Gloam

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.

"The first time I read this book, I was so frightened I hid under the bed - and read it again." - Lemony Snicket, author of A Series of Unfortunate Events 'a gripping and creepy novel with a monster so terrifying readers will be shivering in their beds. An excellent debut.' - Bookseller 'a brilliantly terrifying treat about a babysitter who is not what she seems.' -Charlotte Eyre, Bookseller 'Thrilling and chilling, with a standout protagonist.' - Kirkus Reviews 'So scary I may never sleep again.' - Rose, age 10 'This is an amazing book. But beware - it might make you jump out of your skin!' -Khalil, age 10 'A sumptuously sinister tale that is thoroughly spine-chilling, yet utterly heart-warming. I had both goosebumps and throat lumps whilst reading it!' - Hana Tooke, author of The Unadoptables 'Gloam Island is not a place for the faint-hearted. You think you know scary? Think again! Jack Mackay's debut is a seriously spooky, chilly nightmare of a book. I dare you to read it after dark...' - Keith Gray, author of Ostrich Boys 'seriously spooky ... not afraid to be truly frightening.' - Sophie Cleverly, author of The Violet Veil Mysteries "A spooky tale that will put you off babysitters for life ... Fun, frightening, the perfect cozy day read." - Phil Hickes, author of The Shadowhall Academy series.

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.