aleb Devlin is a legend on Mockingbird Lane, the boy who terrorized an entire town before he got sent away. They say he hurt other kids, tortured animals, set fires, and did things grown-ups speak of only in whispers. But that was all before Penny and her little brother moved here.

Now Caled's back, older and more dangerous than ever, and terrible things have started happening again. The whole town knows he's responsible, but the police can't do anything without proof. So Penny and her friends have no choice but to try to stop him themselves.

Except now he's after them.

A sleepy summer is filled with dread in this tense and absorbing thriller by acclaimed Newbery Honor author Jennifer L. Holm.

Read Chapter One

"This exploration of the dark margins of suburbia marks a quite successful departure from Holm's previous fare. Chock-full of creepy moments, genuine tragedy, and sinister secrets. It's a good thing the plot moves quickly, because this one is hard to put down."
- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

" It's a good thing the plot moves quickly, because this one is hard to put down."
- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"On target, ratcheting up the tension with leisurely precision - sure to find a ready audience."
- Kirkus Reviews

"For middle schoolers hungry for horror fiction written on their level. Better crafted than the R.L. Stein classics. Sure to be popular."
- Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

"Better crafted than the R.L. Stein classics. Sure to be popular."
- Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)