The House with a Clock in Its Walls

Author: John Bellairs (illustrated by Edward Gorey in the original edition)

Genre: Middle-grade gothic fantasy / mystery / supernatural spooky story

Target age: 8-12 

Description: After his parents die, ten-year-old Lewis Barnavelt goes to live with his uncle Jonathan in the small town of New Zebedee, Michigan, in 1948. Lewis is shy and anxious about fitting in, but he soon discovers that his uncle is a warlock and that Jonathan’s neighbor and friend, Mrs. Zimmermann, is a witch. Their home is full of magic, mystery and strange surprises.

The house itself holds a dark secret: a former owner, the sinister wizard Isaac Izard, hid a ticking clock somewhere within the walls, and it is counting down to something terrible. As Lewis tries to prove himself and make a friend, he makes a reckless mistake that puts everyone in danger, and the three must race to find the clock before time runs out.

Condition: Good