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The Ghost Ring: Welcome to Wilder House
New release from the author of The Translucent Boy! Simon Moody’s mom inherits her wealthy Uncle Edmund’s estate, giving them more than enough money to pay all four years of Simon’s upcoming college tuition. The only problem is, they have to leave Brooklyn, move to the little town of Caligo Falls, and make Wilder House, the infamous Victorian mansion built by Edmund’s grandfather in 1905, their new home. They’ve also inherited a mysterious caretaker named Harrington, and a punctual but melancholy cook, Mrs. Morley.
Edmund Wilder leaves Simon a mysterious ring, along with a cryptic note, a quote from Hamlet. There are more things in heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy. Simon and his new friend Clara Barley soon find themselves entangled in the unfathomable, sometimes terrifying, sometimes heartbreaking mysteries of Wilder House.
Welcome to Caligo Falls, New Hampshire, population 329, not including ghosts.
Edmund Wilder leaves Simon a mysterious ring, along with a cryptic note, a quote from Hamlet. There are more things in heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy. Simon and his new friend Clara Barley soon find themselves entangled in the unfathomable, sometimes terrifying, sometimes heartbreaking mysteries of Wilder House.
Welcome to Caligo Falls, New Hampshire, population 329, not including ghosts.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2023
26 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Tom Hoffman
26 books37 followersA veteran author of thrilling young adult and middle grade adventure stories, Tom Hoffman received a B.S. in psychology from Georgetown University and a B.A from the now-defunct Oregon College of Art. He has lived in Alaska with his wife Alexis since 1973. They have two adult children and four amazing grandchildren. Tom has been a graphic designer and artist for over 35 years. Redirecting his imagination from art to writing, he wrote his first novel, The Eleventh Ring, at age 63.
The Bartholomew the Adventurer Trilogy and the Orville Wellington Mouse adventures are multi-leveled stories and have been compared to classics such as Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit, and Neverending Story. The books were written for his grandchildren to first enjoy as thrilling adventure tales; then as adults to discover the underlying themes of ethics, metaphysics, philosophy, quantum physics, and spirituality. A common theme is the idea that there is no magic, only science we don't understand. The books were written to provide an alternate way to view the world we live in. To see all life as a single force, all life equally precious, no matter the form. A world where violence is not necessary, a world where the protagonists are changed forever by their difficult choices, by their own sacrifices. A world of empathy, kindness, and love. And of course, ten foot tall ancient robotic rabbits and gigantic carnivorous centipedes living on post apocalyptic planets!
Visit me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Tom-Hoffman-...
The Bartholomew the Adventurer Trilogy and the Orville Wellington Mouse adventures are multi-leveled stories and have been compared to classics such as Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit, and Neverending Story. The books were written for his grandchildren to first enjoy as thrilling adventure tales; then as adults to discover the underlying themes of ethics, metaphysics, philosophy, quantum physics, and spirituality. A common theme is the idea that there is no magic, only science we don't understand. The books were written to provide an alternate way to view the world we live in. To see all life as a single force, all life equally precious, no matter the form. A world where violence is not necessary, a world where the protagonists are changed forever by their difficult choices, by their own sacrifices. A world of empathy, kindness, and love. And of course, ten foot tall ancient robotic rabbits and gigantic carnivorous centipedes living on post apocalyptic planets!
Visit me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Tom-Hoffman-...
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 21, 2023
Good read
This is a very good book. The story was very interesting and the characters were great. You did a very good job. A must read.
This is a very good book. The story was very interesting and the characters were great. You did a very good job. A must read.
November 8, 2023
Awesome
Great feel good story! It seemed it eluded to another book, continuing their adventure perhaps but ... No way! Oh well.
Great feel good story! It seemed it eluded to another book, continuing their adventure perhaps but ... No way! Oh well.
February 2, 2026
The Ghost Ring is a genre-bending young adult paranormal fantasy mystery that will appeal to a wide range of readers. Blending ghastly encounters, ancient magic, Greek mythology, heartfelt coming-of-age moments, and small-town secrets, the story is fresh and unpredictable. The result is an engaging, fast-moving read that’s easy to binge and difficult to put down!
The story follows seventeen-year-old Simon Moody and his mother, Kate, who unexpectedly inherit the estate of his great-uncle, Edmund Wilder. Leaving their Brooklyn life behind, they move into Wilder House—a sprawling Victorian mansion in the tiny village of Caligo Falls, New Hampshire. Soon after arriving, Simon is given a mysterious ring and secretly discovers that wearing it allows him to see ghosts. With his new friend Clara Barley by his side, Simon begins to uncover that nothing in Caligo Falls is quite what it seems—and that Edmund has left behind a carefully constructed mystery, with breadcrumbs waiting for Simon to follow!
This book features a truly memorable cast of characters. Simon is an instantly relatable and likable protagonist, and his close relationship with his single mother is heartwarming. The backstory of his father leaving them makes their bond even more compelling. Simon’s introspective, curious nature gives his inner monologues depth and keeps them interesting rather than feeling repetitive (which is so often the case). Every relationship he forms and every encounter he has serves a purpose in the story and actively moves the plot forward, which is refreshing and helps the narrative remain focused and consistently interesting. His growth from a skeptical, frightened teen who’s reluctant to leave Brooklyn into someone ready to confront both the unknown and his own fears is the emotional core of the story. Clara Barley, Simon’s love interest and sleuthing partner, is witty, sharp, and often becomes the voice of reason when the stakes rise. Their chemistry feels natural and palpable from their very first meeting—almost like a fated connection—and both characters experience meaningful growth and satisfying arcs by the end!
The supporting cast is equally strong, from the Ghost Doctor, who appears at key moments with knowledge that transcends the mortal world, to Wilder House’s mysterious caretaker, Harrington, and the loyal chef, Mrs. Morley, whose heartbreaking backstory will pull at readers’ heartstrings. Together, these characters bring depth and charm to Caligo Falls, making the town feel like a character in its own right!
Hoffman’s pacing strikes a perfect balance between slow-burn mystery and fast-moving action—and there’s never a dull moment! The opening immediately draws readers into the alluring creepiness of Wilder House, from its secret Vault room of treasures to the paranormal mysteries Simon uncovers after putting on the ring. Despite being a shorter novel, the world-building is immersive and vivid. Wilder House’s halls, maze-like corridors, grand rooms, and the surrounding land and lake are richly described, making Simon’s explorations feel deeply atmospheric and cinematic. The midsection of the story deepens character relationships—especially between Simon and Clara—while introducing jaw-dropping twists that keep the pages turning. By the end, the origins of the ring and the mystery surrounding how much Edmund knew about its power, as well as what he intended Simon to do with it, are explored in satisfying depth. Loose threads are tied together in ways that give answers to ghastly mysteries and are satisfying. The story concludes with the main mystery resolved and a tantalizing cliffhanger that will leave readers eager to continue Simon and Clara’s journey in book 2, The Ghost Ring: Shadows of Caligo Falls!
With its compelling blend of puzzle-driven mystery, heartfelt ghostly backstories, and memorable characters, it’s no surprise that The Ghost Ring won the Gold Medal in the 2024 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards for Best Young Adult Paranormal Fiction. It’s a standout debut for a series and will leave readers eager to binge-read every installment. Anyone who loves paranormal stories where friendship and bravery are just as important as solving mysteries will find a lot to love in this book. It’s also a perfect pick for cozy fall/winter reading, ghost story lovers, and readers who enjoy genre-bending, character-driven stories with lots of heart!
The story follows seventeen-year-old Simon Moody and his mother, Kate, who unexpectedly inherit the estate of his great-uncle, Edmund Wilder. Leaving their Brooklyn life behind, they move into Wilder House—a sprawling Victorian mansion in the tiny village of Caligo Falls, New Hampshire. Soon after arriving, Simon is given a mysterious ring and secretly discovers that wearing it allows him to see ghosts. With his new friend Clara Barley by his side, Simon begins to uncover that nothing in Caligo Falls is quite what it seems—and that Edmund has left behind a carefully constructed mystery, with breadcrumbs waiting for Simon to follow!
This book features a truly memorable cast of characters. Simon is an instantly relatable and likable protagonist, and his close relationship with his single mother is heartwarming. The backstory of his father leaving them makes their bond even more compelling. Simon’s introspective, curious nature gives his inner monologues depth and keeps them interesting rather than feeling repetitive (which is so often the case). Every relationship he forms and every encounter he has serves a purpose in the story and actively moves the plot forward, which is refreshing and helps the narrative remain focused and consistently interesting. His growth from a skeptical, frightened teen who’s reluctant to leave Brooklyn into someone ready to confront both the unknown and his own fears is the emotional core of the story. Clara Barley, Simon’s love interest and sleuthing partner, is witty, sharp, and often becomes the voice of reason when the stakes rise. Their chemistry feels natural and palpable from their very first meeting—almost like a fated connection—and both characters experience meaningful growth and satisfying arcs by the end!
The supporting cast is equally strong, from the Ghost Doctor, who appears at key moments with knowledge that transcends the mortal world, to Wilder House’s mysterious caretaker, Harrington, and the loyal chef, Mrs. Morley, whose heartbreaking backstory will pull at readers’ heartstrings. Together, these characters bring depth and charm to Caligo Falls, making the town feel like a character in its own right!
Hoffman’s pacing strikes a perfect balance between slow-burn mystery and fast-moving action—and there’s never a dull moment! The opening immediately draws readers into the alluring creepiness of Wilder House, from its secret Vault room of treasures to the paranormal mysteries Simon uncovers after putting on the ring. Despite being a shorter novel, the world-building is immersive and vivid. Wilder House’s halls, maze-like corridors, grand rooms, and the surrounding land and lake are richly described, making Simon’s explorations feel deeply atmospheric and cinematic. The midsection of the story deepens character relationships—especially between Simon and Clara—while introducing jaw-dropping twists that keep the pages turning. By the end, the origins of the ring and the mystery surrounding how much Edmund knew about its power, as well as what he intended Simon to do with it, are explored in satisfying depth. Loose threads are tied together in ways that give answers to ghastly mysteries and are satisfying. The story concludes with the main mystery resolved and a tantalizing cliffhanger that will leave readers eager to continue Simon and Clara’s journey in book 2, The Ghost Ring: Shadows of Caligo Falls!
With its compelling blend of puzzle-driven mystery, heartfelt ghostly backstories, and memorable characters, it’s no surprise that The Ghost Ring won the Gold Medal in the 2024 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards for Best Young Adult Paranormal Fiction. It’s a standout debut for a series and will leave readers eager to binge-read every installment. Anyone who loves paranormal stories where friendship and bravery are just as important as solving mysteries will find a lot to love in this book. It’s also a perfect pick for cozy fall/winter reading, ghost story lovers, and readers who enjoy genre-bending, character-driven stories with lots of heart!
September 12, 2023
A mother and son, recently abandoned by their husband and father, receive an unexpected, though spooky inheritance from a long lost great uncle. This book has it all: ghosts, magic, time travel, unimaginable wealth, romance and hilarious dialogue. I so enjoyed this new facet of Tom Hoffman's considerable imagination. Another story of his that both adults and tweens/teens will all enjoy. It should be a movie. Keep them coming!
February 2, 2025
I would have absolutely ADORED this book when I was younger. I’m old as dirt now and still enjoyed it immensely!
It’s the rags to riches, cluttered great-aunt’s attic to pilfer thru that all kids dream of. Life changing, world encompassing adventure all found in the comfort of a good book.
I heartily endorse this series to any parents with their own little Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, Mummy loving offspring.
It’s the rags to riches, cluttered great-aunt’s attic to pilfer thru that all kids dream of. Life changing, world encompassing adventure all found in the comfort of a good book.
I heartily endorse this series to any parents with their own little Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, Mummy loving offspring.
July 2, 2023
Absolutely loved this book. Once I started reading it I didn’t want to put it down. Kept my interest from the first page to the last. I really hope this will be the first in a great series. Please more 😃
August 17, 2023
Neat Story
Very interesting storyline -- multifaceted and not always what you expect. There's humor as well. Editor should have caught a few things; but nothing that detracts. Recommend for tweens and those who enjoy ya books.
Very interesting storyline -- multifaceted and not always what you expect. There's humor as well. Editor should have caught a few things; but nothing that detracts. Recommend for tweens and those who enjoy ya books.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews