What do you think?
The Haunting of Old Splinter
Innocent wishes turn decidedly sinister in this chilling horror for fans of Katherine Arden and R. L. Stine.
Peter and his half brother, Adrian, live in the shadow of Old Splinter—a formerly lavish estate now in ruins. Rumored to have once housed an eccentric magician, it’s now home to little more than spiderwebs and mold. Tasked with renovating the crumbling mansion on behalf of their wealthy uncle, Peter’s stepdad is at his wits’ end. And the cracks are beginning to show in their once-happy cottage.
A mysterious local legend may be their only hope. The wishing claw, a magical hand that grants your deepest desires, has spell-bound townsfolk for centuries. If it’s real—if he can find it—then Peter might just save his family! But wishes are tricky things and they always come with a price. What starts innocently enough soon unearths much more than Peter bargained for, including a dark secret lurking in the walls of the mansion…and a monstrous hunger that comes knocking at his door.
Peter and his half brother, Adrian, live in the shadow of Old Splinter—a formerly lavish estate now in ruins. Rumored to have once housed an eccentric magician, it’s now home to little more than spiderwebs and mold. Tasked with renovating the crumbling mansion on behalf of their wealthy uncle, Peter’s stepdad is at his wits’ end. And the cracks are beginning to show in their once-happy cottage.
A mysterious local legend may be their only hope. The wishing claw, a magical hand that grants your deepest desires, has spell-bound townsfolk for centuries. If it’s real—if he can find it—then Peter might just save his family! But wishes are tricky things and they always come with a price. What starts innocently enough soon unearths much more than Peter bargained for, including a dark secret lurking in the walls of the mansion…and a monstrous hunger that comes knocking at his door.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published July 21, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 17, 2026
2.5 stars // I’m really conflicted about this one. The overall premise is solid, but every single adult character had me wanting to throw the book across the room.
The story follows two brothers living with their parents on an old estate while their father restores the crumbling mansion known as Old Splinter. The family stays in the gardener’s cottage, but the real mystery surrounds the house itself. According to local legend, a former owner possessed the Wishing Claw, a magical relic that could grant wishes but always demanded blood in return. After the owner’s suspicious death, the relic vanished.
Honestly, I just wanted more of Old Splinter. The mansion is easily the most interesting part of the book, but we only get a couple short scenes inside it. I kept waiting for the brothers to really explore the house and uncover its secrets, and it never happened. There’s a good story here, but I left feeling like the setting had way more potential than what we actually got.
Full review to come on my YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@hollyheartsbooks...
The story follows two brothers living with their parents on an old estate while their father restores the crumbling mansion known as Old Splinter. The family stays in the gardener’s cottage, but the real mystery surrounds the house itself. According to local legend, a former owner possessed the Wishing Claw, a magical relic that could grant wishes but always demanded blood in return. After the owner’s suspicious death, the relic vanished.
Honestly, I just wanted more of Old Splinter. The mansion is easily the most interesting part of the book, but we only get a couple short scenes inside it. I kept waiting for the brothers to really explore the house and uncover its secrets, and it never happened. There’s a good story here, but I left feeling like the setting had way more potential than what we actually got.
Full review to come on my YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@hollyheartsbooks...
September 14, 2026
Disclosure Statement: I received a US Edition hardcover of this novel from the publisher. My thoughts and opinions of the book are entirely my own and have not been influenced by either the publisher or the author.
The Haunting of Old Splinter blew me away. Not only is it one of the scariest middle grade horror novels I've read since Ally Russell's It Came from the Trees, but it's also one of the best editions of a monkey's paw story that I've read. It takes a fresh look at a familiar trope in fiction, and refreshes that conversation for a contemporary audience of young readers.
While it's very easy to lean into middle grade fiction being something didactic or needing strong moralization, The Haunting of Old Splinter resists clear moralization in favor of finding a great deal of nuance. It's careful not to come out to reject any element of worldly want, but it does ask real ethical questions of the kinds of wishes we pose to the universe.
And therein lies the whole conflict of the book: what's okay to wish for? What isn't? And when we wish for anything, does it actually serve the function of changing our circumstances, or is it just avoidance of consequence for the things in our lives that really do matter?
Written with brilliant prose and rich characterization, The Haunting of Old Splinder is middle grade fiction at its finest, and it's just as readable at any age.
The Haunting of Old Splinter blew me away. Not only is it one of the scariest middle grade horror novels I've read since Ally Russell's It Came from the Trees, but it's also one of the best editions of a monkey's paw story that I've read. It takes a fresh look at a familiar trope in fiction, and refreshes that conversation for a contemporary audience of young readers.
While it's very easy to lean into middle grade fiction being something didactic or needing strong moralization, The Haunting of Old Splinter resists clear moralization in favor of finding a great deal of nuance. It's careful not to come out to reject any element of worldly want, but it does ask real ethical questions of the kinds of wishes we pose to the universe.
And therein lies the whole conflict of the book: what's okay to wish for? What isn't? And when we wish for anything, does it actually serve the function of changing our circumstances, or is it just avoidance of consequence for the things in our lives that really do matter?
Written with brilliant prose and rich characterization, The Haunting of Old Splinder is middle grade fiction at its finest, and it's just as readable at any age.
Read
September 8, 2026
Trigger & Content Warnings
Body horror & depiction of mummified body parts
Homelessness (secondary character)
Animal death (off-page, protagonist's parent does taxidermy as a hobby)
Bullying
Body horror & depiction of mummified body parts
Homelessness (secondary character)
Animal death (off-page, protagonist's parent does taxidermy as a hobby)
Bullying
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Peter Carney and Adrian Lee are step brothers living in Barghest-on-the-Moor. Adrian’s father, George, is helping his brother, Lawrence, renovate Old Splinter, a creepy old mansion with a disturbing history while Peter’s mother works as a nurse and ethically taxidermies road kill animals in her spare time. The house is in terrible shape, and Lawrence keeps traveling back to Hong Kong to deal with his business there, leaving George to deal with damp, rotted floorboards, and a horrible smell in the house. Peter and Adrian have befriended Alfie, a charming unhoused man who lives in a clothing donation bin and likes to scare people for fun. He tells them that the owner of Old Splinter was a magician named Wolfgand Ravenite who bought a “wishing claw”, a disturbing mummified human hand, and had it grafted onto his body. The lore is that the claw will grant wishes, but they come with a horrible price. The boys are intrigued, and since George is concerned that the family finances are keeping him tied to his brother, they even hunt down the claw, which is in the possession of local bully Jethro and his father. The claw has brought them great wealth, but certainly doesn’t make them happy. They steal the claw, even though they promised Alfie they wouldn’t. They wish for a dog, and get Poe, a black labrador who seems to have come out of a picture. They wish for something embarrassing to happen to Jethro, but what happens is more disturbing than they would have wished. Finally, they wish for enough money to leave Old Splinter, which results in Lawrence’s death. The family gets money, but Peter feels so guilty that he wishes for Lawrence to come back to life. This does not go well, and Lawrence’s zombie-like qualities eventually make it clear that this was not a good choice. Will Peter and Adrian be able to save their family?
Strengths: Creepy tales are always in demand, and the cover of this is great. There are plenty of creepy details about the history of the house, and some macabre discoveries. This really takes off after Lawrence’s death as it becomes clear that a week of being buried didn’t treat him well, and the boys approach solving the problem in a good way, and have some support from both parents and Alfie. I’m not a horror fan myself, so I enjoyed the happy ending. This was an interesting book about the price of wishes.
Weaknesses: This is a British title, but I think my readers will be okay with the haunted setting on the moors. It got off to a bit of a slow start, but definitely became quite scary.
What I really think: Readers who have met Jacob’s 1902 The Monkey’s Paw will enjoy this updated reimagining of the tale, which becomes quite the scary zombie tale. It’s also an instructive look at how badly wishes can go wrong, right up there with White’s Wish Monster or Snyder’s Bigger Than a Breadbox! Fans of Alexander’s The Fear Zone might also like this. I never have enough horror books, so will purchase this one.
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
Peter Carney and Adrian Lee are step brothers living in Barghest-on-the-Moor. Adrian’s father, George, is helping his brother, Lawrence, renovate Old Splinter, a creepy old mansion with a disturbing history while Peter’s mother works as a nurse and ethically taxidermies road kill animals in her spare time. The house is in terrible shape, and Lawrence keeps traveling back to Hong Kong to deal with his business there, leaving George to deal with damp, rotted floorboards, and a horrible smell in the house. Peter and Adrian have befriended Alfie, a charming unhoused man who lives in a clothing donation bin and likes to scare people for fun. He tells them that the owner of Old Splinter was a magician named Wolfgand Ravenite who bought a “wishing claw”, a disturbing mummified human hand, and had it grafted onto his body. The lore is that the claw will grant wishes, but they come with a horrible price. The boys are intrigued, and since George is concerned that the family finances are keeping him tied to his brother, they even hunt down the claw, which is in the possession of local bully Jethro and his father. The claw has brought them great wealth, but certainly doesn’t make them happy. They steal the claw, even though they promised Alfie they wouldn’t. They wish for a dog, and get Poe, a black labrador who seems to have come out of a picture. They wish for something embarrassing to happen to Jethro, but what happens is more disturbing than they would have wished. Finally, they wish for enough money to leave Old Splinter, which results in Lawrence’s death. The family gets money, but Peter feels so guilty that he wishes for Lawrence to come back to life. This does not go well, and Lawrence’s zombie-like qualities eventually make it clear that this was not a good choice. Will Peter and Adrian be able to save their family?
Strengths: Creepy tales are always in demand, and the cover of this is great. There are plenty of creepy details about the history of the house, and some macabre discoveries. This really takes off after Lawrence’s death as it becomes clear that a week of being buried didn’t treat him well, and the boys approach solving the problem in a good way, and have some support from both parents and Alfie. I’m not a horror fan myself, so I enjoyed the happy ending. This was an interesting book about the price of wishes.
Weaknesses: This is a British title, but I think my readers will be okay with the haunted setting on the moors. It got off to a bit of a slow start, but definitely became quite scary.
What I really think: Readers who have met Jacob’s 1902 The Monkey’s Paw will enjoy this updated reimagining of the tale, which becomes quite the scary zombie tale. It’s also an instructive look at how badly wishes can go wrong, right up there with White’s Wish Monster or Snyder’s Bigger Than a Breadbox! Fans of Alexander’s The Fear Zone might also like this. I never have enough horror books, so will purchase this one.
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
August 4, 2026
What worked:
The author allows the plot to develop slowly, with the mystery of the wishing claw and the family’s issues always on Peter and Adrian's minds. Adrian loves scary stories, even though they frighten him, and Peter does his best to allay his brother’s fears. Peter finds the corpse of a missing magician in Old Splinter, making the town’s folklore more real. This discovery allows readers to anticipate the moment the brothers will find the hand and unleash the magic.
The wishing claw is comparable to a genie’s lamp, since it takes effect only after a wish is made. Adrian even assumes they’ll only get three wishes, because that’s what he’s read in his stories. On the plus side, the characters have no idea what will happen, so they’re responsible enough to choose their wish words very carefully. After two wishes, they understand the hand has unpredictable consequences and decide to stop. Of course, that doesn’t last long. The consequences seem to become more serious with bigger wishes, and the author moves the plot in a very eerie direction. It becomes reminiscent of ghastly, frightening ghost stories with a peaceful resolution difficult to foresee.
Family relationships are a big factor in the story. Peter and Adrian are half-brothers, but that doesn’t stop them from loving each other. George has married Peter’s mother, but he struggles to call him Dad. Peter’s birth father shows up at times, but that usually stirs up confusing thoughts and feelings. The most difficult exchanges are between George and his brother Lawrence. They’re supposed to be fixing up Old Splinter together, but Lawrence is usually overseas for business. When he shows up, he spoils the boys, especially Adrian, and infuriates George with his carefree attitude. Their brotherly love/hate relationship is a constant thread throughout the book.
What didn’t work as well:
Readers will expect Old Splinter to be a focal point of the story, but it takes a backseat to the wishing claw. The characters frequently enter the house early in the book, but the setting moves elsewhere after the magician’s corpse is found. The claw is haunted, not the house. The book’s title seems misleading.
The final verdict:
The author slowly develops the conflict and suspense, but the book’s second half will get readers’ hearts pounding. I recommend you check it out for yourself.
The author allows the plot to develop slowly, with the mystery of the wishing claw and the family’s issues always on Peter and Adrian's minds. Adrian loves scary stories, even though they frighten him, and Peter does his best to allay his brother’s fears. Peter finds the corpse of a missing magician in Old Splinter, making the town’s folklore more real. This discovery allows readers to anticipate the moment the brothers will find the hand and unleash the magic.
The wishing claw is comparable to a genie’s lamp, since it takes effect only after a wish is made. Adrian even assumes they’ll only get three wishes, because that’s what he’s read in his stories. On the plus side, the characters have no idea what will happen, so they’re responsible enough to choose their wish words very carefully. After two wishes, they understand the hand has unpredictable consequences and decide to stop. Of course, that doesn’t last long. The consequences seem to become more serious with bigger wishes, and the author moves the plot in a very eerie direction. It becomes reminiscent of ghastly, frightening ghost stories with a peaceful resolution difficult to foresee.
Family relationships are a big factor in the story. Peter and Adrian are half-brothers, but that doesn’t stop them from loving each other. George has married Peter’s mother, but he struggles to call him Dad. Peter’s birth father shows up at times, but that usually stirs up confusing thoughts and feelings. The most difficult exchanges are between George and his brother Lawrence. They’re supposed to be fixing up Old Splinter together, but Lawrence is usually overseas for business. When he shows up, he spoils the boys, especially Adrian, and infuriates George with his carefree attitude. Their brotherly love/hate relationship is a constant thread throughout the book.
What didn’t work as well:
Readers will expect Old Splinter to be a focal point of the story, but it takes a backseat to the wishing claw. The characters frequently enter the house early in the book, but the setting moves elsewhere after the magician’s corpse is found. The claw is haunted, not the house. The book’s title seems misleading.
The final verdict:
The author slowly develops the conflict and suspense, but the book’s second half will get readers’ hearts pounding. I recommend you check it out for yourself.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
**My thanks to Penguin Young Readers Group for providing me with an advanced review copy via NetGalley**
3.5 stars
This is a charming middle grade novel about two brothers and a creepy old house in a quirky seaside town, where a thread of magic may underlie the way things are set up. Older brother Peter lives with his mom, his stepdad George, and his little (technically half) brother Adrian, in a groundskeeper’s cottage attached to a decrepit manor house owned by George’s brother Lawrence. Lawrence has hired George to renovate the house, but things keep going wrong; the boys wonder if a local legend about the house’s old owner, a magician possessed of a wish-granting severed hand, might be the key to their family’s difficulties.
The setting and side characters are delightfully odd, especially Uncle Lawrence, who descends unexpectedly on the family like Clara’s mischievous uncle from The Nutcracker. The magic hand, once revealed, is suitably sinister, and the stakes raise proportionately with each wish the boys make.
The heart of this book is really the family relationships, and particularly that between brothers, fathers, and sons. George struggles to tell both his boys that he loves them, and Peter especially worries that he isn’t wanted by his stepdad (especially as George’s brother Lawrence clearly and obviously favors his biological nephew Adrian). There’s also a throughline about promises; Peter feels throughout the book that the adults in his life have played fast and loose with their promises to him, so he finds it hard to justify keeping the promises he makes, even when—with the introduction of the occult—the stakes for a broken promise raise from hurt feelings and shattered trust to potential mortal danger.
I would definitely recommend this book to middle grade readers, especially to children with blended family situations and/or strong sibling bonds, or for families struggling with how to talk about truthfulness and reliability. However, I would caution squeamish readers away, as there is an element of body horror (age-appropriate, but still not for the faint of heart).
3.5 stars
This is a charming middle grade novel about two brothers and a creepy old house in a quirky seaside town, where a thread of magic may underlie the way things are set up. Older brother Peter lives with his mom, his stepdad George, and his little (technically half) brother Adrian, in a groundskeeper’s cottage attached to a decrepit manor house owned by George’s brother Lawrence. Lawrence has hired George to renovate the house, but things keep going wrong; the boys wonder if a local legend about the house’s old owner, a magician possessed of a wish-granting severed hand, might be the key to their family’s difficulties.
The setting and side characters are delightfully odd, especially Uncle Lawrence, who descends unexpectedly on the family like Clara’s mischievous uncle from The Nutcracker. The magic hand, once revealed, is suitably sinister, and the stakes raise proportionately with each wish the boys make.
The heart of this book is really the family relationships, and particularly that between brothers, fathers, and sons. George struggles to tell both his boys that he loves them, and Peter especially worries that he isn’t wanted by his stepdad (especially as George’s brother Lawrence clearly and obviously favors his biological nephew Adrian). There’s also a throughline about promises; Peter feels throughout the book that the adults in his life have played fast and loose with their promises to him, so he finds it hard to justify keeping the promises he makes, even when—with the introduction of the occult—the stakes for a broken promise raise from hurt feelings and shattered trust to potential mortal danger.
I would definitely recommend this book to middle grade readers, especially to children with blended family situations and/or strong sibling bonds, or for families struggling with how to talk about truthfulness and reliability. However, I would caution squeamish readers away, as there is an element of body horror (age-appropriate, but still not for the faint of heart).
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If you're a fan of creepy middle-grade stories that feel like a modern take on The Monkey's Paw with a touch of Goosebumps and Coraline, The Haunting of Old Splinter is definitely worth picking up.
The story follows Peter and his half-brother Adrian as they become entangled in the mystery surrounding Old Splinter, a decaying mansion filled with dark legends. When they discover the existence of a magical wishing claw capable of granting any desire, it quickly becomes clear that every wish comes with a terrifying price.
What I enjoyed most was the atmosphere. Jack Mackay creates an unsettling setting where every creaking floorboard, forgotten room, and whispered legend makes the mansion feel alive. The horror isn't overly graphic, but it's genuinely eerie, building suspense chapter after chapter instead of relying on cheap jump scares.
Beyond the supernatural mystery, the novel also explores family dynamics in a thoughtful way. Peter and Adrian's blended family feels authentic, and their relationship gives the story emotional weight, making you care about what happens long before the horror truly unfolds.
The pacing starts off a little slower as it establishes the characters and the legend surrounding Old Splinter, but once the wishes begin, the tension escalates quickly. The consequences become increasingly disturbing, reinforcing the classic lesson to be careful what you wish for.
Overall, The Haunting of Old Splinter delivers an entertaining mix of haunted-house mystery, cursed magic, and emotional storytelling. It's spooky without becoming overwhelming, making it a perfect choice for readers looking to transition from children's horror into something a little darker while still keeping that adventurous, page-turning spirit.
The story follows Peter and his half-brother Adrian as they become entangled in the mystery surrounding Old Splinter, a decaying mansion filled with dark legends. When they discover the existence of a magical wishing claw capable of granting any desire, it quickly becomes clear that every wish comes with a terrifying price.
What I enjoyed most was the atmosphere. Jack Mackay creates an unsettling setting where every creaking floorboard, forgotten room, and whispered legend makes the mansion feel alive. The horror isn't overly graphic, but it's genuinely eerie, building suspense chapter after chapter instead of relying on cheap jump scares.
Beyond the supernatural mystery, the novel also explores family dynamics in a thoughtful way. Peter and Adrian's blended family feels authentic, and their relationship gives the story emotional weight, making you care about what happens long before the horror truly unfolds.
The pacing starts off a little slower as it establishes the characters and the legend surrounding Old Splinter, but once the wishes begin, the tension escalates quickly. The consequences become increasingly disturbing, reinforcing the classic lesson to be careful what you wish for.
Overall, The Haunting of Old Splinter delivers an entertaining mix of haunted-house mystery, cursed magic, and emotional storytelling. It's spooky without becoming overwhelming, making it a perfect choice for readers looking to transition from children's horror into something a little darker while still keeping that adventurous, page-turning spirit.
July 21, 2026
3.75 stars
This is a great middle grade horror/thriller that is age appropriately creepy but also packs some hearwarming messages. I enjoyed this one, and it made me want to read more in this genre.
Peter and Adrian are brothers, and they have a complicated family dynamic because they share a mom, but their dad is only biologically one of their fathers. This isn't an issue on its own, but it's present in their experiences and relationships, especially when the other biological dad suddenly appears. There are a lot of feelings that will facilitate connections for many young readers here in modern times where MOST kids have something complicated happening at home.
There's more complication in this home than just this issue, though, and it all starts with a creepy story set in Old Splinter. You've seen the cover, so you can guess it has a lot to do with that independent, dessicated hand. Yikes! What's even scarier is the proximity. The boys can't help but wonder if they are living on top of the town's wildest tale. If so, they wonder how they, too, might reap the benefits...and consequences.
We all have to learn not to make bad deals, and these kids do - the hard way. The good news is that readers can learn it - at least in theory - the easy way: by observing and avoiding these characters' choices and mistakes.
This is definitely a creepy read, and I really enjoyed how things developed between the brothers.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Viking Books for Young Readers for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
This is a great middle grade horror/thriller that is age appropriately creepy but also packs some hearwarming messages. I enjoyed this one, and it made me want to read more in this genre.
Peter and Adrian are brothers, and they have a complicated family dynamic because they share a mom, but their dad is only biologically one of their fathers. This isn't an issue on its own, but it's present in their experiences and relationships, especially when the other biological dad suddenly appears. There are a lot of feelings that will facilitate connections for many young readers here in modern times where MOST kids have something complicated happening at home.
There's more complication in this home than just this issue, though, and it all starts with a creepy story set in Old Splinter. You've seen the cover, so you can guess it has a lot to do with that independent, dessicated hand. Yikes! What's even scarier is the proximity. The boys can't help but wonder if they are living on top of the town's wildest tale. If so, they wonder how they, too, might reap the benefits...and consequences.
We all have to learn not to make bad deals, and these kids do - the hard way. The good news is that readers can learn it - at least in theory - the easy way: by observing and avoiding these characters' choices and mistakes.
This is definitely a creepy read, and I really enjoyed how things developed between the brothers.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Viking Books for Young Readers for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
July 28, 2026
"The Haunting of Old Splinter" is a middle-grade horror story that follows two half-brothers as they try to help their family with the aid of a magical, creepy wishing hand. The story is spooky and engaging for its target audience, with the expected happy ending.
At its heart, however, the book is a story about family relationships. I mention in the first sentence that Peter and Adrian are half-brothers because this is one of the book's central themes, along with stepparenting, a child's struggle to balance relationships with a biological parent and an adoptive one, and the bond between siblings.
This is an uplifting story about love, family, and support, with clear life lessons for its young readers. Since the intended audience is middle-grade, these messages are expressed quite directly: "…you want things without realizing what they might cost you." "It's easy to let our mistakes haunt us…" "If you let your worst choices define you, nothing ever gets better." "There is no shame in asking for help… No shame in accepting it either." And "You can't change what happened(...) But the future is always yours".
Adult readers may find these lessons a little too explicit or even somewhat preachy, and some of the adult characters may come across as a bit clichéd. However, I think this approach is understandable given the target audience.
I had a good time reading The Haunting of Old Splinter, and I am sure it will find many enthusiastic fans.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
At its heart, however, the book is a story about family relationships. I mention in the first sentence that Peter and Adrian are half-brothers because this is one of the book's central themes, along with stepparenting, a child's struggle to balance relationships with a biological parent and an adoptive one, and the bond between siblings.
This is an uplifting story about love, family, and support, with clear life lessons for its young readers. Since the intended audience is middle-grade, these messages are expressed quite directly: "…you want things without realizing what they might cost you." "It's easy to let our mistakes haunt us…" "If you let your worst choices define you, nothing ever gets better." "There is no shame in asking for help… No shame in accepting it either." And "You can't change what happened(...) But the future is always yours".
Adult readers may find these lessons a little too explicit or even somewhat preachy, and some of the adult characters may come across as a bit clichéd. However, I think this approach is understandable given the target audience.
I had a good time reading The Haunting of Old Splinter, and I am sure it will find many enthusiastic fans.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2026
In THE HAUNTING OF OLD SPLINTER, Peter and his half-brother Adrian live with their family in a cottage on the grounds of Old Splinter, a once grand mansion that Adrian’s father is working to renovate. They learn of a local legend about the former owner of the mansion, a magician who possessed a mummified hand that granted wishes. With the renovation work creeping along slowly and starting to take a toll on their family, the boys begin to wonder if finding the hand could be the solution to their problems. A search for the hand ensues and once they find it, a series be careful what you wish for scenarios come into play, each with higher and more horrifying stakes.
The rundown manor is the perfect atmospheric setting for this creepy tale. Tension builds with each wish, leading to a high-stakes showdown to restore order to Peter’s family. The thrills and chills are woven into a story framed by navigating complex sibling relationships and finding your place in a blended family. This hair-raising, hand wringing tale will be a hit with middle grade horror fans.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sharing an eARC of the book with me.
The rundown manor is the perfect atmospheric setting for this creepy tale. Tension builds with each wish, leading to a high-stakes showdown to restore order to Peter’s family. The thrills and chills are woven into a story framed by navigating complex sibling relationships and finding your place in a blended family. This hair-raising, hand wringing tale will be a hit with middle grade horror fans.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sharing an eARC of the book with me.
August 3, 2026
It was time for another middle-grade! Even though I do not fit into that age category anymore, I love reading these books every now and then. I recently read The Haunting of Old Splinter and had a terrific time! It's a suspenseful story that has a lot of elements from the horror and supernatural genres. At times, it was so thrilling that I was at the edge of my seat. Younger me would've loved this so so much! The characters were fun, but I have to admit that, at the start, I was very unsure of their ages. Children and adults sounded pretty much the same, which was a bit confusing. That aside, the writing was very fluent. The sentences were generally short and kept the tempo high. Originally, I planned to take my time with this one, but I just flew through it. I truly enjoyed this novel and am excited to read more from this author! I also feel like this story would work very well as a movie!
3,75✨️
Thank you for the eArc @netgalley 💙
3,75✨️
Thank you for the eArc @netgalley 💙
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was thrilled to be approved for another Jack Mackay book after loving Gloam. While The Haunting of Old Splinter isn't quite as scary as its predecessor, it more than makes up for it with character depth and immersive setting. I could vividly picture Old Splinter, and the scenes of the family gathering over Cantonese food and mahjong nights felt warm and vibrant against the backdrop of gothic England.
Without spoiling too much, I loved that the "villain" turned out to be a folkloric creature drawn from my own culture. Mackay also does a great job with the supporting cast, giving them real dimension without falling into stereotypes or tokenism.
I can't wait to see what this author does next!
Thanks to Penguin Young Readers and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Without spoiling too much, I loved that the "villain" turned out to be a folkloric creature drawn from my own culture. Mackay also does a great job with the supporting cast, giving them real dimension without falling into stereotypes or tokenism.
I can't wait to see what this author does next!
Thanks to Penguin Young Readers and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
May 24, 2026
The Haunting of Old Splinter was a delightfully creepy read, perfect for tweens who enjoyed Goosebumps but are looking for something a bit more mature without crossing into the YA territory. The story follows two very relatable brothers navigating the challenges of a blended family, a neighborhood bully, and a haunted house. I loved the development of the various characters- especially with the inclusion of the dad’s side being from Hong Kong. The mystery kept me wondering what would happen next to the point I neglected my family to finish. It had some genuinely scary moments. What happens when wishes go awry? Be careful what you wish for is a phrase we have all heard before. Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Teen for the ARC. I have preordered the physical copy.
July 21, 2026
Peter lives with his half-brother Adrian, his mom, and his stepdad in a cottage on the grounds of the old Splinter mansion. While the family works to renovate the estate with financial help from their Uncle Lawrence, they hear rumors about the Wishing Claw, a magical hand said to grant wishes. Hoping it could change their lives, Peter and Adrian set out to find it. This is a perfectly creepy, slightly gory story for younger middle-grade readers. Along with the spooky atmosphere, the book explores family relationships in a meaningful way, adding heart and depth to the adventure. It's a fun mix of mystery, suspense, and family dynamics that young readers who enjoy a good scare will likely appreciate. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this advanced reader’s copy.
August 6, 2026
I wasn't sure at first that I was really enjoying this book. It was all family drama and I just don't tend to enjoy that. But things slowly started to get a bit more interesting, and by the end it had very much redeemed itself by being incredibly creepy and genuinely quite terrifying!
I wouldn't know what age range to put on this, as it depends on what other children's horror your kid might have read, and how easily spooked they are. I will say, it is quite descriptive, so if your kid is easily scared, maybe wait a few years! But if they love a good scare, maybe they've read the Demonata books, Invisible Fiends or something of Jennifer Killick's books, then they should be good with this one.
I wouldn't know what age range to put on this, as it depends on what other children's horror your kid might have read, and how easily spooked they are. I will say, it is quite descriptive, so if your kid is easily scared, maybe wait a few years! But if they love a good scare, maybe they've read the Demonata books, Invisible Fiends or something of Jennifer Killick's books, then they should be good with this one.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you @prhaudio for the gifted audiobook. Jack Mackay's The Haunting of Old Splinter publishes 7/7/26.
I've been getting back into middle grade and YA to find more recommendations for my students, and I loved this scary story loosely based on "The Monkey's Paw" (short story by W.W. Jacobs about being careful what you wish for).
Two half brothers get entangled with a curse that grants wishes—at a price. It's about mistakes and forgiveness, family relationships, and creepy things. I was entertained, and I think a lot of kids will like this book.
If you have any 8-14 year olds who like scary stories, send this recommendation their way!
I've been getting back into middle grade and YA to find more recommendations for my students, and I loved this scary story loosely based on "The Monkey's Paw" (short story by W.W. Jacobs about being careful what you wish for).
Two half brothers get entangled with a curse that grants wishes—at a price. It's about mistakes and forgiveness, family relationships, and creepy things. I was entertained, and I think a lot of kids will like this book.
If you have any 8-14 year olds who like scary stories, send this recommendation their way!
July 25, 2026
I loved this book. It's a step up in horror from Jack Mackay's first book, Gloam - a fantastic debut in itself. (The UK versions). The chill/creep/fear factor of this book is great, and it is skilfully offset by intriguing relationships between the family members. The brothers' relationship is heartwarming and it's a beautiful window into a blended family's life. When I had finished this book, I kept wanting to pick it up again and was disappointed to remember I'd finished it. I thought about it for quite a while afterwards.
Terrifying for any reader but honestly not too much for middle grade readers. My kids loved it too.
Terrifying for any reader but honestly not too much for middle grade readers. My kids loved it too.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was given an early copy of this book to review. I was looking forward to this one as I enjoyed Gloam as well. I really loved The Haunting of Old Splinter - it was deliciously creepy! I was a big horror fan as a kid (Goosebumps and Point Horror were my jam) and this reminded me of everything I loved about the genre. It was as gripping as a spooky severed hand... I couldn't put it down.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I don't usually read horror books, but I was trying to step out of my comfort zone. This book delivered what it promised and more. It was creepy with the added element of family relationships. I think many students would enjoy it. I would recommend this book for school librarians. It would be a good addition to their back to school display.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
THE HAUNTING OF OLD SPLINTER is a solid Middle Grade horror novel that mixes so many elements I look for when reading. It has a great family story going on which is always a plus. It's giving Goosebumps does Monkey Paw in all the right ways. I just know these kids would love to see OBSESSION when they grow up. Good stuff and I will recommend this one!
July 25, 2026
This suspenseful and creepy story revolves around family as much as it does spooks and lore, which I liked. It made for a great blend of internal and external conflict. The interactions between the two brothers ring true for their age, perfect for that young reader demographic who enjoy Goosebumps.
August 6, 2026
An excellent and thrillingly scary “be careful what you wish for” novel. It’s not in your face scary but the eeriness build and builds until the scares become real. Excellent fully developed characters and plot.
August 21, 2026
Definitely 'The Monkey's Paw' for middle graders, but a really good spooky story about being careful what you wish for. I will say, there is off page animal death, but it's only mentioned. Still, if that's a hard no, you'll want to pass on this one.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
ARC read
This was a great variation on The Monkey Paw by Poe.The parents were annoying, but redeemed themselves. I do wish Alfie had more time to shine, though.
This was a great variation on The Monkey Paw by Poe.The parents were annoying, but redeemed themselves. I do wish Alfie had more time to shine, though.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Just the right sort of scary and terrifying for the age of the readership. Really unputdownable
Read
July 20, 2026Thanks to Viking, I received an advance readers copy. Good book for middle school.
August 20, 2026
Excellently spooky middle grade title! You can read my full review here: https://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home...
September 8, 2026
This book reminded me of "Pet Cemetery" and "the Monkeys' Paw". I wish there was more exploration of the house itself.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved this story. It had way more depth than I was expecting. You got to know Peter and Adrian. You also go to know the family and how they became a blended. You also learn about Adrian’s father’s life in Hong Kong. I do feel the main characters being a blended family is relevant today. Many times, middle grade books don’t have a blended family or there is the concept of the wicked stepparent. This family genuinely came together and loved each other.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews