The Ghost Next Door

Rating:
Summary: Boring title, Fabulous book
Review: I adored this book when I was in my pre-teens. I still have my old paperback copy - it's very battered from being read so many times! This is a wonderful and scary ghost story with lots of unique and spooky details. It would be great to see it back in publication today. The setting of the book feels removed from the "real world" and timeless, so there is very little that would date it - just a few things like the girls playing records. If you like this kind of book or have kids who like spooky books (and you want to introduce them to something much better than the "Goosebumps" variety) pick up a second-hand copy of this book and enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: An excellent book for children and adults
Review: The Ghost Next Door is wonderful! There are a few things about this book that separate it from other childrens books. For one thing, there is a real sense of menace throughout the entire story that makes it a bit more intense than other 'juvenile' literature. Secondly, the two female main characters are not your typical female protagonists. They are bright and clever, and able to fend for themselves when they run into danger. Thirdly, the book is plot-heavy without being overcrowded or confusing. There are many possible explanations for the strange hauntings that are going on in the book, but the denoument is fair and rewarding. It would be great if it came back into print someday, as it is not dated like other books for youth often are. Highly recommended!

Rating:
Summary: A Rare Treasure
Review: This book was my favorite as a pre-teen. I have extremely fond memories of reading it. I began a search for it on my local library website and really was having trouble remembering what the name of the book was, (it has probably been 20 or so years since I read it). But low and behold, I accessed Amazon and did a search and I really had remembered the title of the book, it just isn't carried at the library any longer. I am so glad to have found it. I just ordered a used copy so I can read it again. Maybe I can even get my son to read it. But then again, maybe not.