Jack O'Lantern

Shortly after the death of her parents, Laurel goes to stay with her charming Grandmother in the picturesque village of Wickerley. For the next few days Libby spends her time meeting the locals and beginning to fall for the blacksmith’s sharp-tongued son. The peace doesn’t last long, however. Soon she finds herself in a terrifying world she never dreamt existed.

Jack O’ Lantern is a wonderfully written story by Simon Maree filled with delightful characters, a witty sense of humour and a truly evil antagonist. The protagonist in kind-hearted, stubborn and brave yet subtly flawed making her heroic yet human. There is a hint of young love but it does not take over the plot which is refreshing. Each of the characters bring something to the novel and have their own important role to play.

Simon manages to stay true to the nature of the genre without being cliché and successfully navigates the balance between light-hearted and dark. This fast paced novel is a tantalising taste of folklore that will keep readers turning the pages and wanting more.