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Lockjaw
Death is neither the beginning nor the end for the children of Bridlington in this debut trans YA horror book for fans of Rory Power and Danielle Vega.
Chuck Warren died tragically at the old abandoned mill, but Paz Espino knows it was no accident — there's a monster under the town, and she's determined to kill it before anyone else gets hurt. She'll need the help of her crew — inseparable friends, bound by a childhood pact stronger than diamonds, distance or death — to hunt it down. But she's up against a greater force of evil than she ever could have imagined.
With shifting timeframes and multiple perspectives, Lockjaw is a small-town ghost story, where monsters living and dead haunt the streets, the homes and the minds of the inhabitants. For readers of Wilder Girls and The Haunted, this trans YA horror book by an incredible debut author will grab you and never let you go.
Chuck Warren died tragically at the old abandoned mill, but Paz Espino knows it was no accident — there's a monster under the town, and she's determined to kill it before anyone else gets hurt. She'll need the help of her crew — inseparable friends, bound by a childhood pact stronger than diamonds, distance or death — to hunt it down. But she's up against a greater force of evil than she ever could have imagined.
With shifting timeframes and multiple perspectives, Lockjaw is a small-town ghost story, where monsters living and dead haunt the streets, the homes and the minds of the inhabitants. For readers of Wilder Girls and The Haunted, this trans YA horror book by an incredible debut author will grab you and never let you go.
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First published June 4, 2024
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About the author
Matteo L. Cerilli
6 books83 followersMatteo L. Cerilli (he/him) is a transmasc author specializing in speculative fiction for all ages. His writing aims to erase the barrier between liberation movements and the people they’re for, by opening doorways to Big Ideas like queer justice, neurodivergent liberation, youth equity, and community care. His activism work includes setting up gender care for trans students at York University, helping to found the Students for Queer Liberation—Toronto, and organizing with the No Pride in Policing Coalition. He currently lives in Toronto, within walking distance of so many people and places that he loves.
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March 12, 2024"trans YA horror"
ok i'll read it
ok i'll read it
March 20, 2025
This is a story with a lot of heart, but also a lot of teeth. It is definitely a fiercely emotional story, and I am glad I found it. That said, I think I am vibing more with the intent of the story than the actual story as written, if that makes sense. I thought the writing itself was confident and descriptive, capturing what felt like genuine dialogue and doing a good job of pulling the reader along. There is a pretty important reveal that reconfigured the story about a third of the way into the story, and the writing style changes across that chasm, and I struggled with it a little. I appreciate the impact of that narrative decision, and really enjoy what the story became, but the tone and style of the first part made me consider putting the story down. I am glad I didn’t, but my appreciation is in retrospect, it wasn’t as I was reading it. The characters feel genuine and real, though somewhat archetypical. This works for the story, this is a story about a small town, and so in some ways the ancillary characters are representative of something bigger than themselves. But I would have liked to get to know the main characters a little more. What with the narrative twist that happened and with a number of different POVs across the chapters, (including the POV of a dog, which was a great addition), while it felt easy to see who the primary characters were, to empathize with them, I just wanted to be with them more. And lastly the ending felt a little convenient. Not the ending itself but the actions that brought it about, they just felt too easy given everything else that was happening. It didn’t feel like our main characters had to work hard enough to justify the ending they got, and while having more intimacy with the characters would have ameliorated that I think a few more scenes would have really pulled it together more strongly.
That sounds like a lot of complaining, which I don’t really mean for it to be. I think this novel is tackling some really important ideas, and doing it without pulling any of its punches. It isn’t just looking at one singular incident of bigotry or prejudice or hatred but rather at the systemic problem that lets those psychological violences gain strength and destroy lives. The struggle with outrage and anger, the way that we hurt others out of fear just as much as malice, and the wounded, wounding belief that sometimes violence is the only appropriate answer, these are all ideas that are directly confronted by our characters. The story never feels preachy or didactic, and while its abruptness around the ending maybe doesn’t let it spend as much time deliberating these ideas as I would have liked I still very much enjoyed that it wasn’t afraid to grin through bloodied teeth as it explored weighty, personal terrain. In the end strong writing pulls a heartfelt story of resonant characters through hell and back, and for that alone it is worth your time.
That sounds like a lot of complaining, which I don’t really mean for it to be. I think this novel is tackling some really important ideas, and doing it without pulling any of its punches. It isn’t just looking at one singular incident of bigotry or prejudice or hatred but rather at the systemic problem that lets those psychological violences gain strength and destroy lives. The struggle with outrage and anger, the way that we hurt others out of fear just as much as malice, and the wounded, wounding belief that sometimes violence is the only appropriate answer, these are all ideas that are directly confronted by our characters. The story never feels preachy or didactic, and while its abruptness around the ending maybe doesn’t let it spend as much time deliberating these ideas as I would have liked I still very much enjoyed that it wasn’t afraid to grin through bloodied teeth as it explored weighty, personal terrain. In the end strong writing pulls a heartfelt story of resonant characters through hell and back, and for that alone it is worth your time.
May 18, 2024
Excerpt from my review - originally published at Offbeat YA.
Pros: A captivating look at friendship, sisterhood, marginalised identities on one hand, power abuse and lack of empathy/conspiracy of silence in a suburban setting on the other. Includes a brilliant twist that puts all the previous events in perspective.
Cons: Slow start. Some metaphor iterations.
WARNING! Blood and gore, violence, near-drowning, animal deaths. Toxic/neglecting adults, domestic violence (off-page), bulling, racism, transphobia (also internalised).
Will appeal to: Those who like books that straddle the line between the ordinary and the supernatural. Those who enjoy stories about a (diverse) band of misfits.
First off...DISCLAIMER: I requested this title on Edelweiss. Thanks to Penguin Random House/Tundra Books for providing a temporary ecopy. This didn't influence my review in any way.
PULLING THE RUG
To me, this book has a "before" and an "after". At first I was baffled, because while it was marketed as YA, the protagonists seemed to be on the MG spectrum (11 going on 12), and the writing was very descriptive - two things that I don't fare well with; not to mention I hadn't signed for the first one, and I didn't understand how the very characters who were supposed to be the protagonists according to the synopsis could be younger than the synopsis itself promised (see the "trans YA horror" label). Then a few different, older perspectives started to appear (YA, NA), and the style partly changed as the action took over, so I began to enjoy the story more...but things definitely shifted for me midway through, when a mind-blowing twist changed my whole perspective about the previous (and present) events, and left me both in awe and desperate to unravel the mystery. Mind you, the twist didn't come out of the blue - Cerilli left enough bread crumbs on the way to it that all the pieces fell into place once the reveal happened, all while being able to cover his tracks. Before the twist, a couple, maybe three incidents made my brain tingle for a moment, but then I proceeded to rationalise them and promptly forget about that "something is off" feeling...also because the truth was too outrageous to figure out. All I can say is, said twist put the story firmly into the "weird and wonderful" territory that I favour in literature, and made all the difference for me in terms of REALLY enjoying this novel. [...]
Whole review here.
Pros: A captivating look at friendship, sisterhood, marginalised identities on one hand, power abuse and lack of empathy/conspiracy of silence in a suburban setting on the other. Includes a brilliant twist that puts all the previous events in perspective.
Cons: Slow start. Some metaphor iterations.
WARNING! Blood and gore, violence, near-drowning, animal deaths. Toxic/neglecting adults, domestic violence (off-page), bulling, racism, transphobia (also internalised).
Will appeal to: Those who like books that straddle the line between the ordinary and the supernatural. Those who enjoy stories about a (diverse) band of misfits.
First off...DISCLAIMER: I requested this title on Edelweiss. Thanks to Penguin Random House/Tundra Books for providing a temporary ecopy. This didn't influence my review in any way.
PULLING THE RUG
To me, this book has a "before" and an "after". At first I was baffled, because while it was marketed as YA, the protagonists seemed to be on the MG spectrum (11 going on 12), and the writing was very descriptive - two things that I don't fare well with; not to mention I hadn't signed for the first one, and I didn't understand how the very characters who were supposed to be the protagonists according to the synopsis could be younger than the synopsis itself promised (see the "trans YA horror" label). Then a few different, older perspectives started to appear (YA, NA), and the style partly changed as the action took over, so I began to enjoy the story more...but things definitely shifted for me midway through, when a mind-blowing twist changed my whole perspective about the previous (and present) events, and left me both in awe and desperate to unravel the mystery. Mind you, the twist didn't come out of the blue - Cerilli left enough bread crumbs on the way to it that all the pieces fell into place once the reveal happened, all while being able to cover his tracks. Before the twist, a couple, maybe three incidents made my brain tingle for a moment, but then I proceeded to rationalise them and promptly forget about that "something is off" feeling...also because the truth was too outrageous to figure out. All I can say is, said twist put the story firmly into the "weird and wonderful" territory that I favour in literature, and made all the difference for me in terms of REALLY enjoying this novel. [...]
Whole review here.
July 5, 2024
“Lockjaw” is a haunting and beautiful queer YA novel that digs into themes of friendship while also exposing power balances and abuse in small towns. This is all done while being a greatly crafted horror and mystery.
The small town setting was an incredible choice because we get a lot characters of breaking against certain ideals or feeling pressured to act a certain way due to it. We see that the community displayed in small towns are very fragile despite their strong reputations.
Understanding the characters is difficult at first because there is a bit of time switching between POVs but once I got the hang of it, I enjoyed reading about each character! They were each nuanced and flawed at times but still had me adoring them and rooting for them.
This book is definitely for angry queer and trans people everywhere! This is such a hidden gem and I hope more people read it, especially fans of books such as “Hell Followed With Us”. Overall, this was a gripping read with amazing representation that I would definitely reccomend.
January 21, 2025
4.5 rounded up! damn
July 26, 2024
Honest, the story concept is cool. Also honest? The author shouldn’t have written so many POCs just to make us token woke propaganda without actually understanding things.
Also, find me a homeless person who uses unhoused. Spoiler, we don’t. Maybe stop policing our language and solve our homelessness issues.
Finally, there was an underlying shaming of trans folks who are stealth. Which, fuck that idea.
Also, find me a homeless person who uses unhoused. Spoiler, we don’t. Maybe stop policing our language and solve our homelessness issues.
Finally, there was an underlying shaming of trans folks who are stealth. Which, fuck that idea.
May 19, 2024
Small. Town. Horror. Anger simmering on the surface over the injustice of transphobic laws and society. A desperate cry for solidarity.
If you're a fan of YA books that does not pull back on heavy themes, acknowledging the harrowing challenges that kids are subjected to from being different without any sugarcoating, this one is for you. If you love Andrew Joseph White's brutal brand of YA, this is perfect.
This is a small town horror that messes with your mind and ticks off these themes:
Cookie cutter small town ideals: How long will we subject ourselves to nuclear family ideals, and children to insurmountable pressure trying to fulfill completely made-up ideals? People who successfully fulfill the ideals lose empathy for misfits and are trapped in the gilded cage they are forced into, crumbling slowly on the inside. Everyone else deemed too different can only live to escape, constantly looking behind their backs in the meantime or forever if escaping is not an option.
Loss of community: Small towns are where I would've expected strong community bonds, where most things are literally achieved by the "it takes a village" mindset. I will blame nuclear family ideals again for the loss of how rural or small communities used to look out for each other. Yes, it is vastly annoying when the hundredth auntie asks intrusive questions, but when did we also become people who look away when neighbours go missing or are in distress?
Sisterhood and friendships, by birth and found: Platonic kinships are something I find really difficult to sustain as people drift apart, have different priorities or clashing personalities, and so reading about loyalty among siblings or friends, and keeping each other in check makes me incredibly emotional. The classic found kinship among misfits, siblings reconnecting after falling out... oh stop making me cry!
An eye for an eye: Is revenge the only way to fix a deep-rooted, inter-generational issue? Sometimes people are too self-centred and bigoted to have their minds changed diplomatically, but what if revenge just feeds the violent cycle?
Queer and trans: I love how queer, and most predominatly trans people are represented in this story. They are flawed and face harrowing moral dilemmas from being downtrodden by our capitalist, queerphobic society, making them extremely real and multi-dimensional.
Thank you Penguin Random House Canada, Tundra books, the author and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I leave this review voluntarily.
If you're a fan of YA books that does not pull back on heavy themes, acknowledging the harrowing challenges that kids are subjected to from being different without any sugarcoating, this one is for you. If you love Andrew Joseph White's brutal brand of YA, this is perfect.
This is a small town horror that messes with your mind and ticks off these themes:
Cookie cutter small town ideals: How long will we subject ourselves to nuclear family ideals, and children to insurmountable pressure trying to fulfill completely made-up ideals? People who successfully fulfill the ideals lose empathy for misfits and are trapped in the gilded cage they are forced into, crumbling slowly on the inside. Everyone else deemed too different can only live to escape, constantly looking behind their backs in the meantime or forever if escaping is not an option.
Loss of community: Small towns are where I would've expected strong community bonds, where most things are literally achieved by the "it takes a village" mindset. I will blame nuclear family ideals again for the loss of how rural or small communities used to look out for each other. Yes, it is vastly annoying when the hundredth auntie asks intrusive questions, but when did we also become people who look away when neighbours go missing or are in distress?
Sisterhood and friendships, by birth and found: Platonic kinships are something I find really difficult to sustain as people drift apart, have different priorities or clashing personalities, and so reading about loyalty among siblings or friends, and keeping each other in check makes me incredibly emotional. The classic found kinship among misfits, siblings reconnecting after falling out... oh stop making me cry!
An eye for an eye: Is revenge the only way to fix a deep-rooted, inter-generational issue? Sometimes people are too self-centred and bigoted to have their minds changed diplomatically, but what if revenge just feeds the violent cycle?
Queer and trans: I love how queer, and most predominatly trans people are represented in this story. They are flawed and face harrowing moral dilemmas from being downtrodden by our capitalist, queerphobic society, making them extremely real and multi-dimensional.
Thank you Penguin Random House Canada, Tundra books, the author and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I leave this review voluntarily.
August 21, 2024
As a reader who does not frequent horror, I wasn't sure what to expect when reading Lockjaw, but Matteo L Cerilli blew me away with this novel.
Following a ragtag group of individuals, Lockjaw tells the story of small-town prejudice, the harm it causes, and the necessity of change. While trying to kill the monster that haunts Bridlington, you're carried through the perspectives and experiences of "bad kids", queer and trans youth, and those who desperately want to fit in.
The writing is incredible, the pacing is solid, and I can safely say that Lockjaw is the first book to have a twist I was not anticipating. I was captivated the entire time I was reading, and felt myself taking a step back at times only to admire the characterization and prose.
I have only praise to share about this book, and I can't wait to purchase a copy so that I can read it over and over again.
Thanks to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for the ARC!
Following a ragtag group of individuals, Lockjaw tells the story of small-town prejudice, the harm it causes, and the necessity of change. While trying to kill the monster that haunts Bridlington, you're carried through the perspectives and experiences of "bad kids", queer and trans youth, and those who desperately want to fit in.
The writing is incredible, the pacing is solid, and I can safely say that Lockjaw is the first book to have a twist I was not anticipating. I was captivated the entire time I was reading, and felt myself taking a step back at times only to admire the characterization and prose.
I have only praise to share about this book, and I can't wait to purchase a copy so that I can read it over and over again.
Thanks to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for the ARC!
Currently reading
August 1, 2023My wonderful and talented friend wrote this book and I'm excited to have it in my hands next summer. Lockjaw comes out on June 2024
October 2, 2023
A horror book about how small towns disregard everyone who doesn't fit into their ideal, and what happens when some people want revenge for it, and taking those rules onto yourself, wanting to fit in with other people, and how that really does not help anyone. Also there is a dog and more than one transgender character, with very different views on transness, which I really liked, because it showcased how even people who have the same identity can have very different views on themselves and how that impacts them.
June 11, 2024
Lockjaw is a twisty, YA horror with layers of story to tell.
Without giving anything away, I really loved the trans rep in this book and the small town setting. There was a definite ominous feeling of secrets and prejudices that permeated the book. There was definitely a lot of gore and horror at the forefront of this story. I loved the idea of this monster lurking beneath the town and the absolute denial of the town about what is really going on.
Ultimately for me, this unfortunately suffered from too many POVs. There were so many characters to follow that when the twist hit, it kind of felt like “wait did I miss something or was that intentional?” Following a smaller number of characters would have been a little more concise and effective.
Still a story that should be read and I think a lot of people will seriously enjoy this, not only for the representation but Cerilli’s storytelling abilities.
⭐⭐⭐.5
Available June 4, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Tundra Books for an advance review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Without giving anything away, I really loved the trans rep in this book and the small town setting. There was a definite ominous feeling of secrets and prejudices that permeated the book. There was definitely a lot of gore and horror at the forefront of this story. I loved the idea of this monster lurking beneath the town and the absolute denial of the town about what is really going on.
Ultimately for me, this unfortunately suffered from too many POVs. There were so many characters to follow that when the twist hit, it kind of felt like “wait did I miss something or was that intentional?” Following a smaller number of characters would have been a little more concise and effective.
Still a story that should be read and I think a lot of people will seriously enjoy this, not only for the representation but Cerilli’s storytelling abilities.
⭐⭐⭐.5
Available June 4, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Tundra Books for an advance review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 23, 2023
I usually struggle with jump around timelines, but it worked so well for this intense and propulsive debut novel. There was something about the writing and the way Cerilli tells the story that just had me entranced.
Lockjaw was a dark and gritty ya horror that dives into coming of age, understanding oneself, racism, and the power of friendship, all interspersed with this truly eerie presence lurking in this town.
I really enjoyed this and I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us in the future. I’m hoping Cerilli dives into adult horror at some point. It could be amazing.
Lockjaw was a dark and gritty ya horror that dives into coming of age, understanding oneself, racism, and the power of friendship, all interspersed with this truly eerie presence lurking in this town.
I really enjoyed this and I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us in the future. I’m hoping Cerilli dives into adult horror at some point. It could be amazing.
October 10, 2024
Not for me. Such a confusing book.
January 19, 2025
2.5
I wanted to like this more than I did. First half, slow, confusing. The second half is better but winds up feeling rushing. It just didn't flow well.
I wanted to like this more than I did. First half, slow, confusing. The second half is better but winds up feeling rushing. It just didn't flow well.
July 4, 2024
Lockjaw follows a group of kids after Chuck Warren dies tragically young at the abandoned mill. Paz Espino is convinced it wasn’t an accident—it was the monster living under the town. With her friends, she sets out to kill it before anyone else gets hurt. With multiple perspectives and shifting timelines of Paz and her friends in the past, and Asher, Marcela, and Beetle’s future timeline, Lockjaw is a haunting small-town horror.
Lockjaw is definitely a book for the early 2000’s kids. There are so many references that made me smile and fade into a moment of nostalgic childhood when I had Webkinz and there weren’t smartphones. While there are definitely horror vibes and elements, the little details of this time period was really cute. This horror is less monster/slasher and more metaphorical monsters, and I’m not sure if I’ve read one of those before, so this was really refreshing. I loved the message and thought it was really well done. The twists kept me guessing and I loved the ending. The LGBTQ+ rep in this book is so vast and lovely, which ties in with the themes beautifully. It’s a really great book in its message and its horror elements. I think anyone who grew up in a really small town (2,000 population for me) will get a lot out of this book. Especially if it was toxic and you wanted to leave.
I really enjoyed all the characters in the book, even the villains—they were well flushed out and realistic. Paz and her friends were so sweet and young. I felt so bad for them. They go through so much—its so sad. Asher, Marcela, and Beetle were all really great. I loved finding out their backstory and more information about them and I felt so much for them too. Honestly all the characters go through so much in this book you can’t help but feel so much for them.
Overall, this was a really great ya horror with a creepy setting, great characters and representation, and lovely descriptions.
Thank you to Penguin Teen for the copy!
Lockjaw is definitely a book for the early 2000’s kids. There are so many references that made me smile and fade into a moment of nostalgic childhood when I had Webkinz and there weren’t smartphones. While there are definitely horror vibes and elements, the little details of this time period was really cute. This horror is less monster/slasher and more metaphorical monsters, and I’m not sure if I’ve read one of those before, so this was really refreshing. I loved the message and thought it was really well done. The twists kept me guessing and I loved the ending. The LGBTQ+ rep in this book is so vast and lovely, which ties in with the themes beautifully. It’s a really great book in its message and its horror elements. I think anyone who grew up in a really small town (2,000 population for me) will get a lot out of this book. Especially if it was toxic and you wanted to leave.
I really enjoyed all the characters in the book, even the villains—they were well flushed out and realistic. Paz and her friends were so sweet and young. I felt so bad for them. They go through so much—its so sad. Asher, Marcela, and Beetle were all really great. I loved finding out their backstory and more information about them and I felt so much for them too. Honestly all the characters go through so much in this book you can’t help but feel so much for them.
Overall, this was a really great ya horror with a creepy setting, great characters and representation, and lovely descriptions.
Thank you to Penguin Teen for the copy!
June 9, 2024
Book Review: Lockjaw by Matteo L. Cerilli
Lockjaw is a small-town horror about young people determined to destroy the monster that has taken over their town.
Bridlington is a small town of nine thousand with a dark past. After another child is lost to the evil that lives in the local abandoned mill, eleven-year-old Paz and her friends decide to take it on once and for all. But the obstacles in their way include the local sheriff, who has declared Paz a liar and troublemaker, and Paz’s own sister, who is resigned to the existence of the monster. Dragged into Paz’s declaration of war on the monster are newcomer Asher and his dog Bird, as well as local eccentric Beetle, who is back home on a break but eager to escape Bridlington again.
Lockjaw isn’t all it appears at first glance. It’s both a paranormal horror novel and an examination of intolerance, bullying, and the very human tendency to look away from injustice under the banner of “minding your own business.” Once you think you understand what’s happening, the author twists the story in a new direction. I recommend it to readers who enjoy paranormal thrillers and social horror novels.
3.75 rounded to 4
Lockjaw is a small-town horror about young people determined to destroy the monster that has taken over their town.
Bridlington is a small town of nine thousand with a dark past. After another child is lost to the evil that lives in the local abandoned mill, eleven-year-old Paz and her friends decide to take it on once and for all. But the obstacles in their way include the local sheriff, who has declared Paz a liar and troublemaker, and Paz’s own sister, who is resigned to the existence of the monster. Dragged into Paz’s declaration of war on the monster are newcomer Asher and his dog Bird, as well as local eccentric Beetle, who is back home on a break but eager to escape Bridlington again.
Lockjaw isn’t all it appears at first glance. It’s both a paranormal horror novel and an examination of intolerance, bullying, and the very human tendency to look away from injustice under the banner of “minding your own business.” Once you think you understand what’s happening, the author twists the story in a new direction. I recommend it to readers who enjoy paranormal thrillers and social horror novels.
3.75 rounded to 4
August 23, 2024
3.5 Star
Lockjaw by Matteo L. Cerilli uses ghosts to take on the questions of how a community can/should come together to support one another and what it means to be a bystander.
During the first 2/3 of the book, I was a little bored and rather confused. There were many different characters, the main ones being 11-year-olds, and there was a lot of time jumping which was not explicitly stated. It wasn't until about 2/3 of the way through when the pieces finally started to click into place and I really started to enjoy it.
I struggle to decide if I would have preferred dates at the start of each chapter. On the one hand, it would make it much easier to follow along, Either way, I didn't find the book to be particularly scary or creepy at all.
I did, however, really enjoy the themes of this book. I liked its criticisms of the bystander effect and the "mind your business" mentality.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lockjaw by Matteo L. Cerilli uses ghosts to take on the questions of how a community can/should come together to support one another and what it means to be a bystander.
During the first 2/3 of the book, I was a little bored and rather confused. There were many different characters, the main ones being 11-year-olds, and there was a lot of time jumping which was not explicitly stated. It wasn't until about 2/3 of the way through when the pieces finally started to click into place and I really started to enjoy it.
I struggle to decide if I would have preferred dates at the start of each chapter. On the one hand, it would make it much easier to follow along, Either way, I didn't find the book to be particularly scary or creepy at all.
I did, however, really enjoy the themes of this book. I liked its criticisms of the bystander effect and the "mind your business" mentality.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2024
4.5 Stars
If you find suffocating small towns creepy, this new horror will be perfect for you. Beware if you like dogs to have a happy ending, though. This book contains some pretty clever twists--including on halfway through that made me re-evaluate everything I had read up to that point (which is pretty hard to pull of, considering how much fiction I consume). I highly recommend it. I really do.
Anyway, I've got more to dig into here, but that's being saved for my full review, going live on July 26, 2024 at Gateway Reviews. Stop by if you get the chance!
Note: I was provided with an ARC by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
If you find suffocating small towns creepy, this new horror will be perfect for you. Beware if you like dogs to have a happy ending, though. This book contains some pretty clever twists--including on halfway through that made me re-evaluate everything I had read up to that point (which is pretty hard to pull of, considering how much fiction I consume). I highly recommend it. I really do.
Anyway, I've got more to dig into here, but that's being saved for my full review, going live on July 26, 2024 at Gateway Reviews. Stop by if you get the chance!
Note: I was provided with an ARC by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
July 12, 2024
Do yourself a favor and READ THIS BOOK. Okay, it's horror which isn't everyone's jam, and you should definitely read content warnings if you've got things you need to watch out for. But damn, this book is really something special. Apart from content warnings, I think this one is best entered into having no idea what you're in for. This is horror with teeth and slight of hand so deftly written I had to go back and reread, only to be astounded by the genius of it all. A great reminder of all the magic stories can have up their sleeve. One of the most remarkable and memorable books I've read this year. This one is really not to be missed.
June 14, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
53/100📚
So this book had an extremely slow start, so slow I almost DNF'd it. However, this was a Tandem read, and so I pushed through, and you know what? It got better! Like, waaaay better! The first half was also quite confusing until *it clicks* and then it just keeps getting better from there, and it's got a good twist! I felt like things wrapped up nicely, and overall, I enjoyed this book.
You'll enjoy this if you like..
💀Small town horror
👻Supernatural elements
😊Friendships and found family
🏳️🌈LGBTQIA+
53/100📚
So this book had an extremely slow start, so slow I almost DNF'd it. However, this was a Tandem read, and so I pushed through, and you know what? It got better! Like, waaaay better! The first half was also quite confusing until *it clicks* and then it just keeps getting better from there, and it's got a good twist! I felt like things wrapped up nicely, and overall, I enjoyed this book.
You'll enjoy this if you like..
💀Small town horror
👻Supernatural elements
😊Friendships and found family
🏳️🌈LGBTQIA+
June 14, 2024
This is definitely a unique story and I liked the twists it took. At no point did I really know what was going on, or even who was dead or alive, because we're always getting new information that changes things. I think it's a cool idea, but I struggled to follow along at times.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Tundra Books and NetGalley for the copy.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Tundra Books and NetGalley for the copy.
June 26, 2024
3.5⭐️
Thank you to Penguin Random House for providing me with the ARC of this book !
Absolutely loved the characters in this one and the representation. I loved the plot twist in the middle of the book but then I kind of lost interest in the story towards the end. Would still really recommend for a teen horror !
Thank you to Penguin Random House for providing me with the ARC of this book !
Absolutely loved the characters in this one and the representation. I loved the plot twist in the middle of the book but then I kind of lost interest in the story towards the end. Would still really recommend for a teen horror !
October 2, 2025
This one had me confused for a good portion of the book, and I wasn't sure if that was because I wasn't following well enough, or missed something. All of the confusion was cleared up by the end, but the amount of confusion became frustrating. That's really my only ding. This is a creepy story, but full of heart, and a great end of summer/start of creepy season read.
September 9, 2024
This book was a wild ride. If you love IT by Stephen King, but want a YA version then this is a must read for you!
I went into this completely blind and never knew what would happen next. There were so many twists and so many heartbreaking moments, but also that kind of horror in a small town that makes you want to make sure your doors are locked at night.
The story starts with the mysterious stranger who finds their way into this small town that gave me the creeps--especially when said town is essentially shunning a young character and is run by a creepy cop who wants the town to be "perfect". The way the story is told, braiding all of the eerie moments in with the seemingly more "normal" ones was done really well.
There is this underlying tension as the story progresses of a town that is truly hiding many secrets. The mysterious deaths and the haunting of the past and "lies" that fills the pages is what made me think of IT. There is something that is stalking the kids of the town and the way the story is written, full of red herrings and foreshadowing, helped create this atmosphere of terror that was building from the moment the MC drove into town. We also see the horrible side of racism and homophobia in a small town and that added to that already tense atmosphere of the story.
This book was just an unexpected ride and so perfect for the Halloween season. If you're a fan of IT, or scary stories about smalls towns full of uncomfortable vibes, then this might be your next read!
Happy reading!
I went into this completely blind and never knew what would happen next. There were so many twists and so many heartbreaking moments, but also that kind of horror in a small town that makes you want to make sure your doors are locked at night.
The story starts with the mysterious stranger who finds their way into this small town that gave me the creeps--especially when said town is essentially shunning a young character and is run by a creepy cop who wants the town to be "perfect". The way the story is told, braiding all of the eerie moments in with the seemingly more "normal" ones was done really well.
There is this underlying tension as the story progresses of a town that is truly hiding many secrets. The mysterious deaths and the haunting of the past and "lies" that fills the pages is what made me think of IT. There is something that is stalking the kids of the town and the way the story is written, full of red herrings and foreshadowing, helped create this atmosphere of terror that was building from the moment the MC drove into town. We also see the horrible side of racism and homophobia in a small town and that added to that already tense atmosphere of the story.
This book was just an unexpected ride and so perfect for the Halloween season. If you're a fan of IT, or scary stories about smalls towns full of uncomfortable vibes, then this might be your next read!
Happy reading!
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January 6, 2025Such a unique and powerful story! The first half is slow and a tiny bit confusing but the pay off in the second half is sooo worth it. Amazing trans representation and characters that are so personal and special <3
September 13, 2024
3.5 stars
Readable, but gory. Not sure about the twist and I’m wrestling with the themes. There is redemption of a sort at the end.
Readable, but gory. Not sure about the twist and I’m wrestling with the themes. There is redemption of a sort at the end.
October 11, 2024
i liked this but the ending felt really rushed :/
Read
August 21, 2025i don’t remember the last time a plot twist GAGGED me like this one!!!!
May 30, 2024
This book. Wow. This is a book I wish I had growing up. Matteo L. Cerilli has written an incredibly gripping debut trans YA horror book filled with paranormal elements, monsters, and an amazingly diverse cast of characters. With shifting timeframes and multiple POVs, Cerilli constructs a horrifying and heartbreaking story that offers a light of hope in a room of darkness.
Lockjaw is a compelling story surrounding the small town of Bridlington and Paz Espino, a young girl dedicated to hunting down and killing the monster beneath the streets of Bridlington along with her group of friends. Cerilli’s style of writing is beautiful and builds a vivid and grim atmosphere with descriptions of vibrating streets, the smell of blood in the air, an old abandoned mill, and the impenetrable darkness in the tunnels underneath the town. There are several POVs (including a dog’s!) and the exploration and development of each character is very well done.
There is so much to this book that resonates with me and had me feeling very emotional. This story truly allows the reader to feel and root for these characters and hope for the demise of the monster. With Paz Espino and her friends, Cerilli explores what it means have those strong bonds that are indestructible, bonds strong enough to go up against anything, including a monster that nobody else believes in, as long as you face it together. The trans and queer representation in this novel is beautifully done and inspiring. Lockjaw is a debut that I won’t soon forget. It is a novel that is as horrifying as it is beautiful and one I would highly recommend.
Thank you Matteo L. Cerilli for writing this amazing and important story. Thank you Tundra Books and Penguin Random CA for the review copy. And thank you Hear Our Voices Tour for having me as a part of the book tour for this wonderful trans YA horror book!
Lockjaw is a compelling story surrounding the small town of Bridlington and Paz Espino, a young girl dedicated to hunting down and killing the monster beneath the streets of Bridlington along with her group of friends. Cerilli’s style of writing is beautiful and builds a vivid and grim atmosphere with descriptions of vibrating streets, the smell of blood in the air, an old abandoned mill, and the impenetrable darkness in the tunnels underneath the town. There are several POVs (including a dog’s!) and the exploration and development of each character is very well done.
There is so much to this book that resonates with me and had me feeling very emotional. This story truly allows the reader to feel and root for these characters and hope for the demise of the monster. With Paz Espino and her friends, Cerilli explores what it means have those strong bonds that are indestructible, bonds strong enough to go up against anything, including a monster that nobody else believes in, as long as you face it together. The trans and queer representation in this novel is beautifully done and inspiring. Lockjaw is a debut that I won’t soon forget. It is a novel that is as horrifying as it is beautiful and one I would highly recommend.
Thank you Matteo L. Cerilli for writing this amazing and important story. Thank you Tundra Books and Penguin Random CA for the review copy. And thank you Hear Our Voices Tour for having me as a part of the book tour for this wonderful trans YA horror book!
March 24, 2025
4.5✨ loved this book; writing was 🤌🏼🤌🏼
Timeline had me a bit confused but maybe because I was listening to audiobook instead of reading?
Timeline had me a bit confused but maybe because I was listening to audiobook instead of reading?
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