Why The Last Life of Lori Mills is a Must-Read for Tweens
If you’re after a spine-tingling, heart-racing read that’s perfect for Halloween. We recently bought The Last Life of Lori Mills by Welsh author Max Boucherat from Amazon and it’s one we’ve got to talk about. This brand-new 2024 release has already become a hit with young readers who love video games, horror, and a bit of humour mixed in. With its eerie plot and characters, you can’t help but root for, it’s the perfect non-sugar treat for older kids who are looking for something spooky this season.
What’s The Last Life of Lori Mills All About?
So, here’s the deal. The Last Life of Lori Mills is all about 11-year-old Lori, who’s just been left home alone for the very first time. Naturally, she immediately does everything she’s totally not allowed to do. Turn the heat up – Check. Build a massive blanket fort – You bet. And, of course, she turns on Voxminer, her favourite video game.
But this is where things take a creepy turn. The game starts acting strange, and Lori begins to hear whispers that aren’t just coming from the screen—they seem to be inside the house with her. From that moment, the night turns into a rollercoaster of scares, as Lori faces off against a terrifying figure possibly the Shade Girl, and her house as she knows it begins to literally disappear around her. Yikes!
Lori isn’t just up against a haunted video game, though. She’s also battling the clock, hoping her mum gets home before things go completely sideways. Thankfully, she’s got her gaming skills and her best friend, Shoelace, to help her out. Together, they’ve got to survive the night—and trust us, it’s a nail-biter!
Why The Last Life of Lori Mills is a Perfect Halloween Read
If you’ve got older kids who love a good scare but aren’t ready for full-blown horror, this book is ideal. It’s got just the right balance of spooky and fun. Here’s why we think it’s a perfect pick for Halloween:
It’s a Brilliant Mash-up of Gaming and Horror
If your kids are into Minecraft or other building games, they’re going to love the setting of The Last Life of Lori Mills. The fictional game Voxminer is a clear nod to these popular games, and it’s such a clever way to introduce horror to a younger audience. The way the game blurs into Lori’s real world is both chilling and exciting, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
Lori is a Relatable, Fun Character
Lori is your typical almost-teenager. She’s smart, sassy, and has a wicked sense of humour, which adds some light moments to the darker parts of the story. Her friendship with Shoelace is at the heart of the book, and we loved seeing how their bond gets tested as things get more intense.
Plus, the whole idea of being left home alone for the first time is so relatable. Who didn’t break a few rules the first time they were left in charge of the house? Lori’s mix of bravery and vulnerability will definitely resonate with kids around her age.
It’s Scary, But Not Too Scary
One of the best things about this book is how it balances its horror elements with humour. Sure, there are some seriously creepy moments (we’re still thinking about those whispers), but Lori’s witty comments and the fun dynamic with Shoelace make sure the book doesn’t get too heavy.
That being said, some parts are pretty intense. The level of death and scares could be a bit much for sensitive readers, so we’d recommend this for kids closer to 12 and up, especially if they’re big fans of scary stories. If your child tends to get freaked out easily, you might want to read it together or give it a quick skim first.
A Great Non-Candy Halloween Gift
If you’re on the lookout for a non-sugary Halloween treat this year, this book is a fantastic option. It’s perfect for sparking kids’ imaginations while giving them a good scare. Plus, it’s a book they’ll want to talk about afterward—whether they’re comparing it to their favourite video games, discussing ghost stories, or debating what they’d do if their house started disappearing around them!
We reckon it’s the kind of story that will stick with them, and it might even inspire some creative Halloween games or activities of their own.
Is The Last Life of Lori Mills Right for Your Child?
Although the book is marketed to kids aged 9-12, we’d say it’s probably better suited for the older end of that range. There are definitely some moments where the stakes feel pretty high, and younger kids might find it too intense.
On the other hand, if your child loves pushing the boundaries of their imagination and isn’t afraid of a few chills, they’re going to love it. Just keep in mind that there’s also a bit of a focus on Lori’s close friendship with Shoelace. The book hints at the fact that Lori might have feelings for her friend, which adds an extra layer of complexity to their bond. It’s subtly done, but if you’re worried about any mature themes, it’s something to be aware of.
Grab Your Copy
Ready to dive into this spooky adventure? You can grab a copy of The Last Life of Lori Mills directly from HarperCollins Publishers. And here’s the fun part—they’re running a Halloween promotion right now, with 30% off all books if you use the code SPOOKY30 at checkout. It’s the perfect time to stock up on Halloween reads but be quick—the offer only lasts while stocks do!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve got a young gamer or a thrill-seeker in your family, The Last Life of Lori Mills is going to be a hit. It’s got the perfect mix of laughs, scares, and heartwarming moments that make it a fantastic read for older kids—and even for parents who might secretly love a good spooky tale, too! We’re already excited for the sequel, which is due to come out in 2025.
Grab a blanket, turn the lights low, and get ready for a wild, spooky ride. Just maybe keep an eye on your video games… you never know what might come out of the screen!
Looking for more chilling reads? Check out our review of Flock Horror: Birds on a Blood Hunt—another perfect pick for kids who love spooky stories. And if horror isn’t your kid’s thing, visit our Kids’ Book Review Section for a range of fun, thrilling, and heartwarming book suggestions.