A New York Times bestselling gothic ghost story that blends spine-tingling suspense, unforgettable characters, and a powerful tale about the dangers of greed and the magic of storytelling.
Molly and Kip are alone in the world. After fleeing famine-stricken Ireland, the two siblings find work as servants at the crumbling Windsor estate, a remote English manor overshadowed by a massive, twisted tree. At first, the job seems like a stroke of luck. But the house is filled with secrets, the family behaves strangely, and something sinister lurks behind every shadow.
As eerie dreams give way to terrifying discoveries, Molly and Kip realize that an ancient curse has taken root within the estate. To survive, they must confront a mysterious specter known as the Night Gardener, uncover the truth behind the cursed tree, and resist temptations that threaten to consume them all.
Rich with Victorian atmosphere, memorable characters, and genuine chills, The Night Gardener is more than a ghost story. Jonathan Auxier masterfully weaves together folklore, mystery, and moral fable into an unforgettable novel about family, desire, sacrifice, and the stories we choose to believe.
Perfect for fans of ghost stories, dark fairy tales, and classic gothic fiction, this award-winning modern classic continues to captivate readers with its haunting setting, elegant prose, and deeply satisfying storytelling.
Named A Best Book of the 21st Century (So Far) by Kirkus
"Storytelling and the secret desires of the heart wind together in this atmospheric novel that doubles as a ghost tale." —School Library Journal, starred review
"Lots of creepiness, memorable characters, a worthy message, Auxier's atmospheric drawings and touches of humor amid the horror make this cautionary tale one readers will not soon forget." —Kirkus, starred review
Praise
"Auxier achieves an ideal mix of adventure and horror, offering all of it in elegant, atmospheric language that forces the reader to slow down a bit and revel in both the high-quality plot and the storytelling itself."Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
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**STARRED REVIEW**Kirkus Reviews
"Lots of creepiness, memorable characters, a worthy message, Auxier’s atmospheric drawings and touches of humor amid the horror make this cautionary tale one readers will not soon forget."
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**STARRED REVIEW**School Library Journal
"Storytelling and the secret desires of the heart wind together in this atmospheric novel that doubles as a ghost tale."
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"All proper scary stories require a spooky, menacing atmosphere, and Auxier (Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes) delivers the goods with his precise descriptions of the gothic setting and teasing hints of mystery and suspense."The Horn Book
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