The must-read middle-grade novel from the author of super-spooky Crater Lake. Perfect for 9+ fans of R.L.Stine's Goosebumps.

"Deliciously scary and hilarious comedy-horror, perfectly pitched for eight-plus."
The Guardian

"Brilliantly creepy fun for young horror fans, with an unexpectedly moving ending." The i, 30 of the best children's books for Easter.

"Jennifer Killick's talent for horror and humour is blended brilliantly here as the spiky dialogue, unstoppable pace and genuinely menacing atmosphere build to a tremendous climax"- Daily Mail

"A heart-stopping thrill ride of a book." - M.G. Leonard, author of Adventures on Trains series

"BRILLIANT!" - Vashti Hardy, author of Brightstorm

WINNER of the Young Reader category in the Children's Literature Festivals Book Awards 2023!

It's basically the worst school detention ever. When classmates (but not mate-mates) Hallie, Angelo, Gustav and Naira are forced to come to school on a SATURDAY, they think things can't get much worse. But they're wrong. Things are about to get seriously scary.

What has dragged their teacher underground? Why do the creepy caretakers keeping humming the tune to Itsy Bitsy Spider? And what horrors lurk in the shadows, getting stronger and meaner every minute . . .? Cut off from help and in danger each time they touch the ground, the gang's only hope is to work together. But it's no coincidence that they're all there on detention. Someone has been watching and plotting and is out for revenge . . .

New for 2022, a funny, scary, sci-fi thriller from the author of Crater Lake. Perfect for kids aged 9-12 and fans of Goosebumps!

About the Author

Jennifer Killick is the author of the Dread Wood and Crater Lake series. She regularly visits schools and festivals, and her books have been selected three times for The Reading Agency's Summer Reading Challenge. She lives in Uxbridge in a house full of children, animals and Lego. When she isn't busy mothering or step-mothering she loves to read, write and run as fast as she can.

Reviews

"Brilliantly creepy fun for young horror fans, with an unexpectedly moving ending." - iNews

"Jennifer Killick's talent for horror and humour is blended brilliantly here as the spiky dialogue, unstoppable pace and genuinely menacing atmosphere build to a tremendous climax"- Daily Mail

"Deliciously scary and hilarious comedy-horror, perfectly pitched for eight-plus."
The Guardian

"This is Killick's best book yet; think 'The Breakfast Club' meets 'Stranger Things', making great use of her talent for comic dialogue and her astute eye for just the right kind of scary for this age group." - Editor's Choice, The Bookseller

After her last two books (the fantastically creepy Crater Lake and Crater Lake: Evolution), Jennifer has, yet again, upped the level of stylishly slick, sinister storylines and honed her clever range of shock / comedy techniques - from the laugh-out-loud, nose-snortingly funny moments, to the cheekily edgy asides, to the poignant warm-hearted, gentle, fun scenes she does so well.
- ReadingZone (Book of the Day, February 16th 2022)

Not for the faint-hearted, this edge-of-seat horror is hard to put down, with many chapters ending on a cliff-hanger. But it's the humanity and backstories that stay with you when the trauma ends. BookTrust (Book of the Day, April 13th 2022)

Authors

"Sharp, scary and a whole lot of fun!"
Christopher Edge, author of Escape Room

"This is BRILLIANT! Creepy, pacy, smart, witty and just pure Jennifer genius."
Vashti Hardy, author of Brightstorm

"Spine-tingling, rib-tickling stuff." - Chris Callaghan, author of The Great Chocoplot

"Dread Wood is absolutely BRILLIANT! Majorly creepy and hugely funny! Skillfully written, with a gorgeous cast of characters, great heart, and a moving and satisfying ending. I LOVED it!" - Eloise Williams, author of The Tide Singer

Book Information
ISBN 9780755503711
Author Jennifer Killick
Format Paperback
Page Count 336
Imprint Farshore
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
Weight(grams) 230g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 21mm