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Ghosts of Gastown
"This eerie novel will attract readers who love tales of horror. The short chapters, fast-paced adventure, and likeable male and female characters will make Ghosts of Gastown a good choice for readers."" — Recommended, CM Review
"A piling on of villains and threats may add additional drama to the climactic face-off... with a whiplash-inducing reveal."—
Twelve-year-old Hope Graves can see the dead. But nobody believes her. Not even her best friend. When Hope and her mom move to the Gastown area of Vancouver, their new home isn't exactly as she imagined. The ancient apartment sits over a weird crystal shop, she misses her dad, and ghosts lurk around every corner. The worst part? The strange boy whose parents own the shop can see spirits too, and he won't stop bugging her about it.
Hope tries to avoid Oliver, but when a ghost appears in her bedroom with a haunting plea, he's the only person she can turn to for help. Trying to banish the spirit only leads them down a twisted path far more dangerous than any ghost.
"A piling on of villains and threats may add additional drama to the climactic face-off... with a whiplash-inducing reveal."—
Twelve-year-old Hope Graves can see the dead. But nobody believes her. Not even her best friend. When Hope and her mom move to the Gastown area of Vancouver, their new home isn't exactly as she imagined. The ancient apartment sits over a weird crystal shop, she misses her dad, and ghosts lurk around every corner. The worst part? The strange boy whose parents own the shop can see spirits too, and he won't stop bugging her about it.
Hope tries to avoid Oliver, but when a ghost appears in her bedroom with a haunting plea, he's the only person she can turn to for help. Trying to banish the spirit only leads them down a twisted path far more dangerous than any ghost.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2024
About the author
Jessica Renwick
10 books88 followersJessica Renwick is the author of the award winning The Book of Chaos, the first book in the fantasy series, Starfell, for middle grade children (and adults who love fantasy, magic, and adventure!).
She enjoys a hot cup of tea, gardening, her pets, consuming an entire novel in one sitting, and outdoor adventures. She resides in Alberta, Canada on a cozy urban homestead with her partner, tiny monster dog, four chickens, and an enchanted garden.
She enjoys a hot cup of tea, gardening, her pets, consuming an entire novel in one sitting, and outdoor adventures. She resides in Alberta, Canada on a cozy urban homestead with her partner, tiny monster dog, four chickens, and an enchanted garden.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 27, 2026
I am pretty easily frightened by what I am reading, and this is precisely the main reason why it has taken me almost four months to finish with Jessica Renwick's 2024 middle grade paranormal novel Ghosts of Gastown.
For albeit what Renwick has penned in Ghosts of Gastown is fast-paced and full of textual excitement (about ghostly visions and vengeful supernatural beings, but that Ghosts of Gastown also and poignantly so covers grief, loss, is about the unresolved issues of both the dead and the living, and with Vancouver’s Gastown district equally being an excellent and wonderfully descriptively presented geographic location, as the history of this area is filled with terrifyingly true events, such as for example a deadly and all-encompassing 1886 fire) and that not only main protagonist Hope Graves but pretty much every character inhabiting the pages of Ghost of Gastown (human, ghosts, monsters) have been textually endowed with depth and equally so with emotion by Jessica Renwick, well, all that positiveness totally and definitely utterly notwithstanding, I was still having to keep putting Ghosts of Gastown down for very long periods of time because Renwick's themes and even more so her textual contents for and throughout Ghosts of Gastown were (and also are) far too often truly too frightening for both my inner tween and adult me. And indeed, and unfortunately, even when reading Ghosts of Gastown now and as an almost sixty year old, sorry, but Renwick's story, her words have far too often been overly frightening, has been overly horror-filled (and have equally so thus given me some very much unwanted and hugely vividly terrifying dreams).
Now the beginning of Ghosts of Gastown is actually (and in my opinion) not too frightening, albeit there is a lot of sadness present since Hope Graves is shown by Jessica Renwick as still massively grieving the death of her father and that Hope's mother (even though she writes paranormal thrillers) obviously does not only not believe in the existence of ghosts (which is kind of ironic considering her novels) but also very much impatiently and with rather massive invalidation dismisses even the possibility that ever since the accident which claimed the father's life, her daughter Hope can see ghosts and is also seeing them pretty much everywhere. And indeed, if Renwick would keep the presence of phantoms and the like to a proverbial dull roar in Ghosts of Gastown (in other words not have all too many ghosts making appearances) and would also limit the violence and the horror scenarios, I would probably not have been as textually creeped out by and not been as frightened of so much of what is being textually shown and told in Ghosts of Gastown, and I would more than likely have been able to both quickly finish reading Ghosts of Gastown and to also not have had the frightening and perusal based and caused nightmares mentioned and alluded to above. But Jessica Renwick having in Ghosts of Gastown the ghosts, monsters etc. multiplying rather exponentially after Hope Graves has her first ghostly vision and encounter in Ghosts of Gastown (in her and her mother's Gastown apartment) and the ever increasing horror, violence and threats galore, yes, this certainly has not only been overly creepy and too horror like for me, it also was becoming a bit tedious (and that this combination of being unwantedly frightened and also sometimes a bit bored by Renwick's focus on violence and phantoms, phantoms, phantoms, on monsters, monsters, monsters, this and taking almost four months to read Ghosts of Gastown has definitely negatively affected my reading pleasure, and that my three star rating for Ghosts of Gastown and for Jessica Renwick's story is actually also rather generous of me).
For albeit what Renwick has penned in Ghosts of Gastown is fast-paced and full of textual excitement (about ghostly visions and vengeful supernatural beings, but that Ghosts of Gastown also and poignantly so covers grief, loss, is about the unresolved issues of both the dead and the living, and with Vancouver’s Gastown district equally being an excellent and wonderfully descriptively presented geographic location, as the history of this area is filled with terrifyingly true events, such as for example a deadly and all-encompassing 1886 fire) and that not only main protagonist Hope Graves but pretty much every character inhabiting the pages of Ghost of Gastown (human, ghosts, monsters) have been textually endowed with depth and equally so with emotion by Jessica Renwick, well, all that positiveness totally and definitely utterly notwithstanding, I was still having to keep putting Ghosts of Gastown down for very long periods of time because Renwick's themes and even more so her textual contents for and throughout Ghosts of Gastown were (and also are) far too often truly too frightening for both my inner tween and adult me. And indeed, and unfortunately, even when reading Ghosts of Gastown now and as an almost sixty year old, sorry, but Renwick's story, her words have far too often been overly frightening, has been overly horror-filled (and have equally so thus given me some very much unwanted and hugely vividly terrifying dreams).
Now the beginning of Ghosts of Gastown is actually (and in my opinion) not too frightening, albeit there is a lot of sadness present since Hope Graves is shown by Jessica Renwick as still massively grieving the death of her father and that Hope's mother (even though she writes paranormal thrillers) obviously does not only not believe in the existence of ghosts (which is kind of ironic considering her novels) but also very much impatiently and with rather massive invalidation dismisses even the possibility that ever since the accident which claimed the father's life, her daughter Hope can see ghosts and is also seeing them pretty much everywhere. And indeed, if Renwick would keep the presence of phantoms and the like to a proverbial dull roar in Ghosts of Gastown (in other words not have all too many ghosts making appearances) and would also limit the violence and the horror scenarios, I would probably not have been as textually creeped out by and not been as frightened of so much of what is being textually shown and told in Ghosts of Gastown, and I would more than likely have been able to both quickly finish reading Ghosts of Gastown and to also not have had the frightening and perusal based and caused nightmares mentioned and alluded to above. But Jessica Renwick having in Ghosts of Gastown the ghosts, monsters etc. multiplying rather exponentially after Hope Graves has her first ghostly vision and encounter in Ghosts of Gastown (in her and her mother's Gastown apartment) and the ever increasing horror, violence and threats galore, yes, this certainly has not only been overly creepy and too horror like for me, it also was becoming a bit tedious (and that this combination of being unwantedly frightened and also sometimes a bit bored by Renwick's focus on violence and phantoms, phantoms, phantoms, on monsters, monsters, monsters, this and taking almost four months to read Ghosts of Gastown has definitely negatively affected my reading pleasure, and that my three star rating for Ghosts of Gastown and for Jessica Renwick's story is actually also rather generous of me).
April 10, 2024
I absolutely adored this novel!
This book is a riveting paranormal read about ghosts, grief, and the power of family and friends to pull us out of the darkest of places.
Hope and her mom Emma, a famous author, have just moved to Vancouver for her mom's new writing project. Just months ago, her father passed away in a terrible car accident, but her grief is interrupted by the sudden appearance of otherworldly spirits. Why can she suddenly see them, and what does it mean? As Hope investigates this chilling phenomenon she unwittingly embarks on a quest to understand the new complexity of her world and face the paranormal threats to her safety.
Hope was a great main character. She's curious, resourceful, and determined. Grieving with such a loss at a young age is tough, and I think that was captured expertly. She befriends a boy named Oliver who helps his family run an occult shop downstairs from her. I loved Oliver's enthusiasm for life. It was infectious and brought a smile to my face. Her estranged friend Jaya was a great addition too. Together, their interactions with one another felt authentic and real, and that kept me invested in their fates.
The plot was super engaging. There's a lot of mystery present throughout, and I enjoyed learning more about this new world that runs alongside our own. There were plenty of chills and thrills scattered throughout, which I loved, but not too much scare factor to drive off a middle grade reader. Think City of Ghosts by VE Schwab, but a different interpretation.
I honestly have zero complaints about this masterpiece. Don't miss out on this one!
This book is a riveting paranormal read about ghosts, grief, and the power of family and friends to pull us out of the darkest of places.
Hope and her mom Emma, a famous author, have just moved to Vancouver for her mom's new writing project. Just months ago, her father passed away in a terrible car accident, but her grief is interrupted by the sudden appearance of otherworldly spirits. Why can she suddenly see them, and what does it mean? As Hope investigates this chilling phenomenon she unwittingly embarks on a quest to understand the new complexity of her world and face the paranormal threats to her safety.
Hope was a great main character. She's curious, resourceful, and determined. Grieving with such a loss at a young age is tough, and I think that was captured expertly. She befriends a boy named Oliver who helps his family run an occult shop downstairs from her. I loved Oliver's enthusiasm for life. It was infectious and brought a smile to my face. Her estranged friend Jaya was a great addition too. Together, their interactions with one another felt authentic and real, and that kept me invested in their fates.
The plot was super engaging. There's a lot of mystery present throughout, and I enjoyed learning more about this new world that runs alongside our own. There were plenty of chills and thrills scattered throughout, which I loved, but not too much scare factor to drive off a middle grade reader. Think City of Ghosts by VE Schwab, but a different interpretation.
I honestly have zero complaints about this masterpiece. Don't miss out on this one!
September 11, 2024
*Thank you to Edelweiss for the ARC of this book*
Hope Graves is haunted, by the grief of losing her father, by the many pesky ghosts of Gastown and maybe something even more sinister.
I loved every page of this gorgeous middle grade novel. Hope’s adventure is one full of heart and courage that’ll keep you turning the pages. The friendships feel real and Hope’s arc is touching and just like her name suggests - hopeful. This is a tale full of spooks and shenanigans told in a setting that feels so alive it bursts from the page while also beautifully handling the complexities of parental loss at a young age. I loved spending time with this little group of misfits and the adults that surround them who have so much love for each other that you can’t help but feel connected to them.
Hope Graves is haunted, by the grief of losing her father, by the many pesky ghosts of Gastown and maybe something even more sinister.
I loved every page of this gorgeous middle grade novel. Hope’s adventure is one full of heart and courage that’ll keep you turning the pages. The friendships feel real and Hope’s arc is touching and just like her name suggests - hopeful. This is a tale full of spooks and shenanigans told in a setting that feels so alive it bursts from the page while also beautifully handling the complexities of parental loss at a young age. I loved spending time with this little group of misfits and the adults that surround them who have so much love for each other that you can’t help but feel connected to them.
February 14, 2026
This story had very cute friendship dynamics. Hope’s budding friendship with Oliver, and her cracked friendship with Jaya felt realistic. And how they came together at the end was sweet and powerful.
The demon in this book has solidified my fear of snakes. And the reaper has me thinking about how even immortal beings can become carpeted.
The demon in this book has solidified my fear of snakes. And the reaper has me thinking about how even immortal beings can become carpeted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2024
From the very opening of this story, you’re pulled into a topsy turvy world of a young girl who’s dealing with a lot of trauma. She explores her new city, making a very quirky new friend, while coping with her newfound talent of seeing ghosts.
Start to finish the story maintains a grip on you while you read it, allowing heartfelt moments without lessening the scary ones. Our main character learns conflict resolution organically, while managing to cope with a significant loss.
The city becomes like a character itself, allowing for some history lessons along with the beautiful descriptions.
It was very much a “read in one sitting” kind of book, and I suspect middle grade readers will love how fast paced and engaging it is.
Start to finish the story maintains a grip on you while you read it, allowing heartfelt moments without lessening the scary ones. Our main character learns conflict resolution organically, while managing to cope with a significant loss.
The city becomes like a character itself, allowing for some history lessons along with the beautiful descriptions.
It was very much a “read in one sitting” kind of book, and I suspect middle grade readers will love how fast paced and engaging it is.
June 19, 2025
Look... I don't know who told you about the jellyfish thing... But i need you to STOP.
This book falls into many of the same traps that befall middle grade books: a rapid climax to the story, a wildly overpowered, world-ending monster, a deus ex machina moment, someone discovering powers they didn't have until the last minute, and everyone all well and good at the end and bffs forever.
All that being said I dug this book. It was fun and spooky with a touch of history. The MCs were going through a lot and I appreciated how legitimately difficult it was for both mom and Hope to work at getting back to a normal life while still grieving. And then GHOSTS!
I loved that the characters were so varied - from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds. I do wish some of the characters were more fleshed out ( or even introduced in Maman's case) but it's a kids book and you can't have it all.
Felt primed for a sequel with everyone getting together for Halloween...
This book falls into many of the same traps that befall middle grade books: a rapid climax to the story, a wildly overpowered, world-ending monster, a deus ex machina moment, someone discovering powers they didn't have until the last minute, and everyone all well and good at the end and bffs forever.
All that being said I dug this book. It was fun and spooky with a touch of history. The MCs were going through a lot and I appreciated how legitimately difficult it was for both mom and Hope to work at getting back to a normal life while still grieving. And then GHOSTS!
I loved that the characters were so varied - from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds. I do wish some of the characters were more fleshed out ( or even introduced in Maman's case) but it's a kids book and you can't have it all.
Felt primed for a sequel with everyone getting together for Halloween...
December 28, 2025
I would have given this book a five if it weren't for the copious number of errors in it. Words were missing, words were in the wrong order and sometimes there were extra words. I really hate it when books for kids are like this. As a librarian for an elementary school, I am conflicted about putting this book in our collection. We want kids to read to learn better grammar and sentence structure organically, but this book will really not help, which is disappointing.
February 27, 2026
A nice middle school read about a girl who discovers the ability to communicate with ghosts. This book isn't too scary for children but will keep them wondering about what will come next. The main character experiences loss so children will encounter her grieving the loss of a loved one but also the changes that makes in her family.
November 16, 2024
This was a lot of fun! I loved Hope, Oliver and Jaya, they're all so clever and make a fantastic team. This has a great level of suspense, and the depiction of grief here is so realistic; Renwick did a great job, this is cozy while also having bones to it. I enjoyed it!
November 29, 2024
Page-turner and definitely on the scary side. Set in current Vancouver, it offers a unique view of how unresolved grief can haunt us.
October 16, 2025
Silver Birch 2026
March 9, 2026
God I love a paranormal book. The theme for the nominees this year seems so ghosty. GREAT way to wrap up my Silver Birch books. 10/10!!!!!
Silver Birch Fiction 2026
Silver Birch Fiction 2026
March 29, 2026
Super cute (and at times quite scary!) middle grade story about ghosts, Gastown and friendship.
May 13, 2026
I read this on libby and there were grammatical mistakes, sentences missing words and repeated words that don’t make sense. The texting was so outdated, no twelve year old texts like that.
May 23, 2024
*Thank you to Great Plains Press for the eARC.*
Charming, creepy, and full of heart.
Ghosts of Gastown offers a fast-paced paranormal horror set amongst the history of Vancouver. The story follows twelve-year Hope as she manages grief over the death of her father and the move to a new city.
Of course, settling in isn't that easy when her mom is a busy horror author and Hope starts seeing ghosts—including the one in her closet. When the ghosts begin to close in on Hope and her new friend, Oliver, they decide to investigate on their own.
Jessica Renwick offers a story that brilliantly weaves a tight plot with realistic characters, while exploring themes of friendship, family, and grief. Middle grade readers will relate to friendship fallout, parental loss and connection, problem solving, conflict resolution, and a love of video games. Hope may not always make the right decision, but she knows she has people in her corner.
Ghosts of Gastown will leave you smiling and give you goosebumps on the next page. The horror aspects are well balanced with the story's charm and sprinkling of Vancouver history, all while you anticipate the next paranormal appearance.
I want to join Team Spirit with Hope, Oliver and Jaya!
Charming, creepy, and full of heart.
Ghosts of Gastown offers a fast-paced paranormal horror set amongst the history of Vancouver. The story follows twelve-year Hope as she manages grief over the death of her father and the move to a new city.
Of course, settling in isn't that easy when her mom is a busy horror author and Hope starts seeing ghosts—including the one in her closet. When the ghosts begin to close in on Hope and her new friend, Oliver, they decide to investigate on their own.
Jessica Renwick offers a story that brilliantly weaves a tight plot with realistic characters, while exploring themes of friendship, family, and grief. Middle grade readers will relate to friendship fallout, parental loss and connection, problem solving, conflict resolution, and a love of video games. Hope may not always make the right decision, but she knows she has people in her corner.
Ghosts of Gastown will leave you smiling and give you goosebumps on the next page. The horror aspects are well balanced with the story's charm and sprinkling of Vancouver history, all while you anticipate the next paranormal appearance.
I want to join Team Spirit with Hope, Oliver and Jaya!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews