May 6, 2024
A group of intersectionally diverse teens are brought together in a creepy
old schoolhouse and subjected to various malevolent manifestations of evil by a demon-summoning scheme called the Midnight Game in this simmering horror novel by Murphy (Last One to Die). Ellie, Mei, Reece, Hugo, Toni, and Callum met on the horror internet forum Deddit before agreeing to meet up IRL for the first time to summon the Midnight Man, who is based on an urban legend. Their task sounds simple: call for the Midnight Man at 12 a.m. and don’t let him catch you before he disappears at 3:33 a.m.
But after they complete the summoning ritual, terrifying events abound. Separated from one another, some of the teens die in horrible ways. But is it the work of the Midnight Man, or are there more prosaic if gruesome forces at play? The intermittently eerie story alternates between the six teens’ perspectives as well as posts from Deddit, coalescing in a jam-packed read that eschews nuanced characterizations for plentiful hair-raising scares. Ages 12–up.
May 15, 2024
A group of teens who meet through a forum on the website Deddit gather in person to try out an urban legend--with horrifying results. Strangers Ellie, Mei, Reece, Toni, Hugo, and Callum decide to get together at a local Catholic elementary school to play the Midnight Game. This challenge requires them to summon the Midnight Man at 12:00 a.m.--and then survive until 3:33 a.m., using only candles as their source of light. They're not allowed to sleep, leave the building, or bring weapons. What at first seems easy soon turns into a terrifying ordeal when the group splits up in search of the missing bag containing Mei's inhaler. It then becomes clear to the six that they may not all make it out alive. The story opens at 3:36 a.m. on the night of the game and maintains a quick pace as it unfolds through message board chats dating back several days to the group's original meeting and present-day chapters following the suspenseful events of the night. Some fear-stoking elements will make readers wonder what dangers are human and what might be supernatural. The tension and action are compelling, but the characters largely feel flat and underdeveloped. Some diversity is mentioned in passing: Hugo has ADHD, Ellie has diabetes, Callum is cued Black and has a Muslim father, and Mei is Chinese and white. A creepy, absorbing, plot-driven story. (floor plan, content warning) (Horror. 12-16)
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July 1, 2024
Gr 9 Up-A group of curiosity seekers meet on a Deddit message board for horror fans and discuss creepy legends. When one user brings up The Midnight Game, all are intrigued and agree to meet in person to play. The rules of the game are very specific: don't turn on lights, go to sleep, leave the building, or let your candle go out until 3:33AM. Legend says that if you break any of these rules, The Midnight Man won't let you get out alive. As six strangers begin the game at midnight, they come to realize they may be in real danger. This is a fast-paced read that favors entertainment over substance but will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Murphy effectively includes creepy tension throughout, continually making readers question everything. Although some of the characters and reveals lack full development, the unfolding events and a few twists are enough to keep readers wanting more. Interspersed throughout the story are snippets of message threads and texts that make what is happening even more disturbing. This is written at a level that seems to be for younger readers, but the inclusion of more mature topics (sexual assault, suicide) and the game itself makes it more appropriate for those who are older. VERDICT Fans of Adam Cesare's Clown in a Cornfield or Kathryn Foxfield's Tag, You're Dead will devour this one.-Aliza Mangefrida
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