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Eek! #3
Finders Keepers
A scavenger hunt takes a sinister turn in the third novel in the Eek! series, tales to scare you silly!
In the small town of Farlow, mysterious advertisements appear for a summer scavenger hunt. Twelve-year-old Maggie and her friends can't wait. They have their team, and more than bragging rights, they want that huge cash prize.
On the big day, a strange man welcomes everybody to the game. The first items are ridiculously easy ("An egg? Seriously?"), but they quickly grow more difficult. When getting one of the items requires an actual crime—breaking into the school after dark—Maggie loses one of her teammates. But the others manage to steal Mr. Kramer's favorite mug.
A bone from the cemetery seems like it's as dark as the game can get, but when they're asked to bring back a human head, nobody wants to play anymore. But it's too late to quit…
In the small town of Farlow, mysterious advertisements appear for a summer scavenger hunt. Twelve-year-old Maggie and her friends can't wait. They have their team, and more than bragging rights, they want that huge cash prize.
On the big day, a strange man welcomes everybody to the game. The first items are ridiculously easy ("An egg? Seriously?"), but they quickly grow more difficult. When getting one of the items requires an actual crime—breaking into the school after dark—Maggie loses one of her teammates. But the others manage to steal Mr. Kramer's favorite mug.
A bone from the cemetery seems like it's as dark as the game can get, but when they're asked to bring back a human head, nobody wants to play anymore. But it's too late to quit…
192 pages, Hardcover
Published April 1, 2025
13 people are currently reading
4092 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Strand
229 books2,213 followersBram Stoker Award-winning author of a bunch of demented books, including PRESSURE, DWELLER, CLOWNS VS. SPIDERS, AUTUMN BLEEDS INTO WINTER, MY PRETTIES, the official novelization of ATTACK OF THE KILLER TOMATOES, and lots of others!
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 18, 2025
While I’m glad I gave the series a fair shot, I think I’ve seen all it has to offer. Finders Keepers was an improvement over Nightmare in the Backyard, but not nearly as strong as It Watches in the Dark. Since I didn't love the last two in a row I feel confident enough to call it quits with the series.
Finders Keepers was fine. It was fast paced and entertaining but personally not memorable. Even though I read this pretty recently I honestly don't remember much about it at all. I debated rereading this so I could give a fully accurate review but rather than rereading a book I didn't enjoy I just based my three star rating on enjoyment level, and in the rest of my review I will call out the parts I might have missed if there was an explanation in the book.
The aspects I enjoyed varied. The idea of a city-wide scavenger hunt is fun and instantly grabbed my attention. I also finished the book in one sitting (it's only about a 3 hour audio and I believe under 200 pages) and felt like it went by very quickly. I appreciated that the story was action packed and there was never truly a lull in pacing. I also liked the variety of obstacles the characters needed to overcome.
However, there were a few things that left me frustrated.
The logistics of this city wide scavenger hunt (where all ages of children were invited but absolutely no parents were allowed to participate or oversee their young kids) felt a bit unbelievable to me. I thought at one point the adults may have had a spell over them (which would explain it a bit better) but I am not sure if the book ever addresses it. I am trying not to fault that in a children's book and just let it fall a bit further into a fantasy realm.
The villain also left me with questions. I might have missed something, but when I finished this book it left me wanting a stronger sense of who or what he actually was. Where did he come from and how did he get his powers? He seemed to have had this omniscient knowledge of what was going on within the game at all times. The children would get taken away if they broke the rules and he seemed to know exactly when they would bend the rules even when he wasn't present.
I listened to the audiobook and for me the delivery was overly theatrical but I can imagine it being engaging for younger listeners.
I enjoy spooky middle-grade in general and will continue exploring the genre, but Finders Keepers didn’t leave a strong enough impression to keep me going with this particular series.
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Reading Notes:
it watches in the dark was my favorite. finders keepers was better than nightmare in the backyard but I won't be continuing with this series.
I wish the audio narrator wasn't trying to be so theatrical like a one woman drama. Although the over the top nature would probably be engaging for the intended audience.
I read this in just about a single sitting. I appreciate how fast paced it was and easy to fly through. The premise of a city wide scavenger hunt was interesting! And you know something is weird going on when they said no parents allowed... that gave my an instant red flag
I felt like this story was far superior to nightmare in the Backyard. It had a lot more variety of obstacles the characters had to face. Although the first book , it watches in the Dark was still by far the best... This installment does not hold a candle to it.
I feel with reading three books in the series ive gotten everything to offer and I probably won't read any more installments. I do really enjoy middle grade especially spooky middle grade and will definitely try other similar reads in the future!
Finders Keepers was fine. It was fast paced and entertaining but personally not memorable. Even though I read this pretty recently I honestly don't remember much about it at all. I debated rereading this so I could give a fully accurate review but rather than rereading a book I didn't enjoy I just based my three star rating on enjoyment level, and in the rest of my review I will call out the parts I might have missed if there was an explanation in the book.
The aspects I enjoyed varied. The idea of a city-wide scavenger hunt is fun and instantly grabbed my attention. I also finished the book in one sitting (it's only about a 3 hour audio and I believe under 200 pages) and felt like it went by very quickly. I appreciated that the story was action packed and there was never truly a lull in pacing. I also liked the variety of obstacles the characters needed to overcome.
However, there were a few things that left me frustrated.
The logistics of this city wide scavenger hunt (where all ages of children were invited but absolutely no parents were allowed to participate or oversee their young kids) felt a bit unbelievable to me. I thought at one point the adults may have had a spell over them (which would explain it a bit better) but I am not sure if the book ever addresses it. I am trying not to fault that in a children's book and just let it fall a bit further into a fantasy realm.
The villain also left me with questions. I might have missed something, but when I finished this book it left me wanting a stronger sense of who or what he actually was. Where did he come from and how did he get his powers? He seemed to have had this omniscient knowledge of what was going on within the game at all times. The children would get taken away if they broke the rules and he seemed to know exactly when they would bend the rules even when he wasn't present.
I listened to the audiobook and for me the delivery was overly theatrical but I can imagine it being engaging for younger listeners.
I enjoy spooky middle-grade in general and will continue exploring the genre, but Finders Keepers didn’t leave a strong enough impression to keep me going with this particular series.
.
.
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Reading Notes:
it watches in the dark was my favorite. finders keepers was better than nightmare in the backyard but I won't be continuing with this series.
I wish the audio narrator wasn't trying to be so theatrical like a one woman drama. Although the over the top nature would probably be engaging for the intended audience.
I read this in just about a single sitting. I appreciate how fast paced it was and easy to fly through. The premise of a city wide scavenger hunt was interesting! And you know something is weird going on when they said no parents allowed... that gave my an instant red flag
I felt like this story was far superior to nightmare in the Backyard. It had a lot more variety of obstacles the characters had to face. Although the first book , it watches in the Dark was still by far the best... This installment does not hold a candle to it.
I feel with reading three books in the series ive gotten everything to offer and I probably won't read any more installments. I do really enjoy middle grade especially spooky middle grade and will definitely try other similar reads in the future!
April 14, 2025
I won this in a giveaway so while this is not my personal review... I do have a 7th grader who read it after I gifted it to her and she told me she loved it. So there you have it folks
April 9, 2025
This one... is dark. This is my fav in this series so far. I was a bit afraid to read it because of the tarantulas, but I read it in the morning (ahah, it helps). Scariest, creepiest Scavenger Hunt Game ever. Some parents may find it a bit too dark, some of the objects they have to collect. The female character is pretty cool. I liked it a lot.
thank you, Cristy, for the rec
thank you, Cristy, for the rec
April 1, 2025
This is the third book in the EEK! spooky series by Jeff Stand. I have read multiple books by Jeff and they just keep getting better and better. I like that he has books in all different genres and age gaps. His middle grade books are just perfect to read on a gloomy night or with friends over a fire pit.
What I like about this series is that they are stand alone stories. The first book was phenomenal and so spooky, the second book was even more with a group of friends camping in their backyard and find they are not alone. This story will make you think twice to participate in a mysterious scavenger hunt that promises ten thousand dollars for the winner. At first it’s simple enough, find an egg, a teacher’s mug, then things start to get spooky real quick. Maggie and her friends will have to not only find the items but their friendship will be tested with each round. This series will absolutely keep you in your toes and it is perfect for Halloween and the upcoming Summerween.
What I like about this series is that they are stand alone stories. The first book was phenomenal and so spooky, the second book was even more with a group of friends camping in their backyard and find they are not alone. This story will make you think twice to participate in a mysterious scavenger hunt that promises ten thousand dollars for the winner. At first it’s simple enough, find an egg, a teacher’s mug, then things start to get spooky real quick. Maggie and her friends will have to not only find the items but their friendship will be tested with each round. This series will absolutely keep you in your toes and it is perfect for Halloween and the upcoming Summerween.
April 6, 2025
So cute
These are such cute books. I love YA horror and this is perfect. Creepy and cute with a bit of humour.
These are such cute books. I love YA horror and this is perfect. Creepy and cute with a bit of humour.
April 6, 2025
reading middle school books makes me want to start writing my book again so much
September 30, 2025
This is the third Jeff Strand middle grade horror novel I've read. I think he's really good at what he does.
To recap, here's what I think he does well:
1. Minimal exposition, just enough to get you comfortable before the story starts.
2. Great dialogue.
3. Good at showing real horror without actually imperiling his characters. Talking about what could happen - but then not having it happen - gives the horror goods but keeps it middle grade.
4. Writes good funny.
5. Keeps the plot moving and the book short.
I continue to think his endings are rushed and weak. In the specific case of this book, a little more exposition regarding who the scavenger hunt bad guy was would have helped.
But Strand is consistently good at what he does. An easy recommendation.
To recap, here's what I think he does well:
1. Minimal exposition, just enough to get you comfortable before the story starts.
2. Great dialogue.
3. Good at showing real horror without actually imperiling his characters. Talking about what could happen - but then not having it happen - gives the horror goods but keeps it middle grade.
4. Writes good funny.
5. Keeps the plot moving and the book short.
I continue to think his endings are rushed and weak. In the specific case of this book, a little more exposition regarding who the scavenger hunt bad guy was would have helped.
But Strand is consistently good at what he does. An easy recommendation.
November 2, 2025
4⭐️
A fun, genuinely creepy kids’ horror book. I will definitely be reading more of the series!
A fun, genuinely creepy kids’ horror book. I will definitely be reading more of the series!
September 18, 2025
Honestly this book was kind of wild.
It was creepier than any kids book should be but also far outside of the realm of believability when it came to characters choices.
It was creepier than any kids book should be but also far outside of the realm of believability when it came to characters choices.
May 4, 2025
4.5 pretty funny if I’m honest🤣
April 3, 2025
4.5 rounded up
May 11, 2025
Eek continues with book three, “Finders Keepers.” And we have a return to form! Immediately, an undeniable praise I can give is the writing as well and representation of kids horror. Alike to the first book, this has some really dark undertones that I can’t share without spoiling the book, but they’re pretty messed up ideas. The whole situation is terrifying and the attitude of the game and what it asks of the players is blatantly crazy. But to contrast it, there’s some great dialogue and quality writing that really livens up the story. If Stine wrote this for Goosebumps (no offense), this wouldn’t have felt the same without the characters, now getting to them. The characters are very good, and whilst I feel there’s a bit too much, most of them are welcome additions and have, again, great dialogue. Maggie’s undying determination was very admirable and I quite liked that. The book is intended to be a joyride alike to Shock Street but with the seriousness of Jekyll and Heidi (which is pretty damn serious) and it works wonders, creating a fun ass story. Hard to put down even. Now for the criticism—the villain. Don’t get me wrong: his dark yet unassuming demeanor and the particular scene where he loses his cool is great, but it fell a wee bit flat with backstory, motive, and generally understanding the character. His lore is… vague. His motive is… scary as shit and mostly implied but not explained enough. And, he just needed more page time. His power is also hard to understand, as we see some instances of (how do I put this?) possibly/possibly not sorcery, but not enough. But aside from the critiques with him… too many characters. Overall, 9.5/10. A great return to form for the Eek series (sorry book two; too much action, you have). And to the villain, Mr. Grange: if we’re getting technical here, molecules from objects transfer through our atmosphere, and depart their source when lifted, moved, or touched. Therefore, fuck your rules about microscopic glass shards being on the floor—you are asking an impossible tasks you hog-swoggling moron.
April 27, 2025
Was better than the 2nd in this trio of middle grade horror books by Strand.
After I LOVED the first book, and not liking the 2nd one, this was at least better than that one.
12 year old Maggie and her friends start to see signs posted all over their town of Farlow telling and heralding the coming of the Annual Scavenger Hunt for all kids 16 and Under Only, and they cannot wait! Will her and her friends be the winning team of $10,000.00 though? What! That is a lot of money, and they start to wonder when the strange old and scary man who is the Host of it comes to town if this is for real or not?. The morning of the hunt they all must arrive at 6 in the morning, and their Parents are not allowed in the lot. The rules are simple, be the first to find all the items on your cards, bring them back, and your team wins! The items start out very simple....'Find an egg'. An egg? Come on, how easy is this going to be. Then a pencil......etc. But then they are asked to do something against the law and it involves Vandalism to the School! Then.....when these requests start involving things like having to find 10 LIVE tarantulas! NOPE, I would have dropped out right here and there! Not Maggie..... Then things really get dark, they must go into the Cemetary! This might be a bit too scary for 7 to 10 year old readers, however I being an adult thought it was great, if only the ending would have been as great as I thought Strand was going to make it and he did not pull thru. I still would recommend this to any young readers of scary kids stories, and are just tipping their toes into the murky and dark scary waters in the haunted lake in their own towns!
2.5 HUGE Spider Legs!
After I LOVED the first book, and not liking the 2nd one, this was at least better than that one.
12 year old Maggie and her friends start to see signs posted all over their town of Farlow telling and heralding the coming of the Annual Scavenger Hunt for all kids 16 and Under Only, and they cannot wait! Will her and her friends be the winning team of $10,000.00 though? What! That is a lot of money, and they start to wonder when the strange old and scary man who is the Host of it comes to town if this is for real or not?. The morning of the hunt they all must arrive at 6 in the morning, and their Parents are not allowed in the lot. The rules are simple, be the first to find all the items on your cards, bring them back, and your team wins! The items start out very simple....'Find an egg'. An egg? Come on, how easy is this going to be. Then a pencil......etc. But then they are asked to do something against the law and it involves Vandalism to the School! Then.....when these requests start involving things like having to find 10 LIVE tarantulas! NOPE, I would have dropped out right here and there! Not Maggie..... Then things really get dark, they must go into the Cemetary! This might be a bit too scary for 7 to 10 year old readers, however I being an adult thought it was great, if only the ending would have been as great as I thought Strand was going to make it and he did not pull thru. I still would recommend this to any young readers of scary kids stories, and are just tipping their toes into the murky and dark scary waters in the haunted lake in their own towns!
2.5 HUGE Spider Legs!
June 7, 2025
3.5 stars, rounded up. This book was intensely creepy. The further we got into the scavenger hunt, the worse the feeling in the pit of my stomach (as an adult, no less). But then the grand finale fell a little flat for me. While I celebrated that our main character, Maggie, shows bravery and true character against the villain, the villain just "evaporates"? It's just a little too convenient....and weird without some explanation as to why it would happen that way. Nonetheless, it was a fun scare and one I'm sure our middle school students will enjoy.
July 12, 2025
My daughter and I read this together. It's a book for children. Her favorite character is Leo and she loved every time he tried to make a sarcastic joke. I agree, Leo is a good character. My favorite is Maggie because she is very loyal to her friends and is a quick thinker. My daughter said that the scavenger hunt is creepy and made her nervous when it started to take a wrong turn. It's not overly dark and the kids have a lot of courage. She said she loves the parts with the tarantulas and doesn't understand why so many people are afraid of them. Overall, this book is very enjoyable and fun.
October 1, 2025
Miss Lori is NOT a scary story fan....that being said, this one was good but gave me a few "wait, what?" moments! This book is the 3rd in a series of Jeff Strand "EEK!" books. This story revolves around a city-wide scavenger hunt for children of all ages, hosted by a strange man no one has ever seen. There is a HUGE cash prize for the winners, so everyone is excited to compete....until the items to be found become more and more difficult and scary. Quitting isn't an option, or else....
This is a good read for 5th graders and up. Those who really like scary and the bit absurd.
This is a good read for 5th graders and up. Those who really like scary and the bit absurd.
Read
August 22, 2025Really fun read. As a children's horror entry, I would absolutely love this. It gave R.L. Stine vibes, but was a bit lighter. I would say this is a good first horror book for kids age range 8-12. Every kid is different though in what they are leveled for, so know your kid before trusting my specific advice!
November 22, 2025
School library copy
Not quite as scary as I wanted it to be; something about the scavenger hunt felt rather unbelievable (they are supposed to break into a school? And get tarantulas from an antique shop?). If it had been more realistic, but with Mr. Grange being creepy, I would have liked it better. It was fast paced and engaging, though, and my students have checked it out quite a bit.
Not quite as scary as I wanted it to be; something about the scavenger hunt felt rather unbelievable (they are supposed to break into a school? And get tarantulas from an antique shop?). If it had been more realistic, but with Mr. Grange being creepy, I would have liked it better. It was fast paced and engaging, though, and my students have checked it out quite a bit.
July 22, 2025
Of the three books in the Eek! Series this is definitely my favorite one. More macabre than the others with great characters and an intriguing premise.
Like the other books though the end felt rushed as the conclusion happens so suddenly.
Like the other books though the end felt rushed as the conclusion happens so suddenly.
March 27, 2025
Quick fun read!
April 22, 2025
I love the Eek series!!! great read in between finals and lab compentecies to decompress 😮💨
July 16, 2025
Thank you @Librofm for the ALC.
October 23, 2025
So fun and cute!
May 27, 2025
Loved! The Eek! Series is a favorite. I wish I had these when I was younger but I’m loving them now. Fun, creepy, middle grade read.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews