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From the Week Junior Award-winning author of Gloam comes a spine-chilling reimagining of a classic horror tale.

‘A superlatively creepy revisiting of “The Monkey’s Paw” for 8+, from a brilliant new horror writer.’ Guardian

‘I virtually read it in one sitting when I actually should have been writing my own books … I read this and felt seen.’ Patrice Lawrence, Waterstones Children’s Laureate

‘A spine-shivering story, brimming with horror and heart.’ Jack Meggitt-Phillips

‘A modern master of the genre.’ Anthony McGowan

‘As gripping as a spooky severed hand.’ Sophie Cleverly

One magical relic. Two brothers. Three chances to defy fate.

Peter and his half-brother Adrian live in the shadow of Old Splinter – the ruined mansion on the hill where stories of dark magic swirl. Peter’s stepdad is at his wit’s end trying to renovate the place and cracks are starting to show in their once-happy family.

Desperate to bring their family back together, the brothers set out in search of the legendary wishing claw. But wishes are tricky things – as Peter discovers when something monstrous comes knocking at his door.

Be careful what you wish for…

Publisher Review

‘The perfect amount of creepy – scary enough to make the young readers tear through the chapters … It’s a book steeped in the horror classics … Mackay is shaping up as a modern master of the genre.’ Anthony McGowan ‘Jack Mackay’s new spine-chiller is a story as much about brothers, sons and fathers as it is about gruesome frights … a delightfully creepy tale with capacity to surprise the reader with spooky scares as well as take them unawares emotionally too.’ Keith Gray ‘Deliciously creepy! I was a big horror fan as a kid (Goosebumps and Point Horror were my jam) and this reminded me of everything I loved about the genre. It was as gripping as a spooky severed hand… I couldn’t put it down.’ Sophie Cleverly ‘A spine-shivering story, brimming with horror and heart. If I had a wishing claw of my own, I would compel everyone to read this book – whether they are living, dead, or somewhere in between. I’ll be haunted by its pages for many years to come.’ Jack Meggitt-Phillips ‘A simply brilliant contemporary take on a classic horror story. Mackay firmly cements himself as one of the rising stars of children’s literature.’ Ashley Thorpe Praise for Gloam:

‘Thrillingly scary and impossible to put down. Don’t read it alone!’ Jonathan Stroud, author of Lockwood & Co

‘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