The Figure in the Shadows

The dark, mysterious tone really drew me in, but I'm curious whether it was inspired by classic horror stories or something else. Did the author aim to evoke a certain feeling in young readers?

The book manages to be creepy without being too scary, which is perfect for middle-grade readers. How did the author decide where to draw that line?

The quiet, shadowy town feels like a character itself, adding to the sense of mystery. I wonder if the author based it on a real place or created it from imagination.