Clever Creatures of the Night
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In this gripping literary horror, Case’s best friend Drea goes missing, forcing her into a bizarre, cultlike—and possibly murderous world—perfect for fans of The Honeys and Mexican Gothic.
Something bad happened here.When Case arrives at a run-down, ivy-covered house tucked deep in the West Texas woods, an ashy haze...
Published By Algonquin Young Readers
Format Hardback
Category
Number Of Pages 240
Publication Date 03/05/2024
ISBN 9781616208974
Dimensions 5.8 inches x 8.6 inches
"A literary horror/thriller that’s perfect for the reluctant reader in your life, filled with twists and turns that will have them on the edge of their seats."
"Mabry weaves dread through the air like smoke in this literary horror novel set in the aftermath of a cataclysmic natural disaster…Mabry’s blend of gritty realism and ethereal fantastic elements create a spine-chilling read about our relationship with nature, the consequences of disasters, and our humanity in the face of them."
"Mabry’s unique, twisted, literary thriller is packed with brutally honest depictions of the violence of nature and the cycle of life and death.... Throughout this artfully crafted novel, Case explores past trauma, which bonded her to her friend—a fire in which Drea made it out unscathed and Case did not.
VERDICT An honest depiction of young adults trying to find their place in the world, recommended for teens who love poetic language and endings that leave them craving more."
"A master class in atmosphere with a literary bent and a few surprising turns up its creepy sleeve… a haunting story about friendship and survival that also includes a good amount of violence and a few scenes in which feral hogs and hawks cause a lot of chaos. This fast, entertaining novel will surely please YA readers regardless of their age."
"Most terrifying, however, is a total lack of motive for violence from everyone involved, even Case herself... The threat, therefore, is ever-present but unpredictable, on-screen but still amorphous. As in Mabry’s previous books, closure comes hard earned here and not complete, leaving readers with a distinct sense of unease."
"The dreamy and dark story will appeal to suspense readers who enjoy immersive atmospheres."
"A chilling character study… [that] delivers an emotional intensity that will appeal to fans of atmospheric thrillers and character-driven psychological suspense."
"The evocative setting—complete with eerie woods, a claustrophobic mountain landscape, and the sudden appearance of aggressive animals—ups the tension of this jam-packed read, which… stars a heroine worth rooting for."
Praise for Samantha Mabry:
* “Will haunt—and empower—readers." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review (Tigers, Not Daughters)
* “Engaging, heartfelt.” —SLJ, starred review (Tigers, Not Daughters)
* "It lays its characters utterly and unforgettably bare.” —Booklist, starred review (Tigers, Not Daughters)
* “Mabry speaks gracefully to the transformative power of grief.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review (Tigers, Not Daughters)
* "Lyrical…empowering." —Shelf Awareness, starred review (Tigers, Not Daughters)
* "Quietly searing.” —BCCB, starred review (Tigers, Not Daughters)
* “In aching, luminous prose, Mabry crafts a story impossible to forget.” —Booklist, starred review (All the Wind in the World)
* “A fierce new world with high stakes.” —SLJ, starred review (All the Wind in the World)
* “Evocative, searing prose.” —BCCB, starred review (All the Wind in the World)
* “Gracefully written, mysterious.” —VOYA, starred review (All the Wind in the World)
* “Will likely leave a mark on readers for days.” —BCCB, starred review (A Fierce and Subtle Poison)
"A riveting whiplash of a mystery set in a landscape full of threat and unsettling beauty. Clever Creatures of the Night ignites Samantha Mabry’s sinister skill in surrounding you in rising unease until you’re left trusting no one and nothing. I couldn’t put it down."