Books Like...

The Ghost's Grave by Peg Kehret follows the story of 12-year-old Josh, who is sent to spend the summer with his elderly Aunt Ethel in a deserted town called Carbon City. Despite his initial reluctance, Josh embarks on various adventures in the town, including meeting a ghost named Willie who asks for his help to find and bury his missing leg. As Josh delves into the mystery surrounding Willie's grave, he uncovers a bigger secret that threatens a criminal's plans, all while navigating the challenges of family relationships and unexpected friendships. The book combines elements of mystery, suspense, and humor, making it an engaging and entertaining read for young readers.

Peg Kehret's storytelling in The Ghost's Grave is praised for its ability to captivate readers with its charming, funny, and adventurous ghost story. The book is commended for its well-developed characters, particularly Aunt Ethel and the ghost Willie, who add depth and humor to the narrative. Through a blend of mystery, suspense, and thoughtful dilemmas, Kehret weaves a tale that keeps readers engaged from start to finish, making it a great choice for children looking for a fun and heartwarming read during the summer.

'The Awakening' in the series 'Ghost Huntress' by author Marley Gibson follows the story of Kendall Moorehead as she navigates her new life in the South, discovering her psychic abilities and getting involved in ghost hunting. The plot creatively mixes the paranormal into normal everyday life, with a positive reinforcement of religion for Kendall. The pacing of the story is engaging, pulling readers through the book effortlessly, making it a page-turner with a touch of suspense and a hint of romance. Despite some initial awkwardness in the beginning, the book delves into a world of spirits in need of help, psychic abilities, and new friendships, making it an ideal read for young adults interested in the supernatural.

In "All These Bodies" by Kendare Blake, the story revolves around a series of gruesome murders in the Midwest during the summer of 1958. The plot follows the discovery of a fifteen-year-old girl, Marie Catherine Hale, covered in blood at a murder scene. As the sole suspect in custody, she chooses to confide in Michael Jensen, the town sheriff's son, leading him to unravel the truth behind the Bloodless Murders. The book is narrated from an observer's point of view, exploring themes of truth, questioning reality, and the impact of past traumas on individuals. The writing style is described as methodical, engaging, and thought-provoking, focusing on the reliability of the characters' accounts and the ambiguity surrounding the events.

Asylum by Madeleine Roux follows the story of Dan Crawford, a student attending a summer program at a former psychiatric hospital turned dorm. As mysterious events unfold, including murders and strange connections to the asylum, Dan and his friends find themselves entangled in a web of secrets and danger. The book combines a creepy setting with eerie photographs to create a suspenseful young adult novel with elements of mystery and the supernatural. The writing style is described as engaging, fast-paced, and capable of setting a chilling vibe throughout the story.

The plot of Asylum revolves around the experiences of three main characters - Dan, Abby, and Jordan - as they navigate the dark history of the asylum and unravel its mysteries. The book is a blend of horror, thriller, and coming-of-age genres, with a focus on the characters' connections to the asylum and the suspenseful events that unfold during their stay. The incorporation of real photographs from asylums adds to the eerie atmosphere of the story, keeping readers engaged with the creepy and unpredictable narrative.

'Wait Till Helen Comes' by Mary Downing Hahn is a ghost story centered around a family that moves into a house connected to an old church with a graveyard behind it. The story follows the experiences of Molly and her brother Michael, along with their stepsister Heather, as they encounter paranormal events. Heather, the troublesome stepsister, claims to communicate with a ghost named Helen, who tries to harm Molly. As Molly uncovers the truth about Helen's sinister intentions, she must find a way to save her stepsister and her family from the ghost's malevolent plans. The writing style is described as atmospheric, well-executed, and compelling, drawing readers into a chilling and haunting narrative that builds up to a suspenseful climax.

"And the Trees Crept In" by Dawn Kurtagich is a dark, claustrophobic, psychological gothic horror novel that delves into the terrifying world of La Baume, where trees encroach upon the characters' sanctuary, and mysterious tall beings lurk in the shadows. The plot unfolds through the eyes of Silla, who races through the forest with her sister to her aunt's isolated mansion, setting the eerie tone right from the start. The narrative style is riveting and intense, drawing readers into Silla's emotional turmoil and confusion as she navigates the dark secrets of the mansion and her own mind. The story intricately weaves elements of gothic literature, mental health struggles, and a creeping sense of dread that keeps readers on edge.

The Dead and the Dark by Courtney Gould is a compelling YA horror thriller with paranormal elements set in the small, rural town of Snakebite, Oregon. The story follows Logan, an adopted teenager with two dads who return to Snakebite to film for their ghost hunting show. When teens start disappearing and strange occurrences unfold, Logan teams up with local Ashley to uncover dark family secrets and confront The Dark, an enigmatic entity. The book weaves together themes of grief, love, isolation, and features LGBTQ representation, creating a suspenseful and atmospheric narrative that keeps readers engaged till the end.