Don't Pull the Strings

She knows your name. Now she wants the rest.

Lili Huang has just moved to Hollow Bend, and already she knows one thing for certain: The puppet shop across the street is watching her.

Virelle’s Marionettes & Fine Toys has been closed for years, but its lights glow at night. Its puppets tap on the window. And the strange woman inside seems to know Lili’s name.

When Madame Virelle gives Lili a puppet called Pip, Lili wants nothing to do with it. ut Pip keeps coming back. Worse, a red string appears around Lili’s wrist — and it’s starting to tighten.

Now Lili must uncover the truth behind the missing children of Hollow Bend before Madame Virelle adds one more puppet to her collection.

Because some strings are not meant to be pulled.

BOOK DETAILS

At a Glance

Title: Don't Pull the Strings
Author: Jenni Ward
Publisher: Miraworth Books
Genre: Horror Mystery
Word Count: ≈ 45 000 words
Publication Date: 28th May 2026
ISBN (ebook): 978-1-923575-05-9
ISBN (paperback): 978-1-923575-06-6

BISAC Codes:

JUVENILE FICTION / Horror
JUVENILE FICTION / Toys, Dolls & Puppets
JUVENILE FICTION / Mysteries & Detective Stories

Content Notes

This story contains:

Romance: No romance; the focus is on family, courage, and friendship.
Language: Age-appropriate language only. No swearing.
Violence: Contains moments of peril, chase scenes, mild supernatural threat, and references to children who disappeared in the past. No gore.
Tone: Creepy, atmospheric, and suspenseful with moments of humour and warmth. The story includes eerie imagery, haunted objects, and a sinister villain, but remains age-appropriate for middle-grade readers.

A spooky middle-grade horror mystery with a brave heroine, a supportive father-daughter relationship, minimal violence, no gore, and a strong focus on atmosphere, mystery, and breaking free from control.

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