The Midnight Switch

• Written by Samuel J. Halpin
• Cover and inside Illustrations by Laura Borio
• Published by Usborne

We begin our adventure accompanying Lewis and his parents on a car journey to Barrow, the town they are making the move to, childhood hometown of Lewis’ dad, and is the location of a private school for which Lewis is trying for a scholarship. It is the latter that consumes all of Lewis’ thoughts as he feels overwhelmed by his dad’s aspirations for him. Lewis can see how invested his dad has been ever since the potential of a private education arose, but the pressure to do well in the upcoming interview and exam is building, and Lewis is convinced no amount of revision will prevent his dad ultimately being disappointed. There is something else niggling at Lewis’ thoughts though, distracting him at a time when he needs to focus, and that is the arrival of a mysterious bird, making itself known at his bedroom window back at Lewis’ old house. Always at midnight, like clockwork.

In the murky light one of the rooks, its yellow eyes more luminescent than ever, was perched motionless on the windowsill. The tip of its beak pressed against the glass. Watching them.

Page 124, The Midnight Switch

When becoming acquainted with Lewis and his family as they relocate to Barrow you find an instant connection with them, finding their family dynamics relatable and reassuring, It is the scenes in which their cohabitation is reflected that allow you to ascertain how close the trio are, and understand why later in the book Lewis is as invested as he is in protecting his family no matter what. Upon arriving in Barrow it becomes apparent to Lewis that there is a local legend – Gretel Murk, the Bogwitch of Barrow, and traditions that take place in the town to keep her curse of flooding the entire area at bay. Worryingly, there appears to be a link between this Bogwitch and the bird that has made itself known to Lewis. As the plot thickens you become more and more invested, gathering the breadcrumbs of clues, and looking to make the right connections before reading on to see if you were right/wrong.

But directly beneath his scrambling feet, there was a bottle-green glow in the water. The same as the colour that had shot from Moira’s fingers. The same mesmerizing glow that clutched round her whilst she slept. The Bogwitch’s Colour.

Page 168, The Midnight Switch

I should give context to the quotes from the book I have chosen to include in this blog, like this stunning visualisation of the first close encounter Lewis has with the Bogwitch. You can feel the intensity of the unfolding drama, each sentence quickening your own breathing, the pace of your reading picking up a notch, as the sense of imminent danger becomes apparent. I knew as soon as I read these particular paragraphs in The Midnight Switch that I wanted to include them when discussing the book because they reflect the eloquent detailing involved throughout, as well as being indicative of the depth to the plotline included, and give you a little glimpse of what to anticipate, and boy does this book not disappoint. If you wondered whether there was a definitive must buy book from 2023 to purchase, whether for yourself, children in your life, your classroom, and most definitely for your primary or secondary school library then look no further. You will not be disappointed (until you reach the final page, and realise your time with Lewis, Moira and the people of Barrow has come to an end!).

Out of sight, Lewis couldn’t stop checking the dots, which had grown in number like little spores of mould. There were four, with a fifth slowly appearing now. After today there were two days left. Two days before a flood would come. Two days before what Herbert must have passed to Moira would be passed on to him.

Page 190, The Midnight Switch

Moira is such a brilliant addition to Lewis’ household, arriving under bizarre circumstances, and with very odd behaviourisms too. The addition of this female protagonist brings another dimension to this story, as does that which binds her to Lewis, a curse manifesting as dots on their wrist areas. With each that fades on Moira’s skin another becomes more acute on Lewis’. This is what sparks the pair putting themselves in real danger, as they venture all over Barrow looking for clues to break the curse that their own lives as they know them are entwined to, because with midnight arriving another dot transfers over to Lewis, and that means they only have a total of seven days to break the curse. This further adds to the suspense in this thrilling adventure, and with each strike of midnight you are willing Lewis and Moira to succeed.

So imagine, if you can, and being mindful that I have avoided as many spoilers as I can because I do believe a reader should interpret and enjoy any book the way that is intended by the author and in a personal way too, a thrilling adventure story with two brave and brilliant protagonists at the heart, solving clues as they embark across the town they are both new to, desperate to break the curse that has a hold over them, with time not on their side. There are a whole host of dangers to overcome if they are to have any chance of succeeding, be it physically, mentally and/or emotionally, and the pair are fortunate in that they do find others that want to help them.

I will be recommending The Midnight Switch to as many others as I can, reflecting on what a fantastic read it is. I absolutely loved it, and I know this is going to be incredibly popular with the 9-12 year old intended readers. This is a gripping adventure that has plenty of scenes that readers will relate to on a personal level, including bullying. These aspects of the story are what get you to see the importance of your family relationships, friends, and also the impact your choices have on others. I truly felt nostalgic reading this book, which was an absolute pleasure to read, and especially loved that when I felt I could anticipate what is coming next the adventure continues to develop in a different direction, captivating you right ’til the very end. Unforgettable, and definitely award winning writing from author Samuel J. Halpin once more.

• Check out my review of The Peculiar Peggs of Riddling Woods, Sam’s debut title here.