The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest

By: Aubrey Hartman

Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2025

★ "<b>Heartbreaking, marvelously funny, and generously redemptive." ―<i>Kirkus</i>, starred review</b><br> <br> <br> <br> <b>In one of the best-reviewed books of the year, an undead fox named Clare meets a badger named Gingersnaps who turns his life upside down--perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo and Tim Burton.</b><br> <br> <br> <br> Clare is the undead fox of Deadwood Forest. Here, leaves grow in a perpetual state of fall: not quite dead, but not quite alive--just like Clare. Long ago, he was struck by a car, and, hovering between life and death, he was given the choice to either cross into the Afterlife or become an Usher of wandering souls. Clare chose the latter: a solitary life of guiding souls to their final resting place.<br> <br> <br> <br> Clare's quiet and predictable days are met with upheaval when a badger soul named Gingersnipes knocks on his door. Despite Clare's efforts to usher her into the Afterlife, the badger is unable to leave Deadwood. This is unprecedented. Baffling. A disturbing mystery which threatens the delicate balance between the living and the dead. <br> <br> <br> <br> Desperate for help, Clare and Gingersnipes set out on a treacherous journey to find Hesterfowl--the visionary grouse who recently foretold of turmoil in Deadwood. But upon their arrival, Hesterfowl divulges a shocking revelation that leaves Clare devastated, <i>outraged</i>, and determined to do anything to change his fate.