Thirteen Days of Midnight

Starred review from May 11, 2015
Hunt’s gripping first novel introduces British 16-year-old Luke Manchett, who discovers that his late, estranged father was a necromancer and that he has left Luke millions of pounds in his will—as well as eight ghosts. This “Host”—its members include the “Judge,” a hulking skinhead punk, and the “Heretic,” a human skeleton engulfed by flames who screams prayers in Latin “at foghorn volume”—was bound to his father and is now bound to Luke. Theoretically, the Host must do whatever Luke orders, but some of the ghosts are deeply malevolent and just waiting for a chance to wrest control away from him, something that will require the deaths of both Luke and his disabled mother. Worse, Halloween is coming, when the Host is strongest. Aided by high school outcast Elza Moss, a sarcastic outsider with second sight, he must find a way to release the Host from their captivity while protecting himself and those he holds dear. With well-drawn characters, some truly creepy ghouls, and entertaining banter, this is a self-assured debut that’s as funny as it is terrifying. Ages 14–up. Agent: Jenny Savill, Andrew Nurnberg Associates. (Aug.)■

Starred review from June 1, 2015

Gr 9 Up-Luke Manchett lives in a small town in northeast England where his life consists mainly of rugby; tending to his headache-prone, New Age-advocating mother; and attempting to hide the fact that his father, who walked out when he was six, exorcises spirits on a paranormal television show. But when Luke's estranged father unexpectedly dies, he leaves the teen with a Host of eight unhappy spirits, a set of incomprehensible notes, a locked book, and a collection of rings. With school outcast Elza Moss's help, Luke has until Halloween-just 13 days-to figure out how to use this miscellany to control or banish the Host; if he fails, the entire town will be in danger. Dark and witty, Hunt's debut novel is like an eerie episode of Ghost Hunters merged with an Edgar Wright comedic film. A well-constructed, truly unique plot and perfect pacing combine to immediately hook readers, who will be invested in Luke's fate after only a few pages. Luke and Elza are credible and convincing characters: He is funny, likable, and though inexperienced with the paranormal, he is determined. Independent and outspoken Elza shows a spark of her own humor. By the end of the book, readers will not only be cheering for the teens' survival but also hoping for a budding romance as well. VERDICT Fans of Jonathan Stroud's "Lockwood & Co." series (Disney-Hyperion) are certain to appreciate this unusual and enjoyable title.-Maggie Mason Smith, Clemson University R. M. Cooper Library, South Carolina

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2015
Sixteen-year-old Luke has no idea what he's in for when he inherits his dad's Host of malevolent ghosts. Luke hasn't seen his dad, host of a TV show about the paranormal, for years. As the book opens, he learns about his father's death and his inheritance of some 4 million. In order to receive the money, he must sign a strange agreement written in Latin on vellum. He also receives his dad's chaotic papers and an ancient green book that he can't open. Soon Luke meets the Vassal and the Judge, two of the eight-strong Host of ghosts that his father enslaved as a powerful necromancer. Luke wants simply to free them but learns that's not an option. Enter the Shepherd, bound as one of the Host but an ancient necromancer himself, who knows how to use the green book and aims to trick Luke into giving up what little power he has. Luke teams up with Elza, a bookish local girl with second sight, and together they do their best to decipher the notes and use the green book before Halloween, when the Host ghosts will become powerful enough to kill Luke. Hunt keeps tension high but balances it with humor, including a wonderful short episode written from a dog's point of view. The northern English setting adds atmosphere, and Luke's narration is both disarming and amusing. A sprightly, original story with good twists. (Paranormal suspense. 12-18)

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September 1, 2015
Sixteen-year-old British teen Luke Manchett thinks he's got it made when his estranged father suddenly dies. Dr. Horatio Manchett had been the host of the popular ghost-hunting TV show Nightwatch, and Luke will inherit six million poundsif he just signs the creepy goatskin contract proffered by lawyer Mr. Berkley. Luke doesand quickly regrets his decision when it turns out he has also inherited his father's necromantic power, the secret to his success. The eight archetypal spirits (each more dangerous and disturbing than the last) of his father's Host arrive to serve Luke. With the help of necromantic text The Book of Eight and Elza Moss, an ostracized schoolmate who's able to see ghosts, Luke learns that the Host will be at full strength on Halloweenonly thirteen days awayand will attempt to kill him in a mutiny. Given the Faustian bargain trope, Mr. Berkley's true identity will likely come as no surprise to readers, but the way Luke resolves his dilemma and the details of Dr. Manchett's own bargain will. The frequent dark humor of Luke's narration is balanced by moments of true suspense and satisfyingly complex relationships between Luke and his parents, Elza, the Host, and even his dog (whose touching perspective is revealed in an unexpected way). katie bircher

(Copyright 2015 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)