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Dead Scary: The ghost who refused to leave
Adam is an ordinary boy, except for one thing. He can see and talk with ghosts. When his family moves into what seems like the home of his dreams, Adam finds out it isn't his dream home after all. Edward Lawrence, a bossy ghost who was Adam's age when he died, regards the home as his own and he doesn't want to share it with an annoying boy who can see him. After Edward fails to convince Adam to get his family to move out, he seeks powerful help from the earthbound spirit world to get rid of them. However, Adam has an ally in the earthbound spirit world as well as knowing a handful of tricks to get rid of ghosts. Adam just has to get rid of Edward before the Council of Earthbound Spirits authorizes Warrior Spirits to get rid of Adam and his family. But will Adam succeed in time? When you're the only one who knows, you're on your own. Book Categories: * Ghost stories for kids 9 - 12 * Adventure books for kids 9 - 12 * Ghost children * Children's books for kindle ages 9-12
152 pages, Paperback
First published December 4, 2014
280 people are currently reading
533 people want to read
About the author
Sally Gould
11 books50 followersSally loved books from a young age, but never considered writing them. While she was busy getting up to the mischief that teenagers get up to, she forgot about books all together. Then total insanity took hold and she became a corporate lawyer. Fortunately, she had two sons and they inspired her to write stories for children. Of course, her oldest son is responsible, logical, studious, considerate, grateful and even makes his bed. The youngest one is only interested in having fun – lots of it. And, except for his teachers, he makes everyone laugh. Their antics have inspired many of Sally’s stories. Sally lives in Melbourne, Australia with her family and two dogs – Pebbles, who is sensible, and Jade, who just wants to have fun.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 16, 2019
A surprisingly entertaining read that although is aimed at young readers works equally well for adults who like a more cosy read.
This really had everything. An Australian setting, (Yay! Another Aussie author) an urban fantasy genre and heightened tension when both our protagonist and antagonist are put in danger. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale and look forward to reading more from the author.
This really had everything. An Australian setting, (Yay! Another Aussie author) an urban fantasy genre and heightened tension when both our protagonist and antagonist are put in danger. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale and look forward to reading more from the author.
January 14, 2015
Dead Scary is a great book. This is the first book I've read with a ghost as a main character. It was a hard to put down because from the first chapter I really wanted to know the ending. The second half of the book was especially exciting. The main character is funny and I wish I had his powers!
March 26, 2015
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
(Spoilers within)
The story is simple enough. In this tale the main character, Adam, can see ghosts, or "Earthbound Spirits". He's always been able to do this and considers dealing with them a normal part of life even though his parents can't see them and don't believe they exist. His family inherits a dream home. Unfortunately, the ghost who lives there, Eddie, is stubborn and demanding and won't leave. Adam has to deal with Eddie all by himself.
I'd say there's mostly two characters in this book: Adam and Eddie. Other characters tend to exist to fill a role, like Adam's parents being big disbelievers, or his little sister being easily scared.
The story moves along at a good pace. The first strange I noticed was incomplete sentences. I think there were more of these at the beginning of the story than at the end, but there were still several cases.
His voice was as posh as.
Waiting until tomorrow to find out about this Edward Lawrence wasn't on.
Isabel, of course, thought she was as clever as.
Ghosts are pure energy, so teleporting is as easy as.
Every time I ran into one of these I stopped to re-read and make sure I hadn't missed something.
There were also times it just said stuff.
That must've been a good answer, because Mom gave me a quick smile and Eddie rolled his eyes and disappeared. We'd only just moved in and he already seemed to be fond of Emily.
His action doesn't show him being fond of her at all. It's just said out of nowhere.
So, the story goes along, Adam and Eddie can't stand each other, and Eddie decides to use his connections in order to force Adam and his family out of the house. Apparently, because of his high position in the Earthbound Spirit world, he can get the Council to send Warrior Spirits in order to force them out, and Warrior Spirits can essentially destroy a person's soul or something.
There were two things about the plot that boggled my mind.
One: When Isabel says, I don't see why the Council can't sit them both down and force them to work things out.
The response she gets is:
The Council doesn't have the authority to do that."
The Council can send the elite supernatural assassin squad but they can't ask them to try and talk it out? This isn't even attempted.
The second problem is that Adam is a child and is the only one who knows about the spirit world, and they're expecting Adam to convince his family to leave their brand new house. How? Young children are the ones who make those sort of decisions. You can't just hand them a magazine listing other houses and expect Adam to hop on over to the next home. It made no sense for so many people to expect Adam to be able to do that.
This book is meant for grade schoolers who may not even notice those things. It definitely taxed my suspension of disbelief as an adult, but kids might just chug along and not care.
It otherwise has a fun story to follow along with that the target audience will probably love so, despite the issues I had with it, I didn't have a hard time reading it.
(Spoilers within)
The story is simple enough. In this tale the main character, Adam, can see ghosts, or "Earthbound Spirits". He's always been able to do this and considers dealing with them a normal part of life even though his parents can't see them and don't believe they exist. His family inherits a dream home. Unfortunately, the ghost who lives there, Eddie, is stubborn and demanding and won't leave. Adam has to deal with Eddie all by himself.
I'd say there's mostly two characters in this book: Adam and Eddie. Other characters tend to exist to fill a role, like Adam's parents being big disbelievers, or his little sister being easily scared.
The story moves along at a good pace. The first strange I noticed was incomplete sentences. I think there were more of these at the beginning of the story than at the end, but there were still several cases.
His voice was as posh as.
Waiting until tomorrow to find out about this Edward Lawrence wasn't on.
Isabel, of course, thought she was as clever as.
Ghosts are pure energy, so teleporting is as easy as.
Every time I ran into one of these I stopped to re-read and make sure I hadn't missed something.
There were also times it just said stuff.
That must've been a good answer, because Mom gave me a quick smile and Eddie rolled his eyes and disappeared. We'd only just moved in and he already seemed to be fond of Emily.
His action doesn't show him being fond of her at all. It's just said out of nowhere.
So, the story goes along, Adam and Eddie can't stand each other, and Eddie decides to use his connections in order to force Adam and his family out of the house. Apparently, because of his high position in the Earthbound Spirit world, he can get the Council to send Warrior Spirits in order to force them out, and Warrior Spirits can essentially destroy a person's soul or something.
There were two things about the plot that boggled my mind.
One: When Isabel says, I don't see why the Council can't sit them both down and force them to work things out.
The response she gets is:
The Council doesn't have the authority to do that."
The Council can send the elite supernatural assassin squad but they can't ask them to try and talk it out? This isn't even attempted.
The second problem is that Adam is a child and is the only one who knows about the spirit world, and they're expecting Adam to convince his family to leave their brand new house. How? Young children are the ones who make those sort of decisions. You can't just hand them a magazine listing other houses and expect Adam to hop on over to the next home. It made no sense for so many people to expect Adam to be able to do that.
This book is meant for grade schoolers who may not even notice those things. It definitely taxed my suspension of disbelief as an adult, but kids might just chug along and not care.
It otherwise has a fun story to follow along with that the target audience will probably love so, despite the issues I had with it, I didn't have a hard time reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2015
"A Very Compelling Ghost Story For Young Adults"
This exciting ghost story takes place in Melbourne, Australia, home of the author, Sally Gould. It's about 14-year-old Adam Castle who's mom has inherited the whole fortune of her rich uncle. The new home they buy is a mansion called "Woodlands" and it has a tennis court, swimming pool, spa, and a game room. Adam is excited about all the benefits which come with the house, but his young sister, Emily, is not too happy about moving. However, when they move in she quickly changes her mind as she, Adam, and dog Caesar, race down the wide, long hallway to their new rooms, which are very spacious compared to their past home. Soon, Caesar races back up the hall to the study. When Adam arrives, there is a boy, his own age, sitting on the window sill. His name is Edward Lawrence, and he is ... a ghost! That's no problem for Adam as he's always been able to telepathically communicate with ghosts and sees them. He is also among the very few who can see the ghosts' auras. No one knows Adam can see ghosts except for his granddad, who also has the gift, who now lives in Ireland. As they start communicating, Adam learns that Edward had died in 1945, at the age of 14, and Woodlands had been his home. He's the self-appointed guardian of the house and presents a set of rules which all tenants must adhere to while they look for another house to call home. Adam tells him, "Not in a million years are we moving!" Thus the war is about to begin. How will Adam win his way when Eddie has the Warrior Spirits to aid him? Can this problem be peacefully dealt with? Can the two boys agree to get along? This is a very fun read which young adults will find easy to read and very absorbing. It's very well written, and I think there is good lessons here to be learned about compromise. Highly recommend this captivating novel.
This exciting ghost story takes place in Melbourne, Australia, home of the author, Sally Gould. It's about 14-year-old Adam Castle who's mom has inherited the whole fortune of her rich uncle. The new home they buy is a mansion called "Woodlands" and it has a tennis court, swimming pool, spa, and a game room. Adam is excited about all the benefits which come with the house, but his young sister, Emily, is not too happy about moving. However, when they move in she quickly changes her mind as she, Adam, and dog Caesar, race down the wide, long hallway to their new rooms, which are very spacious compared to their past home. Soon, Caesar races back up the hall to the study. When Adam arrives, there is a boy, his own age, sitting on the window sill. His name is Edward Lawrence, and he is ... a ghost! That's no problem for Adam as he's always been able to telepathically communicate with ghosts and sees them. He is also among the very few who can see the ghosts' auras. No one knows Adam can see ghosts except for his granddad, who also has the gift, who now lives in Ireland. As they start communicating, Adam learns that Edward had died in 1945, at the age of 14, and Woodlands had been his home. He's the self-appointed guardian of the house and presents a set of rules which all tenants must adhere to while they look for another house to call home. Adam tells him, "Not in a million years are we moving!" Thus the war is about to begin. How will Adam win his way when Eddie has the Warrior Spirits to aid him? Can this problem be peacefully dealt with? Can the two boys agree to get along? This is a very fun read which young adults will find easy to read and very absorbing. It's very well written, and I think there is good lessons here to be learned about compromise. Highly recommend this captivating novel.
March 16, 2015
One time, a friend of mine was arguing with me about the existence of God. We went back and forth for quite a while, until he asked, "Well, what about ghosts?"
"Umm, ghosts aren't real, man" I replied.
But this book makes me wonder. Because the relationships that Adam has with ghosts seem very real. I mean, his best friend is a ghost. But this book isn't about friendly ghosts, it's about an angry ghost who wants his house back.
But Adam isn't afraid. In fact, he taunts the ghost that haunts his house. "Bring it on!" he says. "Oh, you've got Warrior Spirits that are going to drag me out of my house kicking and screaming? Heh. Sure you do."
But there really are Warrior Spirits. They're like a SWAT team for the spirit world. They show up, guns blazing, and evict whomever they please. Okay, they don't really have guns. That'd be silly. But they got flaming swords, at least. That'll scare em!
But it doesn't scare Adam. He knows the SWAT team is on its way, and he doesn't care. He's got an ace in his back pocket. His grandpa has fought ghosts for ages, and he gives Adam the advice he needs to fight off the ghostly SWAT team.
Apparently, Archangel Michael is an instant-win card for the living. All you have to do is call on him, and wham-o, Archangel Michael shows up, and saves the day. It's a good thing too, because the SWAT team had filled Adam's house with smoke, and covered it in ghostly ice. It was looking pretty nasty, until Archie showed up.
So, don't be afraid of ghosts. If they're real, you can always call on uncle Archie to help you out. Just don't try to have a conversation with the guy... He's kind of anti-social.
"Umm, ghosts aren't real, man" I replied.
But this book makes me wonder. Because the relationships that Adam has with ghosts seem very real. I mean, his best friend is a ghost. But this book isn't about friendly ghosts, it's about an angry ghost who wants his house back.
But Adam isn't afraid. In fact, he taunts the ghost that haunts his house. "Bring it on!" he says. "Oh, you've got Warrior Spirits that are going to drag me out of my house kicking and screaming? Heh. Sure you do."
But there really are Warrior Spirits. They're like a SWAT team for the spirit world. They show up, guns blazing, and evict whomever they please. Okay, they don't really have guns. That'd be silly. But they got flaming swords, at least. That'll scare em!
But it doesn't scare Adam. He knows the SWAT team is on its way, and he doesn't care. He's got an ace in his back pocket. His grandpa has fought ghosts for ages, and he gives Adam the advice he needs to fight off the ghostly SWAT team.
Apparently, Archangel Michael is an instant-win card for the living. All you have to do is call on him, and wham-o, Archangel Michael shows up, and saves the day. It's a good thing too, because the SWAT team had filled Adam's house with smoke, and covered it in ghostly ice. It was looking pretty nasty, until Archie showed up.
So, don't be afraid of ghosts. If they're real, you can always call on uncle Archie to help you out. Just don't try to have a conversation with the guy... He's kind of anti-social.
April 22, 2015
Adam and his family move into their dream house. Adam can communicate with ghosts, see them and their auras. The house they just moved into is haunted by a ghost named Edward Lawrence. Eddie was trying to get Adam to move out of the house. Eddie was born there and his father worked at the house a lot so he did not want to leave. Eddie did not want someone to come in and change the house. Eddie talked to the earthbound Spirit Council to get them to send Warrior Spirits to try and get rid of Adam and his family. Only Adam and his grandfather can see ghosts so his family does not even know that there is a ghost there. His family does not even believe in spirits. Eddie has been trying to talk Adam into leaving. Eddie has been helping Adam but also trying to get rid of him.
I like ghost stories. I like fiction stories about ghosts. I like the characters in this book. Adam and Eddie are both good characters. I liked the part with the Spirit Warriors and how they can change shapes. I felt this is a good story.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes ghost stories.
July 1, 2015
I received this book from the author in a LibraryThing giveaway.
Adam is a young boy and there is a strange thing about him--he can see ghosts and can talk to them. He and his parents have just moved into what he considers "the house of his dreams." The only thing wrong is that it is inhabited by another young ghost, Edward. Edward doesn't want Adam and his family to live there and will go to great lengths to get rid of them. Will Edward be successful? And what will happen to Adam and his family if he does?
This was a delightful story, just right for middle grade readers. I liked the flow of the story, the characters were "real" including the ghost and the descriptions were fantastic (the iciness of the Warriors reminded me of Harry Potter's dementors).
I would recommend this book to all middle graders that like ghost stories and maybe to other adults as well (there are those of us that like to read middle grade stories).
Adam is a young boy and there is a strange thing about him--he can see ghosts and can talk to them. He and his parents have just moved into what he considers "the house of his dreams." The only thing wrong is that it is inhabited by another young ghost, Edward. Edward doesn't want Adam and his family to live there and will go to great lengths to get rid of them. Will Edward be successful? And what will happen to Adam and his family if he does?
This was a delightful story, just right for middle grade readers. I liked the flow of the story, the characters were "real" including the ghost and the descriptions were fantastic (the iciness of the Warriors reminded me of Harry Potter's dementors).
I would recommend this book to all middle graders that like ghost stories and maybe to other adults as well (there are those of us that like to read middle grade stories).
April 17, 2015
What would you do if a ghost lived in your house? Luckily, for the most of us we wouldn't know either way. Unless you're Adam who has the sight. The problem Adam has with Edward is all the rules Edward expects him to follow. Both believe the house is theirs and the fight is on.
I love the theme of friendship throughout the story. Friends can be found in the most unlikely of places, even if it's on another plane of existence.
Dead Scary is a well written book. It has a fast paced plot and it's young readers will never get bored. The characters are fun, vibrant and a little quirky. Yet, the the author still managed to make them real and believable. Overall, an exciting read for any young reader.
February 7, 2015
First, as soon as I received this First Reads book from Sally, my 8 year old son grabbed it and read the entire book in one night. He was devoured in the story. After prying the book from his hands the next morning, I have to say the story was very captivating. Who would not want to move into a new house only to find a secret left behind. On top of that, the story had a wonderful Christian finish to it, one that my family does does adhere to in our beliefs. There are spirits out there and when in a time of need, we do have someone to call on for our protection.
Awesome read! Thank you Sally, for we will surely pass along the recommendation for "Dead Scary"!
Awesome read! Thank you Sally, for we will surely pass along the recommendation for "Dead Scary"!
November 18, 2015
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I've always enjoyed books of the paranormal nature. While the focus in today's world seems to be more on vampires and werewolves, I enjoy a book that focuses on a good old fashioned ghost story.
Sally Gould has written a wonderfully clever and charming young adult/children's book about a young boy and the ghost he is forced to interact with. I enjoyed the fresh approach she took with the genre and found myself chuckling on more than one occasion.
Overall a fun and wonderful read for all ages.
I've always enjoyed books of the paranormal nature. While the focus in today's world seems to be more on vampires and werewolves, I enjoy a book that focuses on a good old fashioned ghost story.
Sally Gould has written a wonderfully clever and charming young adult/children's book about a young boy and the ghost he is forced to interact with. I enjoyed the fresh approach she took with the genre and found myself chuckling on more than one occasion.
Overall a fun and wonderful read for all ages.
March 22, 2015
Family drama in a teenage boy’s new home shared with Warrior Spirits and a dictatorial ghost turns normal life into chaos. Adam never expected the home of his dreams to create daily conflict between a ghost named Edward, and himself. Since Adam can see and speak with ghosts, it makes the story’s dialogue entertaining for young readers.
Join Adam in his efforts to rid his home of unsavory guests while protecting his family and avoiding trouble at school.
Each suspenseful page of Dead Scary will keep readers engaged in this unusual adventure.
Join Adam in his efforts to rid his home of unsavory guests while protecting his family and avoiding trouble at school.
Each suspenseful page of Dead Scary will keep readers engaged in this unusual adventure.
January 19, 2015
Dead Scary is a very enjoyable and exciting book. The main character Adam is a likeable and resourceful boy who finds himself sharing his family's new house with a ghost called Eddie. Both Adam and Eddie want each other to leave and I had to keep reading to find out how the story ends. This is a beautifully written and warm hearted book, equally suited to both boys and girls between 8 - 12 years old. Highly recommended.
January 23, 2017
Dead Scary: The Ghost Who Refused to Leave
Two young rogues, a dog, a smart girl and a duel.
Adam, his little sister Emily, Mum and Dad and dog Caesar move into Woodlands, a posh new house they have inherited. It's a dream house, except for one thing: it's haunted by Edward Lawrence, a snobby 1940's adolescent who used to live there. According to Edward Woodlands is his house and Adam, who is the only member of his family who can see ghosts, is unwelcome. Edward is determined to get the family out, and Adam is determined to get Edward out.
This was a very likable story, light at heart, with a few quite scary bits. The story is fast passed and the novel is short, so it could easily be read in a weekend.
Both Adam and Edward are likable in their own different ways, and also have failings which they have to overcome. In some of their failings they are actually quite similar. This is definitely a story for those who like charming rogues. Isabel, Adam's ghost friend, turns up to represent the girls. She is brave and smart, so the girls will like her.
This story is set in Australia, so if you are interested in learning a little about what life is like in that place it may also interest you (although I don't mean to make out that this is a large part of the story).
September 2, 2024
This is a children's book but this book turned out to be a pleasant surprise for me, even as an adult reader. Despite being aimed at a younger audience, it offers a charming blend of adventure, humour, and just the right amount of spookiness 👻 that kept me hooked from start to finish.
Adam, the protagonist, is easy to root for. His ability to see and talk to ghosts adds a unique twist to the typical haunted house story. I loved how his interactions with Edward, the bossy ghost, were both funny and tense 😄👀. Their back-and-forth banter felt real, and I could see kids really enjoying the dynamic between them.
The world-building in this book is surprisingly rich, especially when it comes to the earthbound spirit world 🌍✨. The Council of Earthbound Spirits and the threat of Warrior Spirits added depth to the story, making it more than just a simple ghost tale. It was a nice touch that kept me engaged, and I imagine it would spark the imagination of younger readers too.
What I appreciated most was that the book never talked down to its readers. The plot is fast-paced and full of twists that kept me guessing 🤔, but it never felt too simple or childish. The author did a great job balancing suspense and humour, making it a fun read, no matter your age.
In the end, this book is more than just a ghost story—it’s about friendship, courage, and learning to let go 💕💪. It’s a heartwarming tale that’s perfect for kids, but with enough depth and wit to make it enjoyable for adults as well. If you’re looking for a quick, entertaining read that’s both spooky and sweet, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a try! 🎃📚
Adam, the protagonist, is easy to root for. His ability to see and talk to ghosts adds a unique twist to the typical haunted house story. I loved how his interactions with Edward, the bossy ghost, were both funny and tense 😄👀. Their back-and-forth banter felt real, and I could see kids really enjoying the dynamic between them.
The world-building in this book is surprisingly rich, especially when it comes to the earthbound spirit world 🌍✨. The Council of Earthbound Spirits and the threat of Warrior Spirits added depth to the story, making it more than just a simple ghost tale. It was a nice touch that kept me engaged, and I imagine it would spark the imagination of younger readers too.
What I appreciated most was that the book never talked down to its readers. The plot is fast-paced and full of twists that kept me guessing 🤔, but it never felt too simple or childish. The author did a great job balancing suspense and humour, making it a fun read, no matter your age.
In the end, this book is more than just a ghost story—it’s about friendship, courage, and learning to let go 💕💪. It’s a heartwarming tale that’s perfect for kids, but with enough depth and wit to make it enjoyable for adults as well. If you’re looking for a quick, entertaining read that’s both spooky and sweet, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a try! 🎃📚
May 17, 2022
The story was fun and good. Although predictable but good one. Didn't read the remaining stories as the author kept them in cliffhanger asking the readers to buy her other books to read the completed story. I understand the author wanted to get authors interested but this story it self is good to convince the readers that the author writes well.
February 14, 2017
Fast paced
I love ghost stories. This book was great, moved quickly and had new ideas for ghost seeing. Love fast reads, this one is fantastic.
I love ghost stories. This book was great, moved quickly and had new ideas for ghost seeing. Love fast reads, this one is fantastic.
December 4, 2020
Good,spooky but not horror
Good book and not scary, thought it wad g ok NBA be but turned out pretty good and bookings \interesting
Good book and not scary, thought it wad g ok NBA be but turned out pretty good and bookings \interesting
October 30, 2021
i guess it was ok
November 3, 2021
It was a very interesting story!
August 10, 2022
Interesting story
I would recommend this book to anybody who is interested in reading some cool horror stuff. It's not just very horror-horror but entertains too.
I would recommend this book to anybody who is interested in reading some cool horror stuff. It's not just very horror-horror but entertains too.
June 29, 2015
I have and probably always will ghost stories. They don't have to be super scary for me to enjoy them. They can even be funny. I grew up in an old farm house in Indiana that was haunted. My great-grandmother refused to go upstairs for that reason. My grandmother slept upstairs and since she was deaf heard none of the things the rest of us did. It took years before my father would admit to what he had seen as a child growing up in that house. I guess that is where my love of ghost stories began.
In this story we have a young boy named Adam who has moved with his family into what they consider their dream home. There is one problem, there is a ghost, who prefers to be called 'an earthbound spirit' who lives in the house. Adam sees Edward sitting in a window seat and introduces himself to him. Edward is shocked to learn that Adam can see him. Adam knows a lot about ghosts since one of his best friends is a ghost. Edward starts out by setting up rules he expects Adam and his family to follow. They are more like a list of demands. Adam is not going to abide by this bossy ghost. When Edward doesn't get his way he seeks help and his wish is granted. A pack of Warrior Spirits will evict them. What will Adam do to protect his sister? How can his ghost busting grandfather help from so far away? Will he and Edward ever be able to work things out or is it too late? This is a quick book to read. It took me less than an hour. The pacing is great and will definitely hold the attention of kids. This is another great ghost story to add to my school shelves. For the reluctant reader it is short enough to entice them and the story is well written so it will keep them reading. I wasn't familiar with this author but I will check out her other books. Hopefully there will be future ghost stories.
I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
In this story we have a young boy named Adam who has moved with his family into what they consider their dream home. There is one problem, there is a ghost, who prefers to be called 'an earthbound spirit' who lives in the house. Adam sees Edward sitting in a window seat and introduces himself to him. Edward is shocked to learn that Adam can see him. Adam knows a lot about ghosts since one of his best friends is a ghost. Edward starts out by setting up rules he expects Adam and his family to follow. They are more like a list of demands. Adam is not going to abide by this bossy ghost. When Edward doesn't get his way he seeks help and his wish is granted. A pack of Warrior Spirits will evict them. What will Adam do to protect his sister? How can his ghost busting grandfather help from so far away? Will he and Edward ever be able to work things out or is it too late? This is a quick book to read. It took me less than an hour. The pacing is great and will definitely hold the attention of kids. This is another great ghost story to add to my school shelves. For the reluctant reader it is short enough to entice them and the story is well written so it will keep them reading. I wasn't familiar with this author but I will check out her other books. Hopefully there will be future ghost stories.
I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
April 16, 2015
Dead Scary The Ghost - who refused to leave - by Sally Gould
When Adam’s mother inherits a mansion the whole family move from a small crowded home to luxury, tennis courts and swimming pools – the whole works. When they are moving in Adam meets Edward Lawrence, a young teenage ghost who has lived in the home since his death in 1945.
Adam learned early that he can see ghosts and their auras and only his Grandpa George knows. He is nonplussed when he encounters Edward but soon discovers that the ghost has a lot of attitude. He sets some pretty rigid rules for Adam and his family to live in ‘his’ house.
Adam knows that he has to get rid of the ghost and find out why he hasn’t gone to the ‘light’. He discovers more about Edward’s history with the help of his other friend Isabel. Isabel is also a ghost but much more friendly and accommodating.
During one of their confrontations, Edward Lawrence threatens to send Warrior Spirits to get Adam and his family out of their new home and Adam is worried. He’s not sure what Warrior Spirits are or how to deal with them. He enlists the help of Grandpa George, Isabel and Sir John, a professional ghost communicator. But does he have the skills and the knowledge to outwit the very stubborn Edward?
This is a nice book written for middle grade readers. I’m sure that they will enjoy this non-threatening portrayal of ghosts and be able strengthen their understanding of what happens after death.
The character of Adam is a good role model for young readers. He’s kind to his sister, looks after the dog and behaves in a sensible, compassionate manner throughout the book. I’m sure he’ll be a great his with Sally Gould’s intended audience. I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review. I think it's a good book that most children will enjoy.
When Adam’s mother inherits a mansion the whole family move from a small crowded home to luxury, tennis courts and swimming pools – the whole works. When they are moving in Adam meets Edward Lawrence, a young teenage ghost who has lived in the home since his death in 1945.
Adam learned early that he can see ghosts and their auras and only his Grandpa George knows. He is nonplussed when he encounters Edward but soon discovers that the ghost has a lot of attitude. He sets some pretty rigid rules for Adam and his family to live in ‘his’ house.
Adam knows that he has to get rid of the ghost and find out why he hasn’t gone to the ‘light’. He discovers more about Edward’s history with the help of his other friend Isabel. Isabel is also a ghost but much more friendly and accommodating.
During one of their confrontations, Edward Lawrence threatens to send Warrior Spirits to get Adam and his family out of their new home and Adam is worried. He’s not sure what Warrior Spirits are or how to deal with them. He enlists the help of Grandpa George, Isabel and Sir John, a professional ghost communicator. But does he have the skills and the knowledge to outwit the very stubborn Edward?
This is a nice book written for middle grade readers. I’m sure that they will enjoy this non-threatening portrayal of ghosts and be able strengthen their understanding of what happens after death.
The character of Adam is a good role model for young readers. He’s kind to his sister, looks after the dog and behaves in a sensible, compassionate manner throughout the book. I’m sure he’ll be a great his with Sally Gould’s intended audience. I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review. I think it's a good book that most children will enjoy.
February 20, 2017
OK book
I liked this book a lot and it was really interesting. I would recommend this book to you who ever you are.
I liked this book a lot and it was really interesting. I would recommend this book to you who ever you are.
September 8, 2015
“Dead Scary: The Ghost who refused to leave” by Sally Gould is a paranormal children’s story featuring a boy named Adam Castle who moves into a new house named ‘Woodlands’ along with his family. He has the amazing ability to see ghosts, or as they prefer to be called, Earthbound Spirits, and the additional capability of seeing their auras. A dispute with a resident Earthbound Spirit named Edward Lawrence over Rules and possession of the house leads to an escalation of hostilities that not only threatens his friendship with fourteen-year-old Isabel, but endangers the rest of the family, including Adam’s younger sister, Emily. Both sides recruit more powerful allies, and the end result may not be satisfactory for either.
This charming tale gives a different perspective on the concept of ghosts and the idea of residency. I love the gradual revelations of the types of Earthbound spirits, their methods of regulation, and their powers. The adventures that Adam has are inventive and exciting, and the tension builds throughout the story. The characters are not as well-developed as I would like, but I thought this was a fun story that conveys the importance of understanding the other person’s position and the benefit of finding a way to work together rather than destroying each other. I think I would enjoy reading other stories by this author and hope that there are more adventures involving this combination of characters.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
This charming tale gives a different perspective on the concept of ghosts and the idea of residency. I love the gradual revelations of the types of Earthbound spirits, their methods of regulation, and their powers. The adventures that Adam has are inventive and exciting, and the tension builds throughout the story. The characters are not as well-developed as I would like, but I thought this was a fun story that conveys the importance of understanding the other person’s position and the benefit of finding a way to work together rather than destroying each other. I think I would enjoy reading other stories by this author and hope that there are more adventures involving this combination of characters.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
June 19, 2015
Dead Scary: The Ghost who refused to leave by Sally Gould
Don't usually read this type of book (about ghosts and such) but I did enjoy another book by the author.
This middle grade children's book and starts out when the family arrives at their new house. Their mother's uncle had died and left the house to her. It's huge and so are the rooms, back yard, tennis courts, etc.
Emily hadn't wanted to move and we had all picked out our rooms on our first visit. The little boy is comfortable talking to ghosts, not using words but just thoughts. Adam also sees their auras.
The ghost tells Adam of the rules of the house and what renovations had been made. Edward wants the family out of his house. Isabel, Adam's ghost friend takes him places to show him of the council and what they can and can't do. They all have rules.
Edward and Adam are finding way to compete with one another-Adam wants his family to stay in the house, Edward wants them all to leave. Grandfather might have some tips on what to do...
Lots of details on how things are done in the ghost world...a huge confrontation occurs and they realize they must get along. Like how the ending was because it proves ghosts can get along with humans.
Many other works by the author are excerpted at the end. Book was easy to follow along with all the ghost rules=gives you a good understanding as the story goes along if you can follow what's happening.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Don't usually read this type of book (about ghosts and such) but I did enjoy another book by the author.
This middle grade children's book and starts out when the family arrives at their new house. Their mother's uncle had died and left the house to her. It's huge and so are the rooms, back yard, tennis courts, etc.
Emily hadn't wanted to move and we had all picked out our rooms on our first visit. The little boy is comfortable talking to ghosts, not using words but just thoughts. Adam also sees their auras.
The ghost tells Adam of the rules of the house and what renovations had been made. Edward wants the family out of his house. Isabel, Adam's ghost friend takes him places to show him of the council and what they can and can't do. They all have rules.
Edward and Adam are finding way to compete with one another-Adam wants his family to stay in the house, Edward wants them all to leave. Grandfather might have some tips on what to do...
Lots of details on how things are done in the ghost world...a huge confrontation occurs and they realize they must get along. Like how the ending was because it proves ghosts can get along with humans.
Many other works by the author are excerpted at the end. Book was easy to follow along with all the ghost rules=gives you a good understanding as the story goes along if you can follow what's happening.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
April 16, 2015
It’s always important when reviewing to consider a book’s aim, and this one is Middle Grade. In Dead Scary, Adam is a teenager with a special gift. Like Dean Koontz’s Odd Thomas, Adam can see ghosts. Unlike Odd, however, Adam can talk to them too. Adam and his family receive a surprise inheritance and move into the house of their dreams. There’s just one problem for Adam, though: the house is already inhabited, by a morose ghost named Edward. Edward wants the family out and Adam knows that’s not going to happen. Edward is no ordinary ghost, he’s special to the Earthbound Spirits and so facing him off is difficult, resulting in lots of threats and follow-up action, including an impressively done conflict scene near the end of the book.
I found Dead scary easy to read, well-paced, and age appropriate. Its author is Australian so there are minor Aussie-isms, which I found odd as an American. Other than that, there’s nothing to take you out of the story. The book is impeccably edited with nary a typo or vocabulary mistake in sight, something I respect and love among book selections. You can’t go wrong with this fun story and if I was middle grade, I would rush out and get everything else by Sally Gould.
I found Dead scary easy to read, well-paced, and age appropriate. Its author is Australian so there are minor Aussie-isms, which I found odd as an American. Other than that, there’s nothing to take you out of the story. The book is impeccably edited with nary a typo or vocabulary mistake in sight, something I respect and love among book selections. You can’t go wrong with this fun story and if I was middle grade, I would rush out and get everything else by Sally Gould.
September 8, 2015
This was fun and sweet. Adam can hear and see Eddie. Eddie is the ghost attached to his home and never wants to leave. He wants Adam and his family to go though. Adam wants to stay. This is the first home his family has had and they want to make this their home. Adam’s parents aren’t believers but his grandpa is.
Adam tries to find ways to protect his family and even tries to get the friend of his other ghost friend. She brings him on ghost adventures to see who Eddie is in the ghost community and what he is going to face now that Sir John has sided with Eddie.
This is a fun sweet book about a boy protecting his family particularly his adorable little sister. He goes up against the ghost of the house Eddie. Eddie is a little petulant and doesn’t want to share. He though has a soft spot for Adam’s sister. A story with fun encounters between the two as they battle to win. We learn to be careful what we ask for because it may not work the way we want. A fun sweet adventurous tale that keeps you smiling and your attention as Adam does all he knows to protect his home and Eddie does what he can to rid them from his home.
Adam tries to find ways to protect his family and even tries to get the friend of his other ghost friend. She brings him on ghost adventures to see who Eddie is in the ghost community and what he is going to face now that Sir John has sided with Eddie.
This is a fun sweet book about a boy protecting his family particularly his adorable little sister. He goes up against the ghost of the house Eddie. Eddie is a little petulant and doesn’t want to share. He though has a soft spot for Adam’s sister. A story with fun encounters between the two as they battle to win. We learn to be careful what we ask for because it may not work the way we want. A fun sweet adventurous tale that keeps you smiling and your attention as Adam does all he knows to protect his home and Eddie does what he can to rid them from his home.
October 12, 2016
Adam Castle is a middle-schooler who’s thrilled when his parents are finally able to buy a big house with a backyard. Adam, his sister Emily and their dog now have plenty of room to play. When the resident boy ghost, Edward Lawrence, makes himself known to Adam, a confrontation follows. Edward gives Adam an ultimatum: either the Castle family leaves or Edward will be forced to call in the Warrior Spirits.
This is a wonderful book for kids. It’s perfectly geared towards its intended audience: 9 – 12 year olds, who I’m sure will enjoy every second of this story. Dead Scary has several engaging elements for middle-grade readers: action, suspense, problem solving and teamwork. I loved how Adam showed concern and compassion for his little sister when it really mattered most.
I love children’s books that model good behavior for readers and Dead Scary certainly does this. Adam was a likable, caring main character. The story is interesting and imaginative. The author’s writing is appealing and the plot moves along at a nice pace. I highly recommend this book!
This is a wonderful book for kids. It’s perfectly geared towards its intended audience: 9 – 12 year olds, who I’m sure will enjoy every second of this story. Dead Scary has several engaging elements for middle-grade readers: action, suspense, problem solving and teamwork. I loved how Adam showed concern and compassion for his little sister when it really mattered most.
I love children’s books that model good behavior for readers and Dead Scary certainly does this. Adam was a likable, caring main character. The story is interesting and imaginative. The author’s writing is appealing and the plot moves along at a nice pace. I highly recommend this book!
April 14, 2015
I received this book for a fair review.
Overview: Why, aren’t the Castles lucky? They’ve moved from a small apartment to a large house with a yard. Adam couldn’t be happier, here’s a place where his dog Caesar can run and play, until he meets a former owner named Edward. Did I mention that the former owner is a ghostly fourteen year-old? Well, Edward doesn’t like the idea of sharing his home, with neither people nor dogs. It’s a fight for the ownership of Woodlands. Who will be the victor?
Likes: Isabel was pretty neat. She did what she could for her friend. And Adam wasn’t one to just assume that those who send earthbound spirits into the light were always right.
Dislikes: I don’t like people lying either to me or to somebody else, regardless for the reason for it. This is why Edward is sitting here in a time-out.
Conclusion: This was a great book. Take your children to the haunting in Melbourne.
Overview: Why, aren’t the Castles lucky? They’ve moved from a small apartment to a large house with a yard. Adam couldn’t be happier, here’s a place where his dog Caesar can run and play, until he meets a former owner named Edward. Did I mention that the former owner is a ghostly fourteen year-old? Well, Edward doesn’t like the idea of sharing his home, with neither people nor dogs. It’s a fight for the ownership of Woodlands. Who will be the victor?
Likes: Isabel was pretty neat. She did what she could for her friend. And Adam wasn’t one to just assume that those who send earthbound spirits into the light were always right.
Dislikes: I don’t like people lying either to me or to somebody else, regardless for the reason for it. This is why Edward is sitting here in a time-out.
Conclusion: This was a great book. Take your children to the haunting in Melbourne.
March 25, 2015
Adam Castle and his family move to a new home, only for Adam to find out it is haunted by a past resident Edward Lawrence. Edward is kind of a spoiled brat ghost, the first thing he does is give Adam a list of house rules. Which Adam does not agree too. So Edward decides Adam and his family should move out, and of course Adam does not agree to this either.
Edward then goes to his uncle Sir John who is President of the Council of Earth Bound Spirits. Sir John agrees to help Edward to get rid of the family by sending a platoon of Warrior Spirits (bad ghosts).
When the Warrior Spirits show up Edward then changes his mind about them terrorizing Adam and his sister, but it is too late they won't listen to him. So Adam must summon a Guardian Angel to deal with it.
This book would be great for kids between 8 and 12. I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Edward then goes to his uncle Sir John who is President of the Council of Earth Bound Spirits. Sir John agrees to help Edward to get rid of the family by sending a platoon of Warrior Spirits (bad ghosts).
When the Warrior Spirits show up Edward then changes his mind about them terrorizing Adam and his sister, but it is too late they won't listen to him. So Adam must summon a Guardian Angel to deal with it.
This book would be great for kids between 8 and 12. I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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