Shadowed Summer

by Saundra Mitchell

Summary: Bored and looking for something to do in their small town, friends Iris and Collette hang out in the cemetery pretending to cast spells and call up spirits. But then, Iris actually hears someone whispering in her ear. Could it be the ghost of Elijah the local boy whose death years ago was never explained? The girls' summer becomes anything but boring as they start looking into Elijah's death and Iris continues to be haunted by a restless spirit.

Thoughts: This is a suspenseful novel that pulled me in from the beginning. I could easily relate to the girls' search for something to do, and then I was immediately captivated by the mystery. Also, the novel emphasizes the struggles of friendship and romance which added depth and realism to the supernatural story.

The Graveyard Book

by Neil Gaiman

Summary: While a mysterious man kills his family, a small toddler climbs out of his crib and escapes the murderer. The little boy wanders into a ancient graveyard where he is discovered and adopted by a community of ghosts to keep him safe from the assassin. Growing up in the graveyard, "Nobody" (Bod for short) has a series of unique, thrilling adventures while the murderer still attempts to find and destroy him.

Thoughts: It took me a while to get into this book as it was quite different from what I expected. Once I did get into it, I really enjoyed the intriguing plot and unique characters.

The Secret of Laurel Oaks

by Lois Ruby

Summary: Lila & her brother travel with their parents to Louisiana where the family decides to stay at the Laurel Oaks Plantation, considered to be one of the 10 most haunted places in the United States. At first the scares appear to be gimmicks to create a haunted experience for the guests. But then the presence of real spirits becomes undeniable, one in particular seeming to reach out to Lila. It is the spirit of a slave girl who was desperately wants Lila's help in finding answers and ultimate redemption.

Thoughts: This is an intriguing ghost story with a unique historical perspective. I was so interested to read that this story was written after the author stayed in a real inn like the Laurel Oaks Plantation! Yikes!

The Seer of Shadows

by Avi

Summary: Horace, a fourteen-year-old New Yorker, is apprenticed to a shady photographer, Enoch Middleditch. When the wealthy Mrs. Von Macht asks Mr. Middleditch to photograph her for her deceased daughter's grave, the photographer decides to take advantage of the situation. He enlists the reluctant Horace's help in creating a double exposed picture that will appear to show the young girl's ghost. Horace is shocked, however, when the girl's ghost actually begins appearing in the photos without any tricks of photography!

Thoughts: Avi creates a frightning, haunting tale in The Seer of Shadows. It is a creative, fast-paced ghost story that pulls in the reader with quick, cliff-hanging chapters.

All the Lovely Bad Ones: A Ghost Story

by Mary Downing Hahn

Summary: Travis and his younger sister Corey are feisty, fun-loving kids who like to pull off pranks and jokes. They head to Vermont to spend the summer with their grandmother at her recently purchased inn, Fox Hill. Travis and Corey are delighted when they learn that Fox Hill is supposedly haunted; they can't wait to cook up their own "hauntings" to spook the guests and create their own fun. Things take a frightening turn, however, when their mischievous pranks awaken the real ghosts that reside at Fox Hill.

Thoughts: This is a fun, not-too-creepy ghost story.

The Crossroads

by Chris Grabenstein

Summary: Zack moves with his father and new step-mother to Connecticut. He is hoping to escape the ghost of his lost mother that constantly haunts him. What he doesn't expect is that he will find even more evil lurking right behind his new home at... The Crossroads.

Thoughts: Whoa. This is a deliciously creepy tale full of ghosts, suspense, and spine-tingling horror. So fun!