OPEN WIDE

A boy attempts to uncover the truth about his mysterious new dentist and discovers something far more terrifying than fillings or root canals.

Eddie is reluctant to return to the dentist after a bad experience at his last appointment, but overindulging in Halloween candy has left him with a painful cavity. After spotting an advertisement for a dental practice that offers free first visits for kids, his mother takes him to Pearly Whites, which seems to have appeared overnight. Dr. Yankum is all too eager to pull Eddie’s teeth—even ones that Eddie is sure are perfectly healthy. When Eddie learns that other kids at school are also missing teeth after visiting Pearly Whites, he begins to suspect that his new dentist is hiding something sinister. To make matters worse, Eddie’s recently divorced mother begins to date Dr. Yankum. With the help of best friend Darryl, Eddie concocts a plan to figure out what’s really going on at Pearly Whites. Though the book is light on character development, the quick pace and the mystery surrounding Dr. Yankum make for an engaging read. An unexpectedly dark ending leaves a lasting impression and will have young horror readers excited for more from debut author Eerie. Eddie’s race isn’t specified, and physical descriptions of characters are minimal, though surnames imply some racial diversity among the background cast.

A pleasingly creepy tale from a promising new writer who lives up to his name.