The Stitchers (Fright Watch #1)

by Lorien Lawrence

Overview

“The chills come guaranteed.” —Stephen King
The start of a spine-tingling new horror series perfect for fans of Stranger Things and Goosebumps.

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781419746925
Publisher:	Amulet Books
Publication date:	08/18/2020
Series:	Fright Watch
Pages:	272
Sales rank:	1,101,200
Product dimensions:	8.10(w) x 5.10(h) x 1.10(d)
Lexile:	670L (what's this?)
Age Range:	10 - 14 Years

About the Author

Lorien Lawrence is a writer and middle school English teacher from Connecticut. When she’s not reading or writing, she can be found hunting ghosts with her family. The Stitchers is her debut novel.

Editorial Reviews

07/06/2020

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. Agent: Kathleen Rushall, Andrea Brown Literary. (Aug.)

Publishers Weekly

"What a cool—and wild—ride [THE STITCHERS] 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. . . 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

"A truly creepy read, perfect for fans of “Goosebumps” and Stranger Things."—School Library Journal

". . .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."—Publishers Weekly

"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."—Booklist

From the Publisher

07/01/2020

Gr 5 Up—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.—Kaitlin Frick, Darien Lib., CT

School Library Journal

2020-06-16
Goodie Lane is a cul-de-sac of deadly secrets.

Seventh graders Parker and Mike investigate why their neighbors, the Oldies of Goodie Lane, never appear to age. Things turn otherworldly when Parker notices that Mr. Brown, who formerly tottered down the street, is suddenly outpacing the duo on their morning runs and has a distinctive scar on his calf—one in the exact spot and shape as her deceased runner father. As the duo work to solve the mystery, a glowing pond and a drowning victim from years past may provide deadly answers. While cover appeal will draw in young readers and remind Millennial caregivers of the creepy delights of Fear Street, the story’s plot pales in comparison. Readers are denied the false sense of normalcy and many subsequent peaks and valleys of suspicion because the story starts after Parker and Mike have begun their investigation. Tantalizing subplots, from Ms. Bea’s mysterious facial lotions and Grandma Jane’s witchy herbal creations, are never explored or fleshed out, which may frustrate more than titillate. Savvy readers will always be a few steps ahead of the protagonists, whose motivations are sometimes confusing and investigatory skills are lacking. A sequel is suggested in the final pages, hopefully one with more answers. Parker is white, and Mike is black.

Amusing but amateurish. (Horror. 11-13)

Kirkus Reviews

"What a cool—and wild—ride [THE STITCHERS] 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. . . 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

"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."

Booklist