Ghost Books

Love the book!!
Our granddaughter had this book memorized when she was 3 or 4. It's a very good book for kids and grannys too!!

When my brother and I were three and five either our mother or father would read this book to us everynight. We had hundreds of books but this one was our favorite. As the years have a tendency wear on books, our copy was in very sad shape when my daughter came along nearly 20 years later. I bought a new copy of "The Beast in the Bathtub" and gave it to my mother for christmas with a note saying it was from my daughter. The happy memories of hearing mom read the book to my little brother and I were brought back in a rush when my daughter climbed up onto her Granny's lap and heard the story for the first time. It was a real tear jerker.

I loved this book when I was a kid and now my son loves it. A silly and fun read :)

This story is about a boy named Lewis, he is terrified of the bathtub because he thinks there is a monster or Beast in the tub. His mother insists that he take a bath. All the way through the story one thing leads to another. I think the illustrator did a great job of making the pictures describe what was going on in the story. This is a great book for all children to read.

I bought this book in 1987 for my then 6 year old. It quickly became his favorite. The friendly green monster helped him to conquer his own fear of bed time monsters, and it became our joke that 'the beast' was under his bed guarding him! He is now a U.S. Marine and the book has become a favorite of his 2 and 4 year old little brothers who love it not only because 'Big brother Dave' loves it (still), but because they love to join in the pillow fight at bedtime and imagine stealing apples from the kitchen when the sheriff and deputy are watching t.v. They love to call out the final sentence with me as I read.... "OF COURSE there's no beast in the bathtub.... he's under my bed!!!"

Beasts was a very interesting and enjoyable take on this subject. The story flowed quite well and I thought the character development was well thought out and executed. I was able to connect on an emotional level with each of the major characters. I can't wait for the sequel.

BEASTS is the first adult novel I read completely through, and got me interested in reading. It was just in manuscript form when I read it many years ago, the author is my mother.

I have gotten positive reviews from the other soldiers in camp where a copy of this book has been donated.

Thanks Mom!

I thought this book was excellent!! It had a great pace and kept you wanting to read. The character(all of them) had good backround information, just enough about them to let you know where they where coming from and why they were who they were. If you like to be kept on edge, read this book! I can't wait for the next one!

"Beasts" takes an unusual look at werewolves, and pulls no punches with the grisly details. While not for the squeamish, anyone who enjoys a good scare will love this book. There isn't a dull moment, and the characters are carefully developed so that the reader cares about them. The dialog is excellent. More importantly, there are unexpected twists and turns that make it impossible to figure out the ending without cheating. In particular, the Native American lore is fascinating and makes sense, which contributes to the goosebumps and the reader's tendency to jump at shadows! This isn't a thick book, which is just as well, as it is impossible to put it down once it is started! The ending is totally unexpected, and leaves the reader hoping for a sequel. This is an excellent first novel by a very promising writer.

This is an original and satisfying ghastly yarn about serial killers who are human part of the time...they turn into werewolves. A star detective gets on the case and ends up...well, that would be telling! The offbeat characters of the identical twins -of the Havasupai Indian tribe- add to the mystery. The author knows her Indian ways, and comes up with some wild twists and turns under Sister Moon. Eeeek!!
Author Arthur Myers

Beyond Appearances sticks with you long after you've finished reading it. It makes you face stories from your past that you had neatly put away as a coincidence or tall tale. Keep writing

I was so impressed with Cheyenne's courage to face the obstacles in her life and to go on even through the worst of times. It gives me the strength to handle the problems in my own life and to do some BLESSING COUNTING of my own. I think our lives are often touched with gifts from God, but while running through are regimented lives, we don't notice. This novil will open your eyes to the gifts around YOU, If only you have the courage to see BEYOND APPEARANCES.

I enjoyed this book from start to finish. Our family also experienced strange phenomena in the farm house we grew up in Illinois. My parents would not talk about it and would not allow us to talk about it being devout Baptists and afraid of ridicule. I was moved and touched by the courage and open minded approach Christie and her family dealt with there house guests. I am recommending all my brothers and sisters to read this book and wish my mother and father was still alive to read it. Maybe once and for all our family finally can discuss our strange experiences and get closure on the matter. Thank-you Christie Harrington for having the courage to tell your story. May it inspire others to do the same!

My family and I enjoyed this book from start to finish. Each of us read this book from start to finish without being able to put it down. Made for interesting discussions around the dinner table at night! I, my wife, and my family definitely recommend this book.

A very amazing book which I could not put down until having finished reading it. Cheyenne and her family went through many psychic experiences. As she did so she discovered many spiritual truths. Overall Cheyenne is an advanced soul destined to merge with the Pure Being. As a Certified Metaphysical Practitioner I recommend to all who are on the Spiritual Path to read this book in order to better understand their own journey.

I have to confess that when it comes to science fiction or fantasy books I am somewhat of a snob about what I will read. When a friend turned me on to these books, I absolutely fell in love with them and hated to put them down to do anything!

They have everything you could want, witches, werewolves, vampires, dragons, all very intricately woven around Poppy Z's family. I know he is rather conceited, but Romo the Immortal was very funny to me as well as the cat! I have done some research and have found out that there are going to be some more books in this series. I can't wait! If you want an excellent read, buy these books. I assure you that you will hear a lot more from these authors. Some day soon the whole country anyone who loves this type of book will know the names Gaither and Canada! --Lynn S. South Carolina

When I first started reading Black Moon, I was blow away. Finally a book that took everything supernatural that this world has to offer and mixed them into one fine read. Meet Poppy Z. A two thousand year old witch making a small community in Arkansas her home. Her life is turned upside down when an Immortal who is slowly losing his power comes to her doorway asking for help. Dark humor, suspense, and horror all weave together to make this book. Very wonderfully written. If you havne't read this yet then shame on you. Shame indeed.

From the first chapter these wonderful new authors suck you into a perfectly balanced world of horror and fantasy. Poppy Z. and her crazy crew take you along on a thrill filled dimension jumping mystery ride that you won't want to end. Vampires, Werewolves, Immortals, Dragons, Witches and a sharp tongued talking cat,... this book has it all and more. S.J. Gaithers and Micheal Canada cleverly combine just the right amount of suspense, action, scares, humor and passion to make this book a truly enjoyable book. They masterfully bring together these many different realms and beings without losing or confusing the reader. I found myself actually laughing out loud at times...holding my breath at others. The characters so real you get completely caught up in their lives and experiences.

I loved this book and can NOT wait to get my hands on the second part of this series... Blood Moon!!

Ok, take a witch who is on the far side of her second century, an immortal who is having a few problems with power loss, a horde of vampires out for blood (pun intended), and a local deputy who needs a serious attitude adjustment. Now throw in a healthy dose of sibling rivalry, dark powers churning for revenge, side-splitting humor, and a loveable but scathingly funny talking cat, and you have yourself a great story.

Canada and Gaither credit Laurell K. Hamilton as one of their influences, and it is easy to see that influence in Black Moon. But don't walk away thinking that this is a copy-cat of Hamilton's creations. Black Moon stands firmly on its own as a fun, engaging, creepy, and action-packed story. The characters are well developed, and I found myself literally laughing out loud over their dialogue and inner thoughts. Midnight the talking cat is a hoot, and the fact that he is a cat who also talks actually works quite well in this story.

I am so impressed with this debut novel that I have recommended Black Moon to numerous people. I have also read this book twice, which is the ultimate compliment coming from someone with hundreds of unread books sitting around the house. The world of Poppy and her friends--and some not quite friends--is amazing and well developed considering the fact that this is only the first in what I hope will be a long series of books. I look forward to the next in the series, Blood Moon, which is now on the shelves (and on my nightstand!). I hope to see much more of Poppy, Romo, Rush, Danny, Raven, Midnight, and Jean-Tou. I wonder what has happened to the young girl who fled into the woods after "meeting" Romo? I also wonder if my favorite character Nicolas might somehow make a future appearance?

This is a first-time novel by new authors that you should not pass up. Black Moon is dark fantasy at its best and has the right mixture of snappy humor as well as chills and thrills.

Immortals and dragons and vampires, Oh my! I whipped through this fast paced new novel by the immensely talented S.J. Gaither and Michael Canada in two days. I literally could not put it down. Thefirst tale of adventures of Poppy Z, a two thousand year old witch who's a magnet for danger. When Romo The Immortal appears unexpectedly at Antique Bookz, her metaphysical store, Poppy knows she's in for a ride. Romo and his reluctant sidekick Caffee are in trouble, having incurred the wrath of an ancient being with powers that rival their own. Halloween Jack and his minions make life a living hell for Poppy, the immortals and her beloved talking white cat Midnight, as time runs short for Romo. This is the introductory novel in the Witching Moon series. Filled with intriguing characters, sidesplitting banter, and plot twists that will keep you spellbound. Don't start this book at night if you plan on getting any sleep.

This book is so different to the normal (yawn) vampire stories, you know, garlic and crucifix.... these vampires - or Dark Kind - to give their real name - are so believable! They kill to survive, but then so does a tiger or a cat or a wolf .... and they have a code of honour and ... oh Azrar is wonderful and Jazriel... what can I say??? Swoon.....!

I can't believe this story was made up. I totally believe vamps really did help us humans in the war!

Is there going to be another novel about the Dark Kind? The author says yes. Oh good!!!!!!!

I loved this book. It is a different kind of Vampire story.
The time and places and descriptions are wonderful.
You feel you are experiencing them as you read.
The character and courage of each individual keeps you
captivated till the end.
I can't wait for the next book.

So often reviews do not live up to their rating. Blood Tears is truly excellent! Events take place in Europe during WWII and just prior. The action flows from Eastern European mountain ranges to England, to the heart of the Nazi war machine. Superstition, prejudice, obsession, love, honor, loyalty, the tragedy and horrors of the war itself. Psychics, dark kind (vampires), empaths, do these beings really exist? Are there humans with paranormal abilities? In Raven Dane's alternate reality there are. Read and enjoy!

I just finished reading this book yesterday and I'm devastated I didn't get the sequel at the same time as the first book. I'm soo pleased I stumbled upon this book. Its soo gripping and vivid I just couldn't put it down. Highly recommend it !!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's a rich and unforgettable tale of dazzling scenes and vivid personalities. I have read many Vampire stories, never thought I'd be this surprised...

I thought this was a good book for these reasons. This book is about a girl named Melanie who is new to a town. She needs a job and gets one reading to a named Lisa who is handicapped. Melanie soon finds out the horrible thing that happenens and tries to find out what Lisa is trying to say.

This book interesting from the first page on. from the moment Melanie started her new reading job, till the moment when the mystery was almost revealed. I couldn't put it down. A very suspensefull mystery.

This was a great mystery book from Carol Ellis. I almost never read, and I couldn't put it down. I kept reading because I needed to know who did it!

Seventeen-year-old Melanie Jacobs is new to Clifton, Massachusetts, and looking for part-time summer work besides just baby-sitting. When she answers a newspaper ad to read to an invalid for an hour a day, Melanie expects the person to be an elderly person; instead, it's a young girl her age. Lisa Randolph was paralyzed in a fall shortly before Melanie arrived in town. It's a sad outcome for such a young, popular person, but Melanie soon learns there's more to it than just a tragic accident. While reading "Jane Eyre" to Lisa, Melanie notices Lisa motions with her hand at certain parts in the book. This, Melanie realizes, is Lisa's way of communicating with her without anyone else finding out. But what secret does Lisa want to tell Melanie and no else? And why has Melanie been threatened lately not to pursue the incident? What exactly happened to Lisa when she fell? Was it just an accident--or did Lisa find out too much herself?

"The Body" is another great teen suspense thriller by Carol Ellis. Fast-paced and easy to read, it'll definitely appeal to teens who enjoy Scholastic's Thriller books.

I am actually sixteen now, but I read this book when i was 13 or so. This is the best book i have ever read. i don't do much reading, because i don't really like to read. But this kind of book makes me want to read. it's not very scary at all, but it sure is interesting!

In this slender volume, justly hailed as a wonder by several reviewers, Judy Jordan crafts the most beautiful, thought-provoking and elegiac poetry out of the less promising circumstances - poverty, alcoholism, murder and death - and gives us lines we aren't likely to forget.

I came upon this book by pure chance, and I'm happy I did. Despite her often dismal subject matter, Judy Jordan is a joy to read. Get the book now, thank me later!

Judy Jordan, Carolina Ghost Woods (Louisiana State University Press, 2000)

Judy Jordan writes dense, exquisite poems that both shock and satisfy, while making you feel vaguely like taking a shower afterwards.

"...it informs the toads,
crouches them in crooked caves of alder roots,
pulses the pale skin under their slack mouths,
keeps them in the pond's tight waves clutching anything:
a pine's resinous knot, a fist of chair foam,
even a drowned and legless female."
("Long Drop to Black Water")

I loved this book; very easy to see why it won the National Book Critics' Circle Awards, though I have to admit I'm somewhat surprised that they received such heavy subject matter with such aplomb. This one's definitely a keeper. ****

I pulled Judy Jordan's "Carolina Ghost Woods" off my bookshelf again tonight. It's a cold and clear here in the deep south and Jordan's poetry called to me in the wind. "Carolina Ghost Woods" was first published in 1996 by Louisiana State University Press, and Jordan writes that she submitted this book for three years as a "first book" before it was awarded the Walt Whitman Award in 1999. The first poem, "Sharecropper's Grave" sets the tone:

The night is hoot owls, wind-whistled flue, babies bundled in burlap.
Breath of another child, mid-gasp.

The alliteration causes the reader to shiver in the cold and continues throughout this poem:

Small holes, secret graves,
children scattered around the iron fence.
Not even a scratched stone. . .
The night full of cries they will never make.
To read the title poem,"Carolina Ghost Woods" is to travel into the mythos of the south, to hear what the dead whisper,
When the leaves shudder to the muddy ground
and snow under the gutters puddles red,
when the bird lifts, the rabbit shivers in clumped grass
and the fox shrinks into the bramble,
when the shadow crosses the pitchfork's broken handle
and the hinges of the shed door rust,
let me believe someone is there.

Each poem in the book reveals another story from Judy Jordan's life. They are woven together to bring the reader through the death of her mother and the violence of being on the streets, homeless. Ms. Jordan joins the reader in this journey with her breath and voice and we walk the ghost woods together.

Buy the book and settle down with a fire in the fireplace and the lights dim, read "Caroline Ghost Woods" from start to finish . . . you won't regret it.

As a creative writing student at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale I was immediately fascinated with the program's newest addition. Already the school boasted the great Rodney Jones. And I began reading SIUC's newest professor/poet Judy Jordan. After several readings, I am still amazed. Whether it be the remarkable, pain-staking craft or the soul-drenching childhood and early adulthood that she narrates with such originality and heart-thrashing grief, Jordan simply takes your breath away.

This collection, unbelievably a debut, doesn't just grip the reader with it's wrenching family tragedies. The music, sounds, carefully sought words (both for sound, connotation and meaning) and an ambition leaning towards the transcendent makes for a potent statement.

Currently, I am enrolled in a poetry course with Ms. Jordan. Let this not be a bias in my review. I admit am unabashedly biased towards male poets. For whatever reason, I can see through the eyes of a Rodney Jones or a James Wright easier. However, Jordan's book truly strikes a chord with me. It doesn't beg for pity. It doesn't make the predictable turns. It endeavors for something more. In addition to pain, guilt and embarassment, it finds joy, hope and transcendence in this person's impoverished, tragic past. It bears minor resemblances to the work of her former teacher, Charles Wright, as well as carrying influences of poets she's worked around in the past: namely James Kimbrell and Donald Platt. But as their style is of their own, so is hers'. And Jordan's ability at true poetic craft, rhapsodic forms and ear for human dilemma is more than original, it is ground-breaking.

During a time when poetry's popularity is at an all-time low, fresh work from the likes of Jordan and Kimbrell are keeping the medium alive. There is something very spiritual in this movement. I only hope, that when my time comes, I can be a part of it.

While it's true that Jordan's technique seems a bit thick with "borrowings" from Charles Wright, her actual material (and her treatment of it) is wildly original. This book is shocking, heart-wrenching and, at times, almost unbearably beautiful. An urgent and necessary voice.

Hank the cowdog is really funny! Infact, it's the funniest book in the world. I love Hank the Cowdog books. Drover dog, Hank's assistant is extremely funny. In book 29, chapter 1 he asked "Whose rear? Mine or yours?" Hank says he's always a pipsqueak, but Drover is kind of cute.

Hank the cowdog is really funny! Infact, it's the funniest book in the world. I love Hank the Cowdog books. Drover dog, Hank's assistant is extremely funny. In book 29, chapter 1 he asked "Whose rear? Mine or yours?" Hank says he's always a pipsqueak, but Drover is kind of cute.

Hank the Cow Dog the Case of the Vampire Vacuum Sweeper is the coolest book ever. It�s about a dog that tries to save his ranch. It�s really funny when Slim gets trapped in the bathroom then Ms. Viola comes. My best character is Slim he�s very funny. I would recommend you to read it cause I gave it 5 stars. *****

I love all the Hank books, and this is a great one for the Christmas season. These books are hilarious and more important to the young reader, fun to read. I'd also check the rest of the series.

Author of "Hobo Finds A Home" editor "Of A Predatory Heart"

This is one of the greatest books in the universe. I think one of the funniest parts was when Hank and Drover were stuck out on the porch and Drover got the hiccups. I also liked the part where Hank told Rip and Snort they had Creeping Termanal Entropy and Rip called it Creepum Termite Hoopum-Hikum. I didn't like the part where Hank made Muggs fight with Rip and Snort. I like Buster, Muggs, and the "other two" (my little sister and I call them Fleabag and Scrap). In short, this was another good Hank the Cowdog Book. I can't wait for the next one.

Ebenezer Scrooge is a bitter, miserly old man who is visited by the ghost of his old partner, Jacob Marley. Marley warns Scrooge that three ghosts will visit him and give him one last chance of redemption.

The three ghosts of Christmas (Past, Present, and Yet to Come) convince Scrooge to change his ways and to rediscover the kind and generous man he was as a young man.

A true Christmas classic and the only Dickens novel that I LOVE.

A greater classic of literature and Christmas there is not. This novel is a terrific story on the benefits of improving your character and taking into consideration all those around you. The story was a quick and joyful read that also happened to be the first time I have read this well-known classic. Although, I knew the story quite well through the various televised versions one finds every year I was still surprised to notice many scenes which I had never witnessed in the filmed productions.

I am happy to now say that I have read the story and been retold that people of all ages and of all wealths can always do more to improve their method of treating others. Using a period of great festiveness such as Christmas can be a terrific starting point to be conscience in aiding and helping others when you have something to spare. Oftentimes, a person doesn't realize their fault at mistreating their friends or families and very much regret their actions later in life. This is a very tragic and unfortunate occurrence which I am sure all would like to avoid. This story emits beautifully the true meanings of family, friends and Christmas which now are sometimes lost in the materialistic and commercial acquiring frenzy that Christmas often has a tendency to be. Just another example why Dickens, despite claims that this story was a simple potboiler story for him to pay debts, is still among the greatest authors of the English language. Other than Santa Claus, few are as memorable and well-known with regard to Christmas as that of the irritable and miserly Scrooge.

I know, I know you've seen the movie a thousand times. You've seen the play live; saw your kid in the play in school. Yes, but did you ever actually sit down and read the book? I had one friend who read it aloud to his children every year and another whose mother used to read it to him every Christmas. The last time I read this book I recorded myself on my Karaoke. I started reading books aloud out in my reading room some time ago. It is really a whole other experience. They call this book a classic and that is exactly correct. If you have never actually read it -you have got to take the time and do it. Take it from me you won't forget it and it will not be the same old, same old.

Has any story been copied more times than A Christmas Carol? It seems almost every year there is a new movie version. And how many sitcom characters have been visited by the ghosts of Christmas? It all starts to get a little tiring at times, but the original never does. This story is beautiful. No matter how many clumsy knockoffs try to capitalize on the idea and no matter how many dance numbers it inspires, the integrity of this classic will endure. Read it again, and introduce it to your children, too.

This is the most heartwarming story EVER written about Yuletide, the story is truly magical. It captures the very essence of what Christmas is all about.
I like to start reading it every December, just to get into that "Christmassy" mood, it's a lot more effective then "Bottled" Christmas spirits.
But let us not forget as the author is at pains to point out;
Marley was dead,.... to begin with.
~~~~
"I am the Ghost of Christmas Past."
"Long Past?" inquired Scrooge: observant of its dwarsfish stature.
"No. Your past."
(One of many simple but great lines, that stay with you when you've finished.)

Reading this story certainly changed my life, and saved me the need for three visits!
"God bless us everyone".

In this thrilling ghost story for middle-graders, 11-year-old Zack Jennings, who has quite an active imagination, is moving from New York to North Chester, Connecticut, with his dad and his decidedly unwicked new stepmother, Judy, who writes the "Curiosity Cat" children's books. When they arrive, Zack finds, to his surprise, that he also has a new dog, a Jack Russell terrier named Zipper.

The titular crossroads is an intersection where a fatal bus crash occurred 50 years earlier, on June 21, 1958. The accident has resulted in an abundance of local ghost legends. At the crossroads is a gigantic oak tree, on the Jennings' property, that's haunted by a malevolent ghost. An unpleasant woman named Gerda Spratling brings fresh roses there every Monday to adorn a roadside memorial to her long-dead fiance, Clint Eberhart.

The book begins with many seemingly separate story lines that are all eventually linked together. There are lots of interesting characters, alive and dead, good and evil, likable and unlikable. Among the likable ones are a boy named Davy, who becomes Zack's first local friend, and the helpful librarian, Mrs. Emerson.

There are quite a number of deaths in this story, and it may possibly be too dark for some young readers, but kids who go in for scary stories will love it. And the darkness is lightened by plenty of humor. I certainly enjoyed this book, and I expect many other grown-ups will too.

There's a tree that stands watch over the crossroads of County Route 13 and Connecticut State Highway 31. There's a memorial on the tree. Someone leaves a dozen fresh roses there every Monday. And the tree is at the back edge of Zack Jennings's new yard.

Zack, his father, and his new step-mother have left the city and moved to Connecticut. Zack lost his mother to cancer, and now that his father has remarried, the family is making a new start in Zack's father's hometown. They have a brand new house, Zack got a new dog, Zipper, and things with his step-mom might actually be okay.

But there's something strange going on in the town. Zack has a new friend, Davy. They have great adventures together, but it always seems like Zack is the one doing the hard work while Davy comes up with the plans. Judy, Zack's step-mom, gets a flat tire on the deserted highway and a Greyhound employee comes to offer aide. Though like with Davy, he can tell her how to fix it but he just can't do the work himself.

At the same time, the 50th-anniversary of a horrific bus accident at the intersection is about to occur. At the heart of the accident is Clint Eberhart. Trying to finish business with his first wife, the bus goes off the road and bursts into flames. The Thunderbird that Clint was driving smashes into the same tree that now holds a memorial dedicated to him.

Through the shrine that is kept at the tree, all the participants of that awful night fifty years ago are kept bound to the earth. It seems Zack has been the one chosen to help them release their souls. The only problem -- Zack doesn't know he's been chosen, nor does he even know that the spirits exist. At least he doesn't in the beginning...

THE CROSSROADS is a heart-pounding, page-turning ghost story that will keep even the strong-willed awake long after the last page has been turned. Clint Eberhart is pure evil, and the spirit and perseverance of one young boy is all it takes to face off against him. The book flows quickly with short chapters to keep the action constantly moving. The book is easy enough for most readers, but because of the ghosts and some of the scary content, I selected the older age group as a recommendation for readers.

Reviewed by: Jaglvr

Eleven-year-old Zack Jennings knows that not everyone senses the spirits trapped in trees that he does. Luckily he, his father and new stepmother are moving out of New York to North Chester, Connecticut, where his father grew up. Little does Zack know, however, that he also will be encountering sinister spirits all over in the country.

Not only does he think he is moving away from the nasty tree, he is happy to part ways with the ghost of his dead mother in his old apartment. His mother was a mean-spirited woman who suffered a great deal before dying in a makeshift hospital bed in the dining room. Zack can still hear her telling him to stop being silly and making up stories. He is ready for a new start.

While a few of the local boys seem just like some bullies he knew in New York, the strange-speaking Davy is a lot of fun and helps direct Zack on how to build a tree fort. His father even buys him a great dog named Zipper. His stepmother, Judy, is an author of children's books and likes stories. She also wears purple on her wedding day and acts like Zack is a pleasure to be around. Things seem to be looking up for him.

There is still a scary tree on Zack's new property, and a cranky old lady comes every week to leave flowers at the cross nailed to it. She yells at Judy and Zack, warning them not to defile her shrine to "her beloved Clint," even though it is on their property. Davy seems to live in a field and is always appearing without warning. The boys see a group of army men and other strange people around the tree. Bad things start happening there, and the boys begin planning to get rid of the tree.

Judy spots some strange folks herself, including a mysterious man helping her change her tire at night. She decides to investigate what happened to Clint and learns that a bus and car accident years ago killed 40 people at the crossroads by the tree. The bus driver, who lost his life, had the same name as the individual who changed her tire.

The spirits are getting restless as the anniversary of the accident approaches, and the villain in the story wants to become a live person again so he can get his revenge on families of those he thinks wronged him. Others would prefer to let sleeping spirits lie, while Zack and Judy wishes for the tree and all it represents to go away. They might be the only ones who can help both the living and the dead move on.

Chris Grabenstein is an author of adult mysteries, but his first book for younger people will not disappoint. While he is known for his humor, readers should be prepared for many scary twists and turns in this very dark story, which will tie together secrets across grandparents, fathers and sons. Zack is funny and curious but finds his true heart in his battle with evil from living people and ghosts.

--- Reviewed by Amy Alessio

Zack Jennings is a fairly average kid. He's just moved from the city to Connecticut with his Dad and a fabulous new stepmom. Now he can even have a dog. It's a chance to start over after the death of his mother, except there is this mean, nasty ghost who has been waiting for fifty years to get revenge on those who played a roll in his death, and the Jennings family happens to be on his list.

While there is nothing particularly special about this horror novel, I found I enjoyed it much the way I enjoyed the movie, The Frighteners. That's the one where Michael J. Fox has developed psychic abilities after his wife is killed in a car accident. The movie is not exactly a comedy, but comedic moments are skillfully thrown in to mitigate any scene being too scary, and Grabenstein has applied this same device to The Crossroads. Whether it be the over-the-top country-boy accent applied to Zack's friend Davy, the freakish burger cravings of a possessed plumber, or the crazy, dangerous antics of a lady too old to physically hurt a fly, The Crossroads makes for a fun summer read. Oh, and the best part is that the stepmom and a librarian provide the key clues to solving the mystery of this ghost. Who says stepmoms are evil and librarians are boring?

For additional reviews, please visit my site.

Chris has written an excellent adult series, a fabulous series for those older kids and young adults and now he has followed up with this new story that is perfect for the younger readers out there. The story is fast moving and exciting and guaranteed to catch the attention of even those kids who do not like to read. Great book!