Grin

by D.W. Gillespie

Full of chills and twists, a twelve-year-old boy is thrilled that he'll get to play endless games at his family’s arcade, but soon realizes he’s in the fight of his life when he’s forced to save himself and his possessed Uncle from a sinister video game.

Danny is spending a week with his Uncle Bill who runs a massive retro arcade called PixelWorks. His only plan is to play as many games as possible from open to close, but he wasn’t expecting to find the Holy Grail of arcade collectors, a gruesome looking game titled Grin.

Anyone who plays the game becomes surprisingly violent, and soon with the help of his friend Jodi and a knowledgeable videogame streamer, Danny realizes that Grin holds the soul of a dead serial killer.

Soon, the killer makes the jump into Bill’s body, and it’s up to Danny to figure out a way to stop him for good.

Genres: Horror, Middle Grade, Halloween, Audiobook

272 pages, Paperback

First published August 26, 2025

About the author

A long time fan of all things dark and spooky, D.W. Gillespie began writing monstrous stories while still in grade school. At one point, his mother asked the doctor if there was anything she should be concerned about, and he assured her that some kids just like stories about decapitations.

He's been writing on and off for over a decade, quietly building a body of work that includes horror and dark sci-fi. His novels include Still Dark, The Toy Thief, and a short story collection titled Handmade Monsters.

He lives in Tennessee with his wife and two kids, all three of which give him an endless supply of things to write about.

Reviews

[Emily Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dare I say I think I liked this better than “Give me Something Good to Eat”?! An excellent middle grade horror novel, perfect for fans of gravity falls, stranger things, or five nights at Freddy’s. Spooky and kooky!

[Chad Boyles · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review*

D.W. Gillespie's Grin is a thrilling middle-grade dive into the world of retro arcade games mixed with psychological horror. Set in the nostalgic world of PixelWorks, a massive retro arcade, the story follows Danny as he is spending a week with his Uncle Bill. Danny uncovers the dark secret behind an old arcade game called Grin. As the game holds the soul of a deadly serial killer, Danny, and his friends must race against time to stop the killer from taking over his Uncle Bill’s body and the dreadful outcome that there is no returning from. The eerie blend of arcade nostalgia and supernatural horror creates a compelling atmosphere, drawing readers into a story where technology and terror collide.
What truly elevates Grin is how Gillespie taps into themes of anxiety and psychological horror. Danny’s struggles with panic attacks make his descent into terror feel deeply personal and relatable, grounding the supernatural events in real human emotion. The inclusion of modern gaming culture, with references to popular streamers and YouTube/Twitch, adds a contemporary twist that feels fresh. The suspense builds masterfully, with moments of true dread that will keep readers hooked. If you’re a fan of psychological horror with plenty of chilling moments and a gaming twist, Grin is a must-read. I really hope there is a sequel. 🤞

[Jeremy Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare to GRIN and bear it!

DW Gillespie's Grin delivers a spine-chilling, sensational middle-grade horror novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story follows Danny, a young boy who spends a week visiting his Uncle Bill, the owner of a quirky free-to-play arcade. Danny anticipates a fun-filled bonding experience, but instead, he is confronted by a bizarre and terrifying game that seems intent on consuming him.

The narrative unfolds briskly, drawing readers into a world of mystery and suspense. With its fast-paced plot and intriguing mystery, Grin invites readers to join Danny on his brave adventure, solving puzzles and uncovering secrets in real time. Gillespie masterfully blends horror with a touch of whimsy, creating an atmosphere that is both eerie and captivating. The ending is particularly noteworthy, packed with unexpected reveals, chills, and thrills that will leave readers exhilarated for more!

Fans of DW Gillespie's previous works, The Toy Thief and One by One, will find Grin equally compelling. Gillespie's distinctive writing style shines through, offering tailored experiences for readers of all ages. His ability to craft engaging and accessible horror stories is evident in Grin, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good scare. Check it out!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars...this was a fun middle grade read. Nothing TOO scary but I enjoyed the mix of nostalgia with modern technology...I think it would be something "today's kids" would still enjoy even if they've never been to an arcade. I might read this again for nostalgia...some day...but it's not a new favorite for me. I would definitely recommend for middle grade age kids though.

[Jamie Uribe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for providing an ARC to me for this book! As a hardcore gamer, twelve-year-old Danny is thrilled to be spending a week during the summer with his Uncle Bill at his old-school arcade, PixelWorks. It's going to be a week of nonstop gaming, snack bar food and fun with Bill, who, unlike Danny's parents, gets his love of games. But when Bill acquires a new vintage game called Grin with a sinister history, strange things start happening at the arcade and it's up to Danny to ban together with his friend Jodi, who he reconnects with, and his favorite video game streamer, to save everyone, and the arcade, from Grin! I really enjoyed the fast-paced but slow-building creep factor in this book and I really loved Danny's character. It reminded me of a longer episode of Are You Afraid of the Dark, and in my book, that is everything! 

[TacoFan · Rating 3 out of 5]

it's actually a really good and creepy middle school horror. it reminded me of another book I read, Polybius. It does get a little silly with the reveal on why the game is messed up, but overall, it's really good for the targeted age group.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second book I have read by this author and I have really enjoyed them both. I am really looking forward to more books coming out in the future by D.W. Gillespie.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fantastic Middle Grade horror novel!! It’s the perfect amount of scary for younger readers, with spooky creepy vibes! I loved the nostalgia of the arcade setting, and thought the author did an excellent job working in mental health issues without making it too intense for the target age range. Highly recommend this one to older MG readers and adults! The ending leaves room for a sequel, which I’d definitely be interested in reading!

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

A successful and spooky mash-up of middle grade favorites: gaming and horror. Twelve-year-old Danny arrives at his Uncle Bill’s enormous arcade for a week-long dream vacation. But even before he arrives, he’s intrigued by his favorite podcaster’s report about Grin, a mysterious and cursed game that leaves a trail of death in its wake. Of course, Grin turns up at PixelWorks and weird things start happening right away: fights break out, dark clouds form over the building, and worst of all, jovial Uncle Bill’s behaviour becomes increasingly odd and finally, sinister. Aided by his friend Jodi and an older teen employee named Trey, Danny must uncover the gruesome secret behind Grim and dispatch the evil machine before it’s too late. 

Gillespie smoothly works many interesting strands into what is really a very creepy and heart-pounding story, making this more than just a nostalgic trip to Goosebumps territory. Are video games too scary, too violent, too addictive? Yes they are, and Grin represents the manifestation of these ideas. But the author also gives Danny some depth; in the past, he’s experienced panic attacks and his fear of Grin both mimics these symptoms and also gives him the unique tools he needs to steel his nerves. He’s also self-aware enough to realize that his love of horror games, movies, and books have helped him develop a feeling of control that makes the real world less frightening. The tight focus of the novel (everything happens inside PixelWorks over 5 days) makes it possible for Gillespie to recreate fully the sights, sounds, smells, and even tastes (there’s a lot of descriptions of junk food!) of the arcade, making it enticing, but also stale and headache-inducing. The book has a satisfactory ending, but the author adds a creepy stinger for dessert that could lead to a sequel or just leave an unsettling aftertaste. Except for Trey, who is described as Black, characters cue or are described as white. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Summer R Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, D. W. Gillespie NetGalley for the ARC. I leave this review voluntarily and happily. Also, thank you publishers for your hard work!

My god, i absolutely loved this book. If you have read Polybius by Collin Armstrong or even heard about the urban legend, this definitely fits in with that. I absolutely love the covers title, as it's a big part of what drew me to it at first. I'm just gushing about this book. It certainly has retro gaming vibes and nostalgia all over it. Not only that, it definitely gives you stranger things vibes. It's very quick paced and the characters I love. The lore, as you know, I'm all about that. Even if there wasn't much to go into it, I think this was just right for the book. This is the first book I've read from this author, and I'll definitely be keeping my eye on them in the future. The writing is just easy and smooth. I just loved the book.

Away from parents, arcade fun, staying with the uncle sounds like fun, right? It's a new game that looks sinister, and it has an evil grin no matter where you look at it from. Something isn't right with it, and when anyone plays it, they get aggressive and not themselves. What if it possessed the soul of a serial killer and it was soon taking over your uncles body? What will have yo be done? What can be done? And will there be death before the man can be saved?

This book was great from start to finish i just didn't want it to stop. Games are everything to some people, and this book definitely puts them in a wicked way. This book is definitely in my top favorites of this year, and who knows, maybe more from this author will join the list.

[E.D. Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review*

This week, I was lucky enough to get my hands on an advance copy of Grin by D.W. Gillespie. It’s an absolute game-changer.

The story centers on Danny, who’s crashing with his Uncle Bill for the week. Bill owns PixelWorks, a retro arcade that feels like stepping straight into a time capsule. Everything’s neon and nostalgia. Uncle Bill scores a new addition to the arcade, Grin, a legendary game that’s more urban legend than reality.

Once Grin is added onto the main floor of PixelWorks, all sorts of strange things start happening. Good thing Danny has access to video game streamer Mr. Griller, who gives most of the lore dumps and does a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to the story behind Grin. Uncle Bill starts acting a little strange and that's when Danny and his friend Jodi discover that Grin is the home of a serial killer's soul, and this soul has taken over Uncle Bill.

The story is an awesome read for anyone who loves retro video game arcades, middle grade horror and live streaming show downs with serial killers this book is for you. I loved all the arcade game references sprinkled throughout the book. They add a layer of realism to the story. Gillespie captures the main character’s anxiety with a deft touch and strong relatability, adding depth to Danny’s character arc. The ending feels a touch quick compared to the rest of the story but still sticks the landing for me. Overall, Grin was an absolute blast to read; spooky, nostalgic, and just the right amount of thrilling!

[Linda (The Arizona Bookstagrammer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Delacorte Press @delacortepress Penguin Random House @randomhousekids #randomhousekidspartner and DW Gillespie @dwgillespie for this free book!
“Grin” by DW Gillespie⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Genre: Middle Grade Horror.

Danny (12) is a gamer, and he’s looking forward to visiting Uncle Bill, who owns PixelWorks, a massive retro arcade. Unlimited snacks, endless video games, pinball, Skee-Ball, and light guns! Danny’s thrilled when Uncle Bill asks him to help unbox Grin, a rare, possibly haunted game. Danny discovers there’s a serial killer’s spirit inside the game, using it to possess players. Anyone who plays Grin ends up violent-some end up dead. When Grin begins to control Uncle Bill, it’s up to Danny, his old friend Jodi, and streamer Mr Griller to figure out the game’s secrets. They need a plan to destroy the game before the killer escapes into the real world. 

Author Gillespie has written a book that’s a love letter to classic arcades tucked inside a high-stakes, suspenseful horror novel. He includes classic horror tropes like a haunted object and a malevolent spirit, then adds the twist of putting them inside a video game. Gillespie’s novel will definitely grab the attention of middle graders who want to gasp and shiver as they read it. It’s clever, twisty, full of chills and thrills, and it’s 4 stars from me 📚👩🏼‍🦳 #grin #dwgillespie

[Matt Glaviano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gillespie's really good at Middle Grade horror. Both this novel and Give Me Something Good to Eat are well written, chilling, and easy to recommend.

In the case of Grin, Gillespie's story threatens blood galore, but it mainly stays off page. What is splattered all over this book are video game references. The author clearly knows his 80s arcade games (and urban legends) and uses them to effectively create a realistic (and cool) setting. I wish his references for 80s music were as specific; for a book with a ghost obsessed with dancing, the lack of specific music - when coupled with the depth of video game reference - is galling and feels scant.

One more thing - I love the uncle. Gillespie has created a character who is successful, happy, and does not fit the mold of a happy, successful, married and raising kids adult as are usually present in middle grade books. This is a dude who has intentionally made choices that go against the grain and has found himself in a good place. It's nice to see that alternative adulthood represented in a book.

Anyway. Good stuff. Gillespie does good work.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

In GRIN by D.W. Gillespie, Danny is planning on spending an epic week with his uncle Bill, who owns a retro arcade. He’s part of the excitement when his uncle unboxes a new purchase, a rare, vintage video game called Grin. Having heard urban legends about the violence and chaos that the game supposedly unleashes from Mr. Griller, a streamer he follows online, Danny is intrigued. When strange things start happening at the arcade and the people who play the game turn violent, Danny is forced to take action to save his friends, collaborating with Mr. Griller to unravel the dark mystery behind the game.
Danny is a likeable protagonist who rises to the challenges of the seemingly unreal circumstances around him. His struggles with anxiety and panic attacks add another layer to the story. The arcade setting comes to life with vivid descriptions of the sounds, smells, and feel of the gaming floor. Mixing classic video game nostalgia with present day technology and lots of tense, thrilling moments, this will grab the attention of many middle grade readers looking for a scare.

[Agd]

10.14.25. 6+. Clean.

Present-Day Tennessee

Even though he's never spent a ton of time with his Uncle Bill, Danny (13) is excited to spend a week in the summer at his place--because Bill is the owner of PixelWorld: the largest retro gaming arcade in the state. And it's pretty great when he arrives. He's free to wander the games, playing for free and eating all the junk food from the food stand that he wants. Even more exciting: there's a new game that just arrived, and Danny's actually heard it. A YouTube live streamer he follows has talked about this rare game Grin, and now it's right here. But the game is strange. It's a pretty basic vector game, but when you play, you lose track of time. And when you're forced to stop, you get oddly aggressive. Worse yet, Bill can't seem to stop playing it. Now Danny, his friend Jodi, and the YouTuber need to figure out how to stop the game and whatever lurks inside it.

Good if you like Pinball Gallery and/or 5 nights. Good amount of blood, so be warned. Danny's anxiety and mental health issues make him more rounded character.

[Yessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danny gets to live his dream of spending a week at PixelWorks, his Uncle Bill’s arcade, but things start going wrong after the arrival of a new game, Grin. Now Danny, his friend Jodi, and streamer Mr Griller must team up to save Bill from the clutches of the evil game.

This is a fun middle grade horror that is able to build some tension and deliver a good horror style ending. Danny is a typical middle school boy and relies on the introduction of video streamer Mr Griller to serve as “the guy in the chair,” doing the extensive research needed to uncover the history of Grin. Keeping in mind the middle school audience, I think Gillespie did a great job overall on making a chilling tale. There are some parts of the story where it dragged a bit and the end seemed a bit rushed, but overall, I had a fun time reading and I think any tween horror fan will as well.

Thank you Netgalley and Delacorte Press for access to the e-ARC.

[Bambi · Rating 4 out of 5]

D.W. Gillespie is becoming the next big thing in middle grade horror and I am here for it! I loved "Give Me Something Good to Eat" and I was really excited for "Grin" -- and it didn't disappoint. My 11 year old and I read this together and she stayed engaged the whole way through, but I enjoyed it as an adult as well. "Grin" feels nostalgic for this '80s girl, but somehow manages to still feel fresh enough for its target audience, which I thought was impressive. This book didn't quite have the magic, Halloween-night-coziness of "Give Me Something Good to Eat," but it was scary and fun and twisted like a Goosebumps book or an episode of "Are You Afraid of the Dark?"

Also, whoever is doing the covers for this author -- you get all the gold stars!

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for my review.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantastic middle grades horror story, with just the right amount of psychological terror, minimal gore, and a mostly happy ending. It really reminded me of the Goosebumps series that I enjoyed as a kid. This will definitely hit the sweet spot for tweens who want a scary story and enjoy video games and arcades. The main character and his team of sidekicks all came together using old and new technology--arcades, a handheld Gameboy, and livestreaming with a gamer on YouTube.

I really liked that the main character was dealing with anxiety but was able to find coping mechanisms and ended up saving the day. I will recommend this book to any tweens and teens who like horror and video games. Highly recommended for libraries!

[Mike Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review! This book was a fun but scary ride to go down! Middle-grade horror/thriller that also serves as a coming of age tale for our protagonist!

Danny learns of a ghoulish arcade game through an online urban legend, only to have something that matches the vague description of the game show up at his Uncle’s arcade. What follows is a ride on the supernatural side that our hero must get to the bottom of, and find help where he can get it.

I loved the old gaming nostalgia trip that came along with this book, and I loved how it was balanced along with modern technology. I thought the tension and conflict was set up well, and I enjoyed reading about the trip our hero had to go through! I thought the book was well written and sufficiently creepy! Will be looking for more of this Author!

[Amanda Onoro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creepy! I enjoyed the plot and characters immensely, and as others have mentioned it very much reads like an RL Stine or “Are you afraid of the dark” and yes, I AM! This would be fun to read with a middle age kid who likes horror and gaming. There are enough retro references (old school arcade games) and contemporary details (live streaming YouTubers) to keep everyone happy. While I would consider it scary with some elements of violence, it didn’t feel egregious for its intended audience. Other themes include anxiety and fitting in.

Thanks to the publisher & NetGalley for early access in exchange for an honest review.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genuinely creepy! There were a few parts where I was like “someone needs to talk to this kid about internet safety” lol. As a person with ADHD I also got really tired of hearing the characters say over and over that Uncle Bill is so scatterbrained and unreliable - WE GET IT. That said, librarians, your kids are going to love this. It also has a great example of the main character using horror as a somewhat controlled way to help cope with anxiety, which made this lifelong horror fan tear up. Highly recommend for middle schools, especially for your 5NAF and Stranger Things fans. Thank you to Netgalley and Delacorte for letting me read this early in advance in exchange for an honest review.

[geekoutonreading : Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grab your bag of quarters and get ready to head to the arcade!

Grin is a middle grade horror novel that is full of nostalgia and a creep factor...let's just say I won't be looking at scissors the same way.

I don't want to give too much away but suffice it to say this book is worth a read - not just for middle schoolers, but also anyone who loves arcade games or video games in general. I mean, who doesn't love a haunted video game?

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might just be my favorite horror read of the year.

I am a huge fan of video game based horror stories and this one was phenomenal. I loved the retro feeling of the arcade setting and was left craving snacker style nachos and pizza. The characters were loveable, Danny was easy to root for. The Game, Grin, was horrifically haunting in the best way. The imagery from the game was disturbingly creepy and hasn't left my thoughts since I finished it. This book gave me the newbie jeebies and I loved every page of it.

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cool concept, a super creepy cursed arcade game that traps and changes people for the worse, and it's up to a young boy to save the day. He is not the bravest, but he steps up to help his uncle. Perfect for those who love games, classic 80s games, and Goosebumps kind of books. It's creepy but not too scary. Good horror for kids.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not me checking my husband's PS5 just in case lol This was good and creepy! Definitely a good addition to my bookshelf for Halloween. I think I'm going to gift this to my 8th grader cousin who's Switch is attached to her hand lol Real review to come to my blog! (Also I thought this would make a BAD ASS graphic novel! Someone pick this up!)

[Kevin Sweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love picking up a book by an author I've never read and thoroughly enjoying it, and that's exactly what happened here. All the characters are believable, the story is great and engaging, and it was downright creepy at times. I'm not even a huge video game guy, but I was pulled right into this. Needless to say, this is definitely recommended and I'll be checking this authors other works for sure!

[Angela Sandoval · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, rounded up. An arcade, gaming, and a serial killer? This is bound to be a huge hit with our middle school students! This was fast-paced, intense, and suspenseful, with a little mystery and a hint of gore. It also had a completely satisfying ending. This is one I will highly recommend to our 6th-8th grade students!

[MG · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up. This was a solid middle grade novel with fun Are You Afraid of the Dark vibes. I know I would've liked it when I was part of the target demographic. It was creepy but not too creepy and should appeal to young readers who are in the mood for that.

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

[Jen Self · Rating 5 out of 5]

This creepy, fun, fast-paced read is perfect for gamers of all ages, and anyone who has ever loved playing arcade games! Our main character Danny is such a a relatable little dude! Absolutely enjoyable!

[Gabbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and creepy ride. For any age honestly. It’s got an 80/90s vibe to it, arcade games 👾, possession / haunting, a serial killer. I read this mainly at night and found myself looking over my shoulder a few times lol