Ghosts in the Graveyard

by Kim Bowman

While most kids can’t wait to dress up in costumes and go out trick or treating, Charlie, Jack, and Millie Foster dread Halloween. Even the promise of receiving a slew of candy doesn’t interest them. How could it when they know the truth about All Hallows Eve? That it’s really a day to fear, a day when the dead walk the earth again.

With their house sitting directly behind a graveyard, they are prime targets for the spirits to haunt.

Genres: Young Adult

61 pages, ebook

First published October 27, 2011

About the author

If you ask my husband, he'd say I spend my days emailing my cyber best friend and writing partner, Kay Springsteen, drinking soda, and eating white chocolate. And while that might be true, I also chase our four-year-old son Cage around, think about the housework I should be doing, and brainstorm my next favorite book. I’ve had the writing bug since I was a teenager and am happy to now live my dream of being a full-time author. I love to hear from readers, writers, fans, and book lovers of all genres.

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

A clean read. I didn't expect the twist at the end, but it was a good one. This was a short read and I felt like there wasn't much to it. We didn't really get to know the characters well. I found the ghost aspect intriguing - especially after knowing what was really going on. It was funny to see all the different things the son did to try and prevent the ghosts from entering the house.

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

[SPOILER ALERT] This is author Kim Bowman’s second release and another fast-paced paranormal novella with good action, although it’s sometimes a comedy of errors rather than death-defying conflict. [END SPOILER ALERT] In contrast to her debut novella, Wayward SoulWayward Soul, here she takes the time and words to weave a setting for her action, using evocative language to draw the reader into the spell of her story. She does a good job at providing sufficient setting details early so that when the action starts, she can keep the prose crisp and the pacing fast without sacrificing the reader’s attention.

These are wonderful, excellent, absolutely real characters. Bowman has a knack for writing a youngster’s perspective for adult readers, taking this reviewer back to childhood. I don’t know if this ability would translate to writing YA, but it might be worth her while to try.

In short, this is one of the best ghost stories I’ve read since Kipling’s “The Phantom Rickshaw.” [SPOILER ALERT] Must admit, the twist at the end got me; I did not see it coming, despite the clues planted throughout. [END SPOILER ALERT] All in all, a worthy second effort, and the writer shows growing maturity and strength. I’m a fan.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

While most children look forward to Halloween.Millie, Jack, and Charlie Foster fear that the bogies will come to their house once again. They live next to an old cemetery, and each year restless souls from the cemetery come to their house. Their mom doesn't like to hear them talk about ghosts,and doesn't believe that they have seen them come right into the house. Jack decides to set a trap for the ghosts, will he be able to finally prove to his mother that there are restless spirits wandering on Halloween?

This is a short story geared toward tweens, but I must admit I found it one of the best Halloween stories I have read in quite some time! I loved the characters, Jack and Charlie were so protective of their four year old sister Millie. The author did a fantabulous job of creating scenes that were scary, and allowed for a bit of suspense. The author pulled me along allowing me to think I knew what would happen then bang, she throws in a twist that totally surprised me!

If you enjoy a great Halloween tale with an ending that you will read twice just to be sure you have read it right then this book is certainly for you. On a scale of one to five I would easily give this book a six because it's just that good!


Thanks to the author Kim Bowman, and Astrea Press Book Club for providing me an e-copy of this fantastic Halloween read.

[Krystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

The overall story of this novella was something that I have seen before (although that was a movie and not a book), however I felt that it was approached in a way that made it feel as though it was still a unique story. While there were some circumstances that were very similar to the other story, overall, I thought this was a well done approach to the concept.

At only 48 pages, it is definitely a short read, however in my opinion it would be a perfect way to pass the time either while camping, on a dark and stormy night, or on Halloween especially as the events do take place during Halloween. You could feel the brotherly bond between Charlie and Jack, and the way that they were especially protective of their baby sister Millie was endearing. I could picture them, preparing to protect themselves against the ghosts, even though they were terrified at the thought.

As for recommendations, I think this book would appeal more to the tween/teen crowd. This is something that although it is definitely creepy, would be something that I would allow my almost ten year old daughter to read. Paranormal fans may also enjoy this work.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novella in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

[Icy-Cobwebs-Crossing-SpaceTime · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extraordinarily imaginative story, which scared the lights out of me, with its twists and turns and unexpected revelations, and constantly escalating suspense divided by occasional plateaus of calm, “Ghosts in the Graveyard” is a sure-fire winner. The author clearly understands the beliefs and personalities of young children, and the three in this book-ages ten, eight, and four-are so well-delineated that they quickly become “real” to the reader. Characterizations would be enough to recommend this book; but in addition there is that superb sense of timing which makes the suspense rise ever more powerfully, then just as the reader (and the characters) can pause for a breath, Wham! The horror is on us again. I recommend this story for adult readers but it is also suitable for YA readers. I just wouldn’t suggest reading it alone-at night.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although Ghosts in the Graveyard is a book meant for young adults or teens I found myself really captivated by the story and even found myself afraid a time or two while I was reading it. What starts out as three siblings trying to keep ghosts from being able to enter their house turns into a ghost story that I lost myself in. I had no idea what time period the story took place until the very end and I never saw the twist at the end coming. I would recommend this to any teenagers or adults that enjoy ghost stories that aren't too scary.

I received this book free of charge from Astraea Press in exchange for my honest review.

[Meg Mims · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to read something spooky for Halloween (in the afternoon) and I couldn't stop reading Bowman's Ghosts in the Graveyard! The kids were true to age in terms of voice and action; I'd peg it as a good spooky young teen to adult read. And what I didn't expect was the great twist! Loved this story!

[United Indie Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! Surprises at every turn! A scary story that keeps you guessing. I never would have thought it would end this way. (No spoilers here.) You have to read it for yourself. It is a well written, scary Halloween tale.
*** I was given this book as a gift from the author in exchange for my honest review. ***

Reviewed by Laura

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! Surprises at every turn! A scary story that keeps you guessing. I never would have thought it would end this way. (No spoilers here.) You have to read it for yourself. It is a well written, scary Halloween tale.
*** I was given this book as a gift from the author in exchange for my honest review. ***

[Ricki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute MG novella perfect for Halloween. Young readers will get a thrill out of the ghostly chills, but what really makes Ghosts in the Graveyard work is the ending. With most stories, the beginning tends to be the strongest - not so with this one; the ending is perfect.

[Phoenix Carvelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great story for Halloween! This is a good, creepy and mind twisting haunting adventure. Absolutely loved it!
This would be a good one for Tweens. Younger ones may be creeped out too much.

[Bea]

Astraea Press October Book Club selection

[Ebtbmom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very short quick read. Not the most original plot, but it did keep me interested.