Haunted House

Haunted

by Mary Hooper

Jake is sure he's going to hate the village where he's moved with his mum and twin sister, Jenna. There are only about ten houses and a green - boring. But when Jenna spots the ghost of a cute-looking beagle with a lead in its mouth, Jake and Jenna begin to realize that the village might not be as boring as it first seemed and that there are some very spooky goings-on...not least, the deserted derelict house and the creepy noises that are coming from somewhere inside it....

Audio CD

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

British children's and young adult author Mary Hooper was born in 1944, in Barnes, then in Surrey, nowadays in South West London. She left school at fifteen, and went to work as a window dresser, and then as a secretary. She eventually returned to school, as an adult student, earning a degree in English from Reading University. Hooper began her writing career with short stories, publishing in women's and teen magazines. Her first book, Jodie, was published in 1978. She is married, has two children, and one grandchild, and lives in Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire.

Reviews

[Willen P · Rating 3 out of 5]

I believe I read this first back in mid-2006 (I was very into this series back then, though I didn't read them in the correct order).

As a 27 year old, it was nice to read, however I don't think I like the Ben character as much, his slight misogynism and obsession with football just annoyed me.

I think the part about the ghost dog and its owner was quite sentimental; the ghost bride story was just sad. Though I'm wondering, they explained what happened 100 years ago but not why. I wanted the story to be wrapped up in that way, perhaps by Jenna sensing a conversation or argument etc. before the bride 'disappeared'.

Also, it was a shame that Ben was not as psychic as his twin, we would have received more insight into the ghost and supernatural from the narrative if he was.

I'll most likely read the rest of the series by next week; I remember quite enjoying Plague House the most.

[Muphyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lame story about two city children moving to the country, going ghost-hunting as their new hobby and finding a long-dead body. Doesn't sound too bad for a premise but turned out to be very uninspiring with unlikeable kids.

[Isy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes the characters aren't deep, no there's not a huge twist but it's a children's horror story that scared the living daylight out of me when I was seven. I couldn't sleep for two nights and all I could think of was that terrifying house *shivers* Job well done, Mary Hooper.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

SPOOKY !!!!