Here's hoping for more tween-centered horror of the same high quality. Still, Ollie's bravery and sacrifice add a nice depth to the finish, and will satisfy thoughtful readers. That was chilling promise made to Ollie, Coco and Brian after they outsmarted the smiling man at Mount Hemlock Resort. And without closure for some of the otherworldly characters they meet. Filled with chills and spooks galore, New York Times bestselling author Katherine Ardens latest installment in the creep-tastic Small Spaces Quartet is sure to haunt. Which is why it's such a surprise when Small Spaces unravels so fast at the end. The more the trio learn about the scarecrows and the smiling man, the more hopeless it seems that they'll ever escape them. She's hurting after the loss of her mother, but tough and determined to survive.Īfter Ollie escapes that first night with two classmates, the scares ratchet up. The buildup to the bus breaking down is all well-paced and plotted, and Ollie, the main character, is very well drawn. There are ghosts and old curses and a magical watch, too. Author Katherine Arden, in her first book for this age group, throws a lot in the scary-stuff pot and stirs. Eleven-year-old Ollie lives with her big-hearted baking enthusiast father following the tragic death of her mother, and finds respite from her grief through.
And best of all for kids, they'll never look at a boring farm field trip the same way again.
Here's a rare thing: tween horror that's creepy instead of gory, well-written (minus some hastiness near the end), and starring thoughtful, memorable characters.
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