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Jessamy's life is a balance between acting like an upper-class Patron and dreaming of the freedom of the Commoners. But away from her family she can be whoever she wants when she sneaks out to train for The Fives.
The winding streets and narrow alleys of Karolene hide many secrets, and Hitomi is one of them.
Are some men born evil, no chance of redemption from the moment they draw breath? Perhaps, perhaps not. Grim doesn't seem to think so, and yet, he knows better than to believe that knowledge alone would curb a cruel man's intent... Even if that man is himself.
Jessamy's life is a balance between acting like an upper-class Patron and dreaming of the freedom of the Commoners. But away from her family she can be whoever she wants when she sneaks out to train for The Fives.
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GHOSTS
Authors F - J
At a Glance
Featured Book
(contains psychological horror, disturbing themes, mild references to sexuality, and some emotional intensity, but little explicit violence or swearing)
WARNING: THE NETFLIX SHOW IS FOR MORE MATURE VIEWERS THAN THE BOOK.
AUTHOR SHIRLEY JACKSON
THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE
The greatest haunted house story ever written—the inspiration for the hit Netflix horror series!
First published in 1959, Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House has been hailed as a perfect work of unnerving terror. It is the story of four seekers who arrive at a notoriously unfriendly pile called Hill House: Dr. Montague, an occult scholar looking for solid evidence of a “haunting”; Theodora, his lighthearted assistant; Eleanor, a friendless, fragile young woman well acquainted with poltergeists; and Luke, the future heir of Hill House. At first, their stay seems destined to be merely a spooky encounter with inexplicable phenomena. But Hill House is gathering its powers—and soon it will choose one of them to make its own.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson could be a good choice for readers who enjoy classic, atmospheric horror that leans heavily into psychological tension rather than graphic violence. The novel focuses more on building a chilling, eerie mood than relying on gore or intense physical scares, which makes it a thoughtful and haunting read rather than a shocking or overly graphic one. While there are very mild references to sexuality—nothing explicit—the primary focus is on the slow unraveling of the characters' minds within the haunted house. For families who are comfortable with spooky themes and exploring the complexities of fear and isolation, this book offers a beautifully written and unsettling experience that encourages discussion about mental health, perception, and the supernatural. However, The Haunting of Hill House might not be the best fit for younger or more sensitive readers because of its heavy psychological elements and subtle emotional darkness. The novel deals with themes like loneliness, repression, and psychological breakdown, which, while not inappropriate, could be unsettling for readers who are not ready for more introspective or ambiguous storytelling. There’s no explicit sexual content, but some emotional undercurrents and adult themes are present in a way that may feel intense. Overall, for families looking for something eerie but still relatively “clean” in terms of graphic content, it’s a strong and timeless choice best suited for older teens and adults.
(supernatural themes, mild violence, dark humor, and ghostly characters)
AUTHOR NEIL GAIMAN
THE GRAVEYARD BOOK
Neil Gaiman's perennial favorite, The Graveyard Book, has sold more than one million copies and is the only novel to win both the Newbery Medal and the Carnegie Medal.
Bod is an unusual boy who inhabits an unusual place—he's the only living resident of a graveyard. Raised from infancy by the ghosts, werewolves, and other cemetery denizens, Bod has learned the antiquated customs of his guardians' time as well as their ghostly teachings—such as the ability to Fade so mere mortals cannot see him.
Can a boy raised by ghosts face the wonders and terrors of the worlds of both the living and the dead?
The Graveyard Book is the winner of the Newbery Medal, the Carnegie Medal, the Hugo Award for best novel, the Locus Award for Young Adult novel, the American Bookseller Association’s “Best Indie Young Adult Buzz Book,” a Horn Book Honor, and Audio Book of the Year. Don't miss this modern classic—whether shared as a read-aloud or read independently, it's sure to appeal to readers ages 8 and up.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book is a beautifully crafted, whimsical, and slightly eerie story that offers the perfect blend of fantasy, adventure, and heart. Following the life of Nobody Owens, a young boy raised by ghosts in a graveyard after his family is murdered, the book weaves together mystery, danger, and an exploration of growing up in a world that’s both strange and familiar. With Gaiman’s signature storytelling style, this book draws readers into an imaginative world where the boundaries between life and death blur in intriguing ways, making it a great pick for readers of all ages who enjoy a blend of the supernatural and emotional growth. In terms of content, The Graveyard Book is very family-friendly, making it a great choice for middle-grade readers and families who enjoy a little spooky adventure without anything too intense. There is no sexual content, and the occasional scary scenes are balanced by themes of courage, friendship, and finding one’s place in the world. Some of the darker moments, such as the murder of Nobody’s family, are handled with sensitivity and not described in graphic detail, making it an appropriate choice for younger readers who enjoy a good mystery with a supernatural twist. With its thought-provoking themes and captivating storytelling, The Graveyard Book is a wonderful choice for readers looking for an engaging, wholesome, and slightly eerie tale.
(contains moderate romance, implied sexual content, strong language, and intense violence with dark themes)
AUTHOR JEANNINE GARSEE
THE UNQUIET
Over the summer, Rinn stopped taking her bi-polar meds and blames herself and the voices she heard for her grandmother's tragic death. To get a new start, Rinn and her mother are moving back to her mom's small hometown and Rinn has promised to never miss a pill again. The fresh start is just what Rinn needs. She falls in with the popular girls at her new school and she falls for very cute "farmer boy" Nate. But River Hills High School has a secret. The ghost of Annaliese, a girl who died when Rinn's mother was a student there, haunts a hallway the teens call The Tunnel. Rinn's not sure she believes it, but slowly Annaliese seems to be punishing those who enter the tunnel alone. A chorus soloist loses her voice, a star cheerleader falls off the pyramid, and then it gets worse-worse as in death. Rinn still doesn't know if Annaliese is real, and there's only one way to find out. Rinn needs to ditch her bi-polar meds again and see what the voices are really trying to say....
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Jeannine Garsee’s The Unquiet is a thought-provoking, suspenseful novel that delves into mental health, supernatural experiences, and personal growth. The story follows the protagonist, Hannah, who struggles with her mental health while also dealing with increasingly strange and unsettling occurrences in her life. The blend of real-world struggles with paranormal elements makes the book both relatable and intriguing for readers who appreciate stories that combine emotional depth with a bit of mystery. With themes of identity, family, and self-acceptance, this book offers valuable insights and sparks conversation about mental health in an accessible and empathetic way. In terms of content, The Unquiet is appropriate for older teens due to some of the heavier themes it tackles, such as mental illness and trauma. There is no explicit sexual content in the book, but there are references to Hannah's relationships, some of which involve emotional complexities that older teens may find relatable or thought-provoking. While the supernatural aspects of the story provide suspense and tension, the focus remains on Hannah’s emotional journey, which is a great way for families to discuss mental health, empathy, and personal growth. With its balance of supernatural intrigue and realistic emotional struggles, The Unquiet is a great choice for readers looking for a story with depth and meaningful themes.
(contains mild romance, implied sexual content, dark themes, violence, and some swearing)
AUTHOR ADALYN GRACE
BELLADONNA (BOOK 1)
The New York Times bestselling author of All the Stars and Teeth brings to life a highly romantic, Gothic-infused world of wealth, desire, and betrayal.
Orphaned as a baby, nineteen-year-old Signa has been raised by a string of guardians, each one more interested in her wealth than her well-being—and each has met an untimely end. Her remaining relatives are the elusive Hawthornes, an eccentric family living at Thorn Grove, an estate both glittering and gloomy. Its patriarch mourns his late wife through wild parties, while his son grapples for control of the family’s waning reputation, and his daughter suffers from a mysterious illness. But when their mother’s restless spirit appears claiming she was poisoned, Signa realizes that the family she depends on could be in grave danger and enlists the help of a surly stable boy to hunt down the killer.
However, Signa’s best chance of uncovering the murderer is an alliance with Death himself, a fascinating, dangerous shadow who has never been far from her side. Though he’s made her life a living hell, Death shows Signa that their growing connection may be more powerful—and more irresistible—than she ever dared imagine.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Adalyn Grace’s Belladonna is a dark and enchanting fantasy that blends mystery, romance, and a touch of the supernatural, making it an intriguing choice for readers who enjoy atmospheric stories with strong world-building and compelling characters. The story follows 18-year-old Signa Farrow, a young woman with a peculiar gift: she can see and communicate with death. When she’s sent to live with distant relatives in a mysterious estate, she uncovers a web of secrets, family intrigue, and dangerous forces at play. With its gothic ambiance, immersive setting, and strong central character, Belladonna offers a captivating experience for readers who enjoy suspenseful stories with a dash of romance and the supernatural. In terms of content, Belladonna is best suited for older teens due to its mature themes and dark atmosphere. While there is some romantic tension and emotional depth in the relationships, the sexual content is minimal and not graphic. There are a few passionate moments, but nothing explicit or overly detailed. The book leans more heavily on mystery, intrigue, and the eerie elements of death, making it an exciting pick for readers who enjoy stories with emotional complexity and a slightly spooky edge. Families with older teens who appreciate a blend of romance and suspense, set in a richly atmospheric world, will find Belladonna a compelling and thought-provoking choice.
(contains mild horror, some violence, no sexual content, and no swearing)
AUTHOR MARY DOWNING HAHN
ALL THE LOVELY BAD ONES
Master storyteller Mary Downing Hahn tells the eerie tale of a mischievous brother and sister who pretend their grandmother's Vermont inn is haunted and awaken the real spirits who inhabit the place.
Travis and his sister, Corey, can't resist a good trick. When they learn that their grandmother's quiet Vermont inn, where they're spending the summer, has a history of ghost sightings, they decide to do a little "haunting" of their own. Before long, their supernatural pranks have tourists flocking to the inn, and business booms.
But Travis and Corey soon find out that they aren't the only ghosts at Fox Hill Inn. Their thoughtless games have awakened something dangerous, something that should have stayed asleep. Can these siblings lay to rest the ghosts they’ve stirred?
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Mary Downing Hahn’s All the Lovely Bad Ones is a suspenseful, spooky tale that strikes the perfect balance between eerie and age-appropriate, making it an excellent choice for families with middle-grade readers. The story follows a brother and sister, Travis and Corey, who stay at their grandmother’s haunted bed-and-breakfast. As they begin to encounter restless spirits, the siblings must confront the chilling consequences of their actions, learning about responsibility and the impact of their choices. Hahn’s ability to blend ghostly suspense with heartfelt moments of family and growth makes this book both thrilling and thought-provoking for young readers. In terms of content, All the Lovely Bad Ones is a family-friendly ghost story with just the right amount of mystery and spookiness without being too scary or inappropriate. There’s no sexual content in the book, and the violence is kept to a minimum, with some spooky moments and mild peril, but nothing graphic or disturbing. The story focuses more on the emotional growth of the characters and their understanding of the consequences of their actions. It’s a fantastic choice for families looking for a light, thrilling read that provides just the right amount of chills, while offering lessons about empathy, bravery, and making things right.
(contains psychological horror, eerie themes, some violence, and mild suggestive elements)
AUTHOR ELIZABETH HAND
A HAUNTING ON THE HILL
From award-winning author Elizabeth Hand comes the first-ever novel authorized to return to the world of Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House—an "eerily beautiful, strangely seductive, and genuinely upsetting" (Alix E. Harrow) new story of isolation and longing perfect for our present time.
**Named a Best Book of the Year by The New Yorker, The Washington Post, and Harper's Bazaar**
Open the door . . . .
Holly Sherwin has been a struggling playwright for years, but now, after receiving a grant to develop her play Witching Night, she may finally be close to her big break. All she needs is time and space to bring her vision to life. When she stumbles across Hill House on a weekend getaway upstate, she is immediately taken in by the mansion, nearly hidden outside a remote village. It’s enormous, old, and ever-so eerie—the perfect place to develop and rehearse her play.
Despite her own hesitations, Holly’s girlfriend, Nisa, agrees to join Holly in renting the house for a month, and soon a troupe of actors, each with ghosts of their own, arrive. Yet as they settle in, the house’s peculiarities are made known: strange creatures stalk the grounds, disturbing sounds echo throughout the halls, and time itself seems to shift. All too soon, Holly and her friends find themselves at odds not just with one another, but with the house itself. It seems something has been waiting in Hill House all these years, and it no longer intends to walk alone . . .
"A fitting—and frightening—homage." —New York Times Book Review
"It’s thrilling to find this is a true hybrid of these two ingenious women’s work—a novel with all the chills of Jackson that also highlights the contemporary flavor and evocative writing of Hand." —Washington Post
"Only the brilliant Elizabeth Hand could so expertly honor Jackson's rage, wit, and vision." —Paul Tremblay
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Elizabeth Hand’s A Haunting on the Hill is a captivating ghost story that combines atmospheric tension with an intriguing mystery, making it an excellent choice for older teens and readers who enjoy supernatural tales. The story follows a young woman who is drawn to a haunted house on a remote hill, where she begins to unravel the dark secrets of its past. With Hand’s strong narrative and richly detailed setting, the book builds an eerie mood while exploring themes of grief, loss, and redemption. Its slow-building suspense and well-drawn characters provide a perfect balance between intrigue and emotional depth, appealing to readers who appreciate a blend of gothic horror and psychological suspense. In terms of content, A Haunting on the Hill is best suited for mature teens due to its dark themes and psychological elements. There is no explicit sexual content in the book, but there are some adult themes related to grief, past trauma, and the haunting mysteries that the protagonist must confront. The book’s ghostly elements and intense suspense might be unsettling for younger readers, but for older teens and adults who enjoy a deeper, atmospheric ghost story, it offers a rich, thought-provoking experience. Families with older teens who are drawn to gothic horror with emotional resonance and a touch of the supernatural will find this book engaging and appropriate for readers looking for a more mature, yet accessible, ghost story.
(intense scenes, fade to black sex, swearing)
AUTHOR AMY HARMON
THE LAW OF MOSES
If I tell you right up front, right in the beginning that I lost him, it will be easier for you to bear. You will know it’s coming, and it will hurt. But you’ll be able to prepare.
Someone found him in a laundry basket at the Quick Wash, wrapped in a towel, a few hours old and close to death. They called him Baby Moses when they shared his story on the ten o’clock news – the little baby left in a basket at a dingy Laundromat, born to a crack addict and expected to have all sorts of problems. I imagined the crack baby, Moses, having a giant crack that ran down his body, like he’d been broken at birth. I knew that wasn’t what the term meant, but the image stuck in my mind. Maybe the fact that he was broken drew me to him from the start.
It all happened before I was born, and by the time I met Moses and my mom told me all about him, the story was old news and nobody wanted anything to do with him. People love babies, even sick babies. Even crack babies. But babies grow up to be kids, and kids grow up to be teenagers. Nobody wants a messed up teenager.
And Moses was messed up. Moses was a law unto himself. But he was also strange and exotic and beautiful. To be with him would change my life in ways I could never have imagined. Maybe I should have stayed away. Maybe I should have listened. My mother warned me. Even Moses warned me. But I didn’t stay away.
And so begins a story of pain and promise, of heartache and healing, of life and death. A story of before and after, of new beginnings and never-endings. But most of all...a love story.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Amy Harmon’s The Law of Moses is a beautifully written and emotionally powerful story that combines romance, supernatural elements, and themes of personal growth and healing, making it an excellent choice for older teens and adults. The novel follows Moses, a young man with the ability to see the pasts of others through touch, and Georgia, a girl who is drawn to him despite his troubled and misunderstood nature. Their relationship is complex and deeply emotional, filled with challenges that center around forgiveness, redemption, and the consequences of their actions. With its strong character development and engaging writing, The Law of Moses explores important themes of love, loss, and finding one's way in life, making it a thought-provoking read. In terms of content, The Law of Moses does contain some romantic tension, and while the story includes a few intimate moments between the characters, the sexual content is not explicit. The romance is heartfelt and emotional, but it doesn’t dwell on graphic physicality—there are no explicit or overly detailed sexual scenes. The book also touches on heavier topics such as grief, personal trauma, and the complexities of relationships, which may make it more suitable for older teens and adult readers. Families with older teens looking for a beautifully crafted novel that blends romance and supernatural elements with emotional depth will find The Law of Moses an engaging and meaningful read.
(contains mild romance, some violence, sensual kissing but nothing explicit, and minimal swearing)
AUTHOR AMY HARMON
SLOW DANCE IN PURGATORY
The hallways are empty, the school day long over, the din of lockers and youthful laughter have dissolved into silence. It's as if the very walls are waiting. And then through the intercom a song starts to crackle, the soundtrack of a forgotten life. And the band begins to sing - "Lovely Maggie falls for Johnny, a boy no one else can see. Heartthrob Johnny, 50s bad boy, trapped for eternity. Lonely boy and lonely girl, unsolved mystery. Maggie and Johnny, only high school sweethearts, because Johnny can't ever leave. Do wop, Do wop....."
In 1958, a rumble goes down outside the brand new high school in Honeyville, Texas. Chaos ensues, a life is lost, and Johnny Kinross disappears. But in 2010, someone finds him. Orphaned at the age of ten, 17-year-old Maggie O'Bannon finally finds a permanent home with her elderly aunt in a small Texas town. Working part-time as a school janitor, she becomes enmeshed in a fifty-year-old tragedy where nothing is as it seems and the boy of her dreams might vanish when the bell rings.
This volatile and mismatched romance is doomed from its start, as Maggie struggles to hold on to yet another person she is destined to lose. Secret love and hushed affection are threatened by outside forces, resulting in a desperate race to keep a secret no one would understand. Deeply romantic, funny and tender, Slow Dance in Purgatory captures the heartache of a love story where a happy ending might be decades too late.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Amy Harmon’s Slow Dance in Purgatory is a poignant and engaging supernatural romance that combines elements of mystery, personal growth, and the exploration of love beyond the physical realm. The story follows Andra, a young woman who moves to a new town and becomes captivated by the ghost of Daniel, a young man who died under tragic circumstances. As the two form an unlikely bond, the book delves into themes of love, grief, and emotional healing, making it a compelling read for those who appreciate stories that balance romance with deeper emotional themes. Harmon’s writing is both beautiful and thought-provoking, offering a mix of suspense and tender moments that will appeal to older teens and adults. In terms of content, Slow Dance in Purgatory is an emotionally rich romance with some romantic tension, but the sexual content is minimal. There are moments of physical intimacy, but they are not explicit or graphic. The romance focuses more on emotional connection and the challenges the characters face due to their unique circumstances. Themes of grief, personal healing, and the impact of the past are central to the story, which makes it best suited for older teens who can appreciate the mature emotional themes. Families with mature teens who enjoy supernatural romances with heartfelt stories about healing and connection will find this book both captivating and appropriate for thoughtful readers.
(intense, haunting atmosphere, themes of child death, and psychological horror)
AUTHOR SUSAN HILL
THE WOMAN IN BLACK
The classic ghost story from the author of The Mist in the Mirror: a chilling tale about a menacing spectre haunting a small English town.
Arthur Kipps is an up-and-coming London solicitor who is sent to Crythin Gifford—a faraway town in the windswept salt marshes beyond Nine Lives Causeway—to attend the funeral and settle the affairs of a client, Mrs. Alice Drablow of Eel Marsh House. Mrs. Drablow’s house stands at the end of the causeway, wreathed in fog and mystery, but Kipps is unaware of the tragic secrets that lie hidden behind its sheltered windows. The routine business trip he anticipated quickly takes a horrifying turn when he finds himself haunted by a series of mysterious sounds and images—a rocking chair in a deserted nursery, the eerie sound of a pony and trap, a child’s scream in the fog, and, most terrifying of all, a ghostly woman dressed all in black. Psychologically terrifying and deliciously eerie, The Woman in Black is a remarkable thriller of the first rate.
The basis for the major motion picture starring Daniel Radcliffe.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black is a classic gothic horror novel that offers a chilling, atmospheric experience, making it an excellent choice for older teens and adults who enjoy a slow-burn, psychological thriller. The story follows Arthur Kipps, a young solicitor who is sent to a remote village to settle the affairs of a deceased client. There, he encounters the mysterious figure of the Woman in Black, whose presence seems to bring tragedy and terror to those around her. Hill’s writing is deeply atmospheric, and the novel builds suspense in a way that keeps readers on edge without relying on gore or graphic violence. The eerie setting and psychological depth make it a perfect choice for those who enjoy a haunting story that lingers long after the last page. In terms of content, The Woman in Black is a relatively clean read, with no sexual content or explicit scenes. The novel focuses on building tension and fear through atmosphere and psychological horror rather than physical violence or sexual themes. While there are some frightening moments and unsettling imagery, the story is more about the slow unraveling of the mystery and the emotional toll it takes on the protagonist. Because of its dark themes and eerie atmosphere, it’s best suited for older teens who can handle suspense and mild terror. Families with teens who appreciate gothic horror and psychological thrillers will find The Woman in Black a gripping, age-appropriate choice.
(light romance, themes of death and murder, and minimal swearing)
AUTHOR BOBBI HOLMES
THE GHOST OF MARLOW HOUSE (BOOK 1)
When Danielle Boatman inherits Marlow House, she dreams of turning it into a seaside bed and breakfast. Since she’s never visited the property, Danielle’s not sure what awaits her in Oregon. She certainly doesn’t expect to find one of the house’s previous owners still in residence. After all, the man has been dead for almost ninety years—shouldn’t he have moved on by now? Charming Walt Marlow convinces Danielle the only way he can move on is if she solves the mystery of his death. Danielle soon discovers her real problems may come from the living—those who have their sights on Marlow House’s other secrets.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Bobbi Holmes's The Ghost of Marlow House is a charming and delightful read that blends mystery, lighthearted humor, and supernatural intrigue, making it an excellent choice for families with teens or readers looking for a cozy, ghostly adventure. The story follows Georgina, a woman who inherits a mansion in a small town, only to discover that it is haunted by a ghost named Henry. As Georgina works to uncover the mysteries of the house and her new life, she builds relationships with the locals and starts unraveling secrets about the past. The book's mix of humor, mild suspense, and ghostly encounters provides a fun and engaging experience without being overly scary or intense. In terms of content, The Ghost of Marlow House is a family-friendly read with no explicit sexual content. While there is some romantic tension and mild flirting between characters, the focus remains on the mystery and ghostly elements rather than on romantic or physical details. The tone is light and the suspense is appropriate for readers of all ages, making it a great choice for teens and adults who enjoy supernatural mysteries with a cozy, feel-good vibe. Families will appreciate the lack of graphic violence or mature themes, making it a safe and enjoyable read for anyone looking for a spooky, yet wholesome, story.
(contains mild romance, some violence, no sexual content, and occasional swearing)
AUTHOR E. E. HOLMES
SPIRIT LEGACY (BOOK 1)
"The Gateway is open..."
These cryptic words wake college student Jess Ballard from a terrifying dream into an even more terrifying reality. Jess’ life has never been what anyone would call easy; doing damage control in the wake of your nomadic, alcoholic mother doesn't exactly make for a storybook childhood.
But now her world has fallen apart just when it should be coming together: her mother gone—dead under mysterious circumstances; her life uprooted to stay with estranged relatives she’s never met; and there’s something odd about some of the people she’s been meeting at school:
They’re dead.
Aided by Tia, her neurotic roommate, and Dr. David Pierce, a ghost-hunting professor, Jess must unravel the mystery behind her hauntings. But the closer she gets to the truth, the more danger shadows her every move. An ancient secret, long-buried, is about to claw its way to the surface, and nothing can prepare Jess for one harrowing truth... her encounters with the world of the dead are only just beginning.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
E. E. Holmes’s Spirit Legacy is a captivating paranormal adventure that blends mystery, romance, and supernatural elements in a way that makes it a fantastic choice for teens and adults who enjoy stories with a bit of suspense and emotional depth. The novel follows Caitlyn, a young woman who discovers she has the ability to see and interact with spirits, which opens up a whole new world of intrigue and danger. As Caitlyn learns more about her abilities and the mysteries surrounding her family, she finds herself caught between the living and the dead, trying to unravel secrets that could change everything. The mix of paranormal mystery, family dynamics, and emotional growth makes Spirit Legacy a thrilling read that will keep readers engaged from start to finish. In terms of content, Spirit Legacy is appropriate for teens and families with older readers, as it does not contain explicit sexual content. While there is some romantic tension between Caitlyn and other characters, the romance remains tasteful and focuses more on emotional connection rather than physical intimacy. The story also touches on themes of loss, self-discovery, and overcoming fears, making it both an exciting and meaningful read. The supernatural elements are central to the plot, providing just the right amount of mystery and suspense without overwhelming younger readers. Families with older teens who enjoy paranormal fiction and character-driven stories will find Spirit Legacy a compelling and age-appropriate choice.
(contains psychological horror, disturbing themes, mild references to sexuality, and some emotional intensity, but little explicit violence or swearing)
WARNING: THE NETFLIX SHOW IS FOR MORE MATURE VIEWERS THAN THE BOOK.
AUTHOR SHIRLEY JACKSON
THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE
First published in 1959, Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House has been hailed as a perfect work of unnerving terror. It is the story of four seekers who arrive at a notoriously unfriendly pile called Hill House: Dr. Montague, an occult scholar looking for solid evidence of a “haunting”; Theodora, his lighthearted assistant; Eleanor, a friendless, fragile young woman well acquainted with poltergeists; and Luke, the future heir of Hill House. At first, their stay seems destined to be merely a spooky encounter with inexplicable phenomena. But Hill House is gathering its powers—and soon it will choose one of them to make its own.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson could be a good choice for readers who enjoy classic, atmospheric horror that leans heavily into psychological tension rather than graphic violence. The novel focuses more on building a chilling, eerie mood than relying on gore or intense physical scares, which makes it a thoughtful and haunting read rather than a shocking or overly graphic one. While there are very mild references to sexuality—nothing explicit—the primary focus is on the slow unraveling of the characters' minds within the haunted house. For families who are comfortable with spooky themes and exploring the complexities of fear and isolation, this book offers a beautifully written and unsettling experience that encourages discussion about mental health, perception, and the supernatural. However, The Haunting of Hill House might not be the best fit for younger or more sensitive readers because of its heavy psychological elements and subtle emotional darkness. The novel deals with themes like loneliness, repression, and psychological breakdown, which, while not inappropriate, could be unsettling for readers who are not ready for more introspective or ambiguous storytelling. There’s no explicit sexual content, but some emotional undercurrents and adult themes are present in a way that may feel intense. Overall, for families looking for something eerie but still relatively “clean” in terms of graphic content, it’s a strong and timeless choice best suited for older teens and adults.
(violent crime scenes, mild language, supernatural themes)
AUTHOR MAUREEN JOHNSON
THE NAME OF THE STAR
New York Times bestseller Maureen Johnson takes on Jack the Ripper in this captivating paranormal thriller!
The day that Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London to start a new life at boarding school is also the day a series of brutal murders breaks out over the city, killings mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper spree of more than a century ago. Soon "Rippermania" takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him--the only one who can see him. And now Rory has become his next target. In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Maureen Johnson’s The Name of the Star is an engaging and suspenseful read that blends mystery, the supernatural, and a bit of history, making it an excellent choice for teens and young adult readers who enjoy thrilling stories with intriguing twists. The novel follows Rory, an American girl who moves to London and gets caught up in a series of murders that seem to echo the infamous Jack the Ripper killings. As Rory discovers that she has a special connection to the supernatural world, she becomes entangled in solving the mystery. The book’s combination of historical elements, fast-paced plot, and a touch of the eerie makes it a captivating read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. In terms of content, The Name of the Star is a great option for older teens, as it contains no explicit sexual content. There are subtle romantic undertones between the characters, but the focus remains on the mystery and supernatural elements of the story. The violence, while tied to the murders, is not described in graphic detail, making it suitable for readers who can handle mild suspense and danger. The novel’s darker themes, such as murder and supernatural occurrences, are balanced by humor and well-developed characters, making it an engaging and thought-provoking choice. Families with teens looking for a supernatural mystery with a bit of history will find The Name of the Star a thrilling and appropriate selection.