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Ghost Room
It’s 1992, and Jess Kierney has just moved with her family to a new house where strange things begin to happen. The nightmares are only the beginning . . . She soon discovers a creepy doll close to the sprawling forest behind her house. Then there is the room up by the attic, secluded in darkness and beckoning her to enter. And though every house has a history, she learns this one is infamous.
With the help of her friends Max and Amy, Jess sets out to discover the dark secret her new house possesses within its very walls. And once they begin to unravel the terrifying truth, there seems no turning back.
Tension ensues as friendships are tested, reality is questioned, and courage is pushed to its limits.
Evil doesn't have to knock on your door if it's already been invited in.
With the help of her friends Max and Amy, Jess sets out to discover the dark secret her new house possesses within its very walls. And once they begin to unravel the terrifying truth, there seems no turning back.
Tension ensues as friendships are tested, reality is questioned, and courage is pushed to its limits.
Evil doesn't have to knock on your door if it's already been invited in.
- GenresHorrorYoung AdultFiction
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2023
37 people are currently reading
2116 people want to read
About the author
Janelle Schiecke
4 books153 followersJanelle Schiecke is an indie horror author based in New Jersey.
She's published four horror novellas:
Spider
The Clatter Man
Death Cult
Ghost Room
She is currently writing a sequel to The Clatter Man, and also has another horror novella in the works.
Despite the dark nature of her stories, Janelle lives a very happy and cozy life. When not writing, she loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling with her family, reading with her cats snuggled up close, and watching horror movies.
Yes, she loves Shudder.
You can follow Janelle on her social media accounts below:
Twitter/X: https://x.com/J_Schiecke
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janelle.sch...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@janelle.schiecke
Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/aMbPB
She's published four horror novellas:
Spider
The Clatter Man
Death Cult
Ghost Room
She is currently writing a sequel to The Clatter Man, and also has another horror novella in the works.
Despite the dark nature of her stories, Janelle lives a very happy and cozy life. When not writing, she loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling with her family, reading with her cats snuggled up close, and watching horror movies.
Yes, she loves Shudder.
You can follow Janelle on her social media accounts below:
Twitter/X: https://x.com/J_Schiecke
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janelle.sch...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@janelle.schiecke
Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/aMbPB
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 10, 2023
The book started quite intriguing with a family moving into a new house. The house has a secret, there is a missing child, a doll is found... what sounds to be a compelling horror novella soon turns into a mildly scary young adult something: school, classes, besties, family talk, talk with her girlfriends, teacher, potential boyfriends... the author distracts from the interesting horror moments and simply doesn't come to the point to drive the story. It is well written, there are references to some famous horror flics but it goes on and on and on without anything happening. A bit boring and to be honest, not my cup of tea. Maybe for fans of very mild horror. The cover was good so far!
December 29, 2023
This is a great thriller for teen YA readers. There is great character development, so you really get to know them and understand how they feel. Tension builds throughout to a scary haunted house ending.
January 18, 2026
DNF at 48%. I’m not sure if the intention was to style this like a YA book, but it almost certainly came across that way. I’m not a fan of YA and I don’t enjoy anything dealing with adolescents in high school. The horror elements felt promising, but were just referenced briefly throughout and never fully explored. The focus kept being redirected to our lead and every single thought and action. For example, imagine reading about someone putting on a shoe. They picked up the shoe with their right hand, then sat down on a chair, then placed their foot inside, then tied the lace, then stood up and wiggled their foot into the right position, etc. All for putting on a shoe. That’s how this felt for everything, which got boring quick and overshadowed all of the good plot points. Maybe it got better later in, but I could not hang with it. Just too many unnecessary distractions and bland subject matter.
August 20, 2025
Janelle Scheicke's debut novella, Ghost Room, is a thrilling horror ride that you won't be able to stop
reading. Nightmares are just beginning and creappy doll
reading. Nightmares are just beginning and creappy doll
April 25, 2025
This is a well written little spook story dealing with a young girl, Jess moving into a haunted house where she drags her lifelong friends along with a few new ones from school into her ghostly adventure.
I liked the story for the most part, although it was more girl camaraderie than ghost story. I'm old and have never interacted with this demographic, so I'm thinking this will be better received by the targeted YA audience (I wasn't aware it was a young adult book when I started reading it).
I liked the story for the most part, although it was more girl camaraderie than ghost story. I'm old and have never interacted with this demographic, so I'm thinking this will be better received by the targeted YA audience (I wasn't aware it was a young adult book when I started reading it).
March 4, 2025
A tantalizing ghost story!
Ghost stories are always my favorite and this one didn’t disappoint. Such a simple premise all packed inside a gripping story. Highly recommend!
Ghost stories are always my favorite and this one didn’t disappoint. Such a simple premise all packed inside a gripping story. Highly recommend!
October 3, 2025
A good read for Halloween
A solid ghost story that is a little slow to start but ends well. It does have a couple good spooky moments. A teenage girl moves in to an old house with her family but something seems off. She finds out that a young girl disappeared from the house and seems to be trying to contact her. Later she finds more about what is going on and along with her friends vow to help the little girl.
Recommended, there is some fluff but it does build up to a few good moments. It has a nice overall story and is a quick read.
A solid ghost story that is a little slow to start but ends well. It does have a couple good spooky moments. A teenage girl moves in to an old house with her family but something seems off. She finds out that a young girl disappeared from the house and seems to be trying to contact her. Later she finds more about what is going on and along with her friends vow to help the little girl.
Recommended, there is some fluff but it does build up to a few good moments. It has a nice overall story and is a quick read.
May 1, 2025
What do you get when you have an author who has been in love with the genre they write since they were a kid? You get a book that will grab you. A book that will leave you wanting more. Ghost Room is a novella that will have your attention until the very end.
The year is 1992, and a family has sold their home and are relocating to a bigger, more spacious home. Little did they know, something terrible happened their. A lonely spirit has been trapped for a long time and is now trying to communicate with the family.
The author does a fantastic job at grabbing your attention early on. In my opinion, a horror story has to pull you in early in order to keep the reader. Especially for new readers to the genre. Within a few chapters, the story is in full effect, and it doesn't slow down.
Instantly, you get drawn to the main character, Jess. Actually, all of them. It focuses mainly around Jess, but the author makes sure to keep the rest of the family relevant. She's not going around trying to solve what's going with friends and sneaking around, and the mother and father are oblivious. This is not a story where the parents are dumb. They're just not invested with what their daughter is doing.
Overall, this was an enjoyable, fast-paced read. Even though it took me 4 days to read it, lol. That's only because my life is always go go go, and some days I don't have the time to read. Very well written. I had to message the author and tell her how immersive her writing was. Only complaint... it wasn't longer. 5/5.
The year is 1992, and a family has sold their home and are relocating to a bigger, more spacious home. Little did they know, something terrible happened their. A lonely spirit has been trapped for a long time and is now trying to communicate with the family.
The author does a fantastic job at grabbing your attention early on. In my opinion, a horror story has to pull you in early in order to keep the reader. Especially for new readers to the genre. Within a few chapters, the story is in full effect, and it doesn't slow down.
Instantly, you get drawn to the main character, Jess. Actually, all of them. It focuses mainly around Jess, but the author makes sure to keep the rest of the family relevant. She's not going around trying to solve what's going with friends and sneaking around, and the mother and father are oblivious. This is not a story where the parents are dumb. They're just not invested with what their daughter is doing.
Overall, this was an enjoyable, fast-paced read. Even though it took me 4 days to read it, lol. That's only because my life is always go go go, and some days I don't have the time to read. Very well written. I had to message the author and tell her how immersive her writing was. Only complaint... it wasn't longer. 5/5.
July 8, 2025
Okay Janelle Schiecke is quickly becoming one of my favourite horror authors! As soon as I’d finished Death Cult I knew I had to read more of her work! Ghost Room is a different pace to that of Death Cult though! No fast paced Grindhouse gore here! This is a brilliant haunted house tale! I devoured this in one sitting!
You’re instantly drawn to Jess and her family. It’s your not so typical take on a couple who want to move to a bigger house so their whole family has more space. In this case, a bigger house also means an old house. Jess and her brother instantly find it unsettling, but they both put it down to the fact they are sad about leaving the house they grew up in. Even when they are told not to go up into the attic, they brush off the unsettling feeling. It’s only when Jess starts having nightmares and her friends tell her the story of her new house, that she thinks something else is going on. Especially when she finds out her brother has had similar nightmares. With the help of her two best friends and some new friends, Jess is able to find out the truth about what happened.
I just loved that Janelle was able to build suspense by showing you the life of a teenage girl (school, friends, boys, etc) in between all the spooky stuff that was happening. It definitely gave me ‘Are you afraid of the dark?’ and The Craft vibes. Yes, I am showing my age now!
You’re instantly drawn to Jess and her family. It’s your not so typical take on a couple who want to move to a bigger house so their whole family has more space. In this case, a bigger house also means an old house. Jess and her brother instantly find it unsettling, but they both put it down to the fact they are sad about leaving the house they grew up in. Even when they are told not to go up into the attic, they brush off the unsettling feeling. It’s only when Jess starts having nightmares and her friends tell her the story of her new house, that she thinks something else is going on. Especially when she finds out her brother has had similar nightmares. With the help of her two best friends and some new friends, Jess is able to find out the truth about what happened.
I just loved that Janelle was able to build suspense by showing you the life of a teenage girl (school, friends, boys, etc) in between all the spooky stuff that was happening. It definitely gave me ‘Are you afraid of the dark?’ and The Craft vibes. Yes, I am showing my age now!
August 3, 2024
A good book
In ‘Ghost Room’ by Janelle Schiecke, this gripping 1992-set horror sees Jess Kierney's new home harbor sinister secrets. Haunted by nightmares, a creepy doll, and a mysterious attic room, Jess enlists friends Max and Amy to uncover the house's dark past. Tension mounts as friendships are tested, reality blurs, and bravery is pushed to its limits. A chilling tale of courage versus darkness.
In ‘Ghost Room’ by Janelle Schiecke, this gripping 1992-set horror sees Jess Kierney's new home harbor sinister secrets. Haunted by nightmares, a creepy doll, and a mysterious attic room, Jess enlists friends Max and Amy to uncover the house's dark past. Tension mounts as friendships are tested, reality blurs, and bravery is pushed to its limits. A chilling tale of courage versus darkness.
November 5, 2024
The Ghost Room is right! This would absolutely be the perfect story to tell around the campfire after dark! As a father with three grown daughters, I can tell you that Scheicke has almost perfectly portrayed teenage girls in this story--it's almost like she knows what that's like!
After interacting with Schiecke on Twitter (X is dead to me!), I wasn't sure what to expect because I know she loves good horror stories. So, if you're not sure if you should pick this up, I say, "GO FOR IT!" This novel is a well-told ghost story with some action, intrigue, mystery, and a LOT of suspense!
If you're a fast reader like me, this is a perfect little story to sandwich between two longer pieces. You also MUST follow her! I look forward to more pieces from her in the future!
After interacting with Schiecke on Twitter (X is dead to me!), I wasn't sure what to expect because I know she loves good horror stories. So, if you're not sure if you should pick this up, I say, "GO FOR IT!" This novel is a well-told ghost story with some action, intrigue, mystery, and a LOT of suspense!
If you're a fast reader like me, this is a perfect little story to sandwich between two longer pieces. You also MUST follow her! I look forward to more pieces from her in the future!
October 5, 2025
I’d say 3 stars. Maybe a little childish for my liking.
This book starts off by introducing a few of the characters, including a 15 year-old named Jess who is in the midst of moving from her cookie cutter home to a home that seems to be a bit older with a bit more character. She moves from crescent Lane to wicker Grove. She has a younger brother named Ben. Her mom works from home. Her two best friends are named Amy and Max(ine).
The only thing she finds creepy about her house on move-in day is a door to her attic where it is freezing, even though it’s warm outside. She then finds a creepy porcelain doll at the wood line. She learned that a young girl named Hannah went missing from the house and to her recollection was never found. She starts having dreams of a little girl in a fully blue dress. She finds out her little brother Ben is also having dreams where Hannah or that girl talks to him.
She goes back to the Woodline with her friends, and there is no doll. They devise a plan that they are going to have a sleepover the next weekend and check out that attic room. When they go up the stairs, it is dark and they use a flashlight because it is night time. It is still freezing with a draft. The room is set up like a bedroom. Everything is Red. Red plush carpet. When they get up there, there is no doll, but they turn around and there is that same doll on the bed. Then a candle on the dresser lights itself. They run back downstairs.
Jess enlists advice from a creepy girl at school named Megan who thinks she has unfinished business with Hannah and she needs to try and talk to her. They decide they are going to try and perform a seance with a Ouija board. They plan a night when Jess’s parents are gone and they go upstairs to the attic with their friend Matt and the guy Josh that Jess has a crush on shows up too. Matt has an old spell book that he took from the house when no one lived there. When they get upstairs, the room is different. There are lit candles. Matt gets strung up in the air and the Ouija board goes flying. We find out that the little girl found her way home to her parents unharmed that day but Matt was now missing. They add an addition of Megan to their friend group and Josh becomes Jess’s boyfriend. They hear Jess’s name being called out at the wood line and they find a doll wearing Matt’s clothes from that night. They decided that they have to try and save another soul.
This book starts off by introducing a few of the characters, including a 15 year-old named Jess who is in the midst of moving from her cookie cutter home to a home that seems to be a bit older with a bit more character. She moves from crescent Lane to wicker Grove. She has a younger brother named Ben. Her mom works from home. Her two best friends are named Amy and Max(ine).
The only thing she finds creepy about her house on move-in day is a door to her attic where it is freezing, even though it’s warm outside. She then finds a creepy porcelain doll at the wood line. She learned that a young girl named Hannah went missing from the house and to her recollection was never found. She starts having dreams of a little girl in a fully blue dress. She finds out her little brother Ben is also having dreams where Hannah or that girl talks to him.
She goes back to the Woodline with her friends, and there is no doll. They devise a plan that they are going to have a sleepover the next weekend and check out that attic room. When they go up the stairs, it is dark and they use a flashlight because it is night time. It is still freezing with a draft. The room is set up like a bedroom. Everything is Red. Red plush carpet. When they get up there, there is no doll, but they turn around and there is that same doll on the bed. Then a candle on the dresser lights itself. They run back downstairs.
Jess enlists advice from a creepy girl at school named Megan who thinks she has unfinished business with Hannah and she needs to try and talk to her. They decide they are going to try and perform a seance with a Ouija board. They plan a night when Jess’s parents are gone and they go upstairs to the attic with their friend Matt and the guy Josh that Jess has a crush on shows up too. Matt has an old spell book that he took from the house when no one lived there. When they get upstairs, the room is different. There are lit candles. Matt gets strung up in the air and the Ouija board goes flying. We find out that the little girl found her way home to her parents unharmed that day but Matt was now missing. They add an addition of Megan to their friend group and Josh becomes Jess’s boyfriend. They hear Jess’s name being called out at the wood line and they find a doll wearing Matt’s clothes from that night. They decided that they have to try and save another soul.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2025
Great mild horror ghost story!
GHOST ROOM is the story of a teenage girl who moved into a haunted house with her family. When Jess starts having nightmares and noticing that there is something off in her new home, everyone except for her friends thinks it's all her "imagination". But in reality, there is a ghost in her new house, and she is determined to find out what the ghost wants and how she can help it.
I really enjoyed this novella, even though I was expecting something scarier. What I loved the most was the twist at the end and the epilogue. Everything was so well-written, and the plot was truly gripping, making it almost impossible for me to stop turning the pages.
This book is perfect for younger readers or those looking for a ghost story with a great twist.
GHOST ROOM is the story of a teenage girl who moved into a haunted house with her family. When Jess starts having nightmares and noticing that there is something off in her new home, everyone except for her friends thinks it's all her "imagination". But in reality, there is a ghost in her new house, and she is determined to find out what the ghost wants and how she can help it.
I really enjoyed this novella, even though I was expecting something scarier. What I loved the most was the twist at the end and the epilogue. Everything was so well-written, and the plot was truly gripping, making it almost impossible for me to stop turning the pages.
This book is perfect for younger readers or those looking for a ghost story with a great twist.
February 25, 2026
Ghost Room is my first read by a new to me author Janelle Schieke, whom I had the pleasure of becoming besties with! This book was a fast paced read that read exactly like 1990s Horror Young Adult novel: its not particular gruesome nor scary to me, but the characters are pleasant. Honestly it felt like old school Fear street or Goosebumps novel with a PG Edge, its spooky without being too traumatizing. Its super easy to get into as well which for me who has difficulty reading aloud (I dislike my reading voice) I flew through this book! Im looking forward to reading more of Janelle's books!
October 22, 2023
I want to start off by saying for the right age group (YA) this would be a good book. For me however this books pace felt very slow and not super interesting. For the first 60% of the book I felt like nothing was happening and then very slowly things started heating up until the last 2 chapters when everything hit at once. This is not my style of book but for the group it is meant for it will be a good book.
January 30, 2024
Hauntingly good
Enjoyable read! I liked the characters. Hard to follow a few times but the story was intriguing. Ready for book two.
Enjoyable read! I liked the characters. Hard to follow a few times but the story was intriguing. Ready for book two.
February 27, 2024
Loved it
August 12, 2024
absolutely love this
The story building is captivating, and didn’t expect that ending. The author does well building the scene and helping us be able to relate to the characters.
The story building is captivating, and didn’t expect that ending. The author does well building the scene and helping us be able to relate to the characters.
September 26, 2025
Can’t wait to find out what’s next for the girls. 😁
December 5, 2024
A Fun Read!
I'm generally not a fan of YA stories, but I do enjoy a good ghost story. As I write this review, I still can't believe this book is the author's debut. It is very well written, very creative, and clearly shows that the author is a true storyteller!
Teen, Jess, and her family, move into a new home - a large, old house which has a history.
Her BFFs, Max and Amy, join her in what turns out to be a great adventure within the house.
There are some really good spooky scenes in here!
The ending perfectly sets up the possibility of a sequel, and I hope the author writes it.
I believe this could become a very popular series like 'Sweet Valley High' and 'Nancy Drew Mysteries'.
If you have a teen in your life, ya really should give him/her a copy of this great little book!
I'm generally not a fan of YA stories, but I do enjoy a good ghost story. As I write this review, I still can't believe this book is the author's debut. It is very well written, very creative, and clearly shows that the author is a true storyteller!
Teen, Jess, and her family, move into a new home - a large, old house which has a history.
Her BFFs, Max and Amy, join her in what turns out to be a great adventure within the house.
There are some really good spooky scenes in here!
The ending perfectly sets up the possibility of a sequel, and I hope the author writes it.
I believe this could become a very popular series like 'Sweet Valley High' and 'Nancy Drew Mysteries'.
If you have a teen in your life, ya really should give him/her a copy of this great little book!
June 28, 2024
Lovable, fun to read teen horror!
This novella is an exquisite work of YA horror literature! I love the way the author Mrs. Schiecke can immerse herself, and the reader as well, inside the minds of our teenage characters, a language we can all relate to.
The storyline flows naturally prompted by youthful and refreshing dialogues, a skill the author can definitely handle magnificently.
The horror factor is on spot and will entertain the enthusiasts of the genre.
Fun to read and fun to love it!
Recommended!
This novella is an exquisite work of YA horror literature! I love the way the author Mrs. Schiecke can immerse herself, and the reader as well, inside the minds of our teenage characters, a language we can all relate to.
The storyline flows naturally prompted by youthful and refreshing dialogues, a skill the author can definitely handle magnificently.
The horror factor is on spot and will entertain the enthusiasts of the genre.
Fun to read and fun to love it!
Recommended!
May 14, 2024
Holds Your Attention
I’m not a big reader of YA fiction, but this one held my attention. In some places, I felt genuinely compelled to read the next chapter.
Schiecke has made a great start on her fiction career with Ghost Room. The characters are firmly fleshed out, although a few are “stock” high school types. Schiecke describes the setting so well I felt I was in that house. Maybe because I grew up in a house with a mysterious attic and cellar.
My only complaint, and not worth a rating downgrade, is that there are a few too many “this happened and then this happened” moments. Life does happen like that, and writers are free to describe it that way, but not too often, please. There are other ways to show what took place. It’s a lesson I need to learn myself.
I’m not a big reader of YA fiction, but this one held my attention. In some places, I felt genuinely compelled to read the next chapter.
Schiecke has made a great start on her fiction career with Ghost Room. The characters are firmly fleshed out, although a few are “stock” high school types. Schiecke describes the setting so well I felt I was in that house. Maybe because I grew up in a house with a mysterious attic and cellar.
My only complaint, and not worth a rating downgrade, is that there are a few too many “this happened and then this happened” moments. Life does happen like that, and writers are free to describe it that way, but not too often, please. There are other ways to show what took place. It’s a lesson I need to learn myself.
September 19, 2024
Nice Read
I enjoyed the story and the characters but the main character seemed to always be crying. I may just be far enough from being a teenager I don’t remember crying that much. Anyway, the story was well written and it opened up a place for a follow-up story. Just spooky enough to make me enjoy it and a clean, well edited story.
I enjoyed the story and the characters but the main character seemed to always be crying. I may just be far enough from being a teenager I don’t remember crying that much. Anyway, the story was well written and it opened up a place for a follow-up story. Just spooky enough to make me enjoy it and a clean, well edited story.
September 29, 2023
ghost room
Fast flowing story with excellent characters,story plot and imagery. I finished it in about six hours ( yes,I’m a fast reader if story is interesting and has action.
Fast flowing story with excellent characters,story plot and imagery. I finished it in about six hours ( yes,I’m a fast reader if story is interesting and has action.
March 16, 2024
It would be perfect for a teenage girl who likes ghost stories. I will admit that I prefer my horror reading to be more extreme, and I haven't been into YA books for some time. I figured I would give it a shot anyway. Here is my objective review, as opposed to a subjective one, since this isn't in my subgenre.
Immaculate writing. I couldn't find any grammatical mistakes or typos in the entire book. It was always clear, and I never found myself getting lost in words. At the same time there was plenty of description. The author used first-person POV well and never slipped into third-person or another character's POV. I didn't find one gaffe anywhere, either. These are things I look for and sniff out. It was a very clean book.
The book develops the characters very well. I could see Jess, her friends, her brother, and her mom well. Most of the time the dialogue didn't even need dialogue attribution. It was easy to tell who was talking at any time. You could tell this was set in the Midwest without even explicitly saying that. (Ya know?) I imagined Jess's mother having a thick Midwestern accent. I don't know why. Maybe it is because I grew up in Ohio. I often laughed when Jess's mother talked, but not for a bad reason. I could just hear her voice. The book did a great job developing the characters and the setting.
The book follows the story of a young teenage girl named Jess after her family moves into a different house—an old house with a secret spooky room. Without spoiling things, some unexplained things happen. She consults with her friends, and they decide to investigate when more unexplained things happen. She becomes closer to another girl, a self-proclaimed witch who has self-studied the paranormal. The new girl helps her face the "paranormal activity." The ending was a surprise.
Overall, I am surprised this is the very first work by this author because it was so well written. My only complaint was about the pacing. You could tell the author intentionally slowed the pace during important parts and sped the pace up during less important parts. There were times when the slow pace was a little too slow, and the fast pace went too fast. Most of the time, though, the pacing was perfect. Other than that, it was a great book. 4.5
Immaculate writing. I couldn't find any grammatical mistakes or typos in the entire book. It was always clear, and I never found myself getting lost in words. At the same time there was plenty of description. The author used first-person POV well and never slipped into third-person or another character's POV. I didn't find one gaffe anywhere, either. These are things I look for and sniff out. It was a very clean book.
The book develops the characters very well. I could see Jess, her friends, her brother, and her mom well. Most of the time the dialogue didn't even need dialogue attribution. It was easy to tell who was talking at any time. You could tell this was set in the Midwest without even explicitly saying that. (Ya know?) I imagined Jess's mother having a thick Midwestern accent. I don't know why. Maybe it is because I grew up in Ohio. I often laughed when Jess's mother talked, but not for a bad reason. I could just hear her voice. The book did a great job developing the characters and the setting.
The book follows the story of a young teenage girl named Jess after her family moves into a different house—an old house with a secret spooky room. Without spoiling things, some unexplained things happen. She consults with her friends, and they decide to investigate when more unexplained things happen. She becomes closer to another girl, a self-proclaimed witch who has self-studied the paranormal. The new girl helps her face the "paranormal activity." The ending was a surprise.
Overall, I am surprised this is the very first work by this author because it was so well written. My only complaint was about the pacing. You could tell the author intentionally slowed the pace during important parts and sped the pace up during less important parts. There were times when the slow pace was a little too slow, and the fast pace went too fast. Most of the time, though, the pacing was perfect. Other than that, it was a great book. 4.5
August 19, 2023
Enjoyable tension with young adult and mystery tones
Soon after ‘Jess’ and her family move into a new home, strangeness begins along with some enjoyable tension in Janelle Schiecke’s debut which carries young adult and mystery tones.
There’s some great description throughout which creates depth as the essence of a missing girl seems to attach herself to ‘Jess’ or at least her dreams and when it comes to the stress of a house move – we can all relate, things are unsettled and heightened in this new surrounding. In particular, the attic room of this new place is the central vessel of much tension which slowly burns. Just what is up there and why does it seem to call? Just who is this girl and why has she latched on to our main character?
As some revelations from the previous house owners become apparent its up to ‘Jess’ and her two close friends ‘Max’ and ‘Amy’ to pursue the mystery and find the eventual truth surrounding ‘The Ghost Room’. I was first drawn to this book by the awesome cover art along with the blurb.
‘The sunlight faded, and the sky turned gray. The warm summer breeze turned frigid and it chilled her skin. Her smile faded, and the look of fear spread across her face as she stared at the lady in the distance. Standing still, her hair writhed in the wind and her dress violently whipped back and forth…’
Soon after ‘Jess’ and her family move into a new home, strangeness begins along with some enjoyable tension in Janelle Schiecke’s debut which carries young adult and mystery tones.
There’s some great description throughout which creates depth as the essence of a missing girl seems to attach herself to ‘Jess’ or at least her dreams and when it comes to the stress of a house move – we can all relate, things are unsettled and heightened in this new surrounding. In particular, the attic room of this new place is the central vessel of much tension which slowly burns. Just what is up there and why does it seem to call? Just who is this girl and why has she latched on to our main character?
As some revelations from the previous house owners become apparent its up to ‘Jess’ and her two close friends ‘Max’ and ‘Amy’ to pursue the mystery and find the eventual truth surrounding ‘The Ghost Room’. I was first drawn to this book by the awesome cover art along with the blurb.
‘The sunlight faded, and the sky turned gray. The warm summer breeze turned frigid and it chilled her skin. Her smile faded, and the look of fear spread across her face as she stared at the lady in the distance. Standing still, her hair writhed in the wind and her dress violently whipped back and forth…’
March 29, 2025
A fun, spooky treat, reminiscent of classic Goosebumps books.
The premise of Ghost Room is one we all know and love and I’m pleased to report Janelle Schiecke’s take on the haunted house story is a belter, complete with creepy dolls, spectral figures and a seance. There were moments where I was reminded of favourite supernatural movies such as Poltergeist and The Craft- but I won’t spoil by explaining how.
Schiecke has demonstrated impressive range between this work and the Grindhouse gore fest of her other book Death Cult. Both are drastically different yet her signature skills carry across the two. As in Death Cult, this story has a zippy pace and brilliant, naturalistic dialogue which make the characters come to life. I especially appreciated the bond between our young protagonist Jess and her friends, as well as the accuracy of the high school setting and everything that includes - teasing, gossip, crushes, little fall outs.
Overall Ghost Room is a charming nostalgia trip. Full of heart, but with a spooky atmosphere and a few creepy stings along the way. If you have a fondness for Goosebumps books and 90’s era PG13 horrors, then definitely check this out for a spooky teen story that ranks among the best of them 👻
The premise of Ghost Room is one we all know and love and I’m pleased to report Janelle Schiecke’s take on the haunted house story is a belter, complete with creepy dolls, spectral figures and a seance. There were moments where I was reminded of favourite supernatural movies such as Poltergeist and The Craft- but I won’t spoil by explaining how.
Schiecke has demonstrated impressive range between this work and the Grindhouse gore fest of her other book Death Cult. Both are drastically different yet her signature skills carry across the two. As in Death Cult, this story has a zippy pace and brilliant, naturalistic dialogue which make the characters come to life. I especially appreciated the bond between our young protagonist Jess and her friends, as well as the accuracy of the high school setting and everything that includes - teasing, gossip, crushes, little fall outs.
Overall Ghost Room is a charming nostalgia trip. Full of heart, but with a spooky atmosphere and a few creepy stings along the way. If you have a fondness for Goosebumps books and 90’s era PG13 horrors, then definitely check this out for a spooky teen story that ranks among the best of them 👻
November 2, 2025
Sometimes, you want to read a ghost story that some would describe as cozy. That's not a bad thing although some people think cozy means boring. That's not the case here in this young adult novella set inside of a haunted home.
Jess is fifteen and her and her family just moved to a home in a different part of town. Not happy at first, she quickly realizes it's better for them. Until the dreams begin. After she finds a creepy porcelain doll by the woods in her back yard, Jess begins dreaming of a ghostly little girl. But for what purpose? All she knows is there's a very strange room upstairs by the attic and with the help of some friends, they'll discover the secrets of the ghost girl and the house itself.
This is a fantastic book that builds characters throughout and throws in enough mystery and creeps to keep you reading. Yeah it's "cozy" but just like your favorite pair of slippers on a cold night, it fits right in there. I highly recommend it.
Jess is fifteen and her and her family just moved to a home in a different part of town. Not happy at first, she quickly realizes it's better for them. Until the dreams begin. After she finds a creepy porcelain doll by the woods in her back yard, Jess begins dreaming of a ghostly little girl. But for what purpose? All she knows is there's a very strange room upstairs by the attic and with the help of some friends, they'll discover the secrets of the ghost girl and the house itself.
This is a fantastic book that builds characters throughout and throws in enough mystery and creeps to keep you reading. Yeah it's "cozy" but just like your favorite pair of slippers on a cold night, it fits right in there. I highly recommend it.
March 21, 2025
Truthfully, I wasn't expecting this story to be what it is. That's not a bad thing at all (I try to go into a book blind when I can.)
Something that struck me about Ghost Room, is its ability to scare the sh*t out of me - but be largely quite sweet in nature. When we travel with Jess as she navigates this weird experience she's having in this new house, I felt this sense of protectiveness over her. Janelle really made me care about this girl and her family. There are moments that make her so real, like the quirks in her relationship with each family member - and the times that she acknowledges her desire to heard, really listened to by the adults in her life.
Paranormal stuff freaks me tf out anyway, but there is always something HARROWING when there's a creepy ghost kid involved.
Atmospheric
Caring
Succinct
Spooky af
Loved it!
Something that struck me about Ghost Room, is its ability to scare the sh*t out of me - but be largely quite sweet in nature. When we travel with Jess as she navigates this weird experience she's having in this new house, I felt this sense of protectiveness over her. Janelle really made me care about this girl and her family. There are moments that make her so real, like the quirks in her relationship with each family member - and the times that she acknowledges her desire to heard, really listened to by the adults in her life.
Paranormal stuff freaks me tf out anyway, but there is always something HARROWING when there's a creepy ghost kid involved.
Atmospheric
Caring
Succinct
Spooky af
Loved it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2024
Ghost Room" by Janelle Schiecke is a gripping horror novel set in 1992. Jess Kierney's new house quickly reveals its dark side through terrifying nightmares and the discovery of a creepy doll. With friends Max and Amy, Jess explores a mysterious attic room and uncovers the house's infamous past. As they delve into the sinister secrets, their courage is tested, and friendships are strained. Schiecke's atmospheric writing and well-paced plot create an intense, spine-chilling experience. This book is perfect for horror enthusiasts who enjoy tales of haunted houses and supernatural mysteries.
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