Watch Hollow - by Gregory Funaro (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Gregory Funaro brings us into a world where magic exists, monsters roam in the shadows, and wooden animals come to life.

Deep within the enchanted woods in the town of Watch Hollow stands the once-grand Blackford House, whose halls hold a magical secret: a giant cuckoo clock that does much more than tell time. But when the clock's gears cease to turn, an evil presence lurking among the trees begins to come out of the shadows.

When Lucy and Oliver Tinker arrive in Watch Hollow, they have no idea that anything is wrong. A mysterious stranger has made their father an offer that's too good for him to refuse. All Mr. Tinker needs to do is fix the clock at Blackford House and fistfuls of gold coins are his to keep.

It doesn't take long, however, for the children to realize that there is more to Blackford House than meets the eye. And before they can entirely understand the strange world they've stumbled into, Lucy and Oliver must join forces with a host of magical clock animals to defeat the Garr--a vicious monster that not only wants Blackford House for itself, but also seeks to destroy everything the Tinkers hold dear.

What secrets will they uncover inside the strange, ticking halls of Blackford House?

• An Enchanted (and Haunted) House: Blackford House isn't just old--it's alive. When its giant cuckoo-clock heart stops ticking, a creeping evil from the surrounding woods begins to stir.
• Magical Clock Animals: From a brave rat to a haughty cat, a host of carved wooden animals have a life, and secrets, of their own.
• A Monster in the Woods: The malevolent Garr wants the house for itself, and it will stop at nothing to drive the Tinker family out... or destroy them completely.
• A Brave Girl and Her Brother: Follow Lucy and Oliver Tinker as they dig up the house's dark history and find the courage to face down a nightmare.

Review Quotes

"There is magic, there is good and evil, and there is love all woven into a suspenseful and entertaining mystery. A well-crafted story that should be a hit with readers who enjoy a a good scare." - School Library Journal (starred review)

"A well-wound tale of good versus evil." - Kirkus Reviews

"Filled with clever, magical, and instantly likable characters, Funaro's excellent, fast-paced, and twisty mystery--packed with suspense, facts, magic, and an incredible, deeply thought-out world--will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next chapter." - Booklist (starred review)

"The magically sentient house, creeping woods, and resident monster establish the story's shivery Gothic feel, which will more than satisfy readers in search of a pleasantly scary read." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books