Jack Mackay is a writer, theater-maker and horror enthusiast. Though he's currently floating around somewhere near York, his heart is in the Midlands, in his grandparents' creaky old house. He has written stories since he was four years old. He is also the co-founder of Griffonage Theatre, a York-based company with a taste for the madcap and macabre. He loves his family, his dog, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and K-pop.

Praise for Gloam

"The first time I read this book, I was so frightened I hid under the bed--and read it again."--Lemony Snicket

"Mackay's debut is well constructed, gripping audiences from the very first pages as the author explores grief, terror, and familial bonds...Thrilling and chilling, with a standout protagonist." --Kirkus

"Debut author Mackay delivers a classic tale of children's horror that's as chilling as it is heartfelt." --Booklist

"The nightmare fuel that Mackay brings to bear against each of the children draws brilliantly on phobic triggers and the terror of the unknown... [The] atmospheric effects [...] will keep readers up at night." --The Horn Book

"I've read a lot of middle-grade horror, and this is one of the boldest debuts I've come across. Gloam definitely lingers, so don't sleep on it." --My Spooky Ways on Instagram

"I was hooked from page one and finished it in less than 24 hours. I devoured this book and so far it's one of my top 10 books of 2025." --Library Girl Reading

Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers

Pub date: 2026-06-23

Length: 208 pages