Book Review: It’s Watching by Lindsay Currie
There’s something about a middle-grade mystery that tugs at my heartstrings, especially when it combines elements of horror and the joys of friendship. That’s why when I stumbled upon It’s Watching by Lindsay Currie, I felt an immediate spark of excitement. Not only did it promise a chilling adventure, but it also invited me to relive the whimsical yet spine-tingling world of adolescent curiosity and bravery.
So, let’s dive in!
At the heart of It’s Watching is twelve-year-old Josie, an aspiring journalist who, along with her friends, embarks on a Halloween adventure that spirals into a spine-tingling tale. They set out to explore a graveyard for their newspaper column, which takes a menacing turn when they find themselves haunted by a sinister presence linked to Josie’s own home. Now, I must admit, as someone who loves a good puzzle, reading about Josie’s investigative fervor felt like a nostalgic nod to my own childhood dreams. She often makes comments that had me chuckling—like when she admits, “I don’t know what Murder, She Wrote is.” Oh dear, I’m officially old! 🤣
What I adored most about this book was its portrayal of friendship. Currie expertly captures the sweet dynamics between the tweens, from the endearing and caring relationship between Josie and Joseph to the quirky wisdom that Alison brings to the mix. I appreciated how the boys and girls were depicted as real friends who support each other rather than being caught up in troublesome romantic tensions typical of young adult fiction. It was warm, relatable, and a refreshing change. Lines like, “Friends can love each other,” are powerful yet subtle reminders of the importance of platonic relationships, especially during those tumultuous adolescent years.
But let’s talk about the eerie atmosphere too! Currie has a knack for instilling fear in a way that’s suitable for younger readers. The tension builds palpably, and moments of unease kept me on the edge of my seat. I found myself rooting for Josie and her friends, eager to see how their resourcefulness might outsmart the creeping dread that surrounded them. As they unravel the mysteries linked to Bachelor’s Grove, the authentic feelings of concern and danger were enough to give me goosebumps! With every unveiling twist and the chilling countdown, I was completely invested.
However, I did find the ending a tad too lighthearted for the dark tones set throughout the book. After such a suspenseful build-up, the resolution felt somewhat disjointed and left me yearning for closure regarding the ominous text messages that perplexed the characters (and me!). It’s a minor critique, but it affected my overall satisfaction with the narrative arc.
That said, It’s Watching is definitely a delightful read, especially for middle-grade fans who enjoy elements of mystery interlaced with a dose of the supernatural. If you love stories that challenge young readers to embrace their fears while celebrating the power of friendship, this is one to pick up! Lindsay Currie has crafted an engaging tale that is sure to resonate with kids (and the kids at heart) alike.
In conclusion, while the ending left some questions, the journey of friendship, bravery, and thrills was worth it, reminding me why I still find so much joy in middle-grade literature. I can’t wait to see what Currie conjures up next! ✰ 3.5 stars ✰