Once Conor realizes he’s gotten himself into something that is probably illegal he starts getting paranoid and tries to fix things before he no choice but to do the deed. I liked the idea of this story, although I do wish it had been longer so that more information and more could have been incorporated. With it being so short, things kind of felt like they were a little rushed. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the story. I only gave it three stars because of the reasons I said before. I liked all of the characters. I also like the idea of an Edgar Allen Poe themed amusement park. It makes you wonder if the author has a fascination with Edgar Allen Poe and his work. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a quick and enjoyable read.



Thank you, NetGalley and Orca Book Publishers for an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.

I have always loved Edgar Allan Poe, so I was really happy to find the Poe theme of this short novel (and it was educational, too). Adolescent Conor Marlowe lives to climb. He is a part-time employee at a climbing gym, and on his lunch hours, always rides at the amusement park across the street. One of the popular rides there is based on Poe's "The Pit and the Pendulum." Orne lunch period a goblinesque old man, who turns out to be the ride's manager, offers Conor cash if he'll climb the ride at 2 AM and leave something up there. Conor is over-confident of his climbing ability, but realizing something "secret" must be "illegal," he tries to demur, till the old guy threatens to report him to the police as a thief (which he isn't). So he agrees, and leaves what is supposed to be a raven carved out of ebony that was owned by Poe himself. In the process, Conor learns about trust, friendships, and not taking others for granted or at face value. He also faces danger.

TICK TOCK TERROR is a short entertaining novel aimed at middle grade reluctant readers. It has a lot to recommend it, and also includes a sample from the author's novel HIGH WIRE. I quite enjoyed it.