What do you think?
Rate this book
Dread Wood #3
Flock Horror: Dread Wood, Book 3
The must-listen middle-grade novel from the author of super-spooky
Crater Lake
. Perfect for 9+ fans of R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps.
Angelo and his friends know that together they can handle any pretty much anything – including giant mutant spiders or snake-like parasites that burrow into your brain. But when a terrifying new enemy attacks from above it seems they have met their ultimate match...how can they defeat giant vampire birds
With summer term in full force – and sports day and prom night on the horizon – the whole school is in danger. The gang need a plan to bring safety to the skies once more...
Angelo and his friends know that together they can handle any pretty much anything – including giant mutant spiders or snake-like parasites that burrow into your brain. But when a terrifying new enemy attacks from above it seems they have met their ultimate match...how can they defeat giant vampire birds
With summer term in full force – and sports day and prom night on the horizon – the whole school is in danger. The gang need a plan to bring safety to the skies once more...
Audible Audio
Published March 2, 2023
9 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
January 22, 2025
I bloody love these books, they just keep getting better. I love that the adults actually believe them about all the madness that happens too.
November 22, 2024
7.43 on CAWPILE
November 27, 2024
I'm on a Jennifer Killick binge at the moment. Particularly this Dread Wood Series! This is number 3 in the series!
As you can see I devoured this book with a "Hot Choccie" 🤣 if you've read these books you will know the reference is from Mr C the school teacher who absolutely loves to dish out "Hot Choccies" and to send kids to the "Primrose Room".
Anyway to my review...
The gang is back together again and again they are facing off with the Latchitts, who are playing dirty once again. They also have a new "Creation" they've been working on to help get the kids out of the way.
I absolutely love this series, it's Stranger Things meets Scooby Doo! Fantastic! Can't even wait to read the next one!
As you can see I devoured this book with a "Hot Choccie" 🤣 if you've read these books you will know the reference is from Mr C the school teacher who absolutely loves to dish out "Hot Choccies" and to send kids to the "Primrose Room".
Anyway to my review...
The gang is back together again and again they are facing off with the Latchitts, who are playing dirty once again. They also have a new "Creation" they've been working on to help get the kids out of the way.
I absolutely love this series, it's Stranger Things meets Scooby Doo! Fantastic! Can't even wait to read the next one!
April 3, 2024
After seeing the same formula play out in the third instalment in the series, it gets a bit tiresome. I think even the author recognises this as she ends the book in a way almost to ensure readers that the next one will be different/better.
It’s a shame as the first two were quite inspired.
It’s a shame as the first two were quite inspired.
December 2, 2024
3.75⭐️
August 14, 2025
Such an enjoyable series, genuinely creepy, a little bit gorey. I'll likely say it every time but reminiscent of Goosebumps books from when I was a kid!
January 12, 2024
This was underwhelming in comparison to the other 2 books in the series. It started out alright but for smart kids, it took them a while to piece things together. The middle part of the book was super slow and I skimmed most of it. It could’ve been edited down a lot like for example on one page Gus said he needed a weapon and three pages later he had one… like why did that take so long? Not enough Mr C. Not sure I’ll be continuing this series. Oh well!
August 8, 2024
Jennifer Killick’s Screech School is a suspenseful addition to the Creatures & Teachers series, blending humor, horror, and friendship into a quick-paced adventure. The story follows Angelo and his friends as they prepare for what should be their biggest challenge—the school dance. However, the arrival of giant vampire birds throws their plans into chaos, turning the dance into a fight for survival.
Killick excels at creating a creepy atmosphere, with vivid descriptions of the winged predators that make them feel genuinely menacing. The tension builds as the group tries to figure out how to stop the birds before it's too late, and the dynamic between the characters adds heart to the horror. Their camaraderie and witty banter provide moments of relief in an otherwise intense narrative.
The plot, while engaging, occasionally feels a bit rushed, especially toward the climax, where the resolution comes almost too easily. Despite this, the story remains entertaining, with enough twists and scares to keep readers hooked. The mix of everyday school life with supernatural elements is well-executed, making this sequel a fun, if slightly predictable, read for fans of the genre.
Overall, Screech School is a solid sequel offering plenty of thrills and chills, even if it doesn’t soar to new heights. A must-read for those who enjoyed the first book and for anyone looking for a spooky, light-hearted adventure.
Killick excels at creating a creepy atmosphere, with vivid descriptions of the winged predators that make them feel genuinely menacing. The tension builds as the group tries to figure out how to stop the birds before it's too late, and the dynamic between the characters adds heart to the horror. Their camaraderie and witty banter provide moments of relief in an otherwise intense narrative.
The plot, while engaging, occasionally feels a bit rushed, especially toward the climax, where the resolution comes almost too easily. Despite this, the story remains entertaining, with enough twists and scares to keep readers hooked. The mix of everyday school life with supernatural elements is well-executed, making this sequel a fun, if slightly predictable, read for fans of the genre.
Overall, Screech School is a solid sequel offering plenty of thrills and chills, even if it doesn’t soar to new heights. A must-read for those who enjoyed the first book and for anyone looking for a spooky, light-hearted adventure.
May 19, 2023
Another super story that Alfred Hitchcock would have been proud of! Just the right amount of scary for me and the middle grade children it’s aimed at! Oh, and a huge shout out to Marlowe Chan-Reeves for an excellent narration. Makes all the difference.
August 9, 2025
BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL ⭐⭐⭐.5/5
We are back with Angelo, Gus, Hallie, Naira, Colette, and Mr. C at Dread Wood Academy. The Latchitts are missing. Everything seems okay, until the monster birds show up!
This is the sequel to Dread Detention.
This is a pretty scary middle grade horror. There are a lot of mutant creatures. Animals get hurt. These kids get hurt. The villains are pretty bad/scary people.
This one really reminded me of The Birds by Hitchcock. Pretty terrifying!
Now, this is a finished series from the UK that we are just starting to get in the US, and I don't understand the why of how they are releasing it. In the UK, this would be Book 3, but here (US) it's Book 2. I did feel like I'd missed some things. Colette is a part of the group now, but the how and why that happened was missing.
A lot of the kids were very one-dimensional in their characterizations. There's the smart one, the strong one, the funny one.
We get everything from Angelo's perspective.
Sometimes I'm annoyed by Gus and I don't know why they went a certain way with him.
I do like Mr. C though. He's trying so hard to be hip with the young people.
This one ended very quickly. If I see another book in the series, I would read it. I wish I could have just read the UK series, the original, as it was intended.
We are back with Angelo, Gus, Hallie, Naira, Colette, and Mr. C at Dread Wood Academy. The Latchitts are missing. Everything seems okay, until the monster birds show up!
This is the sequel to Dread Detention.
This is a pretty scary middle grade horror. There are a lot of mutant creatures. Animals get hurt. These kids get hurt. The villains are pretty bad/scary people.
This one really reminded me of The Birds by Hitchcock. Pretty terrifying!
Now, this is a finished series from the UK that we are just starting to get in the US, and I don't understand the why of how they are releasing it. In the UK, this would be Book 3, but here (US) it's Book 2. I did feel like I'd missed some things. Colette is a part of the group now, but the how and why that happened was missing.
A lot of the kids were very one-dimensional in their characterizations. There's the smart one, the strong one, the funny one.
We get everything from Angelo's perspective.
Sometimes I'm annoyed by Gus and I don't know why they went a certain way with him.
I do like Mr. C though. He's trying so hard to be hip with the young people.
This one ended very quickly. If I see another book in the series, I would read it. I wish I could have just read the UK series, the original, as it was intended.
August 3, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Children’s for an eARC of Screech School by Jennifer Killick.
“Let your fears take flight in this scary sequel of the Creatures & Teachers series where a group of friends must protect their school from vampire birds!
Angelo and his friends know that together they can handle any pretty much anything together. The scariest thing they think they have to worry about these days is the upcoming school dance.
But when a terrifying new enemy attacks from above it seems they have met their ultimate match . . . giant vampire birds after BLOOD.
Can they save their school before the big dance or will they dicover terror in the air like they've never seen before?”
I am always on the look out for new spooky books for my middle schoolers, as that is a popular genre in that particular age group. Screech School was cute, but Creatures and Teachers was my favorite out of the two. I was hoping for a different antagonist this round- so it did get a little repetitive at times. There was great character development because of the extended time with the same characters. I will recommend this to my kiddos at school!
“Let your fears take flight in this scary sequel of the Creatures & Teachers series where a group of friends must protect their school from vampire birds!
Angelo and his friends know that together they can handle any pretty much anything together. The scariest thing they think they have to worry about these days is the upcoming school dance.
But when a terrifying new enemy attacks from above it seems they have met their ultimate match . . . giant vampire birds after BLOOD.
Can they save their school before the big dance or will they dicover terror in the air like they've never seen before?”
I am always on the look out for new spooky books for my middle schoolers, as that is a popular genre in that particular age group. Screech School was cute, but Creatures and Teachers was my favorite out of the two. I was hoping for a different antagonist this round- so it did get a little repetitive at times. There was great character development because of the extended time with the same characters. I will recommend this to my kiddos at school!
August 9, 2023
Gosh, this is the darkest of the trilogy so far and honestly, it’s a little bit haunting to say the least! I definitely think this has been my favourite so far. These books get scarier as you go through… but our amazing heroes get braver, more bold smarter too (unfortunately, so do our bad guys!). Vampire birds, being trapped and having to outsmart some pretty villainous bad guys! This series is so so good - I can’t wait to read the next one!
June 10, 2023
I am a major fan of Jennifer Killick and have reviewed most of her novels, from the excellent Crater Lake duology to Dread Wood and its sequel Fear Ground, which this third entry is set not long after. In both previous books a group of Year Seven (aged 11 or 12) go up against a pair of nasty/mad scientists, with the plots including creepy spiders, dodgy social media and very creep clowns. When I reviewed Fear Ground I mentioned that if there was to be a third book the series needed a new villain as I found the Latchitts (the mad scientists) to be seriously underwhelming, but they are indeed back in Flock Horror and although they do not feature much, they are just as dull as previously and add little to the book. As villains go they are as tired as they come and I already see Killick has book four planned Deadly Deep, it really needs to move beyond the Latchitts before it becomes seriously stale.
In comparison to the best of Middle Grade horror, although Flock Horror is an easy enough fun read if rather pedestrian and adds little character development or anything new to the series. This time out Angelo, Gus, Naira, Hallie and Colette (AKA ‘The Loser Club’) are menaced by aggressive flocks of birds which start attacking people. Thinking the birds are either possessed, genetically modified or are being controlled in some way the evidence soon points to the Latchitts, even if the police think the scary couple are in France. For kids who are in Year 5 and 6 this is a non-threatening fun read, some of the scenes when the Loser Club were attacked at school were great action sequences and the banter between the kids was enjoyable. Even though some of the promotional material connects it to Stranger Things, I thought it was too easy and young for that audience. If you already have book one and two in your library I would still buy this for existing fans of the series, but it is a fairly undemanding book for the Year 7 age group. AGE RANGE 8-12
In comparison to the best of Middle Grade horror, although Flock Horror is an easy enough fun read if rather pedestrian and adds little character development or anything new to the series. This time out Angelo, Gus, Naira, Hallie and Colette (AKA ‘The Loser Club’) are menaced by aggressive flocks of birds which start attacking people. Thinking the birds are either possessed, genetically modified or are being controlled in some way the evidence soon points to the Latchitts, even if the police think the scary couple are in France. For kids who are in Year 5 and 6 this is a non-threatening fun read, some of the scenes when the Loser Club were attacked at school were great action sequences and the banter between the kids was enjoyable. Even though some of the promotional material connects it to Stranger Things, I thought it was too easy and young for that audience. If you already have book one and two in your library I would still buy this for existing fans of the series, but it is a fairly undemanding book for the Year 7 age group. AGE RANGE 8-12
February 19, 2024
In this third instalment of the Deadwood Series from the queen of MG horror, Jennifer Killick, we find Club Loser having to fight for their very survival, fending off evil birds that are being controlled by the nefarious Mr and Mrs. Latchitt. The members of Club Loser, Angelo, Gus, Colleen, Hallie and Naira, have finally recovered from their last run -in with the Latchitts and are looking forward to their school year. However, it isn't long before they are faced with a new, even more deadly threat. This time from the skies. The group of friends have become even closer due tot heir previous experiences. This time around, it looks like Angelo is the main target, therefore, he has to use every ounce of strength he can muster to keep them all safe and outwit the Latchitts. The group of friends are all unique and gifted in their own way, but they work well together as a team and genuinely love each other. I really enjoyed seeing how each one of them had matured since the previous book. I look forward to watching this continue in future books. The wonderfully gory descriptions of the bird attacks and consequential wounds is brilliant-no wonder kids (and adults) love these books. The way in which the characters and setting are described puts you right into the action. I really love this series and can't wait to find out what happens next in this exceptional world Jennifer has created!
May 21, 2023
FLOCK HORROR is the third chilling horror about monstrous animals being used to attack "Club Loser".
So far we've had spiders and worms used as the horror monsters, and this time it's birds. Instead of building up to reveal the monsters, you know very early one that it's birds. Instead of suspense over what exactly is causing the mayhem, the monsters are the mayhem. I really liked the change in approach. Not to mention big black birds with red eyes swarming is terrifying!
The shower room sequence is an absolute masterclass in building tension horror style. It's the school showers, which no one wants to be in, made even more unsettling with descriptions of all the senses. And then Killick turns a mundane action (moving back shower curtains) into something tense as you're just waiting for it all to go wrong. It really shows why she is the queen of MG horror.
Mr C grew on me even more as a character. I love seeing good teachers in book, ones who are there for their students, going above and beyond to look after their well being. It doesn't hurt that he's so funny too. It's a nice foil to the Latchitts.
The way this book ends makes me think we've reached the end of one arc of the series and are heading into another, which a new dimension to the threat yet to come. Good thing there is another book coming, DEADLY DEEP, in the late summer - just in time for spooky season!
So far we've had spiders and worms used as the horror monsters, and this time it's birds. Instead of building up to reveal the monsters, you know very early one that it's birds. Instead of suspense over what exactly is causing the mayhem, the monsters are the mayhem. I really liked the change in approach. Not to mention big black birds with red eyes swarming is terrifying!
The shower room sequence is an absolute masterclass in building tension horror style. It's the school showers, which no one wants to be in, made even more unsettling with descriptions of all the senses. And then Killick turns a mundane action (moving back shower curtains) into something tense as you're just waiting for it all to go wrong. It really shows why she is the queen of MG horror.
Mr C grew on me even more as a character. I love seeing good teachers in book, ones who are there for their students, going above and beyond to look after their well being. It doesn't hurt that he's so funny too. It's a nice foil to the Latchitts.
The way this book ends makes me think we've reached the end of one arc of the series and are heading into another, which a new dimension to the threat yet to come. Good thing there is another book coming, DEADLY DEEP, in the late summer - just in time for spooky season!
April 28, 2023
First, can I just say being on annual leave is amazing! I can't remember the last time I got to start and finish a book in one day! Secondly, thank you to my wonderful husband @thecolour_blindartist for firstly getting me the first two books and this most recent one. Good choice!
🐦⬛
So let's get down to the review: I'm glad I read the first two books recently, I hate reading the next book in a series too long after the last one, and spend the first half of the book trying to remember what's going on.
A review on the front of the book describes it as "deliciously scary and hilarious comedy horror," and it sums it up perfectly! The friendship of Club Loser is once again tried and tested and stronger than ever!
Without revealing too much, at one point in the book I said to Alex "I forget how graphic these books are" to which he looked at me confused, as they're just kids books, right? Well, yes, they are, but if you add bloodthirsty genetically modified vampire birds into the mix, things are going to get spicy!
🐦⬛
If my random feedback has got you interested, I highly suggest you order these books, if not at least the first one before August 31st, when the next book comes out! I am so excited about it, I cannot wait!
🐦⬛
🐦⬛
So let's get down to the review: I'm glad I read the first two books recently, I hate reading the next book in a series too long after the last one, and spend the first half of the book trying to remember what's going on.
A review on the front of the book describes it as "deliciously scary and hilarious comedy horror," and it sums it up perfectly! The friendship of Club Loser is once again tried and tested and stronger than ever!
Without revealing too much, at one point in the book I said to Alex "I forget how graphic these books are" to which he looked at me confused, as they're just kids books, right? Well, yes, they are, but if you add bloodthirsty genetically modified vampire birds into the mix, things are going to get spicy!
🐦⬛
If my random feedback has got you interested, I highly suggest you order these books, if not at least the first one before August 31st, when the next book comes out! I am so excited about it, I cannot wait!
🐦⬛
March 17, 2025
What a fantastic "wrap up" of these first 3 books! I swear these books get scarier and scarier with each instalment to the series.
This one was next level, genuinely perfect horror for middle grade or even adults who are looking for that creep factor without the nightmares. Even I want to be a part of this awesome friend group! Each character is so distinct and has had actual character growth over the first 3 books. I love to see healthy friendships portrayed in middle grade books. Seeing the boys cry around the girls, seeing them all apologise and communicate is refreshing.
You'd think that the villains/"monster of the episode" format throughout these books would get boring after the third time, but it's handled so well and is different from the typical formula. The horror scenes were that much more intense since we have a history with said villains. But it also ended really well and I'm interested to see where the series will go from here.
Can't recommend enough! Creepy scenes that will keep you on the edge of your seat, found family and a well paced adventure!
5 ⭐️ middle grade horror series!!
This one was next level, genuinely perfect horror for middle grade or even adults who are looking for that creep factor without the nightmares. Even I want to be a part of this awesome friend group! Each character is so distinct and has had actual character growth over the first 3 books. I love to see healthy friendships portrayed in middle grade books. Seeing the boys cry around the girls, seeing them all apologise and communicate is refreshing.
You'd think that the villains/"monster of the episode" format throughout these books would get boring after the third time, but it's handled so well and is different from the typical formula. The horror scenes were that much more intense since we have a history with said villains. But it also ended really well and I'm interested to see where the series will go from here.
Can't recommend enough! Creepy scenes that will keep you on the edge of your seat, found family and a well paced adventure!
5 ⭐️ middle grade horror series!!
August 10, 2023
The latest in this trilogy - Flock Horror by @jennifer.killick.56 is out now.
I hadn’t read the first two so it was an absolute treat to binge read them all! I normally steer well clear of any books that could potentially give me nightmares! But I am so glad I read this trio of books!
This series gave me vibes from stranger things and the old classic- Goosebumps.
Set in a small town with a group of friends by chance, Angelo, Hallie, Gustav and Naira, are thrown together in the worst school detention ever! They have faced clown masks, apocalyptic fair grounds and parasites, now they have to overcome suspicious adults and giant vampire birds! – full Hitchcock! I have never been a fan of birds anyway but now I will be steering WELL CLEAR of crows!
The characters are brilliant and very relatable. Each are individual with their own quirks. Even though they are not ‘meant’ to be friends, the relationships they build with each other is endearing.
The stories would be for Year 4 upwards (9+)
I hadn’t read the first two so it was an absolute treat to binge read them all! I normally steer well clear of any books that could potentially give me nightmares! But I am so glad I read this trio of books!
This series gave me vibes from stranger things and the old classic- Goosebumps.
Set in a small town with a group of friends by chance, Angelo, Hallie, Gustav and Naira, are thrown together in the worst school detention ever! They have faced clown masks, apocalyptic fair grounds and parasites, now they have to overcome suspicious adults and giant vampire birds! – full Hitchcock! I have never been a fan of birds anyway but now I will be steering WELL CLEAR of crows!
The characters are brilliant and very relatable. Each are individual with their own quirks. Even though they are not ‘meant’ to be friends, the relationships they build with each other is endearing.
The stories would be for Year 4 upwards (9+)
March 6, 2025
AND SHES DONE IT AGAIN!!!
I’m currently reading this series this is the third book I’ve read of this series and it’s absolutely brilliant!
‼️SPOILERS SPOILERS‼️
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
The forshadowing in this book series is fantastic! Some of them I was able to guess, such as the thing with angelos parents I thought it would be the Latchitts. But the mystery third person!! There are so many unpredictable parts. I love it!
I love how all the characters have flaws and how they act is based on their personalities and responsibilities. E.g. Naira (maybe my favourite) she seems very stuck up, very know-it-all but she has a backstory why.
The way that the latchitts are always miles ahead of club loser is so interesting and I can’t possibly guess the next plot point the writing is spectacular just like its characters.
Can’t wait to do a full review at the end!
I’m currently reading this series this is the third book I’ve read of this series and it’s absolutely brilliant!
‼️SPOILERS SPOILERS‼️
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
The forshadowing in this book series is fantastic! Some of them I was able to guess, such as the thing with angelos parents I thought it would be the Latchitts. But the mystery third person!! There are so many unpredictable parts. I love it!
I love how all the characters have flaws and how they act is based on their personalities and responsibilities. E.g. Naira (maybe my favourite) she seems very stuck up, very know-it-all but she has a backstory why.
The way that the latchitts are always miles ahead of club loser is so interesting and I can’t possibly guess the next plot point the writing is spectacular just like its characters.
Can’t wait to do a full review at the end!
June 12, 2025
I really enjoyed the third book in an absolutely creepy and terrifying but hilarious series!
Angelo and his 4 best friends have been through it all, like defeating some extremely creepy creatures and staring death in the face more than once in less than a year. However, when a new enemy appears in the sky, Club Loser are ready. They are ready to defeat giant vampire birds who are hungry for blood! But will Angelou and his friends ever turn their fate around?
I really enjoyed this book! I have absolutely loved this series so far, and it just is two of my favourite book genres mashed into one book, which I love so much. Jennifer is just such an amazing writer, and I have loved every one of her books that I have read so far. I love Angelo and his friends’ personalities, as there are just so fun and fresh. I can’t wait to read the next one!
Angelo and his 4 best friends have been through it all, like defeating some extremely creepy creatures and staring death in the face more than once in less than a year. However, when a new enemy appears in the sky, Club Loser are ready. They are ready to defeat giant vampire birds who are hungry for blood! But will Angelou and his friends ever turn their fate around?
I really enjoyed this book! I have absolutely loved this series so far, and it just is two of my favourite book genres mashed into one book, which I love so much. Jennifer is just such an amazing writer, and I have loved every one of her books that I have read so far. I love Angelo and his friends’ personalities, as there are just so fun and fresh. I can’t wait to read the next one!
May 23, 2024
4⭐️
I definitely think this series will be one of my new favourites for middle grade if they carry on being this fun!
This one jumped straight into the action from the very first chapter, and everything was escalating the whole way through the book. The idea of ravenous, huge blood thirsty birds is actually terrifying and I think the creepy element was nailed in this one. I still adore this friendship group, and the little crush between Angelo and Collette is so bloody cute. These books never fail to make me laugh and they’re something I can always be in the mood for, especially if I need something quick and easy to bring me out of a slump.
Highly recommend for the middle grade lovers out there.
I definitely think this series will be one of my new favourites for middle grade if they carry on being this fun!
This one jumped straight into the action from the very first chapter, and everything was escalating the whole way through the book. The idea of ravenous, huge blood thirsty birds is actually terrifying and I think the creepy element was nailed in this one. I still adore this friendship group, and the little crush between Angelo and Collette is so bloody cute. These books never fail to make me laugh and they’re something I can always be in the mood for, especially if I need something quick and easy to bring me out of a slump.
Highly recommend for the middle grade lovers out there.
December 18, 2023
Club Loser are back and so are the Latchitts, the evil grandparents of Colette, who are determined to get her away from her friends. What a Year 7 they have had! After genetically modified spiders in detention (book 1) and parasitic worms during Flinch (book 2) the gang now are facing the end of the year: sports day and the summer dance. What could go wrong? Plenty if the Latchitts and their new pets have anything to do with it.
Jennifer Killick gives us another quick-moving adventure with many laughs and a few jump scares along the way. The central theme of friendship continues strongly through this third book. I loved it and look forward to books 4 and 5!
Jennifer Killick gives us another quick-moving adventure with many laughs and a few jump scares along the way. The central theme of friendship continues strongly through this third book. I loved it and look forward to books 4 and 5!
February 26, 2023
Club Loser is back. Fresh from defeating the Latchitts at the fair, Angelo, Gus, Naira, Hallie and Colette are back together. But strange happenings start them wondering whether the Latchitts are back and when flocks of birds start attacking everyone, they realise that they have a fight on their hands again. Can Club Loser pull together to take on the Latchitts once again?
The third in the Dread Wood series, this picks up straight after the events in Fear Ground. The young characters continue to develop and Mr C is his usual lovely self. Perfect for fans of middle-grade horror.
The third in the Dread Wood series, this picks up straight after the events in Fear Ground. The young characters continue to develop and Mr C is his usual lovely self. Perfect for fans of middle-grade horror.
April 11, 2023
From the start I knew this was going to be even scarier than the previous two books in the series. The Latchitts definitely step up their game, the birds are the most terrifying of their creations yet and their influence seems to be growing. I liked the new revelations that come out in this book and I have some ideas about what could happen in the next one. I thought it got a bit too violent and gory for me in some places so I'm a little concerned about book 4, but that's not going to stop me from buying it as soon as it comes out!
October 10, 2023
This is the third book in the Dread Wood series. Like the previous books, this is well-written but with a much more chilling storyline. This time, the gang is fighting off vampire birds. There is lots more blood and gore, but don’t worry as there are also lots of funny moments that will keep you quietly chuckling to yourself. If you’ve read the previous books, you will definitely see the characters developing. I can’t say too much more about this one due to spoilers, but I really enjoyed it and can’t wait for book four.
April 21, 2023
The third in Jennifer Killick’s comedy horror quartet for readers aged 9+ raises the stakes with Club Loser facing real peril and serious injury and the horror is gorier. I love how the diversity in this book is not a big deal here and a scene where Club Loser try on clothes for the school dance is a joy but I was less fond of how Killick introduces a conspiracy element to explain how the Latchitts are able to do some of the things they do.
May 21, 2025
These books are so scary for kids, especially as this one had a little more real world threat in it. I enjoy the humour, the characters all continue to be likeable and the Latchitts continue to be awful and creepy. I like that these books deal with the questions of "why wouldn't you go to an adult?" "surely the police would get involved" etc
July 5, 2025
The further you get into the series, the scarier it gets. Like, growing up a working class kid and relying on benefits, like some of these guys, I can relate and the horrors that the Lachitts genetically modify are less scary than the ones that can conjour from blackmail.
Genuinely such a good story. I really hope that Killick writes more books for this series!
Genuinely such a good story. I really hope that Killick writes more books for this series!
October 23, 2024
After really loving book 1 and 2, I found this one a bit underwhelming as it sticks to the same formula / story as the others I've already read.
It was still enjoyable and super scary in places, and I expect a child wouldn't really notice as much as me as an adult.
It was still enjoyable and super scary in places, and I expect a child wouldn't really notice as much as me as an adult.
March 4, 2023
Yet another amazing addition to the series. I loved how it was straight in to the action, and didn’t stop till the end. Couldn’t put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews