The Twisted Toymaker (Are You Afraid of the Dark #2)

In the latest spine-tingling addition to the middle-grade horror series inspired by Nickelodeon’s acclaimed show, Are You Afraid of the Dark? bestselling YA horror author Danielle Valentine delivers a captivating tale. Everyone seems to desire a Ms. Mabel doll, but there’s a catch—the dolls are also yearning for something in return.

Ms. Mabel's Doll Emporium specializes in crafting dolls that can resemble anyone, offering customizations down to the minutest details—hair color, eye shape, and even the tiny contours of their fingernails, creating a personalized "mini-me." Fourteen-year-old Layla has been diligently saving her babysitting earnings, determined to buy a Ms. Mabel doll for her younger sister, Emily. Emily's longing for one is palpable, and Layla empathizes with her craving; she vividly recalls her own envious feelings toward the doll of her former best friend, Quinn.

The memory of Quinn, who moved away along with her beloved doll, continues to haunt Layla, leaving an undeniable sting of loss. This emotional burden intensifies when, during a visit to the doll store, she spots Quinn's old doll gathering dust on a shelf. Overcome with impulse, Layla slips the doll into her backpack as they leave the shop, surprising herself in the process.

However, the reality of their afternoon takes a bizarre turn once they return home. Layla begins to hear unsettling whispers emanating from the closet where she tucked away the Quinn doll. That night, she awakens, paralyzed by fear, as she senses a creeping darkness in her room. Her cherished tortoiseshell cat, Anne Boleyn, displays unsettling behavior, sending shivers down Layla's spine. To make matters worse, she notices that Emily's new doll appears to have sharper teeth than before.

Emily soon falls ill, and Layla's own joints start to stiffen in unnatural ways, leading her to a chilling conclusion—the dolls are the source of their troubles. They are seeking something from their owners, and they will not relent until it is theirs. Faced with increasing dread, Layla is propelled into a desperate race against time. She must seek out the answers to unravel the mystery behind the dolls and their haunting intentions.

Will Layla uncover the truth in time, or is she and Emily destined to vanish like Quinn, disappearing without a trace?

This riveting tale is part of the Are You Afraid of the Dark? series, which includes:

• The Tale of the Gravemother (#1) by Rin Chupeco
• The Tale of the Twisted Toymaker (#2) by Danielle Valentine
• The Witch’s Wings and Other Terrifying Tales: An Original Graphic Novel by Tehlor Kay Mejia, illustrated by Junyi Wu, Alexis Hernandez, Justin Hernandez, and Kaylee Rowena

In this chilling narrative, themes of longing, jealousy, and the quest for understanding merge to create an unforgettable story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

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