Bad Blood

Gr 9 Up—Heather MacNair's tendency to self-harm has landed her in a psych rehab center. She quickly feigns recovery so she can convince her parents and doctors to let her spend her summer in Scotland with family and friends. Heather believes that if she can escape to Scotland, she will be able to stop self-harming and live a normal teenage life. Unfortunately, the compulsions only intensify and are made worse by nightmares filled with twin Scottish girls from the 17th century, Prudence and Primrose. As Heather's dreams become increasingly terrifying and begin to seep into reality, she must fight back before Prudence and Primrose destroy her. Heather discovers that blood magic lurks in her genes. She must decide if she is willing to use her blood magic to save herself, and her family, from insanity and death. This is a chilling gothic thriller, with threads of horror woven throughout. The chapters alternate between Heather in the present day and the twins in the 1600s. This is a sinister read that some may find frightening, with scenes of murder, self-harm, witchcraft trials, and mild gore.