The Clackity

"All stories are keys to a truth."

Book: The Clackity

Author: Lora Senf

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (https://simonandschusterpublishing.com/atheneum/)

Release Date: June 28, 2022

Genre: Middle grade horror

Summary: Evie lives in the seventh most haunted town in America (per capita) with her Aunt Desdemona, a local expert on all things paranormal. When Des goes missing while investigating otherworldly activity at the town's abandoned slaughterhouse, Evie must face her fears and strike a deal with The Clackity, a creature who lives in the shadows and who might have the key to Aunt Des's safe return. All Evie has to do is face a series of riddles, challenges, and creatures... and bring back the ghost of a notorious serial killer. Simple enough, right?

Review: "All stories are keys to a truth. Sometimes a truth about the world. Sometimes a truth about love or fear. Sometimes, even, a truth about a lie. But all keys, all truths.” - Lora Senf, The Clackity

The truths of this story are numerous and beautiful. Grief, love, anxiety, strength, and self-assurance are just a few subjects that Lora Senf explores so masterfully as she introduces readers to Evie and Blight Harbor. With creepy creatures, wacky witches, and a swarm of protective sparrows, Senf rounds out this powerful story and speaks truths that really resonate.

I didn't know what to expect from a middle grade horror novel. I'm not really a horror fan, and I'm not the target audience of middle grade books. But I know this book's literary agent, and I've followed its publication process on Twitter from announcement to cover reveal to (soon!) publication day, so I decided to request it on NetGalley. And now this is one of my favorite books I’ve read in a while.

This story pulled at my heartstrings in just the right places. Evie lives with her aunt because her parents disappeared when she was younger, and she deals with grief and loss head-on throughout the book. Senf explores aspects of grief that aren't always depicted in literature, including the anxiety and uncertainty that come with the sudden loss of a loved one, especially a parent. Since the loss of her parents, Evie is prone to panic attacks and frequently finds herself concerned about losing other important people in her life. This resonated with me a lot, and seeing Evie's journey as she harnesses her concern for her aunt into strength to overcome her fears was really powerful. This story is excellent for readers of any age who are dealing with loss, grief, anxiety or uncertainty.

In addition to all the reasons it resonated with me personally, this book is just a fantastic story. Senf's writing is polished and accessible. I was especially impressed by her use of sensory imagery — she immerses the reader in the sights, sounds, and smells of Evie's journey. The journey itself is equal parts exciting and harrowing, with all the challenges and magical elements one could hope for in a quest narrative. The horror elements are truly scary at times, and I found myself cheering Evie on as she outwitted a variety of challenges and creatures set in her path. Senf creates a magical, logic-defying world in which to address the very real truths her story explores, and I loved every moment of it.

Rating: 5/5

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