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Blight Harbor #0.5
Pennies
One hundred years prior to the events of
The Clackity
, four best friends are drawn into a deadly scheme when they set out to investigate the strange disappearances taking place in the eerie town of Blight Harbor in this spine-chilling middle grade adventure.
It’s June of 1921 and best friends Mae, Lark, Brigid, and Claret have plans for the perfect summer. Between riding their bikes to the enchanted lake and decorating their fort for its resident ghost, the girls are a busy bunch. But when they discover a door in the forest floor that leads to an alternate world with purple skies and fearsome creatures, everything takes a turn for the worse.
Someone else has already been through that door, and it’s triggered something incredibly dangerous. Maybe deadly.
Back in Blight Harbor, strange disappearances are taking place. The most worrisome being that of Brigid’s cousin, who has been spending an awful lot of time with the unusual and untrustworthy John Jeffrey Pope. As the girls uncover the eerie world that lives right beneath their feet, will they find their missing friend, or will the most treacherous man in Blight Harbor get to them first?
It’s June of 1921 and best friends Mae, Lark, Brigid, and Claret have plans for the perfect summer. Between riding their bikes to the enchanted lake and decorating their fort for its resident ghost, the girls are a busy bunch. But when they discover a door in the forest floor that leads to an alternate world with purple skies and fearsome creatures, everything takes a turn for the worse.
Someone else has already been through that door, and it’s triggered something incredibly dangerous. Maybe deadly.
Back in Blight Harbor, strange disappearances are taking place. The most worrisome being that of Brigid’s cousin, who has been spending an awful lot of time with the unusual and untrustworthy John Jeffrey Pope. As the girls uncover the eerie world that lives right beneath their feet, will they find their missing friend, or will the most treacherous man in Blight Harbor get to them first?
Audible Audio
Published September 23, 2025
9 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
Lora Senf
8 books264 followersHi, I'm Lora Senf!
I'm a reader and writer of dark and twisty stories for all ages. I owe my love of words to my parents and to the public library that was walking distance from my childhood home.
I find inspiration for my writing all over the place - from my kids' retellings of their dreams to road trips through Montana, and often in lonely buildings.
I love the reading and writing communities. I'm a member of Authors Guild and Horror Writers Association.
PENNIES - a Blight Harbor prequel - is coming September 23, 2025. I have a YA horror novel, UNNAMED BONES, coming out summer 2026 and more on the way.
I no longer review books, but I do yell about the books I love on social media - mostly Instagram.
I live in Washington State with my husband, our twins, and two cats who think they're people.
I'd love to hear from you! 🖤
I'm a reader and writer of dark and twisty stories for all ages. I owe my love of words to my parents and to the public library that was walking distance from my childhood home.
I find inspiration for my writing all over the place - from my kids' retellings of their dreams to road trips through Montana, and often in lonely buildings.
I love the reading and writing communities. I'm a member of Authors Guild and Horror Writers Association.
PENNIES - a Blight Harbor prequel - is coming September 23, 2025. I have a YA horror novel, UNNAMED BONES, coming out summer 2026 and more on the way.
I no longer review books, but I do yell about the books I love on social media - mostly Instagram.
I live in Washington State with my husband, our twins, and two cats who think they're people.
I'd love to hear from you! 🖤
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 22, 2025
I loved this series. Kids in peril make a gripping story.
October 15, 2025
I love a good prequel that’s done well! ❤️❤️
October 1, 2025
Pennies was an amazing addition to the Clackity universe! I enjoyed it so much!
In this prequel to The Clackity Trilogy, we’re introduced to the legendary John Jeffrey Pope. The story unfolds in Blight Harbor, where something troubling is happening: Bridget’s cousin disappears. Together, four best friends, Mai, Lark, Bridget, and Claret, must cross a mysterious door that suddenly appears in the middle of the forest. On the other side lies an alternate world, and in their quest to discover who stole Bridget’s cousin (and many others), they quickly realize that their idea of a perfect summer is about to unravel into a dark and spooky adventure.
Now, a little spoiler (but only for those who know) .
I think Pennies is releasing at the perfect time, it’s truly the best book to pick up in October. I highly recommend it to all Clackity fans out there. This book is not only an amazing addition to the universe of Blight Harbour, but in many ways, I found it even more interesting than the final installment of the trilogy, The Loneliest Place.
This one feels darker too, maybe because we’re following a serial killer in real time, watching as people begin to disappear. That element definitely gave it a much spookier edge. But if you don’t mind a touch of darkness and creepiness in your reads, this is absolutely a fantastic book to add to your collection.
In this prequel to The Clackity Trilogy, we’re introduced to the legendary John Jeffrey Pope. The story unfolds in Blight Harbor, where something troubling is happening: Bridget’s cousin disappears. Together, four best friends, Mai, Lark, Bridget, and Claret, must cross a mysterious door that suddenly appears in the middle of the forest. On the other side lies an alternate world, and in their quest to discover who stole Bridget’s cousin (and many others), they quickly realize that their idea of a perfect summer is about to unravel into a dark and spooky adventure.
Now, a little spoiler (but only for those who know) .
I think Pennies is releasing at the perfect time, it’s truly the best book to pick up in October. I highly recommend it to all Clackity fans out there. This book is not only an amazing addition to the universe of Blight Harbour, but in many ways, I found it even more interesting than the final installment of the trilogy, The Loneliest Place.
This one feels darker too, maybe because we’re following a serial killer in real time, watching as people begin to disappear. That element definitely gave it a much spookier edge. But if you don’t mind a touch of darkness and creepiness in your reads, this is absolutely a fantastic book to add to your collection.
October 22, 2025
I was nervous as a prequel this would feel too "inside baseball" but now I wish I could go back in time and read this before reading The Clackity. It worked as a stand alone and also gave so much lore about Blight Harbor and the Dark Sun Side. And it was REALLY scary. If I've said it once I've said it a hundred times but middle grade horror does spooky stories right. All heart and lots of horrors, big and small. 10/10 will read again.
September 26, 2025
OUT NOW!
I am new to the eerie town of Blight Harbor, and I do believe I’ll want to travel back there soon!
This book serves as a prequel to the Blight Harbor trilogy but I was able to enjoy it as a stand-alone as well. Our oddball group of intrepid friends are busy enjoying a 1920s June when they discover a door in the floor of the forest. A door that leads to an alternate world of monsters, mysteries, and risky adventure. A door that could be the answer to strange disappearances happening at home.
I loved following these four friends on their adventure. The imagery was fantastically creepy and the characters were perfectly lovable.
Pennies stays in the realm of „middle grade appropriate“ so you can recommend this read to your gothic-fairy-tale loving young ones, those that appreciate a little bit of spooky.. but don’t pass this up for yourself because of the „middle grade“ label. It‘s great fun.
What to expect from Pennies?
friendly vampire
friendly ghost
witches
an alternate reality
eerie mood-setting illustrations
a mystery to solve
healthy friendships
dangerous quest
supernatural encounters
Though this is quite accessible and never outright gory, reach for this book if your kiddo is craving an (age appropriate) scare. Some creepy imagery and murder themes. YES that‘s what we came here for! Just be aware for our more sensitive lovelies.
I highly recommend this read for any kiddo (or adult!) looking for a few chills in the dark with a group of hodge podge friends.
I am new to the eerie town of Blight Harbor, and I do believe I’ll want to travel back there soon!
This book serves as a prequel to the Blight Harbor trilogy but I was able to enjoy it as a stand-alone as well. Our oddball group of intrepid friends are busy enjoying a 1920s June when they discover a door in the floor of the forest. A door that leads to an alternate world of monsters, mysteries, and risky adventure. A door that could be the answer to strange disappearances happening at home.
I loved following these four friends on their adventure. The imagery was fantastically creepy and the characters were perfectly lovable.
Pennies stays in the realm of „middle grade appropriate“ so you can recommend this read to your gothic-fairy-tale loving young ones, those that appreciate a little bit of spooky.. but don’t pass this up for yourself because of the „middle grade“ label. It‘s great fun.
What to expect from Pennies?
friendly vampire
friendly ghost
witches
an alternate reality
eerie mood-setting illustrations
a mystery to solve
healthy friendships
dangerous quest
supernatural encounters
Though this is quite accessible and never outright gory, reach for this book if your kiddo is craving an (age appropriate) scare. Some creepy imagery and murder themes. YES that‘s what we came here for! Just be aware for our more sensitive lovelies.
I highly recommend this read for any kiddo (or adult!) looking for a few chills in the dark with a group of hodge podge friends.
October 7, 2025
Another good one from Lora Senf! Can't wait to see what other books in the Blight Harbor series she'll come up with next.
October 29, 2025
What worked:
This book continues the Blight Harbor series, but it can be read independently. Magic is everywhere in the town, and it’s not necessarily good or bad. The story is told through the eyes of Mae, and she’s joined by three good friends, Claret, Brigid, and Lark. Brigid comes from a family of witches, while Claret comes from a family of vampires. Lark is the smallest member of the group, but she may be the most adventurous. Her father can sense the presence of holes, portals to the Dark Sun Side, and Mae’s father’s job is to seal them shut. No one knows anything about the Dark Sun Side, because those who’ve explored it never returned. Strangely, Lark tells the group about a new hole near her house, but her father doesn’t know it exists. Also, the adults begin to say John Heffrey Pope is a fine man when everyone knows he’s a lazy good-for-nothing.
Interestingly, ghosts are treated like ordinary characters. The girls have a secret clubhouse made from pieces of scrap wood and metal, and a ghost now resides in it. Graham was seven when he died, and the girls treat him like a little brother. Mae can usually hear most of what he says, but for some reason, she can’t now. The girls give Graham a hug and kind words, and Lark brings him her favorite teddy bear. The girls enlist advice from a ghost in Claret’s house, and he sends them to speak with twin ghosts. The twins lend valuable help to the girls to tether themselves to the living world before venturing into the Dark Sun Side. Mae and her friends encounter additional ghosts on the other side of the portal.
The conflict begins with the disappearance of Brigid’s cousin, Emilia, but other characters go missing, too. The girls venture into the hole and enter the world of the Clackity, although it makes an appearance in only one part of the story. Most of the story is set in this alternate world. Mae and her friends become lost, and they explore different tunnels, hoping for a way to find Emmi. The tunnels present different adventures, as the girls find creepy characters and settings in each one. They discover Bridgit’s aunt is just as malevolent as Pope, although she may be even worse. However, Mae learns something unseen is going on in the Dark Sun Side that may be controlling the events. It’s hard to know who can be trusted on this side of the portal, and one misstep will leave Mae and her friends stranded here forever.
What didn’t work as well:
The girls immediately suspect John Heffrey Pope when Emmi goes missing. Authors usually try to mislead readers or keep them guessing, but that doesn’t happen here. Other twists await as the plot moves along, but Pope is always the prime suspect. It diminishes much of the suspense.
The final verdict:
This book is a companion to The Clackity, a finalist for a 2022 Cybils Book Award. The author is a master of description! The friends’ adventure becomes almost a quest, as the girls search for Emilia. The different tunnels present surprise challenges that put the girls in danger. Overall, I recommend this book for readers who enjoy creepy, spooky stories.
This book continues the Blight Harbor series, but it can be read independently. Magic is everywhere in the town, and it’s not necessarily good or bad. The story is told through the eyes of Mae, and she’s joined by three good friends, Claret, Brigid, and Lark. Brigid comes from a family of witches, while Claret comes from a family of vampires. Lark is the smallest member of the group, but she may be the most adventurous. Her father can sense the presence of holes, portals to the Dark Sun Side, and Mae’s father’s job is to seal them shut. No one knows anything about the Dark Sun Side, because those who’ve explored it never returned. Strangely, Lark tells the group about a new hole near her house, but her father doesn’t know it exists. Also, the adults begin to say John Heffrey Pope is a fine man when everyone knows he’s a lazy good-for-nothing.
Interestingly, ghosts are treated like ordinary characters. The girls have a secret clubhouse made from pieces of scrap wood and metal, and a ghost now resides in it. Graham was seven when he died, and the girls treat him like a little brother. Mae can usually hear most of what he says, but for some reason, she can’t now. The girls give Graham a hug and kind words, and Lark brings him her favorite teddy bear. The girls enlist advice from a ghost in Claret’s house, and he sends them to speak with twin ghosts. The twins lend valuable help to the girls to tether themselves to the living world before venturing into the Dark Sun Side. Mae and her friends encounter additional ghosts on the other side of the portal.
The conflict begins with the disappearance of Brigid’s cousin, Emilia, but other characters go missing, too. The girls venture into the hole and enter the world of the Clackity, although it makes an appearance in only one part of the story. Most of the story is set in this alternate world. Mae and her friends become lost, and they explore different tunnels, hoping for a way to find Emmi. The tunnels present different adventures, as the girls find creepy characters and settings in each one. They discover Bridgit’s aunt is just as malevolent as Pope, although she may be even worse. However, Mae learns something unseen is going on in the Dark Sun Side that may be controlling the events. It’s hard to know who can be trusted on this side of the portal, and one misstep will leave Mae and her friends stranded here forever.
What didn’t work as well:
The girls immediately suspect John Heffrey Pope when Emmi goes missing. Authors usually try to mislead readers or keep them guessing, but that doesn’t happen here. Other twists await as the plot moves along, but Pope is always the prime suspect. It diminishes much of the suspense.
The final verdict:
This book is a companion to The Clackity, a finalist for a 2022 Cybils Book Award. The author is a master of description! The friends’ adventure becomes almost a quest, as the girls search for Emilia. The different tunnels present surprise challenges that put the girls in danger. Overall, I recommend this book for readers who enjoy creepy, spooky stories.
December 29, 2025
This prequel to the Blight Harbor trilogy brings The Clackity and Jhonny Pope, 100 years before The Clackity occured. Set in 1921, four friends - Mae Von Rathe (Evie's great-great aunt), Lark, Claret, and Brigid want to find Emilia, Brigid's cousin, when she goes missing. Doors to the Dark Sun Side pop up regularly and get sealed away fast, but the four besties find a door no one else can see and they are sure that Jhonny took Emilia, and on-again/off-again couple, into the Dark Sun Side. The girls gather supplies and head through the door, exploring the odd places and meeting odd people and creatures inside while trying to find Emilia and evade Johnny and his sidekick. The Clackity appears, willing to make a fine good deal, with the girls, and the plot keeps the page turning. This standalone perquel brings in the Dark Sun Side in a new way than seen in the Blight Harbor Series and shows the bond of true friendship and family loyalty. It also highlights more of Johnny Pope's past as a serial killer and the odd creature that is The Clackity. For fans of the triology and new readers, this is one to enjoy.
July 31, 2025
Welcome, or welcome back, to the town of Blight Harbor in this thrilling prequel that takes place 100 years before the start of The Clackity. There’s creepy monsters (human and other), high stakes and an eclectic cast of characters you’re going to love. While this could be read before the Clackity or as a standalone I read it after I had finished the main series and loved it in that reading order.
November 30, 2025
Oh my gosh. I was at the library and I was looking at thriller books I hadn’t already read, and I came across Pennies. I literally ran to get my mom and say, “Mom! What’s our password code thing! Mom! Mom!” I put it on hold and eventually it was ready. I totally devoured this book. I read it in one night and I was thrilled to hear how all of this had started, with John Jeffery, the Clackity’s scar, all the horrid deals it had made, and so much more. This book was absolutely wonderful.
June 9, 2025
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Prequel set 100 years before the popular The Clackity series.
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
Prequel set 100 years before the popular The Clackity series.
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
June 20, 2025
I might have liked this more if I had read The Clackity, which it is a prequel to. It is definitely a tricky genre, horror for children; it had to strike a difficult balance with being scary, but not too scary. The world building is very interesting but I felt like the characters were a little bland and the writing style was wordy and could have flowed better.
November 30, 2025
I absolutely adore this author, this series and everything about this spooky book. I loved the friendship and the creepy villains. Blight Harbor is a place I would keep coming back to. I really hope we see Mae again or maybe a young Desdamona? Great series for those reluctant preteen. Creepy, but appropriate!
Want to read
November 4, 2025*le gasp*
November 29, 2025
Lora Senf, please keep writing books about Blight Harbor, I'm begging you, I'll read them all.
December 15, 2025
"As strange as it might sound, it felt like having Deadfall notice you was a bad thing."
A perfect addition to the Blight Harbour series! This might be the darkest installment yet! Captivating beginning to end, and can be read as a standalone. I love this writers work and I am eagerly awaiting more! These books have imagination, depth, and sincerity that I'm enjoying in my thirties and I know I would have devoured as a kid!
Quotable Quotations 🗣📢
"Adventure is only adventure because it has risks. Danger. Maybe death."
"I feel like I'm full of ants and bees."
"Don't be as stupid as you think they are."
"Why do you know that?" asked Lark,
"I read books," I replied
"Well. so do I, but mine are fun. Yours sound like homework."
"Abattoir is just a pretty word for an ugly place."
"Reader, I told you at the beginning that I wouldn't lie to you. And I'm going to be true to my word. But I'm also not going to tell you what was in that box."
"I know it's a strange thing to say, she whispered into my hair, "but I've missed you. Why do I feel like I've missed you?"
"I missed you too, Momma."
"Well then, we'll both be strange together. I love you, Mabel."
"Love you, Momma." ❤️
"You don't have to be born special to do special things. You just have to want something bad enough to work hard for it, make the kind of friends you can lean on and who can lean on you, and trust folks worth trusting--especially yourself."
A perfect addition to the Blight Harbour series! This might be the darkest installment yet! Captivating beginning to end, and can be read as a standalone. I love this writers work and I am eagerly awaiting more! These books have imagination, depth, and sincerity that I'm enjoying in my thirties and I know I would have devoured as a kid!
Quotable Quotations 🗣📢
"Adventure is only adventure because it has risks. Danger. Maybe death."
"I feel like I'm full of ants and bees."
"Don't be as stupid as you think they are."
"Why do you know that?" asked Lark,
"I read books," I replied
"Well. so do I, but mine are fun. Yours sound like homework."
"Abattoir is just a pretty word for an ugly place."
"Reader, I told you at the beginning that I wouldn't lie to you. And I'm going to be true to my word. But I'm also not going to tell you what was in that box."
"I know it's a strange thing to say, she whispered into my hair, "but I've missed you. Why do I feel like I've missed you?"
"I missed you too, Momma."
"Well then, we'll both be strange together. I love you, Mabel."
"Love you, Momma." ❤️
"You don't have to be born special to do special things. You just have to want something bad enough to work hard for it, make the kind of friends you can lean on and who can lean on you, and trust folks worth trusting--especially yourself."
October 8, 2025
I guess I shouldn't have been surprised when this prequel was explicitly about looking back in time to a group of kids dealing with the neighborhood serial killer, but this entry in the Blight Harbor universe seemed a lot darker than I expected! Maybe it was just knowing the fates of several of these characters, who are brought into the foreground after providing historical background lore in the previous trilogy, but it came as much more melancholy than the other books, and quite a bit scarier.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews