Channeling the best of classic gothic horror, Jonathan Auxier delights with his new chilling middle grade fairy tale, The Night Gardener.
The Night Gardener follows two abandoned Irish siblings who travel to work as servants at a creepy, crumbling English manor house. But the house and its family are not quite what they seem. Soon the children are confronted by a mysterious spectre and an ancient curse that threatens their very lives. With Auxier’s exquisite command of language, The Night Gardener is a mesmerizing read and a classic in the making.
I fell in love with Auxier’s writing and masterful storytelling in his debut novel Peter Nimble & His Fantastic Eyes. Auxier brings all of those skills to light again with The Night Gardener, this time drawing obvious inspiration from the likes of Henry James and Washington Irving. Auxier has created a truly chilling story that, even as an adult, gave me the spooks while reading.
From first page to last, Auxier maintains a mood to his writing that just fits the story in every aspect: the abandoned Irish twins, the creepy English manor and its sickly family, the unseasonably autumn-like weather. Auxier weaves together a whole mysterious temper that pervades every page of The Night Gardener,creating a moody and atmospheric reading experience.
And of course, the story is brought to life by the vivacious characters — with the twins Molly and Kip leading the way. Their emotions and determination make them a delight to follow, as they slowly uncover the dark mystery surrounding their new home and everything found within its grounds.
Packed with plenty of heart, mystery and drama of The Night Gardenermakes a reading experience that both young readers and adults alike can enjoy and find pleasure in.
The Night Gardeneris in stores May 20th.
Novel Novice 