The Bibliophile's Bookshelf

It’s time for another Saturday Spotlight! This month’s theme is spooky and so far I have shared A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness which you can find here.

Again, the books I am sharing aren’t exactly spooky, but they are atmospheric or have things that are common in spooky books!

This week I am sharing The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman. This book isn’t spooky, but it is very sweet and as the perfect atmospheric feel for autumn. Honestly this book is so touching and cute. I loved following Clare’s story. Watching him grow was beautiful and touching! This is definitely one of my favorite fall reads, with a slightly spooky atmosphere!

Clare is the undead fox of Deadwood Forest. Here, leaves grow in a perpetual state of fall: not quite dead, but not quite alive—just like Clare. Long ago, he was struck by a car, and, hovering between life and death, he was given the choice to either cross into the Afterlife or become an Usher of wandering souls. Clare chose the latter: a solitary life of guiding souls to their final resting place.

Clare’s quiet and predictable days are met with upheaval when a badger soul named Gingersnipes knocks on his door. Despite Clare’s efforts to usher her into the Afterlife, the badger is unable to leave Deadwood. This is unprecedented. Baffling. A disturbing mystery which threatens the delicate balance between the living and the dead.

Desperate for help, Clare and Gingersnipes set out on a treacherous journey to find Hesterfowl—the visionary grouse who recently foretold of turmoil in Deadwood. But upon their arrival, Hesterfowl divulges a shocking revelation that leaves Clare devastated, outraged, and determined to do anything to change his fate.

This delightfully grim tale is a heartwarming exploration of moving on, perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo and Tim Burton.

Here is my full review for this heartfelt book: Book Review: The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest