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Don't Let Them Leave
A compelling and spooky thriller in the best classic ghost story tradition. Inspired by Stephen King, Mike Lucas is a modern master of suspense.
One island.
One house.
One curse.
Ghosts aren’t real and houses can’t come to life.
Charlotte knows these facts to be true.
Yet when Charlotte and her siblings are orphaned and sent to live with their grandmother on remote Black Island, she begins to realise that only one thing is certain: they shouldn’t be there.
But will they ever be able to leave?
One island.
One house.
One curse.
Ghosts aren’t real and houses can’t come to life.
Charlotte knows these facts to be true.
Yet when Charlotte and her siblings are orphaned and sent to live with their grandmother on remote Black Island, she begins to realise that only one thing is certain: they shouldn’t be there.
But will they ever be able to leave?
- GenresGhostsYoung Adult
384 pages, Paperback
First published May 5, 2026
About the author
Mike Lucas
14 books19 followersMike Lucas is an author of picture books and young adult novels. His YA fiction has been shortlisted for the Readings Book Prize, CBCA Book of the Year Awards and the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards. His picture book Where is Cheeky Monster? won the 2025 Speech Pathology Award for children from birth to 3 years. Mike presents writing and poetry workshops at schools, owns a bookshop in Blackwood, South Australia, and works as a full-time engineer. He has very little time to sleep, but often thinks up a poem or two while he does.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
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March 15, 2026Bloody spooky! Very good!
February 24, 2026
Thank you to the publisher for an ARC.
Further review to come after publication so as to not give a spoiler, but reader’s advisory should know:
GENUINELY horrifying. Possibly ‘A series of unfortunate events’ if written by Stephen King and Bram Stoker (which I hope Mike takes as a compliment).
Ages 14+, NOT 12+ as the publisher would have you think (there would be exceptions - read the book and the psychological fortitude of the individual child before disseminating to under 14s). Few children/young teens would be able to read this before bed and not struggle to sleep or sleep without it affecting their dreams. I couldn’t (which is, of course, a mark of great horror writing. After the first two chapters, I couldn’t do that to myself, and read the rest of it in one go on a sunny day outside in the hammock).
Further review to come after publication so as to not give a spoiler, but reader’s advisory should know:
GENUINELY horrifying. Possibly ‘A series of unfortunate events’ if written by Stephen King and Bram Stoker (which I hope Mike takes as a compliment).
Ages 14+, NOT 12+ as the publisher would have you think (there would be exceptions - read the book and the psychological fortitude of the individual child before disseminating to under 14s). Few children/young teens would be able to read this before bed and not struggle to sleep or sleep without it affecting their dreams. I couldn’t (which is, of course, a mark of great horror writing. After the first two chapters, I couldn’t do that to myself, and read the rest of it in one go on a sunny day outside in the hammock).
April 19, 2026
4.5 stars
This book had me hooked from the start. The setting of Black Island was so eerie and unsettling, and the whole story had this heavy feeling of dread hanging over it the entire time. I honestly forgot this was YA while reading because it felt so genuinely spooky.
I really liked the pacing. Things kept moving, but there was still enough time to get to know the characters and feel invested in what was happening to them. They were strong and I was desperate to know what was going on the entire time
The atmosphere was the standout for me. Creepy house, remote island, family secrets, strange things happening… it had everything I wanted.
I don’t want to say too much and spoil anything, but if you love creepy reads with tension and mystery, definitely add this one to your TBR.
This book had me hooked from the start. The setting of Black Island was so eerie and unsettling, and the whole story had this heavy feeling of dread hanging over it the entire time. I honestly forgot this was YA while reading because it felt so genuinely spooky.
I really liked the pacing. Things kept moving, but there was still enough time to get to know the characters and feel invested in what was happening to them. They were strong and I was desperate to know what was going on the entire time
The atmosphere was the standout for me. Creepy house, remote island, family secrets, strange things happening… it had everything I wanted.
I don’t want to say too much and spoil anything, but if you love creepy reads with tension and mystery, definitely add this one to your TBR.
May 7, 2026
Don't Let Them Leave is a spooky young adult thriller that has the right blend of eeriness, suspense and intrigue to make it impossible to put down.
This is one of those books that gives you chills. The historical, gothic setting and spookiness woven into the narrative is so good. It's short chapters keep the pacing fast and the way it's written doesn't make it feel like it's from the perspective of someone so young.
Charlotte was brave, smart and fiercely protective of Jack and Emily. I was really drawn to all three of the children's characters. The overall revenge arc and folklore/ curse was woven throughout to make it a compelling story.
Overall a fantastic YA read. It's targeted for 12 years + but may be a little scary/spooky for some!
Thank you to @penguinbooksaus and @penguinteenaus teen for a copy to read.
This is one of those books that gives you chills. The historical, gothic setting and spookiness woven into the narrative is so good. It's short chapters keep the pacing fast and the way it's written doesn't make it feel like it's from the perspective of someone so young.
Charlotte was brave, smart and fiercely protective of Jack and Emily. I was really drawn to all three of the children's characters. The overall revenge arc and folklore/ curse was woven throughout to make it a compelling story.
Overall a fantastic YA read. It's targeted for 12 years + but may be a little scary/spooky for some!
Thank you to @penguinbooksaus and @penguinteenaus teen for a copy to read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Did somebody say spooky?! 😬
Traumatic historical events, grief and loss, and a creepy dilapidated house on an island named 'Black Island'? 🧐 This was DELICIOUS. There was hauntings, twists and turns around every corner AND major plot twist towards the end of the book which threw me for six 🤯
Loved the gothic vibes, loved the role each character played, and LOVED the plotline! Keen to read more of Mike's books in the future
Traumatic historical events, grief and loss, and a creepy dilapidated house on an island named 'Black Island'? 🧐 This was DELICIOUS. There was hauntings, twists and turns around every corner AND major plot twist towards the end of the book which threw me for six 🤯
Loved the gothic vibes, loved the role each character played, and LOVED the plotline! Keen to read more of Mike's books in the future
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is an intense gothic horror story that had me reluctant to sleep with the lights off.
This is a story of revenge, courage, and forgiveness, but every page will have you questioning what is real, and who can you trust, right up until the very last page.
A perfect book for older teens who like to be just that bit terrified.
Thanks to Penguin Australia for the advance reading copy of this book
This is a story of revenge, courage, and forgiveness, but every page will have you questioning what is real, and who can you trust, right up until the very last page.
A perfect book for older teens who like to be just that bit terrified.
Thanks to Penguin Australia for the advance reading copy of this book
May 18, 2026
Love a spooky thriller with twists!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews