31 Reads of Terror: 'It Watches in the Dark' by Jeff Strand

Welcome back to my 31 Reads of Terror, where we dive into the delightful and dark corners of children's literature. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on a spine-tingling tale that’s perfect for the brave young souls out there: It Watches in the Dark by Jeff Strand. This is my first dance with Strand’s writing, even though his name has been making waves across Kindle’s depths.

This book marks the inaugural entry in the EEK! standalone middle-grade horror series, drawing an undeniable parallel to the chilling charm of R.L. Stine's iconic Goosebumps. Picture it: a cover that grabs your attention with its eerie allure—its unsettling vibe practically screams to be picked up. Imagine a young reader standing at a school book fair, eyes wide with curiosity, and the moment they spot this masterpiece, they’re drawn in like moths to a flame. Who could resist? If the cash is light, the next step is the classic plea to parents—because what's a little horror without a hint of panel entertainment?

Meet twins Oliver and Trisha, explorers at heart, thrumming with excitement as they embark on a camping and canoeing adventure along the winding Champion River. However, their thrill ride takes a harrowing turn when a capsize in the churning rapids leaves their father knocked out cold. Suddenly, our intrepid duo finds themselves adrift—not just on the river, but in a treacherous situation where cell phones are as useless as a wet match.

After hours of paddling through the uncertainty, they stumble upon an old dock and a narrow, foreboding path that leads to a quaint, albeit odd, village. The townspeople extend a veneer of kindness, but an unsettling aura hangs in the air, all eyes gravitating toward a looming scarecrow in the village square. “He watches over us,” whispers fill the air like the rustle of dead leaves. “He keeps us safe.” Safe? Or sinister?

An old woman delivers a warning that sends shivers down their spines: never spend the night in this village—unless they’re willing to become part of the villagers' ominous tradition. With the sun dipping below the horizon and their father too unwell to be moved, what choice do the twins have? Can they unearth a way to escape the village's clutches and survive the night? Or will they become the latest additions to the scarecrow's watchful gaze?

Where do I even begin with this tale? The narrative thrums with the delicate tension of being in the wrong place at the wrong time—innocent twins caught in a web of unearthly happenings. It has that nostalgic Goosebumps charm, blended with the eerie vibes of Are You Afraid of the Dark? —the prose crackles with life, imbuing Oliver and Trisha with enough depth to evoke empathy and keep the reader enchanted by their plight. The descriptions are juicy enough to satisfy any young horror aficionado’s craving for thrills.

All said and done, It Watches in the Dark is a well-crafted tale that dances on the line of fear and excitement. It promises to delight young readers while ensuring that the older crowd feels the nostalgic thrill of fright. Welcome to a world where adventure meets dread, and you might just find yourself watching the shadows long after you turn the last page. Prepare to hold your breath and peek through your fingers—this one might just make you a believer in the dark. ╌★★★★★

〜B.J. Burgess