Got Ghosts

by John Ward

Dean Lockwood learned a terrifying truth at a very young age…that ghosts were real! The Lockwoods weren’t your typical family. For decades, beginning with Dean’s grandparents, they traveled around the country helping others get answers to the unexplainable and horrifying supernatural occurrences they were going through. Dean went through life dealing with ridicule over his family’s history in the paranormal field. One day, he finally hit his breaking point and called out his bullies. He challenged them to join him at the most haunted building in town, The New Hope Orphanage, to prove to them that ghosts were not just a figment of your imagination. They would all learn the hard way…that ghosts were very…very real.

Genres: Horror, Middle Grade

121 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2024

Reviews

[Megan Wintrip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally got my hands on this!

The Lockwood's are a family of paranormal investigators, but when the young boy Dean hears something from his grandparents recording it scares him.

What is Dean so afraid of?

The New Hope Orphanage is the place for the paranormal activity in the area. Dean's two friends Dylan and Macy suggest they go on their way home from school, to see what it's all about.

Will they go back to New Hope Orphanage at a later date? What will happen?

I loved this and I kind of hope there is a follow on at some point!

I can't wait for the next book!

Also I can't contain my excitement that Dean's mother named him after Dean Winchester from Supernatural!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dean Lockwood has always known about the existence of ghosts - his family is in the business, after all. His grandparents started it all, and they and Dean's parents have traveled the country helping people through supernatural happenings. His parents have mostly sheltered him from it, waiting until he was old enough to explain more. When he was young, he had his first experience with a ghost. And it absolutely terrified him.

Now that he's a teenager, his curiosity is getting the better of him. He knows about his parents' locked storage room, and wonders about the mysteries that lie inside. His classmates know about his family, and although his friends are supportive and curious as well, some of his peers are doubtful and make fun of him. It all comes to a head when Dean has enough, exploring things that he shouldn't, and then daring his bullies to meet him at the haunted Mt. Hope Orphanage. The horrors that await them all may prove to be more than Dean's inexperienced mind can handle.

This is the 5th entry in the Scareville series, and by far the creepiest. There were some moments that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. From the first sentence, you can get a feel of the experience you're about to have. And the ending??? Please tell me we'll get a continuation of the story at some point!

I may have to hold off on reading this one to my younger two a bit, and my oldest may even be too creeped out for now. This one may be my favorite of the series so far!

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fifth installment in the scareville series so far and I’ve got to say this is probably one of my favorites, you can tell the wonderful John ward’s writing has improved a lot! The story was fast paced and super spooky, the characters were super enjoyable to read about! The plot of this one was very interesting and i personally found it very intriguing because it’s about ghost hunting and that’s something I find very interesting, reading about the characters using ghost devices and their reactions was such a blast! This was a fantastic installment and can’t wait for what’s next! If you’re a fan of goosebumps I’m sure you’ll love this! 4.5/5 ✨✨

[Alix Kampen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the fifth book of the Scareville series, and my second read from the series, I found myself reliving my childhood fear reads once again. Not only is reading John's books nostalgic, it's also refreshing. Written as a middle grade book it definitely doesn't disappoint on the creep factor. I've always been obsessed with ghosts and spooky things so as soon as I was informed that John was writing such a story I couldn't help but be excited. To my surprise and honor, I was asked to beta read Got Ghosts and I fell in love instantly. If The Conjuring was something you enjoyed, pick up this book!

[Angel Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be the best book in the Scareville series. You can see that John has gotten better as the series goes on, which is what should happen.

The best part is that he will be releasing a new book coming soon, so this is not the last book in the series. I'm excited to read the new installment.

Pretty much not much to say but this is a great horror series for those who have kids or adults such as I looking to relive their childhood.

[Madison Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jon never seems to disappoint. Book 5 of the Scareville series was exactly what I hoped for. This was the scariest one so far. Growing up I was into anything that involved ghost hunting, which is why I related to this book so much! I can’t wait for the rest of the books to be released.

[Brittney Sohar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This truly lands between 4 and 5 ⭐️. What is important to remember is that the book is written with the intent of its reader base being late elementary to early middle school. It was still enjoyable for an adult reader. Plenty of spooky/creepy moments. John does a good job building intensity and unease.

My largest issue- what knocks it down from a true 5 ⭐️ (for me- because reviewing a book is subjective), is the vocabulary. I did read the first edition copy, so I am curious if the edits done after the series was picked up by Crystal Lake have changed some of the things I did not care for.

I definitely recommend this to readers of all ages for a spooky good time. I loved the friendship between Dean, Dylan, and Macy. The three of them reminded me of Harry, Ron & Hermione. If you’ve been following the series from book 1, there is at least 1 Easter egg that I picked up on in the first half of the book.

[Scott Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series gets better with each book!

I understand these books are middle grade, this one had me on the edge of my seat several times! Turning the pages faster to see what happens next. I have always wanted to visit a place that is supposed to be haunted and do so with someone who has all the ghost hunting gadgets and know I kinda feel like I just did! I still want to do it in real life though! This was an excellent book!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the Scareville series. The book kept me engaged. I love ghost stories and mystery. John Ward once again manages to keep his readers reading and guessing. I highly recommend this book.

[Logan Bristow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could go higher than 5 stars this one was amazing!! Such a good creepy story but still light enough for the young readers. I think I said it about the last book but this is my favorite book by MR. Ward. Don’t sleep on this one but you might have a hard time sleeping after you’re done.

[Lauren Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love ghost stories so I knew I would love this going in and it didn’t disappoint!!! This is middle grade but there were scenes that generally creeped me out!! Can’t wait to read the rest in the series!

[Hailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this in a small chunk during my work day and it was just so much fun! It reminds me of all the Goosebumps books I used to devour. The audiobook was great too! I enjoyed the narration and the pace that it kept the whole time. Absolutely excited to read the rest of the series!!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review for Got Ghosts

I absolutely loved it! Another awesome story in the Scareville series! This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!

[Erica Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

Think this is my fave of the Scareville books, absolutely loved it!!! Love ghost stories & ghost hunting so this book was perfect!!!

[Nik Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a great time reading this book, it was such a fun and spooky read. There were moments that left my spine tingling and had me sitting up a bit straighter. If you are looking for a fun ghost story look no further, this is the book for you!

[Angie Titus · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not a fan of the author's writing style. There were some grammar things, a bit of sexism, and the way that he turned a phrase, but I enjoyed the story.

[Mark F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in the Scareville series, this one has a healthy dose of horror.

Categorized as horror for children/young adults, let me tell you, anyone can enjoy this book. And enjoy it, I did. The author has a way of writing that made me feel like a kid again, getting fully immersed in the story, feeling like I, too, was on a mission of discovering secrets, solving mysteries, and feeling the fear of encountering ghosts, monsters and other things that go bump in the night. And yet another awesome cover!

[Irene Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book and I realized I was back to being a kid again scared and terrified of ghost stories 😱 I couldn’t finish it right away because I read at night and this book is scary😅 love this book 📕