amount of thrilling!

I read this one with my 10-year-old daughter and we both really enjoyed it. Grin is fast, fun, and filled with heart-pounding moments that kept me and my daughter turning the pages. The book was fun and gave me some RL STINE vibes which is a good thing. I think the ending did finish fast but I think it was for the sake of pages especially for its intended audience. Definitely give this one a go and read it with your kiddo.

Thank you, D. W. Gillespie NetGalley for the ARC. I leave this review voluntarily and happily. Also, thank you publishers for your hard work!

My god, i absolutely loved this book. If you have read Polybius by Collin Armstrong or even heard about the urban legend, this definitely fits in with that. I absolutely love the covers title, as it's a big part of what drew me to it at first. I'm just gushing about this book. It certainly has retro gaming vibes and nostalgia all over it. Not only that, it definitely gives you stranger things vibes. It's very quick paced and the characters I love. The lore, as you know, I'm all about that. Even if there wasn't much to go into it, I think this was just right for the book. This is the first book I've read from this author, and I'll definitely be keeping my eye on them in the future. The writing is just easy and smooth. I just loved the book.

Away from parents, arcade fun, staying with the uncle sounds like fun, right? It's a new game that looks sinister, and it has an evil grin no matter where you look at it from. Something isn't right with it, and when anyone plays it, they get aggressive and not themselves. What if it possessed the soul of a serial killer and it was soon taking over your uncles body? What will have yo be done? What can be done? And will there be death before the man can be saved?

This book was great from start to finish i just didn't want it to stop. Games are everything to some people, and this book definitely puts them in a wicked way. This book is definitely in my top favorites of this year, and who knows, maybe more from this author will join the list.

It was a good book great storyline and plot. it's reminds me and give me like a new generation goosebumps book.

Grin is a thrilling middle-grade horror packed with eerie twists and nostalgic arcade vibes. When twelve-year-old Danny visits his uncle’s retro game haven, PixelWorks, he’s eager for a carefree week of gaming—but instead finds himself battling a cursed arcade machine possessed by the soul of a serial killer. Fast-paced and chilling, this story blends friendship, bravery, and supernatural danger into a gripping adventure that will keep young readers on the edge of their seats.

Lots of fun retro 80s and 80s gaming references. Adults reading this with their kids could really connect on their love for gaming both old and new. This book read like a movie and was thrilling throughout. Middle grade can always be too juvenile but this felt like it was written with middle grade in mind…which is a good thing. Oftentimes I feel myself rolling my eyes at some choices made by the characters. My only big qualm with this story was that the ending seemed to wrap up way too quickly. I was thinking there was going to be more of an “epic boss battle” at the end.

“ you'd look better with a grin on your face. ”

Grin follows Danny, a twelve year old who is thrilled to spend a week at his uncle’s arcade, but when a sinister new game called Grin arrives, players start turning violent. With the help of his friend Jodi and a video game streamer, Danny is forced to uncover the sinister truth behind the game--and hopefully put a stop to it.

I thought this was an excellent gateway book for younger readers who're interested in horror! Although I'm older than the target audience, there were a few moments that actually freaked me out. If you're a fan of the Chucky movies, I think you'd like this book.

This was a quite a fun read. The author does a good job of setting up the story at the uncle's arcade. The video game angle is a great hook for young readers. The author does a good job of enticing the reader with horror elements.

Some a fun middle grade horror! Very retro and nostalgic, which I always love. Characters were fun and thought the overall vibe of the book was a good time!

ARC Review*

D.W. Gillespie's Grin is a thrilling middle-grade dive into the world of retro arcade games mixed with psychological horror. Set in the nostalgic world of PixelWorks, a massive retro arcade, the story follows Danny as he is spending a week with his Uncle Bill. Danny uncovers the dark secret behind an old arcade game called Grin. As the game holds the soul of a deadly serial killer, Danny, and his friends must race against time to stop the killer from taking over his Uncle Bill’s body and the dreadful outcome that there is no returning from. The eerie blend of arcade nostalgia and supernatural horror creates a compelling atmosphere, drawing readers into a story where technology and terror collide.
What truly elevates Grin is how Gillespie taps into themes of anxiety and psychological horror. Danny’s struggles with panic attacks make his descent into terror feel deeply personal and relatable, grounding the supernatural events in real human emotion. The inclusion of modern gaming culture, with references to popular streamers and YouTube/Twitch, adds a contemporary twist that feels fresh. The suspense builds masterfully, with moments of true dread that will keep readers hooked. If you’re a fan of psychological horror with plenty of chilling moments and a gaming twist, Grin is a must-read. I really hope there is a sequel..

Wow, I went into this thinking it'd be just a scary story trying to get in on the scary video game trend, but I was happily surprised. The main character has a great character arc that I feel a lot of kids will identify with and enjoy. The scares were great and gave me the feeling of the kind of terror and suspense of Goosebumps back in the day. While it came across more serious than most middle school horror, I feel like it was still appropriate for the age group. The author definitely wrote with a good knowledge of their target age group and it shows. I feel like this will be a big hit with kids that enjoy video games and scary stories.

Prepare to GRIN and bear it!

DW Gillespie's Grin delivers a spine-chilling, sensational middle-grade horror novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story follows Danny, a young boy who spends a week visiting his Uncle Bill, the owner of a quirky free-to-play arcade. Danny anticipates a fun-filled bonding experience, but instead, he is confronted by a bizarre and terrifying game that seems intent on consuming him.

The narrative unfolds briskly, drawing readers into a world of mystery and suspense. With its fast-paced plot and intriguing mystery, Grin invites readers to join Danny on his brave adventure, solving puzzles and uncovering secrets in real time. Gillespie masterfully blends horror with a touch of whimsy, creating an atmosphere that is both eerie and captivating. The ending is particularly noteworthy, packed with unexpected reveals, chills, and thrills that will leave readers exhilarated for more!

Fans of DW Gillespie's previous works, The Toy Thief and One by One, will find Grin equally compelling. Gillespie's distinctive writing style shines through, offering tailored experiences for readers of all ages. His ability to craft engaging and accessible horror stories is evident in Grin, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good scare. Check it out!

This is a perfect book for young gamers, especially ones who skew towards horror games like FNAF (which gets a shout out in the book, along with lots of other games--both classic and retro). There's a great, creepy build as the main characters peel back the mystery behind the sinister titular game and, unlike a lot of books I've read, it actually has a good handle of what video game streaming culture is like. An easy recommendation.

DISCLAIMER: I requested and received this book as an ARC through NetGalley.

I have to admit, I am a sucker for a good horror/video game combo. Whether the game is about horror or is part of a haunting urban legend, I love it every time! Grin by D. W. Gillespie is a wonderfully scary horror novel about an arcade cabinet that throws off the entire vibe of the arcade. When Danny gets to his uncle’s arcade, he is ecstatic about getting to nerd out and play video games non-stop for a whole week! But when his uncle gets a new game titled Grin, people start behaving erratically and his uncle starts acting strange. Armed with nothing but an old friend and an urban legend about the old game cabinet, Danny has to figure out a way to return the arcade to a certified nerd-halla.

As you can probably tell, I really loved this book. While I have never been a huge gamer myself (unless clocking over 2,000 hours in The Sims 4 counts), I’ve always loved learning the stories of video games, especially horror games. This book perfectly captures the culture around video games, particularly with its incorporation of modern media like YouTube videos and live streams. While including things like YouTube can be a nice bit of set dressing for contemporary fiction, Gillespie understands that for gamers YouTube is the main hub for gamers to connect and share their love of games, and he incorporates that cultural touchpoint seamlessly into the narrative.

Danny, our lead, is also a really well-rounded and interesting character. He struggles with panic attacks, which is a very interesting character choice for a horror novel. At every scary turn, Danny has to figure out how to be brave and help others without pushing himself too far. Danny is also funny and kind and a great character for the reader to spend time with. This book was a breeze to get through, and part of that is because of how relatable and enjoyable Danny is. I think young people reading this book will see themselves reflected in Danny in many ways and will feel that vicarious thrill that a good horror novel can provide!

The plot and horror elements in this book are also really strong. This book was bloodier than I expected. While much of the blood is 8-bit and there’s no slashing directly depicted, I was still a little surprised at some of the violence in this book. In my opinion, it’s totally appropriate for a middle grade audience, however it could be frightening for some children. That being said, the use of violence and blood in this book is not egregious. Its inclusion effectively communicates the danger of the antagonist and does a wonderful job of increasing the tension and raising the stakes in the story.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! It’s obviously perfect for a horror game lover, but I expect it would also be a hit for kids who enjoy scary stories in general, kids who enjoy adventures and mystery, and even adult horror lovers!

Grin by D. W. Gillespie will be available August of 2025 from Random House Children’s.

This was a fantastic middle grades horror story, with just the right amount of psychological terror, minimal gore, and a mostly happy ending. It really reminded me of the Goosebumps series that I enjoyed as a kid. This will definitely hit the sweet spot for tweens who want a scary story and enjoy video games and arcades. The main character and his team of sidekicks all came together using old and new technology--arcades, a handheld Gameboy, and livestreaming with a gamer on YouTube.

I really liked that the main character was dealing with anxiety but was able to find coping mechanisms and ended up saving the day. I will recommend this book to any tweens and teens who like horror and video games. Highly recommended for libraries!

This was a very creepy read! I would believe that it was intended for adults if the protagonists were older. The character connections between the children, the Uncle and employees, and the influencer are realistic and keep the story interesting. The descriptions of blood are eerie, sinister, and strange, but the imagery makes it clear to the reader what type of game and arcade the characters are navigating.