Gr 4-6 Dekker discovers a mysterious clock in the cellar beneath the basement of his great aunt Primrose's old house. After twisting the skull that decorates the Nightclock and unknowingly opening the border between the living world (Dayside) and that of the dead (Nightside), mischievous Dekker inadvertently allows a sinister, pointy-toothed boy named Cobb to kidnap his sister and hide her in Nightside. To find Riley and return to Dayside before it is too late, Dekker embarks on a dangerous journey through a twisted world full of train-riding ghosts and skeleton gangs. Harper, a strange girl who traverses Dayside and Nightside, joins Dekker on his adventure, seeking her mother and an otherworldly music box that Cobb has stolen. The atmospheric descriptions of the spooky scenes and inhabitants of Nightside create a strong sense of place, and the children's well-crafted dialogue adds humor to balance macabre scenarios. Despite a slow start to the plot and some inconsistencies in the characters, the action unfolds at a steady pace that will keep readers curious about what happens next. VERDICT An additional purchase for those who like their fantasy with plenty of skeletons (and a soft-hearted zombie). Whitney LeBlanc, Staten Island Academy, NY

Dekker and Riley have been told not to touch the ancient, creepy clock in Aunt Primrose's basement, but of course they do not listen. Two turns of the clock sets something loose and opens up another world, Nightside, the world between the dead and beyond. áTheir aunt has a secret.áShe is the keeper of the Nightclock and their little town of Button Hill is a gateway between Dayside and Nightside. As soon as the clock starts to tick, Riley is kidnapped, and it is all Dekker's fault. As he delves into Nightside to save his sister, he loses something else along the way: áhis heart. Now, Dekker is half dead and starting to rot as he and Riley go on a mad hunt to get his heart back. They are running out of time and soon, they will both be stuck in Nightside forever.Button Hill is endearingly full of grotesque silliness and the macabre. áSkeletons, bones, ghosts, creepy crawlies, trains, clocks, zombies, and music boxes haunt the intangible world between the dead and whatever comes next. áThere are magic and adventure, but the rules of the magic get lost between the jumble of wacky characters and world building tidbits. áThe story begins at a very slow pace. áMost of the descriptions build atmosphere rather than character development. áThose who enjoy adventures and fantasy could enjoy this story, but only if they are patient readers.JaneGov.Button Hill is an innocuous read. The descriptions are well done, creating an eerie world that fits the story. The premise of the book is unique, incorporating strong themes of death, but other parts of the book are not as original. Characters' personalities are stereotypical. At times, things are too convenient, making parts of the book unbelievable. Button Hill is enjoyable to read, but not groundbreaking. á3Q, 3P.Kara Eng, Teen Reviewer.