The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman

Title: The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest

Author: Aubrey Hartman

Genre: Fantasy

Publisher: Walker Books

Published: 1^st May 2025

Format: Paperback

Pages: 320

Price: $19.99

Synopsis: A delightfully grim tale about an undead fox whose lonely existence is turned upside down when he learns his job as usher of souls is in jeopardy, perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo and Tim Burton.

Clare is the undead fox of Deadwood Forest. Hovering between life and death, he was given the choice to either cross into the Afterlife or become an Usher of wandering souls. And while he loves guiding animal souls into each of the four realms, Clare is lonely. But Clare’s lonely undead existence is met with upheaval when a badger soul named Gingersnipes knocks on his door. Clare seeks the help of Hesterfowl—the visionary grouse who recently foretold of turmoil in Deadwood. But Hesterfowl has a shocking revelation: Clare is dying—this time really dying. Clare is devastated; outraged; and decides he will do anything to change his fate …

~*~

The Deadwood Forest is where the wandering souls go before they pass over into one of the four Afterlives – Pain, Pleasure, Progress and Peace. The current Usher is a fox called Clare, who has a purple tail. When he was hovering between life and death, he was offered the Usher position – but it’s a lonely existence. As much as Clare loves Ushering the souls, he doesn’t have anyone around. Other than the trash rats. One day, a wandering badger spirit called Gingersnipes appears in the lead up to All Hallow’s Eve. Clare is stuck when Gingersnipes is unable to pass over into any Afterlife. And when Clare seeks Hesterfowl’s help, he learns that he is dying – but what is he willing to do to stop it?

This unusual book about death and grief is a good example of how it can be written about in a safe and creative way so younger readers don’t get scared. As we follow Clare’s journey across several days, trying to maintain his position and get rid of Gingersnipes, the reader learns what happened to Clare, and how he came to be in the Deadwood Forest. The forest is grappling with a vision from Hesterfowl, a grouse who has visions of the future. As Clare tries everything to stop his fate, he realises that Gingersnipes is a good friend, and she teaches him about friendship and honesty. After being lonely for so long, Clare needs to understand the way the world works, and learning to grieve – losing his mother, losing his job as Usher – is important.

Positing grief in this way can help children understand that it is normal to be sad when people die, or things change. Life has its ups and downs, and a book like this can help young readers come to terms with their feelings and emotions. It’s also quite a good story, as it shows ways we can learn to accept things that we have no control over in our lives. It’s a quietly powerful book that explores a darker side of things, sacrifice and the power of friendship – even if it is fleeting. And reminds us that letting go is sometimes the best way to go. That acceptance can help forge a way into the next stage of life. It shows that helping people can inform who we are and helps Clare realise what he truly wanted and how to make it happen.

It’s gentle and sad at times, a stark reminder that life is fleeting, and to cherish every special moment, to be grateful for what we have. It also shows the power of family and friends, or helping those in need as an omniscient narrator tells the story and draws the reader into by, speaking directly to them at times. Overall, this was a charming and insightful story that reminds people to take care of what they have, and shows grief openly. Because we all cope with grief differently, and this book reminds us that it is okay to do that.