Book Review: X Marks The Haunt by Lindsay Currie

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NetGalley ARC Book Review of X Marks The Haunt by Lindsay Currie
X Marks The Haunt by Lindsay Currie is a chilling middle grade horror novel that begins with Will Stone conducting genealogy research at Graceland Cemetery, where his mother works. When an old crypt key goes missing, it unleashes a sinister force within the cemetery, draining the lake and slowly sucking the life from the surrounding trees. As the eerie presence grows stronger, Will and his friends must rely on his unique knowledge and investigative skills to uncover the truth and put a stop to the dangerous energy wreaking havoc before it consumes everything in its path.

I'd like to thank NetGalley, Random House Children's Books, and Delacorte Press for approving my request for an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of X Marks The Haunt by Lindsay Currie. All I knew about the novel before I read it was that it was a children's horror book, and I loved the cover! I received a digital copy for free in exchange for my honest review.

First and foremost, the story was exceptionally and beautifully written. Currie has a stunning way with words that pulled me into the story from the very first page and kept me engaged until the very end. I felt like I was right there with Will, Slash, and the rest of his friends. In fact, I find myself still thinking about the story long after I finishing X Marks The Haunt. The author has a way of capturing middle school aged children with such authenticity ... the way the act, think, and interact are so believable. As the story progresses, the reader really gets to know the characters and see them grow.

Book Cover of X Marks The Haunt by Lindsay Currie
Since this novel is written for children in middle grade readers, the eerie atmosphere and building tension should leave them feeling exceptionally unsettled. While I'm no longer in the target audience, I didn't find myself scared, but my younger self would have been thoroughly creeped out. X Marks the Haunt is a novel that both children and adults should enjoy reading together.

Furthermore, the author does an amazing job of incorporating meaningful themes into the story including a touch of history with the real life Graceland Cemetery and lessons about death, friendship, and bullying. In fact, Currie made me want to plan a trip to Chicago to experience the cemetery for myself. If I do make it there, I will definitely write about my experience.

I will definitely be reading more books by Lindsay Currie in the future, and I cannot recommend X Marks The Haunt highly enough. This unforgettable middle grade horror novel earns a well-deserved five out of five stars from me.

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