Gloom Town

In this quirky dark fantasy set in a small seaside town known as Gloom, a boy, desperate to help his mother pay the rent on the cottage they share, takes a job as a gentleman's valet, only to discover that his frightening new master may be an ancient inhuman entity with a sinister agenda. Rory, 12, who is biracial, isn't sure what to make of bald-headed, black-bearded Lord Foxglove and his butler Malvonius, or their strict rules and his contract's "upon penalty of death" clause, but the pay is too good to pass up. After Rory overhears a conversation between Foxglove and his colleagues that reveals an upcoming "great harvest," he discovers his predecessor's grizzly fate. To prevent calamity from befalling the entire town, Rory and his best friend, red-haired fledgling witch Izzy, must find a way to thwart Foxglove's plans. This atmospheric tale by Smith (The Owls Have Come to Take Us Away) conjures up a seaside setting full of secrets and long-lost legends. Though its resolution arrives abruptly--with last-minute revelations that leave the door open for future installments--the intriguing characters, eerie moments, and lurking peril prove a winning combination. Ages 10-12. Agent: Adriann Ranta Zurhellen, Foundry Literary + Media. (Feb.)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Rory has lived in Gloom, a small, bleak fishing village all his life. His single mom can barely make ends meet, so when Rory sees that there's a job available at notoriously creepy Foxglove Manor, he decides the benefits outweigh the risks and applies for the position. Given a huge advance on his salary, he's initially ecstatic that he's able to help his mom pay the rent. However, he soon finds out that Lord Foxglove is even more evil than the rumors say. In fact, the whole town is in danger! Rory enlists his best friend Izzy to help defeat the supernatural forces that reside in the manor. While the town itself is a big part of the story, world-building is lacking, and everything wraps up way too neatly. A full cast of eccentric characters has potential, but none are fully developed. Despite all this, the story is far darker than the cover suggests, so budding horror fans may overlook some of the flaws for the chills it provides. Nonstop action also propels the story, making for a quick and relatively engaging read. VERDICT Despite some structural bumps along the way, this creepy adventure has promise. Recommended for general purchase.—Mandy Laferriere, Fowler Middle School, Frisco, TX

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"This atmospheric tale by Smith (The Owls Have Come to Take Us Away) conjures up a seaside setting full of secrets and long-lost legends....the intriguing characters, eerie moments, and lurking peril prove a winning combination."—Publishers Weekly

"Anchoring this well-paced story is a solid cast of characters whose central relationships feel authentic and grounded."—Kirkus

"Once the well-drawn characters and distinctive setting are established, the story becomes increasingly involving, fast-paced, and imaginative."—Booklist

"Smith is a deft hand at creating unforgettable villains."—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books