Gloam

“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

‘Gloam, the accomplished debut by Jack Mackay, ticks a lot of boxes… delivers just the right amount of horror for young readers… a promising debut.‘ The Times Children’s Book of the Week

‘A superbly unsettling 9+ horror.‘ Guardian

‘a gripping and creepy novel with a monster so terrifying readers will be shivering in their beds. An excellent debut.‘ Bookseller 

‘Jack Mackay’s debut is a thoroughly chilling Gothic thriller that makes excellent use of the tropes of the genre while introducing some very distinct and memorable terrors… An excellent debut.‘ Books for Keeps

‘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.

‘For older 10+ year old fans of horror, this is a thrilling tale of monsters, battling evil and sibling unity… a genuinely terrifying tale with a message about families, bravery and fighting your own nightmares.‘ School Reading List

‘This gothic horror by debut author Jack Mackay is wonderfully tense and eerie. Readers are transported to the desolate island of Gloam and the macabre setting of the old house through excellent descriptive passages and a gripping storyline… A superb book for fans of gothic horror and an excellent class read to demonstrate atmospheric descriptions in KS2 and above.‘ BookTrust

‘For older 10+ year old fans of horror, this is a thrilling tale of monsters, battling evil and sibling unity… a genuinely terrifying tale with a message about families, bravery and fighting your own nightmares.‘ School Reading List August Fiction Book of the Month

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.