At first I wasn't sure about this one, as it seemed too much like your typical 'kids left with evil nanny' trope, and I wasn't enjoying it that much. But then it really stepped it up, introducing the monsters/fears of each child. It changed the main character too, as for a while, she seemed very whiny and annoying, but once her siblings were on her side, I started to like her a lot more.
So it takes a while to get going, but worth a read, very creepy!

Usually when I review a book, I pick out the things I particularly liked. I can’t do that with this book because that would just be listing the whole thing. I absolutely loved reading this book and I know for a fact 12 year old me would have loved it as well! I would recommend it to kids who crave creepy books, the atmosphere was haunting.

Our main character Gwen is the oldest child (at 13 years old) and I think so many kids who are older siblings would love and identify with her character. She’s fiercely protective over her siblings and takes on the responsibility of getting things sorted with the evil babysitter. We also get chapters following Roger who is her younger brother. Lastly of the siblings are Hazel and Hester. These younger siblings definitely remind me of my siblings and I love books that follow siblings as they navigate their adventures. Though this particular adventure is harrowing and the suspense had me on the edge of my seat. You feel for Gwen who has gone through so much and is grasping to keep her siblings safe and happy. You feel for Roger who doesn’t understand why his older sister is acting so different. You feel for Hazel and Hester who at only 6 years old need to be so brave in the face of danger. I just wanted to scoop them up away from harm (which Gwen was certainly doing her best to do).

The adults are Henry (who looks after the children) and Esme (the babysitter). Oftentimes in books, the adult who is clueless is just that. Infuriatingly ignorant to the children’s struggles and while Henry not believing Gwen is infuriating (a feeling most people can relate to when they are a child trying to get help from an adult), I do commend this book for giving him a bit more nuance. He does deeply care for the children and is simply unprepared and eventually does come to realise Gwen was telling the truth. I don’t really know what to say about Esme other than she’s evil and very scary which we realise very fast. Her manipulation on the younger children feels chilling and you definitely feel how Gwen is feeling as well as Roger in these moments.

The setting of the Grandma’s house is perfect and the horror of the nightmares and rot made this story compelling and enticing. Once again I love this book and will definitely be making my siblings read it.

I enjoyed this, very simple and quick to read, good early horror for middle grade readers, gives Coraline vibe for sure. The story was good, I think it could have been darker (would love a ya version) but overall a great read, good characters and just the right amount of description thought without getting lost.