Having to move isn’t fun for Josh and his family, but their landlord wants their home back. Josh is even less impressed when they arrive at their new home. It’s a large run-down, two storied house with cobwebs hanging from chandeliers and creaky floorboards underfoot.

It’s closer to school, so at least that doesn’t change, but Josh is uneasy the moment he steps inside. It didn’t help running into an old lady who was probably their neighbour. She isn’t the bring over cookies type of neighbour either. Shrieking at Josh to GET OUT! GET OUT! doesn’t help Josh’s state of mind, and he tries to forget her bizarre behaviour.

Another shock on his first night in his room, unnerves him further, especially as no one believes him. Sleep isn’t easy, even after a big day moving boxes.

Axe Falls is well known for a magnificent waterfall, but also known for many strange disappearances from the area. Josh goes to school as normal and catches up with his friends. It’s only when he learns a local went missing from his new home, that he begins to understand what his crazy neighbour meant when they moved in.

Add that knowledge to a very strange school Science project gone wrong, and he finally realises the true terror of his new home. Something is eating the residents of Axe Falls.

I never read these the first time they were published and have just discovered the Black Editions. I have read both adult and middle-grade books by Jack Heath, and enjoyed them all, so I knew Scream – The Human Flytrap wouldn’t disappoint.

This series is very ‘Goosebumps’, but better written. The font is a good size and the chapters on the shorter side to encourage more reading. You know the feeling… “Just one more chapter.”

I like horror in any format, and this first book in the Scream series is pleasantly frightening, with authentic characters. Sure, they could be much more developed, but that’s not the point of this series. It’s entertaining, easy to read, fast-paced and freaky for ages 8+

I’ll be looking forward to more in the Scream – Black Editions.

Author – Jack Heath

Age – 8+

Find more titles by Jack Heath here

(2024, Scholastic, Freaky, Creepy Tree, Scary, Man-eating plants, Venus flytraps, Science project, Crazy neighbour, Big old house, Moving house, Action, Courage, Family, Horror, Mystery, Disappearances, Vanishing residents, Missing people, Series)