The Stitchers is such a delightfully creepy middle grade book, I couldn’t put it down. Fast paced, it pulls you in from the start as the two main characters spy on their weird old neighbors. Something is very off with these elderly people, and we can’t wait to find out what it is. The tension builds as we learn more and more about them, eventually leading to the exciting climactic ending. Loved this book and can’t wait for the sequel! Highly recommended!

I received an ARC of this book. I loved it! It transported me back to middle school (which I very much enjoyed).
The story is wonderfully paced with suspense and chills guaranteed. The developing friendships between the main protagonist and her fellow investigator is true to life. I especially appreciated the presence of characters from different generations (child/parent/grandparent). The books is not only a wonderful spooky story, it’s also a celebration of friendship and family.

I absolutely loved this creepy, entertaining book! Students are always clamoring for more horror MG books and this story is perfect for them. Filled with plenty of scares but still age-appropriate, The Stitchers also explores universal MG themes like friendship, family, and first crushes. Highly recommended!

Oh my goodness. Where to start with this book? It was RIGHT UP MY ALLEY. Creepy, atmospheric, and fast-paced. I was hooked from page one. The relationship between the characters was delightful! Authentic, sweet, and perfect for this age group. The mystery unfolded nicely as well and the eerie scenes kept me reading well past bedtime. Can't wait for more from this author! Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy. I enjoyed every moment of this read and can't wait to celebrate the release!

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus



Quinn Parker lives on Goodie Lane in a small Connecticut town with her mother and her older, arthritic dog, Billy. Her father, who was a policeman, passed away recently, and Quinn is struggling with missing him. He shared her concern about the odd behavior of the "Oldies" on her street, and since his passing, she has taken to investigating them with the assistance of neighbor and classmate, Mike. The two are on the track team and meet up in the mornings to run, talk, and judiciously spy on their creepy neighbors. The Oldies are secretive, artificially young looking, and judgmental about the children's actions, but are also civic leaders who donate a lot of money to various causes around town. When the local pond starts drawing Quinn to it, and she finds that the young girl who used to live in her house, Mary Hove, died there 55 years ago on the Fourth of July, she and Mike are even more worried. Because they spend so much time together, Quinn's best friend, Zoe, thinks that the two are dating. Mike thinks it would be an easy cover for their investigation if people were to think that, although Quinn doesn't like to lie to her friend. Quinn's mother, a nurse, works long hours, but her grandmother, Grandma Jane, stops by to spend time with Quinn and cook delicious meals for her. When Quinn finds her father's notebook about the Oldies and turns up some interesting research at the public library, she and Mike start snooping in earnest and find out very dark secrets about her creepy neighbors. Luckily, neighbor Red is not one of their group, and he helps out when things get very dire. Will Quinn and Mike be able to figure out what's going on before the Fourth of July brings certain doom to the neighborhood?

Strengths: This had some very sneaky similarities to Stine's venerable Fear Street books; connection to witches in early New England, a street where things are not as they seem, and deep rooted secrets that threaten to harm innocent people. However, this has a definite middle grade spin, and eschews the standard "bodies falling out of closets at the end of every chapter" that defines the cheesy 1990s horror genre. Instead, Quinn and Mike have valid concerns, and investigate them thoroughly. I don't want to ruin the twists and turns, but this does get nicely violently creepy at the end. Let's just say that I'm going to be SUPER careful when running by the wetlands in my neighborhood! Any book that involves running is going to be a hit with me, and I really enjoyed how well Mike and Quinn got along. Grandma Jane has some really nice scenes, and Billy the dog does not die. (My dog Sylvie would just like to say that her vet put her on Natural T-Relief Mobility tablets, and they have helped a bit with her joint stiffness!)
Weaknesses: While the father's death puts some level of pathos in this, and it's handled in a forward going manner, I will always think there is a way to construct a story without killing parents. It's just overdone.
What I really think: Definitely purchasing. I'm glad to see that this will be a series, and excited to have this, along with a lot of new K.R. Alexander titles and the Haunted series, which includes Sutherland,'s The Nightmare Next Door. Now, if we could add in just a few bodies behind doors, my students would approve.

My middle grade readers will love this debut of a creepy series! Parker and Mike team up to figure out the mystery behind their neighbors, "The Oldies". This book is filled with mystery, magic and suspense. I can't wait for the next one!!

A BIG Thank You to Netgalley and Abrams Amulet Books for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy of “The Stitchers (Fright Watch #1)” for my review.

Those who read my reviews know that I always love reading a good spooky story. I still love the old R.L. Stine Goosebumps, Fear Street and Point Horror books. Having said that, I am SO happy and nostalgic because this book is written so well!

Firstly, I loved Quinn and Mike as the main characters! They have an amazing friendship, with hints of blossoming into something more. There is no unnecessary angst or drama between them, and all they want to do is solve the case. I loved all the supporting characters as well, whether it be Zoe, Red or her Grandmother. The Oldies are extremely creepy, especially Mr. Brown with the speedy legs. I also thought some of the scenes were eerie, like when Quinn sees the face on the pond, or when they see Dr. Smith operating on Ms. Attwood.

Also, I can’t believe this is the author’s first book. She really has a talent for writing scary tales and I hope she continues to release more books in the same genre. Furthermore, the author has paced the story very well where there is always something happening. Even though there is not too many twists and turns, I loved the way Quinn and Mike plot to finding clues and solving the mystery.

Anyway, the Stitchers is one of those stories that will grab you from page 1 and keep you hooked. I read this book in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed reading it! Overall, I thought it is a great start to the series and cannot wait for the future books to be released!