"A stunningly atmospheric and genuinely horrifying story." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)
In an exquisitely chilling novel, four children unravel the mystery of a family curse — and a ghostly creature known in folklore as Long Lankin. Sisters Cora and Mimi, along with village boys Roger and Peter, must uncover the horrifying truth that has held the isolated village of Bryers Guerdon in its dark grip for centuries — before it’s too late. Riveting and intensely atmospheric, this stunning debut will hold readers in its spell long after the last page is turned.
About the Author
Lindsey Barraclough was born in Essex, England, and has worked as a music teacher. Long Lankin is her first novel. She lives in London.
Praise For…
Like all the best scary stories, this will haunt readers well after the tale has been told, leaving teens who have long thought themselves too old for the bogeyman double-checking the locks on their doors. —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review)
This atmospheric, pulse-pounding debut makes the most of its rural, post–World War II setting, a time and place where folklore uneasily informs reality. Barraclough controls her narrative with authority, shifting voices and tenses to provide both perspective and the occasional welcome respite from tension. . .A good, old-fashioned literary horror tale for sophisticated readers. —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
This debut horror story set in Britain during the late 1940s starts slowly but weaves a chilling spell that will immerse readers in this world and hold them through to the breathless conclusion. . . .A spine-tingling selection. —School Library Journal
This is a story to get lost in: the gloomy, rain-soaked atmosphere recalls Wilkie Collins’ THE WOMAN IN WHITE... Those who appreciate old-fashioned chillers will be rewarded by incident after unsettling incident: witchcraft, exorcisms, fire, plagues, and a blood-drinking murderer who walks on all fours. —Booklist
This title is a winner for young horror aficionados. —VOYA
Barraclough evokes setting and atmosphere with earthy richness, detailing smells, sounds, blossoms, family life, and decaying architecture with the same attention she gives her portrait of postwar British village culture. . .the book gives readers shivers enough as Long Lankin, pungent and fetid, emerges to test the heroism of the three protagonists. —The Horn Book
The novel maintains a spooky atmosphere and some of the details could creep out the most adult of us. —Library Media Connection
Genuinely suspenseful and eerie, "Long Lankin" is a stunning debut by an author with a wonderful feel for things that go bump in the night, and the courage it takes to shine a light on them. —Virginian-Pilot
Long Lankin is an intense journey that is carefully paced and wonderfully dark. —Shelf Awareness for Readers
LONG LANKIN is deliciously creepy and infinitely charming. —TeenReads.com
