The Midnight Game

Gr 9 Up–A group of curiosity seekers meet on a Deddit message board for horror fans and discuss creepy legends. When one user brings up The Midnight Game, all are intrigued and agree to meet in person to play. The rules of the game are very specific: don’t turn on lights, go to sleep, leave the building, or let your candle go out until 3:33AM. Legend says that if you break any of these rules, The Midnight Man won’t let you get out alive. As six strangers begin the game at midnight, they come to realize they may be in real danger. This is a fast-paced read that favors entertainment over substance but will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Murphy effectively includes creepy tension throughout, continually making readers question everything. Although some of the characters and reveals lack full development, the unfolding events and a few twists are enough to keep readers wanting more. Interspersed throughout the story are snippets of message threads and texts that make what is happening even more disturbing. This is written at a level that seems to be for younger readers, but the inclusion of more mature topics (sexual assault, suicide) and the game itself makes it more appropriate for those who are older.