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The Camping Trip
Whether told around a campfire or with a storm raging outside, ghost stories aren't always just stories. When the power fails in the middle of a storm, Zack and Daniel turn to their father, John Malone, for comfort. Feeling that the boys are old enough to learn the truth about his childhood, John divulges a family secret, one he's kept locked away, a secret that changed John's life forever. In a small Pennsylvania town called Lizardville, Johnny and his friends set out on a weekend camping trip along the banks of Big Fishing Creek. On the first night, as the boys gather around the campfire, Parker shares the legend of the Ax Factory murders. Soon after, strange, mysterious things begin to happen. Little do the boys realize, they have awakened a spirit called Annabelle. She is searching for something and knows the boys are hiding what she seeks. Could the secret lie in an old puzzle box? As this spine-tingling, edge-of-your-seat adventure unfolds, one question will they survive the weekend?
216 pages, Paperback
First published August 31, 2016
6 people are currently reading
5228 people want to read
About the author
Steve Altier
10 books324 followersSteve Altier is a bestselling paranormal, mystery, and suspense writer. He is known for his multi-award-winning series, The Lizardville Ghost Stories, and Amazon Bestseller, The Ghost Hunter. Steve grew up in a small town in central Pennsylvania. His parents owned the damkeeper's house on Lizardville Road. Across the street was an old, broken-down dam and the remnants of the ax factory. Steve and his buddies spent many days exploring the abandoned factory. Unexplained things happened when Steve was a child—inspiring his love for everything spooky and many of his stories. Steve lives in Florida with his wife, four daughters, and a couple of cats. You can visit my world at www.stevealtier.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
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February 9, 2021A wise and talented writer once told me, never rate your own book, gee, I finally listened to someone.
I enjoyed writing this story, It brought back some great memories. I can’t wait until September when the book is released to the public. I have written a few children’s books, but this is my first YA novel, great for ages 8 to 12 and beyond.
Readers Favorites rated the book "5" stars saying, “If you like ghost stories, then you should read this one.” They also said “Lizardville reminds me of a cross between the movies “Stand by Me” and “The Goonies.” I hope you liked those movies, I did.
I leave you with a brief synopsis of Lizardville, Now available at all major on-line book retailers.
In a small Pennsylvania town called Lizardville, Johnny and his friends set out on a weekend camping trip. Parker tells a story about the legend of the Ax Factory murders.
Soon after, strange, mysterious things begin to happen. As this spine tingling, edge of your seat adventure unfolds, one question remains.
Will they survive the weekend?
I enjoyed writing this story, It brought back some great memories. I can’t wait until September when the book is released to the public. I have written a few children’s books, but this is my first YA novel, great for ages 8 to 12 and beyond.
Readers Favorites rated the book "5" stars saying, “If you like ghost stories, then you should read this one.” They also said “Lizardville reminds me of a cross between the movies “Stand by Me” and “The Goonies.” I hope you liked those movies, I did.
I leave you with a brief synopsis of Lizardville, Now available at all major on-line book retailers.
In a small Pennsylvania town called Lizardville, Johnny and his friends set out on a weekend camping trip. Parker tells a story about the legend of the Ax Factory murders.
Soon after, strange, mysterious things begin to happen. As this spine tingling, edge of your seat adventure unfolds, one question remains.
Will they survive the weekend?
Read
April 24, 2023I don't rate my own books. I'll let the readers do that.
Here's some information about my new book, 'The Camping Trip,' set to release June 2nd, 2023.
Whether told around a campfire or with a storm raging outside, ghost stories aren’t always just stories.
When the power fails in the middle of a storm, Zack and Daniel turn to their father, John Malone, for comfort. Feeling that the boys are old enough to learn the truth about his childhood, John divulges a family secret, one he’s kept locked away, a secret that changed John’s life forever.
In a small Pennsylvania town called Lizardville, Johnny and his friends set out on a weekend camping trip along the banks of Big Fishing Creek. On the first night, as the boys gather around the campfire, Parker shares the legend of the Ax Factory murders. Soon after, strange, mysterious things begin to happen. Little do the boys realize they have awakened a spirit called Annabelle. She is searching for something and knows the boys are hiding what she seeks. Could the secret lie in an old puzzle box?
Here's some information about my new book, 'The Camping Trip,' set to release June 2nd, 2023.
Whether told around a campfire or with a storm raging outside, ghost stories aren’t always just stories.
When the power fails in the middle of a storm, Zack and Daniel turn to their father, John Malone, for comfort. Feeling that the boys are old enough to learn the truth about his childhood, John divulges a family secret, one he’s kept locked away, a secret that changed John’s life forever.
In a small Pennsylvania town called Lizardville, Johnny and his friends set out on a weekend camping trip along the banks of Big Fishing Creek. On the first night, as the boys gather around the campfire, Parker shares the legend of the Ax Factory murders. Soon after, strange, mysterious things begin to happen. Little do the boys realize they have awakened a spirit called Annabelle. She is searching for something and knows the boys are hiding what she seeks. Could the secret lie in an old puzzle box?
May 13, 2019
It was okay
I'd this book could be read by all ages, not just YA.
Thus book started out extremely slow with a father, his two sons and of course, a huge thunder storm. The boys didn't know what to do without electricity and their modern day cellphones, video games, etc. so dad tells them a story about his youth.
After we go through the bots being after of the thunder, but putting on a tough front, we get a description of the thunder and rain. Then we hear how dad makes a candle stand up. Then the boys complain of boredom and the story telling starts, however my version is MUCH shorter.
The father's story starts out with typical boys getting ready for a camping trip, meeting another couple of friends, doing typical boy stuff. The only thing different is a couple of creepy, oversized crows are mentioned a couple of times.
Something finally happens (no spoilers from me) and then something is left behind for Johnny (the dad). There are some ghosts, the creepy, oversized crows and maybe some tense moments, but this really isn't scary at all. Maybe a girl scout, camo, or boy scout campe story, but not at all what I would consider horror.
I'd this book could be read by all ages, not just YA.
Thus book started out extremely slow with a father, his two sons and of course, a huge thunder storm. The boys didn't know what to do without electricity and their modern day cellphones, video games, etc. so dad tells them a story about his youth.
After we go through the bots being after of the thunder, but putting on a tough front, we get a description of the thunder and rain. Then we hear how dad makes a candle stand up. Then the boys complain of boredom and the story telling starts, however my version is MUCH shorter.
The father's story starts out with typical boys getting ready for a camping trip, meeting another couple of friends, doing typical boy stuff. The only thing different is a couple of creepy, oversized crows are mentioned a couple of times.
Something finally happens (no spoilers from me) and then something is left behind for Johnny (the dad). There are some ghosts, the creepy, oversized crows and maybe some tense moments, but this really isn't scary at all. Maybe a girl scout, camo, or boy scout campe story, but not at all what I would consider horror.
June 23, 2019
During a thunderstorm when the power goes out, John Malone entertains his two young sons by telling them a story from his childhood. When he was a kid of 13 or 14, John and his five friends spend a summer night camping out in the woods, fishing, and telling ghost stories. One of those tales is an old legend about a triple murder/suicide and a woman whose restless spirit refuses to embrace the grave.
This is a great book for tweens or anyone who wants to immerse themselves in childhood memories of riding bikes, collecting soda bottles, and shooting rapids on the local creek. It brings back memories of camping out, chasing fireflies, and toasting marshmallows around a campfire. But there is also a dark side that involves a secret puzzle box, a malevolent spirit, and a friend taken by the darkness. Some of the formatting is a little rough and there are a few grammatical issues, but the story is entertaining and the characters well developed. I loved the reference to Middleswarth chips! 3.5 stars.
This is a great book for tweens or anyone who wants to immerse themselves in childhood memories of riding bikes, collecting soda bottles, and shooting rapids on the local creek. It brings back memories of camping out, chasing fireflies, and toasting marshmallows around a campfire. But there is also a dark side that involves a secret puzzle box, a malevolent spirit, and a friend taken by the darkness. Some of the formatting is a little rough and there are a few grammatical issues, but the story is entertaining and the characters well developed. I loved the reference to Middleswarth chips! 3.5 stars.
October 22, 2016
Well I finally read Lizardville and I wasn't disappointed! It started off kinda slow I'll be honest, but then it picked up speed so much that I couldn't put it down! The vivid description in this book helps the setting come to life and the bond shared between the friends is so real that I forgot I was only reading a book. By the time the story ended I felt as if I was part of their group. I highly recommend this book to those readers who enjoy adventures and/or ghost stories. For readers who like adventure but don't like horror, don't be afraid and give it a try. There was suspense and mysterious occurrences but nothing truly terrifying. Anyways the book was definitely a great read!
February 10, 2017
I was very fortunate to receive a promo copy of this book. After I read the book, I was really glad I did. I loved this story, not quite as scary as I would have liked, but there were plenty of tense moments. I wish I would have joined Johnny and his friends on their adventures, it really sounded like a fun place to live. A very unique setting, an old dam, swamps and mountains and I loved the old legend. I would recommend this book to all ages, not just young adults.
September 26, 2016
What a great book. I had a hard time putting it down. It kept me captivated and I couldn't wait to see what the kids were going to do next. This writer gave a lot of detail in the story and told it so well that I could picture it all. He is an amazing story teller. This story reminded me of my days as a kid and the things we used to do. I can't wait for the next book.
February 3, 2017
Was not what I was expecting. Lizardville??? For some reason my mind went to zombies. It reminded me of Girl Scout camping trips and the stories that were told around the campfire. It brought back a lot of good memories and carefree times. Would definitely recommend for any young adult to read.
April 16, 2025
Steve Altier weaves a good ole-fashioned ghost story with The Camping Trip. A story-within-a-story format makes it engaging as the timeline shifts from past to present and the plot unfolds. Reminiscent of STAND BY ME and GOOSEBUMPS, The Camping Trip will keep you turning page after page. Altier knocks it out the park and establishes himself as the Master of Mystery!
July 27, 2024
Reading this book transported me back to the 70s, evoking memories of ghost stories shared around the campfire. The nostalgic atmosphere and engaging storyline kept me hooked. I particularly enjoyed the character dynamics and was pleasantly surprised by the unexpected ending. I highly recommend this book to young teens who enjoy paranormal mysteries.
October 24, 2018
I will admit that I was a little disappointed with this book. It is labeled as a ghost story and I started listening with that in mind for Halloween. However, it seemed more like a knockoff version of "Stand By Me" by Stephen King.
During a power outage, a father starts telling his two boys a story about the town where he grew up, Lizardville. Supposedly, this town was the site of a murder by a prominent business owner, killing his wife's lover with an axe. Then, the wife committed suicide and so the story begins.
The first part of the book is mostly descriptions of typical kids, going on a camping trip, rafting down the local creek and talking about the creepy grocery store owner. However, it soon develops into a poignant tale as one of the boys drowns and leaves a mysterious puzzle box for his friend Johnny (the father in the book).
Sure, there are some ghosts, a few tense moments and a creepy pair of really big crows that follow the kids on their adventures. The whole book felt more like a tale told around a campfire than a true horror story.
I would say that this is entertaining, but not very spooky. Also, I found that the narrator sounded like a robot and I had to speed up the book in order to continue listening. The addition of the female narrator didn't really do much for the book IMHO.
Not a bad book, just more for the pre-teen or young adult crowd.
I was given a copy of this Audiobook through Audiobook Boom and chose to review it.
During a power outage, a father starts telling his two boys a story about the town where he grew up, Lizardville. Supposedly, this town was the site of a murder by a prominent business owner, killing his wife's lover with an axe. Then, the wife committed suicide and so the story begins.
The first part of the book is mostly descriptions of typical kids, going on a camping trip, rafting down the local creek and talking about the creepy grocery store owner. However, it soon develops into a poignant tale as one of the boys drowns and leaves a mysterious puzzle box for his friend Johnny (the father in the book).
Sure, there are some ghosts, a few tense moments and a creepy pair of really big crows that follow the kids on their adventures. The whole book felt more like a tale told around a campfire than a true horror story.
I would say that this is entertaining, but not very spooky. Also, I found that the narrator sounded like a robot and I had to speed up the book in order to continue listening. The addition of the female narrator didn't really do much for the book IMHO.
Not a bad book, just more for the pre-teen or young adult crowd.
I was given a copy of this Audiobook through Audiobook Boom and chose to review it.
September 29, 2016
LIZARDVILLE the GHOST STORY, by Steve Altier, is one of the books you can't put down until you have finished. John Malone narrates a ghost story on a stormy night to his to young sons. The sons, Zack and Daniel, sit and have their doubts about Dad's tale. A tale of adventure as magical box, strange townspeople, and the bonds of friendship. John's best friend has visions of a lady ghost connected the a box. Does it tie back to murder from long ago?
The book moves along very well, and one can find oneself sitting and listening intently, as a young person as the story unfolds. Steve Altier takes you back in time with him, to younger days of adventure.
The book moves along very well, and one can find oneself sitting and listening intently, as a young person as the story unfolds. Steve Altier takes you back in time with him, to younger days of adventure.
May 8, 2023
A Shivery Tale... or a Warning . . .
“Lizardville Ghost Stories” gives the reader something we all crave from childhood onward – that chill up the spine experience of hearing a ghost story where anything can happen! We think it’s just a story, or we fervently hope so, but that vague possibility of it being or becoming true is what sets those goosebumps in motion! So grab your copy and listen to John Malone’s story of a secret that changed his life, told to his sons Zack and Daniel as the power goes out and plunges them all into darkness.
“Lizardville Ghost Stories” gives the reader something we all crave from childhood onward – that chill up the spine experience of hearing a ghost story where anything can happen! We think it’s just a story, or we fervently hope so, but that vague possibility of it being or becoming true is what sets those goosebumps in motion! So grab your copy and listen to John Malone’s story of a secret that changed his life, told to his sons Zack and Daniel as the power goes out and plunges them all into darkness.
December 28, 2017
This book was great! I want to pass it off to the first pre-teenage boy I see!! This was like a modern rewrite of "Stand By Me", it evoked childhood memories, running around with your friends & brother's & sisters! Steve told this story in a wonderful "gather round the fire kid's & I'll tell you a ghost story!" I want to remember this book, next time I find myself having to entertain a group of kid's! This was well written, tight & the character's were fun! Good job, Steve!
July 19, 2018
Lizardville The Ghost Story is a classic spooky campfire story and a great read for middle grade and young adult. If you're looking for gory horror, this is not your story, but if you're looking for suspense and loveable characters, this is for you. It's been compared to a cross between The Goonies and Stand by Me, and I agree. A group of teenagers doing typical teenage things, getting into trouble, flirting with danger and having each others' back.
June 7, 2023
OMG! I was taking back to my childhood. This adventure brought back great memories from when I was a kid. I laughed at some of the scenes and even cried over another. I love it when an author can tug at my emotions. Great job, and I'd like to add I love his writing style. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens to Johnny, Buck, and Parker in his next story. What a great read.
April 4, 2017
Very entertaining!
I'm not a young adult anymore still this book kept me reading with a lot of hours of entertainment. It took me back to my childhood and all the time spent with my siblings and friends.
I'm not a young adult anymore still this book kept me reading with a lot of hours of entertainment. It took me back to my childhood and all the time spent with my siblings and friends.
October 27, 2018
A good story,but not as ghostly as it makes it out to be.I enjoyed it being local to me.Narration by Bryan and Sonja Anderson was good. was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.
October 10, 2019
Fantastic book. Suspenseful till the end. I thoroughly enjoy Mr Altier's writing style. His characters are each explored deeply - offering them so much life in imagination. I can not wait to see what the future holds in this author's library! Thank you for sharing your talent!
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February 9, 2021I don't review my own work. this is the new hardcover edition that was recently added and is now available on Amazon.
March 29, 2018
Bought this for my 11 year old granddaughter. She loved it, said it was a little scary but not to scary. And she wishes she was there with the boys!
June 18, 2018
I won this book through a goodreads giveaway. I thought it was a cute suspenseful story :)
October 14, 2018
A 👻 story
I have never really been a fan of ghost stories. However, I really enjoyed this story. IMO this book would be perfect to read to my niece or nephews.
I have never really been a fan of ghost stories. However, I really enjoyed this story. IMO this book would be perfect to read to my niece or nephews.
November 5, 2025
what's better than a ghost story on a stormy night... especially when it is true. John is telling his two sons the story of his best friend who was given a strange mysterious puzzle box. But I digress...first a different friend tells a spooky story around the campfire while they are out on a camping trip so John thinks that his other friend is just scared. That is until something sinister happens and John realizes this isn't a prank. That is when John ends up in possession of the box and now he must figure out is this is linked to what happened to his friend. It's gave me like the troop vibes but waaay less gory and no weird worms. Instead creepy ghosts.
October 26, 2016
A wonderful ghost story from Pennsylvania!
October 8, 2017
I thought the book was fun. Some surprises and good ending. Would recommend this book to others. Thank you Goodreads for the book. Enjoyed it!
August 12, 2023
Zack and Daniel learn a lot about their father's upbringing, discovering the different looks of everyday electronics and a hidden secret. The story switches between the past and present, both about a camping trip. This is more comical than scary, but does have an eerie feel to the narrative.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 22, 2023
Edge of your seat reading that keeps you guessing until the end. Like the paranormal aspect and character in the story. There are so many twists and turns in this story that you'll be hooked from the first page. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2024
This is an awesome and highly recommended read. I love ghost stories and this one is a page turner.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews