Don't Pull the Strings

by Jenni Ward

She knows your name. Now she wants the rest.
Lili Huang has just moved to Hollow Bend, and already she knows one thing for certain: The puppet shop across the street is watching her.

Virelle’s Marionettes & Fine Toys has been closed for years, but its lights glow at night. Its puppets tap on the window. And the strange woman inside seems to know Lili’s name.

When Madame Virelle gives Lili a puppet called Pip, Lili wants nothing to do with it. But Pip keeps coming back. Worse, a red string appears around Lili’s wrist — and it’s starting to tighten.

Now Lili must uncover the truth behind the missing children of Hollow Bend before Madame Virelle adds one more puppet to her collection.

Because some strings are not meant to be pulled.

Perfect for middle grade readers aged 9–12 who enjoy creepy mysteries, sinister puppets, haunted shops, missing children, and spooky illustrated stories. Includes 21 black-and-white images.

298 pages, Paperback

Published May 28, 2026

About the author

Jenni lives in a strange part of Australia where four seasons regularly occur within a day. She has two wonderful children and eight cats who enjoy tearing through the house at 2am to keep her company.