**4.5-stars rounded up**

After a childhood tragedy, Evie Von Rathe moves to the town of Blight Harbor, the 7th-most haunted town in America, to live with her Aunt Desdemona, the local paranormal expert.

When we meet Evie, she is a happy little girl, on the cusp of her summer holiday. She enjoys working at the local library with her Aunt's best friend, Lily, and has a fantastic relationship with her Aunt Des. These things help her deal with the pain of her earlier trauma. Additionally, Evie is quite interested in paranormal goings-on and the fact that this is her Aunt's line of work excites her to no end. Frankly, I get it. Desdemona is intriguing.

One rule Des has always had is to not hang around the local abandoned slaughterhouse. Makes sense to me. Apparently, once upon a time, a local serial killer John Jeffrey Pope worked there. It's not giving off good vibes.
When Evie discovers her Aunt is exploring the old slaughterhouse for work, she wants in on it and promptly follows Des there.

Over the course of their investigation into the slaughterhouse and it's sordid history, Aunt Des disappears and shortly thereafter Evie meets the Clackity. The Clackity tells Evie that Des has been transported into a dangerously magical other realm and only Evie has the power to save her. It offers up a deal, saying if Evie retrieves the spirit of serial killer John Jeffery Pope for it, Aunt Des will be saved. The killer is also in this magical other realm, putting Aunt Des in terrible danger. The clock is ticking.

Even though it is quite clear that the Clackity isn't something you want to be making any sort of a deal with, what choice does she have? That's right, none. Thus, Evie begins her dangerous quest to save Aunt Des, meeting challenges, obstacles and scary beings head on. Evie is one strong and determined little girl. We love to see it!

The Clackity is such a fun Middle Grade story; non-stop spooky goodness from beginning to end. It channeled heavy Neil Gaiman vibes for me and I was eating it up.

Quests are one of my favorite tropes and I would argue this fits the bill perfectly. Add in the level of eeriness carried throughout and you pretty much have a perfect story for me. I loved how the quest was presented. There were different steps, or challenges, Evie had to pass before moving on to the next. It was simple and easy to understand, while also being ridiculously well-imagined and described.

This story absolutely filled my heart. I loved the characters, relationships, humor and horror-filled imagery so much. It's incredibly dark and creepy, the perfect example of why I love this subgenre of Middle Grade with my whole being. I definitely recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a classic-feeling Spooky Middle Grade story. The Clackity is an absolute gem.

Thank you so very much to the publisher, Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing, for providing me with a copy to read and review. It was an true delight.

🦇❤️🖤💀❤️🖤🦇❤️🖤💀❤️🖤🦇❤️🖤💀❤️🖤🦇❤️🖤

Evie lives in the 7th most haunted town where she is use to seeing witches, monsters and other scary things. So when her aunt goes missing she goes on a journey to find her. Which leads her to dealing with all of them. This is a spooky book for kids around 8 to 12. There is a Coraline vibe so if you enjoy the story Coraline you will enjoy this. This will make a great Halloween book

This middle grade novel gave me some serious shivers - this may actually be the spookiest book I read all year because the creep/dread factor here is exceptionally high!

Evie lives in Blight Harbor (the seventh-most haunted town in America) with her Aunt Desdemona, who happens to be the local paranormal expert. When Aunt Des goes missing at the abandoned slaughterhouse on the edge of town, Evie begins a search (even though Aunt Des’s only strict rule is to stay out of the slaughterhouse!)

It’s here that Evie meets The Clackity, a strange creature living in the shadows and speaking in riddles, who strikes a “good and fair deal” to help get Des back …in exchange for the ghost of Blight Harbor’s infamous serial killer, John Jeffrey Pope.

Evie’s journey leads her to a row of seven houses: she must find the key to each and enter, where she encounters hungry witches and penny-eyed ghosts as the serial killer pursues her, hoping to add Evie to his twisted collection.

I mean, just writing that summary out makes me think, “How in the world was this a middle grade novel??!” but somehow it works well with spooky Coraline vibes and the atmosphere was pitch-perfect. I absolutely loved this book and have no doubt that my ten-year-old self would’ve devoured it, too!

Thanks to Atheneum Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. The Clackity is scheduled for release on June 28, 2022.

If, as Chesterton says, children already know there are dragons, then we should be grateful that Lora Senf has continued the heralded practice of teaching children how to kill them. The Clackity, Senf’s debut novel, is not, thankfully, a middle grade version of a Chesterton novel. It’s much, much closer to a delightful amalgamation of Gaiman’s Caroline and The Graveyard Book mixed with Lora Senf’s own extraordinary imagination.

Senf’s world-building is terrific and terrifying. Evie experiences danger in many forms, including human and non-human monsters, dangerous terrain, and beings who, perhaps, cannot be trusted. Masterful character development gives us such a window into Evie’s life that we learn to identify with and care about her and the creatures she gets to know along the way.

I am madly attached to Evie’s new best friend and yearn for one of my own with all the powers of devotion. Don’t ask for the details. Read the story and you too will meet all of Evie’s brave and wonderful new friends. Not all is as it seems but I promise that you’ll meet some of the dragons to which Chesterton refers and perhaps you’ll discover how to best some of the monsters in your own life.

Lora Senf’s The Clackity should stand alongside some of the giants in middle grade fiction. She has achieved a masterpiece and I cannot wait for her next novel. Do yourself a favor and pre-order this remarkable story from your favorite indie bookstore.

The Clackity by Lora Senf is scheduled to release on June 27, 2022.

I received a digital ARC through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This book had me hooked in the first page. Evie lives in Blight Harbor one of the most haunted towns in America. There with her paranormal expert Aunt Dez they investigate an abandoned slaughterhouse. They discover The Clackity a creature that lives in the shadows of the abandoned building and strikes a deal with Evie.

This middle-grade delves into an other worldly adventure reminiscent of Neil Gaiman’s Coraline. This being a horror book for kids I was not sure going in how I would feel overall. This book and the story completely toppled all thoughts I had. The story takes an in-depth look into anxiety, trauma, grief and loss.

Evie is a little firecracker and learns how to deal with her self doubt and fears. I thoroughly enjoyed this horror romp into a world of witches, monsters and serial killers.

I hope that that there are more adventures to come with Evie, Aunt Dez, and Lily.

Thank you to NetGalley, Simon and Schuster Childrens Publishing, and Atheneum Books for Young Readers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

NetGalley ARC Educator 550974

Evie's aunt is missing. What is she to do? What ensues is pure wonder. She has to grow up, perform tasks set forth by the Clackity. This book was a joy to read. Some parts may be scary for some kids but a great story time book.

The first thing that attracted me to this book when browsing was the great cover art. The illustrations inside the story were also well done. Very spooky. Evie lives in the 7th most haunted town in the US and is used to seeing ghosts, ghouls, witches and other crazy stuff but even she is scared of the haunted slaughter house outside of town. When her aunt goes missing from there, Evie goes in search of her and meets The Clackity, the monster who lives inside. He sends her on a quest and hopefully she can rescue her aunt. Of course, this is a children's book, based around ages 10 -12 but as an older person, I still enjoyed the story. Evie has to do a lot of growing up in a short time and learn to conquer fears and find out how to believe in herself. along the way she learns that a little kindness to people never hurts and that you will be paid back in the end. I love the fact that she had Bird as a friend and as a help and guide along the way. Thanks NetGalley and Simon and Shuester for a chance to read this.

The Clackity is going to be your perfect spooky time read. It has a lot of the same vibes as Neil Gaiman’s Coraline and Victoria Schwab’s City of Ghosts. I truly enjoyed reading it! I loved Evie and her life in the seventh-most haunted town in America. I loved her bravery as she undergoes her trials and quests throughout the story, but most of all I loved that her anxiety disorder was equally important to her story as her bravery was. The Clackity is a great ghost book for kids (and adults), but it was also a surprisingly fantastic representation of how kids can learn about anxiety. I encourage everyone to grab a copy of this book, whether you read it now or save it for October!

This is a super cute, super creepy middle-grade horror.
After the disappearance of her parents, Evie is living with her Aunt Desdemona an expert in all things that go bump in the night, in one of the most haunted towns in America... When one day while investigating the old slaughterhouse she disappears as well... Evie will do anything in her power to get her aunt back, even if that means working with the monster that lives in the Slaughterhouse... known as the Clackity...

She embarks on a quest to find her aunt, which has her facing her worst fears, and the most dangerous ghost in Blight Harbor, with the help of some ghosts, and a little birdy friend. This was the perfect mix of super creepy and light-hearted moments that kept me flipping the pages to see how Evie was going to save her Aunt and deal with the Clackity. I loved all of the ghosts she meets along the way, and I really loved how it ended.

I really enjoyed this book and I hope that we get more of Evie, and Aunt Desdemona...

Oh my! What a fantastic addition to the MG horror offering. This book is filled with all things scary and will definitely satisfy any youngster with a hankering for ghosts, serial killers, things that creep in the shadows, and a wonderful main character. I loved this book as an adult, and I would have loved it as a child.

Thank you NetGalley and Atheneum Books for Young Readers for the opportunity to read an advance reading copy.

Summary: Evie lives in the seventh most haunted town in America (per capita) with her Aunt Desdemona, a local expert on all things paranormal. When Des goes missing while investigating otherworldly activity at the town's abandoned slaughterhouse, Evie must face her fears and strike a deal with The Clackity, a creature who lives in the shadows and who might have the key to Aunt Des's safe return. All Evie has to do is face a series of riddles, challenges, and creatures... and bring back the ghost of a notorious serial killer. Simple enough, right?

Review: "All stories are keys to a truth. Sometimes a truth about the world. Sometimes a truth about love or fear. Sometimes, even, a truth about a lie. But all keys, all truths.” - Lora Senf, The Clackity

The truths of this story are numerous and beautiful. Grief, love, anxiety, strength, and self-assurance are just a few subjects that Lora Senf explores so masterfully as she introduces readers to Evie and Blight Harbor. With creepy creatures, wacky witches, and a swarm of protective swallows, Senf rounds out this powerful story and speaks truths that really resonate.

I didn't know what to expect from a middle grade horror novel. I'm not really a horror fan, and I'm not the target audience of middle grade books. But now this is one of my favorite books I’ve read in a while.

This story pulled at my heartstrings in just the right places. Evie lives with her aunt because her parents disappeared when she was younger, and she deals with grief and loss head-on throughout the book. Senf explores aspects of grief that aren't always depicted in literature, including the anxiety and uncertainty that come with the sudden loss of a loved one, especially a parent. Since the loss of her parents, Evie is prone to panic attacks and frequently finds herself concerned about losing other important people in her life. This resonated with me a lot, and seeing Evie's journey as she harnesses her concern for her aunt into strength to overcome her fears was really powerful. This story is excellent for readers of any age who are dealing with loss, grief, anxiety or uncertainty.

In addition to all the reasons it resonated with me personally, this book is just a fantastic story. Senf's writing is polished and accessible. I was especially impressed by her use of sensory imagery — she immerses the reader in the sights, sounds, and smells of Evie's journey. The journey itself is equal parts exciting and harrowing, with all the challenges and magical elements one could hope for in a quest narrative. The horror elements are truly scary at times, and I found myself cheering Evie on as she outwitted a variety of challenges and creatures set in her path. Senf creates a magical, logic-defying world in which to address the very real truths her story explores, and I loved every moment of it.

An overall creepy but enjoyable middle grade mystery. The plot was well done and the characters were fun and engaging. I do not know if my youngest children would be able to read this .. but my oldest who is 9 will love it! The cover is amazing and I look forward to more from this author.

The only criticism I have of this book is that it might have been a little TOO scary for a middle grade horror, purely because it literally gave me nightmares. I read this book relatively quickly considering the fact that I had almost no free time in which to read it, after starting it on a trip that was booked solid, and somehow managing to finish it on said trip. This book instantly hooked me with short chapters and a rapidly progressing plot, and characters that were so easy to fall in love with. This story and it’s members stole my heart very quickly, and had me obsessed with what they might be up to. I flew through the story, unable to stop thinking about what might happen next. It was easy to give five stars and hope for others to read this book. Any Middle Grade or YA reader would adore this book (although I would let those middle grade readers know that it has about the same fright factor as Coraline). Thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for allowing me early access to this book in exchange for a review.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in return for an honest review.

I felt like this book was filled with spooky, creepy elements with just enough light touches to not make it feel too scary. A creative premise and I was definitely rooting for Evie's success.

I really liked the cover of this book and I loved that the story had some illustrations and I wish more middle grade books had illustrations sprinkled throughout the story.

Lora Senf has created quite the memorable and lovable hero in Evie Von Rathe. Not only is Evie relatable and real, she’s brave and a new kind of warrior – the vulnerable kind. There were parts of this story where I felt what Evie was going through. Not many books can do that. For that alone, this book is worth reading.

After her beloved Aunt Des disappears into a haunted abattoir, Evie must enter an old abandoned slaughterhouse in search of her. Once there, she must contend with the Clackity, a dark trickster of a ghost, a chilling serial killer, and menacing witches. She also has must face more intangible demons: her own fear and mounting anxiety. With the help of an unexpected but truly inspiring sidekick, she faces a world where the sun is black and the fog can bring you to your knees. She’s forced into a series of challenges that threaten her with no promise that her aunt is even still alive. I stayed up way too late to finish this brilliant, beautiful novel about a girl who finds her strength and comes into her own. I can’t wait for more from this author. Bravo.

↓ Similar Reads ↓
Adam Gidwitz’s A Tale Dark & Grimm
Katherine Arden’s Small Spaces (on my TBR!)
Guadalupe Garcia McCall’s The Keeper

Thank you so much to 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 sinister 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 grade 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 in 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 a bit longer 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.

Free Netgalley book for review ~~ this was a fun and intense ride! I enjoyed the trip thoroughly, and I’m not a horror reader in general—although I do love fantasy books. This was just a bit creepier than my usual reading but it still had plenty of heart.

There’s room for more in the series and I’m definitely excited to see where it goes here! 🥰 Sign me up for the next ones.

I haven't read middle grade horror...since I was in middle school but the cover art was so compelling, I kept hearing/seeing it on social media, and the premise sounded interesting. I was not disappointed! It was one of the few times I started reading first person and didn't have that awkward mental transition that usually comes for me. I was well into the 2nd chapter before I realized it and then continued breezily on. The concept of the story was well thought out and original. I like how Evie wasn't only fighting against outside things but also against the demons that tend to reside in a lot of us. All in all, a great read and one that I will recommend to a librarian I happen to know who works in a school setting--because more kids should enjoy this book! (and adults:) This would actually make a fantastic movie (might be a little dark) but to see all the houses, monsters/ghosts put to life would be pretty cool.

This was a great creepy middle grade novel. Sort of like Coraline sent to upside down by a shadow monster on a quest to find her missing aunt. It was fast paced and enjoyable. The illustrations throughout were gorgeous and eerie.
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster Children’s publishing for an eARC.

A fantastic, fast-paced middle grade read that's filled with the perfect mixture of creepy, love, sacrifice, and friendship - and that a little bit of kindness can go a long way. In The Clackity we follow young Evie as she goes on an adventure to find her aunt after witnessing her disappear while investigating the local abattoir, an old slaughterhouse that is home to something dark and evil. Evie must enter a world of ghosts, witches, and monsters to play a game with deadly consequences and rescue her aunt.

This is the exact type of story that inspired my love for reading. It's been a long time since I picked up a Middle Grade book but the moment I saw this one I knew I needed to give it a shot - and I definitely didn't regret it. Evie is a spunky protagonist and it was so enjoyable to read her character development and see her grow in strength and braveness. Not only did she learn to overcome her fears it was a gentle reminder that as an adult, sometimes we forget those little lessons we learned as kids and they are just as important now.

If you are a middle-grader who loves spooky tales or just an adult looking for a wonderful, fun story with a little bit of creep then I definitely recommend The Clackity by Lora Senf.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.