The Stitchers
The start of a spine-tingling horror series perfect for fans of Stranger Things and Goosebumps
"The chills come guaranteed." - Stephen King
Cover illustration by Gilles Ketting
Book design by Marcie Lawrence Lettering by David Coulson |
Something strange is happening on Goodie Lane . . .
Thirteen-year-old Quinn Parker knows that there’s something off about her neighbors. She calls them “the Oldies” because they’ve lived on Goodie Lane for as long as anyone can remember, but they never seem to age. Are they vampires? Or aliens? Or getting secret experimental surgeries? Or is Quinn’s imagination just running wild again? If her dad were still around, he’d believe her. When he was alive, they’d come up with all sorts of theories about the Oldies. Now, Quinn’s determined to keep the investigation going with the help of Mike, her neighbor and maybe-crush. They’ll have to search for clues and follow the mystery wherever it leads—even if it’s to the eerie pond at the end of the street that’s said to have its own sinister secrets. But the Oldies are on to them. And the closer Quinn and Mike get to uncovering the answers, the more they realize just how terrifying the truth may be. Available as hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook
Also available in the UK! |
Praise for The Stitchers:
"I finished THE STITCHERS today, and what a cool—and wild—ride it was. This is the perfect book for kids to cool off with on a hot day, because the chills come guaranteed. I loved the scares, but the heart of the story is the tough but tender partnership between Quinn and Mike. They are brave, resourceful, and just a little bit attracted to each other. I hope - they’ll be back. If they are, I will be there. So will about a million kids, I bet. Kudos to Lorien Lawrence!"
- Stephen King
- Stephen King
"Following her policeman father’s untimely death, 13-year-old Quinn Parker vows to discover the secret behind the Oldies—a group of seemingly unaging elderly neighbors in whom her dad was interested. She’s convinced there’s a supernatural influence behind their youthful appearance; fellow seventh grader Mike Warren is certain it’s scientific. Their curiosity is particularly piqued when octogenarian Mr. Brown becomes a strong runner overnight—one who bears the exact same calf scar as Quinn’s late father. Determined to learn the truth, the intrepid pair delve into the long and eerie history of the neighborhood, entering into a fake relationship as “the perfect cover” for the time they spend together. But as they investigate, the Oldies take an increased interest in Quinn and Mike, adding extra danger to the case. With this creepy debut, Lawrence pits her heroes against a generational power imbalance and the unsettling, universally recognizable fear of aging. While readers may guess the Oldies’ true nature before the revelation, the antagonists are satisfyingly menacing, and Quinn’s struggles—grieving her father’s death, juggling friendships—ground this series opener, giving it a healthy dose of heart. Ages 10–14."
- Publishers Weekly
- Publishers Weekly
"Something strange is happening on Goodie Lane, and 13-year-old Quinn Parker is on the case. She and her police officer father had myriad theories about “the Oldies” on the cul-de-sac—neighbors who only seem to get younger and spryer with time—but now that he’s dead, Quinn’s taken to secretly investigating with the help of her neighbor, Mike Warren. As summer vacation approaches, things quickly take a turn for the dark and sinister. Will Quinn and Mike be able to solve the mystery of Goodie Lane before the Oldies can stop them? This debut thriller is certain to leave readers eager for a good scare wanting more, which is perfect considering it’s the first in a new series. While Quinn’s theories range from vampires to mad scientists (not as far off as one might think), her seeming flights of fancy are tempered by Mike’s scientific mind, giving the story a more realistic feel. And while a budding romance between the two is hinted at, this element is secondary and sweetly innocent. Mike is Black; all other characters present as white. VERDICT A truly creepy read, perfect for fans of “Goosebumps” and Stranger Things. Recommended purchase"
- School Library Journal
"When Quinn’s father died a year ago, her world turned upside down. Her mom is working more shifts at the hospital, while her Grandma Jane regularly drops off incense, crystals, and homemade meals to the house. What’s more, Quinn’s group of gal pals suspect her budding friendship with her neighbor Mike goes beyond being just friends. Quinn and Mike have been investigating the “Oldies” from Goodie Lane who have lived there for as long as anyone can remember. As the kids dig into the past, they discover that Mary Hove, the girl who drowned at the pond, lived in what is now Quinn’s house. Somehow her death is connected to the five Oldies, who never seem to age. Impossible things are happening, and it’s up to Quinn and Mike to suss out the truth. Reminiscent of R. L. Stine's Fear Street series, this first book in the Fright Watch series is spooky and mysterious, and it can be counted on to deliver chills to those braving its pages. Hand this to any middle-schooler who loves to be scared."
-BookList
- School Library Journal
"When Quinn’s father died a year ago, her world turned upside down. Her mom is working more shifts at the hospital, while her Grandma Jane regularly drops off incense, crystals, and homemade meals to the house. What’s more, Quinn’s group of gal pals suspect her budding friendship with her neighbor Mike goes beyond being just friends. Quinn and Mike have been investigating the “Oldies” from Goodie Lane who have lived there for as long as anyone can remember. As the kids dig into the past, they discover that Mary Hove, the girl who drowned at the pond, lived in what is now Quinn’s house. Somehow her death is connected to the five Oldies, who never seem to age. Impossible things are happening, and it’s up to Quinn and Mike to suss out the truth. Reminiscent of R. L. Stine's Fear Street series, this first book in the Fright Watch series is spooky and mysterious, and it can be counted on to deliver chills to those braving its pages. Hand this to any middle-schooler who loves to be scared."
-BookList