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The Midnight Switch
A spooky, quirky adventure of curses and magic, perfect for fans of Malamander and A Place Called Perfect.
When Lewis's family moves to a faraway town called Barrow, he can't quite put his finger on what feels so strange about his new home. Everyone is obsessed with superstition, and an old story about floods and witches and a curse, while a mysterious bird watches his every move.
Then his family friend Moira arrives to stay. Only, there's something peculiar about Moira too. She doesn't know where she's from, or even when she's from, and strange things happen around her. Lewis and Moira are determined to figure out what's going on in Barrow, but as they unravel secret symbols, riddles and stories of a midnight curse, they find that there might be some truth in the old town tales.
Time is running out, before magic switches up everything they know...
When Lewis's family moves to a faraway town called Barrow, he can't quite put his finger on what feels so strange about his new home. Everyone is obsessed with superstition, and an old story about floods and witches and a curse, while a mysterious bird watches his every move.
Then his family friend Moira arrives to stay. Only, there's something peculiar about Moira too. She doesn't know where she's from, or even when she's from, and strange things happen around her. Lewis and Moira are determined to figure out what's going on in Barrow, but as they unravel secret symbols, riddles and stories of a midnight curse, they find that there might be some truth in the old town tales.
Time is running out, before magic switches up everything they know...
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Published February 29, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 24, 2024
I really loved reading this middle grade novel. The beginning felt a little long, though, which might be why it took me some time to read it—but once I really got into the story, I absolutely loved it!
It has mystery, magic and friendship—as well as a lot of humour. The atmosphere is well-written, and it felt quite easy to picture the town.
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The main characters, Lewis and Moira, are amazing. Lewis loves chess, and he tries his best not to disappoint his father. Moira is witty, funny and smart. They were a lovely duo and I just grew attached to them so, so much.
The other characters are really nice too. I loved how their exaggerated they were, as it made the book even funnier.
The way the characters' relationships evolve throughout the novel (especially between Lewis and his father) was absolutely touching.
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I enjoyed this book a lot and couldn't recommend it enough!
It has mystery, magic and friendship—as well as a lot of humour. The atmosphere is well-written, and it felt quite easy to picture the town.
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The main characters, Lewis and Moira, are amazing. Lewis loves chess, and he tries his best not to disappoint his father. Moira is witty, funny and smart. They were a lovely duo and I just grew attached to them so, so much.
The other characters are really nice too. I loved how their exaggerated they were, as it made the book even funnier.
The way the characters' relationships evolve throughout the novel (especially between Lewis and his father) was absolutely touching.
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I enjoyed this book a lot and couldn't recommend it enough!
September 24, 2025
Welcome to Barrow. A spooky town filled with strange birds, chilling mysteries, and, legend has it, cursed by the infamous Barrow Bogwitch.ISBN 9781474970655 Usborne paperback, 367 pages, 2023
When Lewis and his family move to Barrow, he doesn't think much of the stories at first. Until weird things start happening at midnight.
Realizing they are in grave danger, Lewis and his new friend Moira must unearth old secrets, and follow clues to break the curse. But the Bogwitch is stirring again... and she has eyes everywhere.
Don't have time for a full review, but much like The Peculiar Peggs of Riddling Woods there's a LOT going on (too much, I'd argue - would rather read something more focused), it's lighthearted in spite of very creepy characters and happenstances, and very deftly constructed... for the most part. I had a few unanswered questions by the end this time, and I think the book is mistitled.
Thought Moira's speech was anachronistic (too modern in style and social freedoms), wanted more about Hereward in the wrap-up, and maelstrom was inaccurately used (milling-stream, a turning current = a giant whirlpool, not a swollen river). Also, and this may be just a Canadian thing, but the yellow vessel described was most certainly NOT a canoe - it was a rowboat or dory or skiff, but not a canoe. And paddles and oars are similar but different, dude. I can't tell if this just a landlubber's error, or if the world outside of Canada can't differentiate between canoe, kayak, and a rowboat. But these all conjure up very different mental images and ways of motion and utility - apart from perhaps an Olympian whitewater specialist, no one could do what Lewis did (standing?!). Just a minor grief, but one that ruined a full chapter for me.
There was a strong theme of father-son mismatch and misunderstanding and estrangement. And some drones and chess. And it had a Umberto Eco Junior feel to the story (secret societies, conspiracy).
I think like Halpin's other book, the ramifications of the full story revealed might linger in my mind - he unfolds it all fully by the end, but sort of too late, and instead of being able to enjoy the climax and its denouement, we've already reached the "also by this author". I'd rather have more time to savour the story within the story itself.
February 3, 2025
This was so enjoyable!
November 26, 2023
Our hero Lewis starts this story, as is getting fairly routine these days, unhappy at his parents moving house. He's being forced to move because his father is daftly intent on the lad getting a scholarship to a posh school at his childhood village, even if there is no guarantee of Lewis getting in. He is, however happy to leave one thing behind – for every midnight this week a mahoosive rook has been chapping on his bedroom window, apparently wanting something of him. Being hothoused into a posh school is nothing for Lewis, however, when he realises he has not left the rook behind, but moved to where all that rare subspecies live – the Snoring Broads – and he certainly cannot shrug off the birds that easily. But throw in a lot of suspicious locals, weather lore, legends of curses and floods, a witch from the bogs, a strange pattern of markings – and then even more arcane discoveries – and you get a ripe old dark fantasy…
Ripe for error, of course, for this throws a lot into the pot – but luckily, happily, it does it all very well. Never mind nothing is resolved before something else turns up, this escalates and deepens the mystery very successfully. You can see this measuredness in all places – the way the names are a touch bonkers, but never a touch too mad, and how the cool choice of language and turns of phrase are noticeable but never distractingly so. And for all the historical witchcraft, curses, rooks and everything else that gets thrown at these pages, there is still more than enough to ground this all in 2023 England, and in a world where the intended readers could easily see this as the one they live in.
It's not perfect – I found the pell-mell rush of the last action losing a touch of clarity, but probably gaining heartfeltness for all the author's efforts; this is a sophomore novel of note. Fantasies like this that generally over-egg things, and throw too many ideas into the mix, seldom come out well either for the novel concerned or the author's future once everything is spent at once – this is the exception to the rule, going above and beyond in the number of creepy elements and yet landing as a coherent drama. It's close indeed to being exceptional – a strong four stars is my ultimate thinking.
Ripe for error, of course, for this throws a lot into the pot – but luckily, happily, it does it all very well. Never mind nothing is resolved before something else turns up, this escalates and deepens the mystery very successfully. You can see this measuredness in all places – the way the names are a touch bonkers, but never a touch too mad, and how the cool choice of language and turns of phrase are noticeable but never distractingly so. And for all the historical witchcraft, curses, rooks and everything else that gets thrown at these pages, there is still more than enough to ground this all in 2023 England, and in a world where the intended readers could easily see this as the one they live in.
It's not perfect – I found the pell-mell rush of the last action losing a touch of clarity, but probably gaining heartfeltness for all the author's efforts; this is a sophomore novel of note. Fantasies like this that generally over-egg things, and throw too many ideas into the mix, seldom come out well either for the novel concerned or the author's future once everything is spent at once – this is the exception to the rule, going above and beyond in the number of creepy elements and yet landing as a coherent drama. It's close indeed to being exceptional – a strong four stars is my ultimate thinking.
December 7, 2023
Writing a good children's book is by no means easy. It is, I believe, much harder than writing a good one for adults. Children don't care who you are or how well you fit in or how many awards you've been given or how many copies your last book sold. They see through all the bullshit. They're a tough audience. They expect nothing less than for you to tell your story really WELL.
Samuel J. Halpin has succeeded in this with "The Midnight Switch". He gets it right. The world he creates is atmospheric, magical and full of danger. His characters are relatable - likable, honest and endearingly flawed. He clinches his cliff-hangers at the end of each chapter. The way in which the tension is woven from the very start and then spun tighter and tighter until the ultimate finale, is genius and so creative! The story has loads of humour, plot twists and mysterious details to collect and try to unravel. It never wavers from course. And it is NOT a short book! Took me more than two days to get through it. Hats off to the author for all the effort and plotting that clearly went into getting this story exactly right.
But most of all I think I appreciate the fact that Halpin wrote a middle grade thriller here about witches and curses and missing children, without ever going really dark (as he so easily could've done), and that he steered away from occult themes. It shows of real talent.
I will recommend this book to any child (and grown-up) and I will look out for the author's other books.
I give "The Midnight Switch" a roaring five stars!
Samuel J. Halpin has succeeded in this with "The Midnight Switch". He gets it right. The world he creates is atmospheric, magical and full of danger. His characters are relatable - likable, honest and endearingly flawed. He clinches his cliff-hangers at the end of each chapter. The way in which the tension is woven from the very start and then spun tighter and tighter until the ultimate finale, is genius and so creative! The story has loads of humour, plot twists and mysterious details to collect and try to unravel. It never wavers from course. And it is NOT a short book! Took me more than two days to get through it. Hats off to the author for all the effort and plotting that clearly went into getting this story exactly right.
But most of all I think I appreciate the fact that Halpin wrote a middle grade thriller here about witches and curses and missing children, without ever going really dark (as he so easily could've done), and that he steered away from occult themes. It shows of real talent.
I will recommend this book to any child (and grown-up) and I will look out for the author's other books.
I give "The Midnight Switch" a roaring five stars!
October 3, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Usborne Publishing for this eCopy to review
What a magical adventure, I loved everything about The Midnight Switch. Lewis moves to Barrow his Dad's hometown because his Dad wants a better life for his son and is trying to get him a scholarship at the local private school there.
Lewis does not want to move and is struggling to do any revision for his entrance exams following lots of visits by creepy crows who are only found nearby Barrow. Legend has it that they are the eyes of the Bog Witch, who wants to flood the town and steal children. A mysterious midnight visitor arrives pretending to be Moira a family friend, however she doesn't seem to know anything about them, her supposed family or what any new technology is. Lewis is investigating a list of children's names who have gone missing over the years. Can he finds out what happened to them before its his turn. Along the way Lewis makes some new friends and learns just how important his family is
What a magical adventure, I loved everything about The Midnight Switch. Lewis moves to Barrow his Dad's hometown because his Dad wants a better life for his son and is trying to get him a scholarship at the local private school there.
Lewis does not want to move and is struggling to do any revision for his entrance exams following lots of visits by creepy crows who are only found nearby Barrow. Legend has it that they are the eyes of the Bog Witch, who wants to flood the town and steal children. A mysterious midnight visitor arrives pretending to be Moira a family friend, however she doesn't seem to know anything about them, her supposed family or what any new technology is. Lewis is investigating a list of children's names who have gone missing over the years. Can he finds out what happened to them before its his turn. Along the way Lewis makes some new friends and learns just how important his family is
August 26, 2023
This book got me in so many ways. I love spooky stories and this one has just the right amount of "spookiness". It reminds me of "The Ravenstorm Island" by Gillian Philipp -- a book I once used as the core text of my course, a firm favourite among my students who turned into avid readers because of that book.
But with this one, there is another reason why it got me. It actually got be quietly sobbing as I read it. My dad was the eldest and the brightest among his siblings. But he had to give up his chance to study because those were the post-war years and he had to start work early to fund his 7 younger brothers and sisters' education. He gave up a lot for his siblings. I somehow did all the things that he gave up when he was young, all because he gave me what he could not have. There is such a similarity between Lewis' father and mine.
But with this one, there is another reason why it got me. It actually got be quietly sobbing as I read it. My dad was the eldest and the brightest among his siblings. But he had to give up his chance to study because those were the post-war years and he had to start work early to fund his 7 younger brothers and sisters' education. He gave up a lot for his siblings. I somehow did all the things that he gave up when he was young, all because he gave me what he could not have. There is such a similarity between Lewis' father and mine.
October 27, 2023
I love a middle grade book,especially a spooky one, and this is just great. I read this in just over a day and found it a real page turner full of mystery, curses and strange goings on in the town Lewis and his family have just moved to.
The town has a superstition about a witch who cursed them, and stories of a flood and missing children. Lewis and his friend Moira (who may or may not be Moira) decide to investigate and try to solve the puzzles.
This is such a great read, and the mystery keeps unraveling as the book unfolds. There are some great characters introduced as the book continues, and a few odd ones too! The book has some great illustrations throughout as well, such a fab book through and through. I’ll keep my eye out for more by this author as I loved the world they created and the writing style was superb.
The town has a superstition about a witch who cursed them, and stories of a flood and missing children. Lewis and his friend Moira (who may or may not be Moira) decide to investigate and try to solve the puzzles.
This is such a great read, and the mystery keeps unraveling as the book unfolds. There are some great characters introduced as the book continues, and a few odd ones too! The book has some great illustrations throughout as well, such a fab book through and through. I’ll keep my eye out for more by this author as I loved the world they created and the writing style was superb.
October 30, 2023
A brilliant magical adventure full of mystery, spookiness and wonderfulcharacter.
We follow Lewis, who moves to his Dad's hometown as his Dad wants to find better life for his son and is trying his best to obtain a scholarship at the local private school there.
Lewis doesn't want the move and struggles with his entrance exams to the school, due to some visits from some strange crows.
Among other things, Lewis ends up investigating some missing children while making new friends along the way.
I read The Midnight Switch in two sittings and found it to be a great page turner full puzzles, superstition, adventure, creepiness and the importance of family.
A big four 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
We follow Lewis, who moves to his Dad's hometown as his Dad wants to find better life for his son and is trying his best to obtain a scholarship at the local private school there.
Lewis doesn't want the move and struggles with his entrance exams to the school, due to some visits from some strange crows.
Among other things, Lewis ends up investigating some missing children while making new friends along the way.
I read The Midnight Switch in two sittings and found it to be a great page turner full puzzles, superstition, adventure, creepiness and the importance of family.
A big four 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
November 13, 2023
A brilliant children’s book full of action, adventure, magic and mystery; Samuel Halpin has written a book that will appeal to readers looking for intrigue and plot twists in every chapter!
The story is fast-paced and full of suspense, exploring the themes of finding friends, being true to yourself and never giving up! There is just the right amount of spooky and dangerous elements throughout to captivate the imagination of all readers and get them hooked very early on.
I am a fan of Samuel J. Halpin anyway (The Peculiar Peggs of Riddling Woods being his previously released book and an absolute 5-star read itself) and I was so happy to see that he has released another book!
I would definitely recommend this book (and the author) and as a teacher, I will most definitely be recommending it to my Year 4 pupils as it would be a perfect read for them!
Thank you to NetGalley, Samuel J.Halpin and Usborne publishing for an ARC of this story in exchange for my honest review.
The story is fast-paced and full of suspense, exploring the themes of finding friends, being true to yourself and never giving up! There is just the right amount of spooky and dangerous elements throughout to captivate the imagination of all readers and get them hooked very early on.
I am a fan of Samuel J. Halpin anyway (The Peculiar Peggs of Riddling Woods being his previously released book and an absolute 5-star read itself) and I was so happy to see that he has released another book!
I would definitely recommend this book (and the author) and as a teacher, I will most definitely be recommending it to my Year 4 pupils as it would be a perfect read for them!
Thank you to NetGalley, Samuel J.Halpin and Usborne publishing for an ARC of this story in exchange for my honest review.
October 11, 2023
For fans or Malamander!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Midnight Switch as I felt it ticked all the boxes…mystery ✅ magical elements ✅ slightly spooky ✅
The writing was fast paced and the characters were given enough detail that you could really start to picture them.
I’ll happily recommend to the students at my school library.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Midnight Switch as I felt it ticked all the boxes…mystery ✅ magical elements ✅ slightly spooky ✅
The writing was fast paced and the characters were given enough detail that you could really start to picture them.
I’ll happily recommend to the students at my school library.
October 14, 2025
I really enjoyed this story by Samuel Halpin — could you tell by my rating? After having read The Peculiar Peggs, I was hopeful this would be an enjoyable read.
The main characters of Lewis and Moira were very well written as were the minor characters of Hereward and Leopold.
The story of the Barrow Bogwitch drew me in and the thrilling ending kept me glued to the pages.
Highly recommend ages 8+
The main characters of Lewis and Moira were very well written as were the minor characters of Hereward and Leopold.
The story of the Barrow Bogwitch drew me in and the thrilling ending kept me glued to the pages.
Highly recommend ages 8+
February 19, 2024
Curse of a bogwitch
Fast paced race against time to
avoid the midnight switch and cure a curse that disappears children from their place in time. Great storytelling. A must read.
Fast paced race against time to
avoid the midnight switch and cure a curse that disappears children from their place in time. Great storytelling. A must read.
March 29, 2025
*4.5/5*
July 11, 2025
Amy 2/5
Harrison 4/5
Harrison 4/5
December 3, 2023
A brilliant children’s book full of action, adventure, magic and mystery; Samuel Halpin has written a book that will appeal to readers looking for intrigue and plot twists in every chapter!
The story is fast-paced and full of suspense, exploring the themes of finding friends, being true to yourself and never giving up! There is just the right amount of spooky and dangerous elements throughout to captivate the imagination of all readers and get them hooked very early on.
I am a fan of Samuel J. Halpin anyway (The Peculiar Peggs of Riddling Woods being his previously released book and an absolute 5-star read itself) and I was so happy to see that he has released another book!
I would definitely recommend this book (and the author) and as a teacher, I will most definitely be recommending it to my Year 4 pupils as it would be a perfect read for them!
Thank you to NetGalley, Samuel J.Halpin and Usborne publishing for an ARC of this story in exchange for my honest review.
The story is fast-paced and full of suspense, exploring the themes of finding friends, being true to yourself and never giving up! There is just the right amount of spooky and dangerous elements throughout to captivate the imagination of all readers and get them hooked very early on.
I am a fan of Samuel J. Halpin anyway (The Peculiar Peggs of Riddling Woods being his previously released book and an absolute 5-star read itself) and I was so happy to see that he has released another book!
I would definitely recommend this book (and the author) and as a teacher, I will most definitely be recommending it to my Year 4 pupils as it would be a perfect read for them!
Thank you to NetGalley, Samuel J.Halpin and Usborne publishing for an ARC of this story in exchange for my honest review.
January 27, 2024
A haunted looking purple house that most definitely looks forbidding and tilted with what could be crows for eyes greets us as we step into the world of The Midnight Switch. Add to this bats, windmills (yes, windmills), a path that very definitely beckons and a map that wants to be followed and you have Samuel J. Halpin’s latest story. Pack your bags and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime. You are about to move, with Lewis and his family to a new house in a new town with an ancient curse. I know you are very likely wondering why you would want to do that but honestly, where would all the excitement and adventure in life be if we didn’t do such exciting things. Even better is that we get to do it from the comfort of wherever it might be that we sit and read. We can dive into this book, learn about the infamous Barrow Bogwitch and her curses, move house, explore and so much more besides and still be in our own comfortable surroundings. It’s perfect and I certainly would have been lost in Barrow if it hadn’t been for the magic that Lewis and his new friend Moira discover and use.
Lewis and his family have moved to Barrow, and as with all moves to new places, there is much to learn, there are local stories to be heard. You don’t have to believe them all, but it does help you get a feel for the new place. When those stories centre on the town you now live in which seems to be incredibly spooky, has strange birds flying about, suffers from terrible floods and is said to be under the curse of the infamous and ancient Bogwitch you might start to listen more closely… Especially when, after midnight, strange things begin to happen. Lewis has already made a new friend, Moira, and it is with her help that he is about to unearth some age-old secrets, follow clues and hopefully break the curse before very bad things happen. They know they are in grave danger and with the Bogwitch stirring again, with her having eyes everywhere, they know they are going to have to be both fast and careful. Get those detective hats on, your magic skills at the ready and remember your bravery boots too for The Midnight Switch is an exciting adventure to follow, a deliciously dark and spooky adventure and a mystery to be solved.
Lewis and his family have moved to Barrow, and as with all moves to new places, there is much to learn, there are local stories to be heard. You don’t have to believe them all, but it does help you get a feel for the new place. When those stories centre on the town you now live in which seems to be incredibly spooky, has strange birds flying about, suffers from terrible floods and is said to be under the curse of the infamous and ancient Bogwitch you might start to listen more closely… Especially when, after midnight, strange things begin to happen. Lewis has already made a new friend, Moira, and it is with her help that he is about to unearth some age-old secrets, follow clues and hopefully break the curse before very bad things happen. They know they are in grave danger and with the Bogwitch stirring again, with her having eyes everywhere, they know they are going to have to be both fast and careful. Get those detective hats on, your magic skills at the ready and remember your bravery boots too for The Midnight Switch is an exciting adventure to follow, a deliciously dark and spooky adventure and a mystery to be solved.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews