Review: The Midnight Switch

The Midnight Switch is an exciting, dark and dangerous mystery where an old legend threatens a new friendship – a perfect spooky, edge-of-the-seat adventure for readers of 9+.

Lewis is moving with his mum and dad to Barrow, the town where his dad grew up in the hope of getting a scholarship to Elksbridge Collegiate School.  Gaining the scholarship is not something Lewis is particularly interested in, but it is his father’s dream for him so he goes along with it for his sake.  And besides, at least it has taken him away from the large bird that has been tapping on his window just after midnight … until he discovers that Barrow is the home of the East Snoring Rook, and the rook from his old home arrives at his new home – at midnight!

It is not long before Lewis learns about one of the town’s old legends:  the Bogwitch of Barrow who had cursed the town with a terrible flood; in commemoration of her defeat, the town hold a ceremony, the Peering of the Goblet, which predicts whether a flood will come which will allow the Bogwitch access to the town again from the marshes where she waits for her revenge.  But surely this is only a story, and could have no truth?  The rooks which seem to be following him couldn’t really be her spies?  And, it must be just a coincidence that the Bogwitch marking seems familiar to him?

Just as Lewis discovers a puzzle to be solved in his new home, another mystery arrives in the form of his father’s best friend’s daughter, Moira who unexpectedly knocks on the door at midnight.  Although Lewis has not seen her for a while, she seems different to what he can remember.  Following some startling revelations and discoveries, the two friends realise that they are in dreadful danger, and so begins their mission to break a curse, but can they do so before time runs out?

Oh wow!  This is a deliciously dark and spooky adventure that kept me utterly gripped throughout.  The sense of danger and feeling of time running out as Lewis and Moira race to solve the mystery is brilliantly portrayed.  I loved the slow revelation of the terrible truth behind the legend; the children’s clever unravelling of the secrets and clues held by the town; and, the slightly unsettling feeling of never quite knowing who was friend and who foe.  I also really enjoyed how the seemingly innocuous references in earlier parts of the story are pieced together as the plot unfolds which made this such an intriguing and satisfying mystery.  And I just have to mention the title and time – I won’t say any more, but utterly brilliant!

I loved the firm friendship that develops between Lewis and Moira, who have both been pulled to Barrow, as they work together to fight against the danger that threatens them.  They show ingenuity, determination and courage when facing danger and unknown foes.  I also have to say that I really liked unexpected hero, train-loving Hereward!

This is a real page-turner where young readers may well be kept reading beyond midnight, but remember to check what’s tapping on the window!

Thank you to Usborne for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.