GLOAM, by Jack Mackay, Viking Books for Young Readers, Aug. 12, 2025, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 8-12)
A 13-year-old must defend her siblings and family home from a babysitter with a monstrous secret in Gloam, by Jack Mackay.
Gwen doesn’t want to admit that everything has been different since her mom died. There’s no time for all these feelings now that she has her younger brother and twin sisters to look after. Especially not after the move into their late grandmother’s creaky old house on a tiny, damp island where someone—or something—is waiting for them.
Esme Laverne. Gwen isn’t fooled by the beautiful babysitter with the hungry eyes and too-sharp teeth, even though everyone else is. How does no one notice the sinister threats beneath her sickly-sweet words? It quickly becomes clear that if Gwen wants Esme gone, she’ll have to handle it herself.
In order to protect her family, Gwen will have to fight off terrifying creatures and literal nightmares come to life. But as rot begins to eat away at the house’s walls and Esme’s power grows, Gwen must face everything she’s been running from and embrace what she’s truly scared of before she can defeat the monster in her home . . . for good. —Synopsis provided by Viking Books for Young Readers
Gloam is a spine-tingling horror novel that has just the right amount of creepiness for middle-readers without going too far.
At the center of the story is Gwen, the oldest sibling who has taken on a parenting role since her mother died. But when Gwen, her siblings and step-dad move into their late-grandmother’s home, Gwen’s step-dad decides an adult babysitter is a better route. Gwen’s already not thrilled with the idea, and after meeting Esme, Gwen’s downright angry with the choice.
Gwen is smart, protective and strong. But she’s also grieving. And so are her siblings. Gwen is beautifully realized as is her brother, Roger. Their contrasting reactions to Esme further strengthen author Jack Mackay’s exploration of family and grief.
Perhaps the strongest character is the monster that’s infecting the house. It’s literally the stuff of nightmares.
Mackay is a strong world-builder, and it’s nice to see a horror novel that has something more than just scares at its heart.
As we head into the spooky season, Gloam is a good choice for kids who enjoy eerie reads.
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