If you're a fan of creepy middle-grade stories that feel like a modern take on The Monkey's Paw with a touch of Goosebumps and Coraline, The Haunting of Old Splinter is definitely worth picking up.

The story follows Peter and his half-brother Adrian as they become entangled in the mystery surrounding Old Splinter, a decaying mansion filled with dark legends. When they discover the existence of a magical wishing claw capable of granting any desire, it quickly becomes clear that every wish comes with a terrifying price.

What I enjoyed most was the atmosphere. Jack Mackay creates an unsettling setting where every creaking floorboard, forgotten room, and whispered legend makes the mansion feel alive. The horror isn't overly graphic, but it's genuinely eerie, building suspense chapter after chapter instead of relying on cheap jump scares.

Beyond the supernatural mystery, the novel also explores family dynamics in a thoughtful way. Peter and Adrian's blended family feels authentic, and their relationship gives the story emotional weight, making you care about what happens long before the horror truly unfolds.

The pacing starts off a little slower as it establishes the characters and the legend surrounding Old Splinter, but once the wishes begin, the tension escalates quickly. The consequences become increasingly disturbing, reinforcing the classic lesson to be careful what you wish for.

Overall, The Haunting of Old Splinter delivers an entertaining mix of haunted-house mystery, cursed magic, and emotional storytelling. It's spooky without becoming overwhelming, making it a perfect choice for readers looking to transition from children's horror into something a little darker while still keeping that adventurous, page-turning spirit.

I read Gloam (Mackay's first book) and enjoyed it so much that I was very happy to receive an ARC of The Haunting of Old Splinter and devoured it in one day - in fact, I got so caught up in the book at the end that I stayed up past my bedtime so that I could finish it.
Peter lives with mum, stepdad and stepbrother in a little cottage next to a decrepit and decaying mansion, hired by stepdads jet setting brother to fix it up. However tensions are on the rise between the adults and when Peter and brother Adrian hear a story about a hand that can grant wishes, they quickly begin their search for it.
Of course, things can't go nice and easy and soon the brothers learn that whilst the hand can grant their wishes, something, someone, somewhere must pay the price and the bigger the wish... the bigger the cost.
Whilst the story took a little while to build up, the history and the relationship building was integral to the story because we needed a family full of tension, worry and fears of not belonging in order to really want to make a big wish. It was good to see a blended family that was neither perfect nor the stereotypical "evil step-parent". I really enjoyed this, a good step-up from Goosebumps for kids who want something a bit more gritty and spooky.

Fast, easy and a fun read. Well wrote for the intended audience with just the right amount of horror. Good overall story, not too drawn out and a great ending.

Book Title: The Haunting of Old Splinter
Author: Jack Mackay
Publication Date: 3 September 2026
Publisher: Oneworld Publications | Rock the Boat

The Haunting of Old Splinter is a gripping middle-grade horror adventure that blends family drama, mystery, and the dangers of wishing for the impossible. Jack Mackay creates an atmospheric setting with the eerie ruins of Old Splinter, a mansion filled with unsettling secrets, ancient relics, and whispers of dark magic that keep the tension building from beginning to end.

Peter and Adrian are engaging protagonists whose relationship feels authentic, and their determination to save their struggling family gives the story real emotional depth. The supernatural elements are exciting without becoming overwhelming, making this an ideal read for younger horror fans who enjoy creepy adventures with meaningful character development.

The mystery surrounding the Wishing Claw is cleverly handled, reminding readers that every wish can come with unexpected consequences. As the suspense intensifies and the monstrous threat grows, the story delivers plenty of chilling moments while also exploring themes of family, hope, responsibility, and the importance of accepting that some problems cannot be solved by magic alone.

Overall, The Haunting of Old Splinter is an entertaining and atmospheric read that balances spooky thrills with heartfelt emotion. A fantastic choice for readers who enjoy haunted houses, cursed objects, and page-turning adventures with a strong emotional core.

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