Gloam by Jack Mackay

In a creaky old house on a small, damp island, someone – or something – is waiting…

Gwen doesn’t want to admit that everything feels wrong since her mum died. There’s no time for all these feelings now that she has her younger siblings to care for. Especially not since they’ve moved to their late grandmother’s house on Gloam Island.

And now there’s an intruder. Esme Laverne may seem sweet and kind but Gwen isn’t fooled by her new babysitter, even if everyone else is. It quickly becomes clear that if she wants Esme gone, she’ll have to handle it herself.

Determined to protect her family, Gwen will have to fight off terrifying creatures and nightmares come to life. But as Esme’s power grows, Gwen must face everything she’s been running from and embrace her fears before she can defeat the monster in her home… for good.

Not all monsters come out at night. A spine-chilling middle grade horror for fans of Coraline and A Monster Calls

About the Author: Jack Mackay is a writer, theatre-maker and horror enthusiast. Though he’s currently floating around somewhere near York, his heart is in the Midlands, in his grandparents’ creaky old house where he grew up. He has written stories since he was four years old, but this is the first one that was any good. He also co-founded Griffonage Theatre, a York-based company with a taste for the madcap and macabre. He loves his family, his dog, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and K-pop.

14 Aug 2025
 

Gloam by Jack Mackay ISBN 9780861549528