Ghost Therapy

by Mark Rosendorf

Pinedale Central High School is rumored to be haunted. For fifteen-year-old Sam Anderson, his haunting comes from the bullying he suffers each day within the school’s walls. Sam doesn’t believe the rumors, not until he meets Jessica, a former Pinedale student who died over one hundred years ago. No one can see or hear her except for Sam.
Jessica convinces Sam to stand up to his bully. Unfortunately, the confrontation ends in tragedy. Now Sam is one of the ghosts no one can see or hear. At least not until he meets a former military operative, now Pinedale’s newest Guidance Counselor, Mr. Copeland.

The two form a bond created out of Copeland’s determination to help Sam find his way to the afterlife. Their efforts, however, have consequences…some good, some not so good, and one that could put the lives of everyone in the school at risk.

Ghost Therapy opens the series, “The Haunting of Pinedale High,” presented by the authors of The Wild Rose Press.

Genres: Paranormal

154 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2024

About the author

Mark Rosendorf is the author of the award-winning young adult fantasy novels that make up The Witches of Vegas series. So far this includes: The Witches of Vegas, Journey To New Salem, and Witch’s Gamble. He is also credited with other works such as The Rasner Effect.
When Mark is not writing about witches and vampires, he works as a high school guidance counselor for students with special needs in the New York City’s public school system. Mark holds a Master of Science in Education from Long Island University. He is also a former magician and once worked in the hotel industry.
You can learn more about Mark and The Witches of Vegas, or get in touch with him through his website: www.markrosendorf.com

Reviews

[Julie Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a review copy of this book and it was both disturbing and fascinating. Disturbing because of the amount of violence and how bullying was not taken seriously - the victim blamed for not fighting back. Poor teaching at the very least. Fascinating because of the idea of ghosts and how this story unfolded.

I liked the first-person narrative, which gave depth to the tale as a whole. It was intriguing how the story moved to other characters.

Overall, this was an engaging and interesting read.

Worth a look.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghost Therapy is the gripping first installment in a young adult series by The Wild Rose Press, set in the haunted halls of Pinedale High School. The story centers around Sam, a bullied student whose life takes an unexpected turn when he meets the new guidance counselor, Mr. Copeland. A former special ops soldier, Mr. Copeland brings a unique and intense approach to his role, promising a school year like no other.

From the very first page, Ghost Therapy ensnares the reader with its vivid characters and compelling narrative. Rosendorf’s writing is sharp and engaging, making it nearly impossible to put the book down. The characters, especially Sam and Mr. Copeland, are well-developed and feel incredibly real. Their interplay adds depth to the story, making their journey both relatable and fascinating.

One of the most impressive aspects of Ghost Therapy is its unexpected plot twists. Just when you think you have the story figured out, Rosendorf masterfully turns the tables, keeping the reader on their toes and eager to see what happens next. These twists are seamlessly woven into the plot, maintaining a fast-paced and exciting narrative throughout.

The book never had a dull moment, balancing tension and humor. Some scenes had me laughing out loud, which was a delightful surprise in a book with dark undertones. The blend of suspense and light-hearted moments created a well-rounded and thoroughly enjoyable read.

I wholeheartedly recommend Ghost Therapy to anyone looking for an engaging and thrilling read. Whether you are a fan of young adult fiction, paranormal stories, or simply enjoy well-crafted characters and unpredictable plots, this book will not disappoint. Mark Rosendorf has proven himself to be a talented storyteller, and I eagerly look forward to diving into more of his books.

Ghost Therapy is a must-read that promises to captivate, entertain, and leave you wanting more. As the first book in a series with contributions from other talented authors from The Wild Rose Press, I am excited to explore more books in this series and discover the unique tales each author brings to the haunted halls of Pinedale High School.

My Rating: 5+ stars

Reviewed by: Lana

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[Susie Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fifteen-year-old Sam Anderson is a disadvantaged, bullied student attending Pinedale Central High School, which is rumored to be haunted. Sam does not believe the rumors until he encounters a female student ghost who encourages Sam to stand up to his bully. Sam reluctantly takes her advice, which unfortunately takes a tragic turn when Sam’s tormentor goes too far with retaliation and kills Sam. For decades, Sam the ghost roams the hallways of the school, unable to move on to the afterlife. Sam’s fortunes appear to change when the new Guidance Counselor, Mr. Copeland arrives at the school and can see and communicate with the hapless ghost. Mr. Copeland’s efforts to help Sam move on have unexpected consequences that threaten the entire school and both he and Sam must rise to the occasion to defend against the threat.
YA author Mark Rosendorf has taken the perennial issue of teenage bullying and sent it to another plane. The author’s well-plotted tale is chocked full of twists and turns that keep readers guessing and peppered with sharp and clever dialog. Rosendorf has created a cast of believable, but imperfect characters who are ordinary people thrust into doing extraordinary things.
Rosendorf’s detailed descriptions of both the ghosts as well as their experiences are so exquisitely vivid that readers cross over from fantasy to the possibility of the experience being real. If you didn’t believe in ghosts before, by the end of this book you’ll be a true believer. The author takes readers on a wild rollercoaster ride through the next dimension at a breakneck pace. Ghost Therapy is a triumph of fantasy colliding with reality and the result is an unforgettable story of hope and redemption and the inner strength one must summon to face adversity created by human fallibility and fate.
Ghost Therapy is a story that both YA and adult readers will enjoy and relate to.

[Kaye Lynne Booth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The set-up and execution of this story is delightful, making me smile and even earning a few chuckles along the way. The one thing I found distracting was that in the last half of the story, the antagonists last name alternates between Baker, as it was in the first part of the story, and Barton, for some reason, being the later in some places and the original in others. But I must say that Rosendorf does a skillful job of switching smoothly from one protagonist to the next when Sam finally passes on from his ghostly existence and the story.

A skillfully crafted story, but it could have used another editing run. I found Ghost Therapy to be highly entertaining, a perfect middle-grade ghost story.

You can read my full review on my blog: https://writingtoberead.com/2025/09/1...

[Ag · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, turns out I'm reading a new book series now by @thewildrosepress!
I knew I was going to read a few ghosty-spooky-themed books, but turns out there is a book series coming, and the first books are here already! I read another one (Raven Spirit) a few days ago and then today I read this, and all I can say is that this is going to be great, I hope there are way more books like those two in the series!
This is another YA/teen read with a paranormal, ghostly, spooky twist. It is set against the backdrop of school and reminds readers just how horrible and toxic schools can be with all the bullying.
Well-told, well-written, and of perfect length (just about 150 pages), this book is a gripping read for most school-aged kids. Who can say no to a haunted school tale?

[Kimberly Baer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, the kickoff to The Wild Rose Press’s paranormal series The Haunting of Pinedale High. The author’s experience as a high school guidance counselor shines through, lending an air of authenticity to the characters and setting. The interactions between Sam and guidance counselor Mr. Copeland are particularly realistic. The story is both thoughtful and thrilling as it addresses the issue of bullying while navigating myriad plot twists and heart-pounding action scenes. The ending wraps things up nicely while hinting at more fun to come in subsequent books.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good ghost story.

[Country Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a paranormal YA story involving a MMC names Sam who is 15 and being bullied at his high school. The principal does nothing except tell Sam to stand up to his bully, Kurt. Also Pinedale High is known as being a haunted high school:) He starts to see a ghost one day named Jess. They start to talk and gain a relationship of being friends. The bully kills Sam and just like that Sam becomes a ghost! One day years later he meets Copeland, who is a therapist and can see Sam as a ghost! Copeland starts helping the ghosts of Pinedale High with their unfinished businesses. I liked the ending of this book to find out what happens to Sam and Kurt.

[L.N. Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-developed story, but rather dismissive attitude to serious violence

Engaging story, in the main told from a ghost's viewpoint, with a final segment setting up the series nicely. Lots of clever twists and turns, though the logic at times seems a little arbitrary. The novel does feel like it sits somewhat at the young end of YA, but possibly too old for MG, because of the violence - or rather, the aftermath of violence. That's my main criticism of the book: people are killed (there's even a school shooting) and practically the day after, everything's back to normal; in one case, a murder is covered up by teachers.

[Kat Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Rosendorf puts his experience from working with challenged students to good use with this story of a disadvantaged, troubled young man with little to go on and nowhere to turn. Until he dies at the hands of a bully and eventually meets up with someone who has his number. And suddenly this young man sees the light—no pun intended. This is a story of hope and redemption, clarity and change.______

On a scale of 1-5, Ghost Therapy merits a 5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews