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Shallow Grave
When they're hauled into the office in the wake of a stupid prank, schoolmates Elliot and Shannon have no idea that hiding the principal's Smart Car in the woods was the least of their problems. As part of their punishment, the pair is tasked to clean up the school boathouse. Should be an easy enough task, they chuck all the broken stuff, organize whatever still works and get the weekend underway. But when Shannon talks Elliot into making a Ouija board, things take a turn for the horrifying. When the pair accidentally unleashes a dark force, they find themselves caught up in a mystery that must be solved if they have any hope of escape.
136 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2012
17 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Alex Van Tol
15 books25 followersI'm the author of 13 YA and middle grade books. When I'm not writing, I travel to schools to speak with groups of students. I love visiting schools!
I also work as a full-time freelance writer, creating stories and articles for universities, government organizations, magazines and more.
A few random facts:
* The most I've ever written in a single day is 14,000 words. That was a very, very long day.
* I print. I don't use handwriting.
* I like cats and horses. I used to work as a wrangler on an Alberta ranch.
* Stephen King was my favourite writer growing up.
* Small spaces worry me. You won't find me wiggling through caves on my tummy anytime soon.
* My favourite authors are Jonathan Franzen, Cormac McCarthy, Paulo Coelho, Amy Tan, JK Rowling and Jeff Kinney.
I also work as a full-time freelance writer, creating stories and articles for universities, government organizations, magazines and more.
A few random facts:
* The most I've ever written in a single day is 14,000 words. That was a very, very long day.
* I print. I don't use handwriting.
* I like cats and horses. I used to work as a wrangler on an Alberta ranch.
* Stephen King was my favourite writer growing up.
* Small spaces worry me. You won't find me wiggling through caves on my tummy anytime soon.
* My favourite authors are Jonathan Franzen, Cormac McCarthy, Paulo Coelho, Amy Tan, JK Rowling and Jeff Kinney.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 28, 2014
Alex Van Tol's easy to follow language is heaven-sent for reluctant readers. The plot is established quickly in this story, making it a page turner for teens and adults alike. The story is very scary (especially if you're afraid of ghosts), so be careful about who you recommend it to. In my opinion it's a great read for intermediate grades who are courageous, or for older teens in high school. With a little bit of romance squeezed in, both girls and boys will enjoy it, as it does not get sappy at all. Even though the sequence of events might seem predictable, I would still recommend it to the young readers 15 and up (again, provided that they're not afraid of ghost stories).
I'm eager to reach for more Van Tol writing!
I'm eager to reach for more Van Tol writing!
August 29, 2017
Orca Currents/Soundings books, written for reluctant or struggling readers, are the most addictively readable little chunks of fiction. Absolutely the only thing I dislike is that they end so abruptly--just as I'm really hooked on the world of the book it ends--but I can see how the shorter length is really a strength for someone who isn't a strong reader.
And I'm so impressed by how well-crafted a plot these writers can manage with so few words.
This one was creepy, perfect for anyone who loves ghost stories or needs a short read in time for Halloween.
And I'm so impressed by how well-crafted a plot these writers can manage with so few words.
This one was creepy, perfect for anyone who loves ghost stories or needs a short read in time for Halloween.
September 13, 2012
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
This is a spooky, suspenseful little ghost story for the Orca Soundings line for reluctant readers. It's tame enough for the younger crowd but creepy enough to hold the interest of the older. Slightly longer review to come.
This is a spooky, suspenseful little ghost story for the Orca Soundings line for reluctant readers. It's tame enough for the younger crowd but creepy enough to hold the interest of the older. Slightly longer review to come.
December 24, 2017
A creepy good time! This was simply written, this has relatable characters, highschool issues, and enough creep vibe to keep things interesting. With a bit of mystery , and a little teen angst, this is perfect for younger readers who like ought horror/paranormal stories.
January 5, 2025
This is my fav book of all time!I love the subplot of enemies to lovers.I completely worship and adore the imagery in this,and how I can feel Elliot’s pain when he gets his finger stuck in the door.This book got me into thrillers and mystery!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2018
I understand this is for "reluctant readers" but I didn't know it was for reluctant readers with no sort of imagination or hope for small things like a decent plot.
March 15, 2022
stupid stupid book
it was literally like 3 pages long and had the plot as thick as a strand of hair.
kinda grateful for crappy short books like this so that I can complete my reading goal quicker 😃
it was literally like 3 pages long and had the plot as thick as a strand of hair.
kinda grateful for crappy short books like this so that I can complete my reading goal quicker 😃
February 4, 2024
I'm not usually a ghost story fan but this one was gripping. Short, but enjoyable.
May 26, 2025
Really liked this one!
Currently reading
March 21, 2017so far this girl named shannon is very disrespectful and the person who is telling the story does not like shannon so they dont get along with each other
Read
April 3, 2018Shallow Grave is a book about two teens that went to school together. They were going to play a prank on their principal and got themselves into trouble and had to clean the school boathouse. Shannon talked Elliot into making an Ouija board and that made things terrible. The two of them are caught up in a mystery and have to try to solve it before their time runs out.
I made some connections with Shannon because she wasn't afraid and nervous to try something new and do something that might seem scary. This doesn't remind me of anything I have read but there are a lot of horror movies that this book reminds me of.
I liked that this book is interesting and intense. The author probably wrote this book with past knowledge or experience which made it more interesting. I would recommend this book to a person who enjoys horror and scary things.
I made some connections with Shannon because she wasn't afraid and nervous to try something new and do something that might seem scary. This doesn't remind me of anything I have read but there are a lot of horror movies that this book reminds me of.
I liked that this book is interesting and intense. The author probably wrote this book with past knowledge or experience which made it more interesting. I would recommend this book to a person who enjoys horror and scary things.
November 16, 2022
11/15
This book started out in a setting of a school with some students making poor choices causing them to have to clean out an 0ld boathouse. After cleaning the book started to get very interesting and pulled me into it, like I was there with them. I felt the fear and terror they were feeling when they realized there old friend died right outside the house. They then began playing a game to uncover mysteries about what happened to her. Events happened causing me to read faster because I needed to know what happened next. I would definitely recommend this book. It's a very short, easy book to get done in no time, and is a type of book that has great word choices. If you're into ghost or scary movies/shows you have to check this book out.
This book started out in a setting of a school with some students making poor choices causing them to have to clean out an 0ld boathouse. After cleaning the book started to get very interesting and pulled me into it, like I was there with them. I felt the fear and terror they were feeling when they realized there old friend died right outside the house. They then began playing a game to uncover mysteries about what happened to her. Events happened causing me to read faster because I needed to know what happened next. I would definitely recommend this book. It's a very short, easy book to get done in no time, and is a type of book that has great word choices. If you're into ghost or scary movies/shows you have to check this book out.
December 22, 2012
I read this book for one reason only - because there's a character named Shannon.
I never find characters like me in books. I figure it's because I'm odd, and well, characters in books aren't like real people. But, I don't see a lot of Shannon's in literature, so I figured I'd read this little ghost story for that reason.
And as far as characters go, if Alex Van Tol didn't live in Canada, I'd swear that her Shannon is based on me. A giggly goth? So me. A writer? Yup. Knows way too much about ghosts for a teenager? And check. Each time Shannon was described I'd laugh because I could see myself in the character. Short skirt and fishnets? Well, there was this black, bondage mini-skirt I just loved in high school...
But on to the novel. Which boils down to I'm not even sure I could call this a novel. It's really just a medicore short story. But, somehow, I absolutely enjoyed it. And I think it's a perfect read for a ten year old - looks like an mature older book, but really, reads like a middle school book.
This story is as stale as stories get. However, both Shannon and Elliot (an African American swimmer and new student who is constantly gaging Shannon by her appearance) are excellently developed. They are unique and interesting. From Shannon's unual goth but peppy to Elliot's predujices, I enjoyed learning thier little story.
And there were little writing surprises though out. Sometimes the wording was just great. A little gem I didn't expect.
But still, the story is so short (like I said, short story), and the plot so unoriginal, that I can't in good conscience give it a higher review. However, I would recommend it to any young readers out there looking for something more mature. Or someone killing time in a Dr. Office.
I never find characters like me in books. I figure it's because I'm odd, and well, characters in books aren't like real people. But, I don't see a lot of Shannon's in literature, so I figured I'd read this little ghost story for that reason.
And as far as characters go, if Alex Van Tol didn't live in Canada, I'd swear that her Shannon is based on me. A giggly goth? So me. A writer? Yup. Knows way too much about ghosts for a teenager? And check. Each time Shannon was described I'd laugh because I could see myself in the character. Short skirt and fishnets? Well, there was this black, bondage mini-skirt I just loved in high school...
But on to the novel. Which boils down to I'm not even sure I could call this a novel. It's really just a medicore short story. But, somehow, I absolutely enjoyed it. And I think it's a perfect read for a ten year old - looks like an mature older book, but really, reads like a middle school book.
This story is as stale as stories get. However, both Shannon and Elliot (an African American swimmer and new student who is constantly gaging Shannon by her appearance) are excellently developed. They are unique and interesting. From Shannon's unual goth but peppy to Elliot's predujices, I enjoyed learning thier little story.
And there were little writing surprises though out. Sometimes the wording was just great. A little gem I didn't expect.
But still, the story is so short (like I said, short story), and the plot so unoriginal, that I can't in good conscience give it a higher review. However, I would recommend it to any young readers out there looking for something more mature. Or someone killing time in a Dr. Office.
February 15, 2016
High school pranks are fun and mostly harmless, right? Just a rite of innocent passage... When Shannon and her goth friends botch a stupid prank that involved hiding the principal's Smart Car in the woods, Shannon is deserted by her "friends" as the ploy is about to be discovered. New student, Elliot hears the commotion, thinking someone needs help. Upon investigating,
Elliot is mistaken for Shannon's accomplice. Elliot is a good boy, a rule follower and he is not happy his first impressions at this school have gone so awry. As part of their punishment, the pair is tasked to clean up the school boathouse. Should be an easy enough task, they figure: chuck all the broken stuff, organize whatever still works and get the weekend underway. as they work, Shannon feels an eerie presence in the boathouse and somehow convinces Elliot to investigate her feelings with a Ouija board she makes from items found in the boathouse. This is when things take a turn for the horrifying. When the pair accidentally unleash a dark force, they find themselves caught up in a mystery that must be solved if they have any hope of escape.
This was a short, but a suspenseful read middle school students will enjoy reading and ask for more.
Elliot is mistaken for Shannon's accomplice. Elliot is a good boy, a rule follower and he is not happy his first impressions at this school have gone so awry. As part of their punishment, the pair is tasked to clean up the school boathouse. Should be an easy enough task, they figure: chuck all the broken stuff, organize whatever still works and get the weekend underway. as they work, Shannon feels an eerie presence in the boathouse and somehow convinces Elliot to investigate her feelings with a Ouija board she makes from items found in the boathouse. This is when things take a turn for the horrifying. When the pair accidentally unleash a dark force, they find themselves caught up in a mystery that must be solved if they have any hope of escape.
This was a short, but a suspenseful read middle school students will enjoy reading and ask for more.
December 4, 2012
Caught for a prank he was not involved in, new-kid, good-boy Elliot must clean out the school’s boathouse with multiply-pierced, Goth girl, Shannon as punishment. They are serving their sentence late on a Friday afternoon and the boathouse looks creepy in the fading light which sets the stage for a scary story. A fairly predictable plotline follows with the polar opposites making assumptions about each other. After Shannon finds half of a best friend necklace, the door to the boathouse slams shut even though it was propped open with a brick. Shannon thinks she feels a “presence” in the boathouse and suggests they make a Ouiji Board to communicate with it. They discover the spirit of a murdered girl who demands that they solve the mystery of her death. Written for reluctant readers there are short chapters, a lot of dialogue, and short paragraphs with enough creepiness to keep readers on the edge of their seat.
September 6, 2013
A surprisingly enjoyable find. He's a top student, nationally competitive swimmer, and black. She's a goth, covered in body piercings, and white. His attempt to help her lands them both with the punishment of having to clean out the school boathouse. He just wants to do the job and go home, but her decision to make a Ouija board starts a string of increasingly terrifying occurrences. Someone or something is trying to tell them something, and it's not going to let them go until they know the truth. What I really liked about the book what the dialogue. It seemed very realistic, right down to the swearing. A quick read because once I started the book, I couldn't put it down.
December 19, 2015
I was nervous about reaching my reading goal for this year (I still need 4 more books) so I grabbed a skinny book from my classroom library. This book is designed for reluctant readers, so it's short and easy to follow. Because I'm not a reluctant reader, I found it to be a little hokey, but there were a couple parts that were a little creepy! I'll keep it in mind for recommending to my kiddos.
September 27, 2012
Honestly one of the best books I've read in awhile. I enjoyed it and it just keeps me on the edge of my seat. I'll be re-reading this one for sure!
October 28, 2012
Spooky short Halloween read!!!
January 18, 2013
All I can say about this is cheese. A NO vote for me.
January 15, 2013
Not great but an okay ghost story using an old boat house and a Ouija board to pull in the reader. A high interest/low reading level book that may interest reluctant readers. A little language.
February 13, 2013
I like the setings,the two main characters in the sory was ok, I don't think I ever saw(met,or whatever)in other books',and almost everything else.Although it kind predictable story.
October 3, 2013
Spooky story for October!
May 30, 2018
A fun teen mystery
Read this book with a student group. All the story elements were clear and offered great learning and discussion. More please.
Read this book with a student group. All the story elements were clear and offered great learning and discussion. More please.
January 29, 2016
A fun and quick read that pulls you in and doesn't let you go until you're done. interesting characters, fast paced, and paranormal.
Read
January 31, 2019it was good and interesting
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews