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Ghost in the Night
Not yet published
Expected 4 Aug 26From mega-bestselling author Tiffany D. Jackson comes this highly anticipated follow-up to her middle grade debut Blood in the Water.The Only Black Girl on the Ghost Tour is another spine-tingling, can't-put-it-down mystery, this time set in America's Most Haunted City.Savannah, Georgia is a city on edge when twelve-year-old Harmony arrives with her blues musician father for a summer gig. The recent disappearance of a local boy remains unsolved and the trail has gone cold, leaving the simmering community without answers or closure.Savannah, with its mossy trees and ornate old homes, is also a place rich in history...and ghosts. Ghosts are what pique Harmony's interest. Still reeling from her losses back home, Harmony wants to believe in ghost stories...but isn't sure what's real. When she goes on one of the many ghost tours around town, she takes a photo of what might be a ghost. Or is it a hoax?As Harmony and her new friends look into the truth behind the ghost picture, they stumble into a dangerously tangled web of ambition, lies...and murder.Can Harmony unravel the mystery in time...or will she have to give up the ghost?New York Times bestselling author Tiffany D. Jackson delivers thrills and chills once more with this layered, evocative mystery that is sure to give readers goosebumps.
288 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication August 4, 2026
About the author
Tiffany D. Jackson
20 books11.2k followersTiffany D. Jackson is the New York Times Bestselling author of YA novels including the Coretta Scott King — John Steptoe New Talent Award-winning Monday’s Not Coming, the NAACP Image Award-nominated Allegedly, Let Me Hear A Rhyme, and her 2020 title GROWN. She received her bachelor of arts in film from Howard University, her master of arts in media studies from the New School, and has over a decade in TV/Film experience. The Brooklyn native is a lover of naps, cookie dough, and beaches, currently residing in the borough she loves, most likely multitasking.
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Want to Read
October 17, 2025AS ALWAYS!
IF TIFFANY WRITES IT...
I AM READING IT!
Sooooo Buzzed!
🤎🤎🤎
IF TIFFANY WRITES IT...
I AM READING IT!
Sooooo Buzzed!
🤎🤎🤎
Want to Read
November 20, 2025Tiffany can do no wrong! I loved Blood in the Water (and basically everything else she’s written) and am excited for her next middle grade thriller/mystery! I am seated! 🪑
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Received an ARC from Scholastic. Had potential, but characters seemed a bit one-dimensional, the dialogue felt like an adult trying to write for a kid, and no real plot twists. You essentially know where it's going the whole time. A lot of exposition, and yet I don't feel I know the character. More tell than show, some stuff aren't really explained, quite a few characters appeared for no reason for a good few pages.
Again, definitely has potential.
Again, definitely has potential.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Harmony Round tree has become increasingly interested in ghosts since the death of her beloved grandmother. She and her father, Big Al, have been traveling around the US with his band. In each new city, she tries to go on a ghost tour and endeavors to take photos. She gets a note of permission from her father, and is often the only Black girl on the tour. In Savannah, her father has new accomodations for them; the guest house at the back of his friend Lena's property. There's just been a murder in the area of a locally beloved historian, Tim Truman, and his nephew Jabari is still missing. This makes Lena wary of letting Harmony take her son, Robby, on ghost tours with her, but the two still go on Asher's Orbs and More tour in the Colonial Park area. At the run down Myers House, Harmony thinks she gets a picture of a ghost. Excited, she goes to a shop to get a hard copy printed, and meets a girl her age, Myah, whose father owns the shop. Myah thinks that the ghost is Truman's, and the girls start to hang out to try to learn more about what happened to Truman. The area was built on top of a Black cemetery, and Truman had been trying to get the name of the square changed from Calhoun, which ran him afoul of some people. The kids try to talk to friends and family of Truman, but upset some of them. They decide that they need to solve the mystery themselves. They try to get some ghost hunting advice from Maverick, who tells them that sometimes what people think are ghosts are really grief hallucinations. Since Harmony is struggling with the death of her grandmother, this is a concern. Also concerning is the fact that Myah has gotten in trouble for claiming to be able to talk to ghosts, encouraged by the teachings of her own grandmother, who is of Gullah descent. Even though the Myers House is condemned, the kids sneak in. Will they be able to solve the mystery, and will Harmony come to terms with her father's plans for the future?
While I thought this book was related to the author's Blood in the Water because of the similarities in the cover, it is not.
Strengths: I've never been to Savannah, so this was a great virtual trip. There is plenty of local history, and it was good to see Harmony investigating it along with Myah, who was aware of some of the local legends. I enjoyed Myah's grandmother. The subplot with Harmony and her father moving away from Harlem could have been a book all on its own. Robby was a good sidekick, and I liked his technical knowledge. Ghost hunting seems like a tween interest that could be more widespread, and the book had a bit of a Scooby-Doo feel to it, with Harmony and her meddling friends being able to find the evil villains and solve the mystery.
Weaknesses: Harmony and Myah make some poor choices, and as an adult, Lena seemed to have some good points about being cautious in an area that had just seen an unsolved murder.While young readers will think it perfectly fine that the kids are giving Maverick money to rent equipment and going into a decrepit building, it gave me some pause. This was also a bit on the long side.
What I really think: While this is mildly scary, it is more historically focused. Fans of Hill's Girl from the Ashes or Strong's Just South of Home, and Cummins' trace will enjoy this one. While I appreciate the research that Jackson has done into children and grief, it's never my favorite thing to read about. Grandparents of middle grade readers are very likely to die; it's just part of life. My own philosphy on this is different from the prevailing one. I will probably buy a copy, since the cover is great and my students can't get enough scary books.
Harmony Round tree has become increasingly interested in ghosts since the death of her beloved grandmother. She and her father, Big Al, have been traveling around the US with his band. In each new city, she tries to go on a ghost tour and endeavors to take photos. She gets a note of permission from her father, and is often the only Black girl on the tour. In Savannah, her father has new accomodations for them; the guest house at the back of his friend Lena's property. There's just been a murder in the area of a locally beloved historian, Tim Truman, and his nephew Jabari is still missing. This makes Lena wary of letting Harmony take her son, Robby, on ghost tours with her, but the two still go on Asher's Orbs and More tour in the Colonial Park area. At the run down Myers House, Harmony thinks she gets a picture of a ghost. Excited, she goes to a shop to get a hard copy printed, and meets a girl her age, Myah, whose father owns the shop. Myah thinks that the ghost is Truman's, and the girls start to hang out to try to learn more about what happened to Truman. The area was built on top of a Black cemetery, and Truman had been trying to get the name of the square changed from Calhoun, which ran him afoul of some people. The kids try to talk to friends and family of Truman, but upset some of them. They decide that they need to solve the mystery themselves. They try to get some ghost hunting advice from Maverick, who tells them that sometimes what people think are ghosts are really grief hallucinations. Since Harmony is struggling with the death of her grandmother, this is a concern. Also concerning is the fact that Myah has gotten in trouble for claiming to be able to talk to ghosts, encouraged by the teachings of her own grandmother, who is of Gullah descent. Even though the Myers House is condemned, the kids sneak in. Will they be able to solve the mystery, and will Harmony come to terms with her father's plans for the future?
While I thought this book was related to the author's Blood in the Water because of the similarities in the cover, it is not.
Strengths: I've never been to Savannah, so this was a great virtual trip. There is plenty of local history, and it was good to see Harmony investigating it along with Myah, who was aware of some of the local legends. I enjoyed Myah's grandmother. The subplot with Harmony and her father moving away from Harlem could have been a book all on its own. Robby was a good sidekick, and I liked his technical knowledge. Ghost hunting seems like a tween interest that could be more widespread, and the book had a bit of a Scooby-Doo feel to it, with Harmony and her meddling friends being able to find the evil villains and solve the mystery.
Weaknesses: Harmony and Myah make some poor choices, and as an adult, Lena seemed to have some good points about being cautious in an area that had just seen an unsolved murder.While young readers will think it perfectly fine that the kids are giving Maverick money to rent equipment and going into a decrepit building, it gave me some pause. This was also a bit on the long side.
What I really think: While this is mildly scary, it is more historically focused. Fans of Hill's Girl from the Ashes or Strong's Just South of Home, and Cummins' trace will enjoy this one. While I appreciate the research that Jackson has done into children and grief, it's never my favorite thing to read about. Grandparents of middle grade readers are very likely to die; it's just part of life. My own philosphy on this is different from the prevailing one. I will probably buy a copy, since the cover is great and my students can't get enough scary books.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Scholastic Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“Ghost in the Night” by Tiffany D. Jackson is a really engaging middle grade mystery that mixes ghost stories, real-life history, and some surprisingly emotional themes. It’s not super scary, but it definitely has that eerie atmosphere that keeps you turning pages.
The story follows Harmony Roundtree, who’s spending the summer in Savannah while her dad tours with his jazz band. Harmony is obsessed with ghosts and loves going on ghost tours in every city they visit. Ever since her grandmother died, she’s been determined to figure out if ghosts are real and if there’s something after death.
Savannah turns out to be the perfect place for that. The city is full of ghost stories, creepy old houses, and mysterious local history. Tiffany D. Jackson does an amazing job bringing the setting to life; it honestly feels like Savannah is its own character in the book.
While she’s there, Harmony meets Robby and Myah, and the three of them end up getting pulled into a mystery involving a recently murdered community member and a missing child. On top of that, Harmony snaps a strange photo during a ghost tour that might show something unusual. Suddenly the summer turns into a full-on investigation.
Harmony is a really great main character. She’s smart, curious, and determined, but she’s also dealing with a lot emotionally. Her grief over her grandmother plays a big role in the story and explains why she’s so focused on ghosts and the afterlife. It adds a lot of depth to what could have just been a fun mystery, and many young readers may find her relatable.
The friendships between Harmony, Robby, and Myah are another highlight. Their teamwork and curiosity make the story fun, and Robby in particular stands out as a thoughtful and surprisingly mature character.
Like many of Jackson’s books, this one also touches on bigger themes. It explores grief, family secrets, growing independence, and even some social commentary tied to Savannah’s history and the Black experience in America. The story balances those heavier topics pretty well without making it overwhelming for younger readers.
That said, there are a few things that might not work for everyone. Sometimes the kids seem a little young for the amount of independence they have, like wandering around the city and following clues on their own. The mystery reveal also feels a bit underdeveloped compared to the build-up, and the villain’s motivations might not feel as strong as they could have been.
Still, the atmosphere, characters, and emotional core make the book really enjoyable. The final moments between Harmony and her dad are especially well done and tie together the themes of grief and growing up in a way that feels meaningful.
Overall, “Ghost in the Night” is a heartfelt, slightly spooky mystery with strong summer vibes, a vivid setting, and characters you’ll want to root for. It’s a great pick for middle grade readers who like ghost stories with heart and, honestly, adults who still enjoy a good eerie mystery will probably have fun with it too.
“Ghost in the Night” by Tiffany D. Jackson is a really engaging middle grade mystery that mixes ghost stories, real-life history, and some surprisingly emotional themes. It’s not super scary, but it definitely has that eerie atmosphere that keeps you turning pages.
The story follows Harmony Roundtree, who’s spending the summer in Savannah while her dad tours with his jazz band. Harmony is obsessed with ghosts and loves going on ghost tours in every city they visit. Ever since her grandmother died, she’s been determined to figure out if ghosts are real and if there’s something after death.
Savannah turns out to be the perfect place for that. The city is full of ghost stories, creepy old houses, and mysterious local history. Tiffany D. Jackson does an amazing job bringing the setting to life; it honestly feels like Savannah is its own character in the book.
While she’s there, Harmony meets Robby and Myah, and the three of them end up getting pulled into a mystery involving a recently murdered community member and a missing child. On top of that, Harmony snaps a strange photo during a ghost tour that might show something unusual. Suddenly the summer turns into a full-on investigation.
Harmony is a really great main character. She’s smart, curious, and determined, but she’s also dealing with a lot emotionally. Her grief over her grandmother plays a big role in the story and explains why she’s so focused on ghosts and the afterlife. It adds a lot of depth to what could have just been a fun mystery, and many young readers may find her relatable.
The friendships between Harmony, Robby, and Myah are another highlight. Their teamwork and curiosity make the story fun, and Robby in particular stands out as a thoughtful and surprisingly mature character.
Like many of Jackson’s books, this one also touches on bigger themes. It explores grief, family secrets, growing independence, and even some social commentary tied to Savannah’s history and the Black experience in America. The story balances those heavier topics pretty well without making it overwhelming for younger readers.
That said, there are a few things that might not work for everyone. Sometimes the kids seem a little young for the amount of independence they have, like wandering around the city and following clues on their own. The mystery reveal also feels a bit underdeveloped compared to the build-up, and the villain’s motivations might not feel as strong as they could have been.
Still, the atmosphere, characters, and emotional core make the book really enjoyable. The final moments between Harmony and her dad are especially well done and tie together the themes of grief and growing up in a way that feels meaningful.
Overall, “Ghost in the Night” is a heartfelt, slightly spooky mystery with strong summer vibes, a vivid setting, and characters you’ll want to root for. It’s a great pick for middle grade readers who like ghost stories with heart and, honestly, adults who still enjoy a good eerie mystery will probably have fun with it too.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ghost in the Night is a mesmerizing journey into the haunted streets of Savannah, Georgia, that kept me spellbound from start to finish. Tiffany D. Jackson masterfully weaves a layered narrative that is as emotionally resonant as it is spine-tingling, and I couldn’t put it down.
Harmony, a twelve-year-old girl reeling from the recent loss of her beloved grandmother, is a beautifully crafted protagonist. Her grief feels raw and authentic, and her curiosity about the afterlife is both innocent and compelling. After her grandmother’s passing, Harmony begins to experience strange phenomena—blinding flashes, mysterious whispers, and glimpses of orbs—that make her believe her grandma might be reaching out from beyond. These supernatural encounters, combined with her grief, propel her into a journey of exploration and self-discovery.
When her father lands a gig in Savannah, a city renowned for its haunted history and ghostly lore, Harmony’s desire to connect with her grandmother intensifies. She starts participating in local ghost tours, capturing photographs that reveal strange orbs and unexplained phenomena. Her curiosity quickly turns into obsession as she seeks support from a new group of friends who share her fascination with the supernatural. Their bond forms a found family, offering her comfort and courage to delve deeper into the mysteries of Savannah.
However, things take a dark turn when the city is rocked by the murder of a prominent local figure and the mysterious disappearance of his nephew. As Harmony and her friends dig into the ghostly sightings and the haunted history of Savannah, they uncover a tangled web of secrets, lies, and dangerous ambitions. What begins as a quest to connect with her grandma becomes a race against time to unravel a conspiracy that could threaten everyone she cares about.
Jackson’s storytelling expertly intertwines themes of grief, coping, and restarting life with a gripping supernatural mystery. The haunting atmosphere—moss-draped trees, ornate old homes, and eerie ghost tours—adds to the spine-tingling tension, making Savannah itself feel like a character in the story.
What I loved most is how Jackson portrays Harmony’s emotional journey. Her grief isn’t glossed over; it’s raw and real, and her growing understanding that not everything is as it seems leads to powerful moments of self-discovery and acceptance. The novel explores the idea of love transcending death, but also warns of the dangers lurking beneath seemingly innocent ghostly phenomena.
The climax is a masterclass in suspense, revealing that the supernatural events are much more than mere hauntings—they’re connected to real-world violence and corruption. Harmony’s courage and resilience shine through as she navigates this perilous web, risking everything to uncover the truth.
In sum, Ghost in the Night is a layered, evocative mystery that will thrill and touch your soul. It’s a testament to Tiffany D. Jackson’s talent that she can craft a story so spooky yet so emotionally rich. Highly, highly recommended—this book will stay with me for a long time!
Harmony, a twelve-year-old girl reeling from the recent loss of her beloved grandmother, is a beautifully crafted protagonist. Her grief feels raw and authentic, and her curiosity about the afterlife is both innocent and compelling. After her grandmother’s passing, Harmony begins to experience strange phenomena—blinding flashes, mysterious whispers, and glimpses of orbs—that make her believe her grandma might be reaching out from beyond. These supernatural encounters, combined with her grief, propel her into a journey of exploration and self-discovery.
When her father lands a gig in Savannah, a city renowned for its haunted history and ghostly lore, Harmony’s desire to connect with her grandmother intensifies. She starts participating in local ghost tours, capturing photographs that reveal strange orbs and unexplained phenomena. Her curiosity quickly turns into obsession as she seeks support from a new group of friends who share her fascination with the supernatural. Their bond forms a found family, offering her comfort and courage to delve deeper into the mysteries of Savannah.
However, things take a dark turn when the city is rocked by the murder of a prominent local figure and the mysterious disappearance of his nephew. As Harmony and her friends dig into the ghostly sightings and the haunted history of Savannah, they uncover a tangled web of secrets, lies, and dangerous ambitions. What begins as a quest to connect with her grandma becomes a race against time to unravel a conspiracy that could threaten everyone she cares about.
Jackson’s storytelling expertly intertwines themes of grief, coping, and restarting life with a gripping supernatural mystery. The haunting atmosphere—moss-draped trees, ornate old homes, and eerie ghost tours—adds to the spine-tingling tension, making Savannah itself feel like a character in the story.
What I loved most is how Jackson portrays Harmony’s emotional journey. Her grief isn’t glossed over; it’s raw and real, and her growing understanding that not everything is as it seems leads to powerful moments of self-discovery and acceptance. The novel explores the idea of love transcending death, but also warns of the dangers lurking beneath seemingly innocent ghostly phenomena.
The climax is a masterclass in suspense, revealing that the supernatural events are much more than mere hauntings—they’re connected to real-world violence and corruption. Harmony’s courage and resilience shine through as she navigates this perilous web, risking everything to uncover the truth.
In sum, Ghost in the Night is a layered, evocative mystery that will thrill and touch your soul. It’s a testament to Tiffany D. Jackson’s talent that she can craft a story so spooky yet so emotionally rich. Highly, highly recommended—this book will stay with me for a long time!
April 1, 2026
Tiffany Jackson thrilled YA readers with her first books and branched into middle grade thrillers with the highly successful Blood in the Water. Ghost in the Night is also aimed at the grade 4-7 group who enjoy suspenseful mystery books and, in this case, some nice extras including plenty of the haunted history of Savannah, Georgia, a bit of ouija board creepiness and two new friends who both have a certain preoccupation with ghostly things.
Harmony’s father just seems to keep getting smaller. First her mom dies, then the grandmother who was her primary caregiver while her dad traveled playing on the blues circuit all over the states, leaving only an aunt with no room for her to stay when dad is out of town. That means that this time, Harmony will be traveling with him with the stop in Savannah being the setting of this murder/missing person mystery. Harmony has developed the habit of joining ghost tours as she seeks to come to terms with the loss of her grandmother (who may have been trying to communicate with her when some odd things happened in their shared Harlem apartment) and while on one such tour, takes a picture that seems to show two unusual orbs/lights in the window of a known haunted home as well as the shadow of a someone or something. Coincidentally, a man is killed and his body found at this same house and his nephew is missing. Another odd connection occurs when Harmony takes her camera’s memory card to a photo shop to get her eerie shot printed and meets fellow rising 7th grader Myah who claims to be able to hear ghosts, or haints, as her grandmother calls them and knew the murdered man and his missing nephew. The two begin to connect the dots and set out to solve a murder, a haunting, and find a missing child but need the assistance of ten year old tech genius Robby, whose mom is hosting Harmony and her dad in their home.
The cover and title focus on the ghostly, paranormal aspects of this novel but ultimately, this is a murder mystery. As in Blood in the Water, the murder is neither gruesome nor overly graphic, but leaves plenty of loose ends that Harmony, Myah and Robby need to tie up. Lots of clues and some red herrings mixed into the ghost tours, neighborhood happenings and the trio’s research and investigation and readers are likely to form and then dismiss a variety of theories before the climax and resolution that occurs in the haunted home. Rounding out the mystery is some friendship and family drama and plenty of Black and haunted history for a beautiful, southern city.
Highly recommended for those with a readership in the thriller genre and/or fans of Jackson’s Blood in the Water.
*Profanity: none
*Sexual content: none
*Violence: The murder happens but is neither gruesome nor overly graphic; climax includes the threat of death, a wielded knife and duct tape but is appropriate to the age group.
*Representation: Main characters are Black as are many of the supporting characters.
*LBGTQ+: none
Thanks for the eARC, Edelweiss and Scholastic.
Harmony’s father just seems to keep getting smaller. First her mom dies, then the grandmother who was her primary caregiver while her dad traveled playing on the blues circuit all over the states, leaving only an aunt with no room for her to stay when dad is out of town. That means that this time, Harmony will be traveling with him with the stop in Savannah being the setting of this murder/missing person mystery. Harmony has developed the habit of joining ghost tours as she seeks to come to terms with the loss of her grandmother (who may have been trying to communicate with her when some odd things happened in their shared Harlem apartment) and while on one such tour, takes a picture that seems to show two unusual orbs/lights in the window of a known haunted home as well as the shadow of a someone or something. Coincidentally, a man is killed and his body found at this same house and his nephew is missing. Another odd connection occurs when Harmony takes her camera’s memory card to a photo shop to get her eerie shot printed and meets fellow rising 7th grader Myah who claims to be able to hear ghosts, or haints, as her grandmother calls them and knew the murdered man and his missing nephew. The two begin to connect the dots and set out to solve a murder, a haunting, and find a missing child but need the assistance of ten year old tech genius Robby, whose mom is hosting Harmony and her dad in their home.
The cover and title focus on the ghostly, paranormal aspects of this novel but ultimately, this is a murder mystery. As in Blood in the Water, the murder is neither gruesome nor overly graphic, but leaves plenty of loose ends that Harmony, Myah and Robby need to tie up. Lots of clues and some red herrings mixed into the ghost tours, neighborhood happenings and the trio’s research and investigation and readers are likely to form and then dismiss a variety of theories before the climax and resolution that occurs in the haunted home. Rounding out the mystery is some friendship and family drama and plenty of Black and haunted history for a beautiful, southern city.
Highly recommended for those with a readership in the thriller genre and/or fans of Jackson’s Blood in the Water.
*Profanity: none
*Sexual content: none
*Violence: The murder happens but is neither gruesome nor overly graphic; climax includes the threat of death, a wielded knife and duct tape but is appropriate to the age group.
*Representation: Main characters are Black as are many of the supporting characters.
*LBGTQ+: none
Thanks for the eARC, Edelweiss and Scholastic.
May 11, 2026
Thank you SO MUCH to NetGalley and Scholastic Press for the ARC of Tiffany D. Jackson’s second middle grade novel, Ghost in the Night. This was a solid 5 star read. After recently reading her debut middle grade novel, Blood in the Water, I knew this was going to be amazing as well. It’s amazing how much of a punch Jackson can pack into 288 pages.
Ghost in the Night follows Harmony, the only black girl on the ghost tour - of which she herself mentions throughout, as does Jackson in the introduction, since she was that person herself in real life. Harmony is dealing with the grief of losing her grandma, her best friend, mother figure. Her mother also passed when she was younger. Her dad is a musician and she’s been on tour with him and at each new city she goes on a ghost tour. As she says, “you can learn a lot from a city from it’s dead” and boy is she right. On their first night in Savannah, Georgia, the most haunted city in America and the setting for this book, she learns of a man, Tim Turbow, who was murdered and whose nephew, Jabari, who was with him at the time is now missing. On the ghost tour she goes on she wonders if this will finally be the time she photographs a ghost and can add it to her portfolio for the young photographers program she’s trying to get into back in Harlem? To her surprise, she does! Well, at least she thinks the two orbs are ghosts. What else could they be?
Harmony and all the characters in this book go through so many things: grief, fear, correcting historical inaccuracies that hide the Black history of Savannah, friendship, anger, hardships within families, found families. This book has it all and the setting is so rich, you feel as if you’re right there in America’s most haunted city right with Harmony and her friends Myah and Robby. This is everything a middle grade reader and anyone who enjoys middle grade novels wants. Jackson’s ability to write authentic characters that actually think, speak, and act like real middle grade students is unmatched.
Ghost in the Night follows Harmony, the only black girl on the ghost tour - of which she herself mentions throughout, as does Jackson in the introduction, since she was that person herself in real life. Harmony is dealing with the grief of losing her grandma, her best friend, mother figure. Her mother also passed when she was younger. Her dad is a musician and she’s been on tour with him and at each new city she goes on a ghost tour. As she says, “you can learn a lot from a city from it’s dead” and boy is she right. On their first night in Savannah, Georgia, the most haunted city in America and the setting for this book, she learns of a man, Tim Turbow, who was murdered and whose nephew, Jabari, who was with him at the time is now missing. On the ghost tour she goes on she wonders if this will finally be the time she photographs a ghost and can add it to her portfolio for the young photographers program she’s trying to get into back in Harlem? To her surprise, she does! Well, at least she thinks the two orbs are ghosts. What else could they be?
Harmony and all the characters in this book go through so many things: grief, fear, correcting historical inaccuracies that hide the Black history of Savannah, friendship, anger, hardships within families, found families. This book has it all and the setting is so rich, you feel as if you’re right there in America’s most haunted city right with Harmony and her friends Myah and Robby. This is everything a middle grade reader and anyone who enjoys middle grade novels wants. Jackson’s ability to write authentic characters that actually think, speak, and act like real middle grade students is unmatched.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers of Scholastic Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Ghost in the Night by Tiffany D. Jackson is a heartfelt and amazingly written middle grade novel that I truly enjoyed. For this age group, I was impressed by how thoughtful and engaging the story was. I especially appreciated that there was no profanity, which makes it even more suitable for younger readers.
The writing felt natural and believable. The dialogue, structure, and character relationships were realistic, which is something I always appreciate in her books. Tiffany D. Jackson has a talent for exploring grief, family dynamics, and difficult life circumstances in a way that feels relatable without overwhelming young readers or even adult readers.
Robby was one of my favorite characters. He was intelligent, curious, and more emotionally mature than his mother expected. His character development felt authentic and meaningful. On the other hand, I struggled with the way Harmony’s father kept secrets from her. His lack of openness made her feel isolated and distant, which added emotional distance within their relationship.
The novel explores themes of grief, childhood curiosity, emotional growth, and family relationships in a way that is clear and digestible for middle grade readers. It captures that stage of development where children begin seeking independence while still needing guidance.
The only part that felt unrealistic was the children exploring the city of Savannah on their own. A 12 and 10 year-old catching buses and rides from people they barely knew stretched believability for me, though it did add to the adventurous tone of the story.
Overall, I loved this book. It balances real emotions with an engaging storyline, and it’s definitely something I would want my son to read when it’s published.
Ghost in the Night by Tiffany D. Jackson is a heartfelt and amazingly written middle grade novel that I truly enjoyed. For this age group, I was impressed by how thoughtful and engaging the story was. I especially appreciated that there was no profanity, which makes it even more suitable for younger readers.
The writing felt natural and believable. The dialogue, structure, and character relationships were realistic, which is something I always appreciate in her books. Tiffany D. Jackson has a talent for exploring grief, family dynamics, and difficult life circumstances in a way that feels relatable without overwhelming young readers or even adult readers.
Robby was one of my favorite characters. He was intelligent, curious, and more emotionally mature than his mother expected. His character development felt authentic and meaningful. On the other hand, I struggled with the way Harmony’s father kept secrets from her. His lack of openness made her feel isolated and distant, which added emotional distance within their relationship.
The novel explores themes of grief, childhood curiosity, emotional growth, and family relationships in a way that is clear and digestible for middle grade readers. It captures that stage of development where children begin seeking independence while still needing guidance.
The only part that felt unrealistic was the children exploring the city of Savannah on their own. A 12 and 10 year-old catching buses and rides from people they barely knew stretched believability for me, though it did add to the adventurous tone of the story.
Overall, I loved this book. It balances real emotions with an engaging storyline, and it’s definitely something I would want my son to read when it’s published.
May 24, 2026
From bestselling author Tiffany D. Jackson comes this follow-up to her middle grade debut Blood in the Water. The protagonist is twelve-year-old Harmony Roundtree who arrives with her blues musician father for a summer gig in Savannah, GA–America’s Most Haunted City. Ghosts pique Harmony’s interest because she’ still reeling from her losses back home: her mother and her grandmother died. Harmony wants to believe in ghosts, so in every city on her father’s tour, she finds a ghost tour and learns about that city’s history that is not found in textbooks. Harmony is used to being the youngest person and only black girl on the ghost tours. She even comes prepared with a permission slip from her father along with her camera to document what she sees.
The last stop on the tour is Savannah, with its mossy trees and ornate old homes. It is a place rich in history both good and bad. The city is on edge when Harmony arrives due to a recent murder of a local man and the disappearance of his young nephew. Both incidents remain unsolved and the trail has gone cold, leaving the community without answers or closure.
When Harmony goes on one of the many ghost tours around town, as usual, she takes a photo of what might be a ghost. With two new friends, she sets out to investigate. The deeper she digs, the more Harmony realizes that what she saw on the ghost tour might be connected to one or both of the crimes. But making connections can be dangerous--even more dangerous than ghosts.
I received an advanced reading copy of this MG mystery, and found it entertaining in places yet troubling in others. I liked that historical facts were presented and that friendship and family were highly touted ideas. The mixture of faith and folklore, may give younger readers goosebumps, but they me hope that those young readers have someone in their lives to help them sort fact from fiction. 3
The last stop on the tour is Savannah, with its mossy trees and ornate old homes. It is a place rich in history both good and bad. The city is on edge when Harmony arrives due to a recent murder of a local man and the disappearance of his young nephew. Both incidents remain unsolved and the trail has gone cold, leaving the community without answers or closure.
When Harmony goes on one of the many ghost tours around town, as usual, she takes a photo of what might be a ghost. With two new friends, she sets out to investigate. The deeper she digs, the more Harmony realizes that what she saw on the ghost tour might be connected to one or both of the crimes. But making connections can be dangerous--even more dangerous than ghosts.
I received an advanced reading copy of this MG mystery, and found it entertaining in places yet troubling in others. I liked that historical facts were presented and that friendship and family were highly touted ideas. The mixture of faith and folklore, may give younger readers goosebumps, but they me hope that those young readers have someone in their lives to help them sort fact from fiction. 3
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What worked:
As you might guess from the synopsis, this ghost story turns into a mystery. A popular black man is murdered, his grandson goes missing, and Harmony’s new friend Myah is determined to find the killer. Myah is also dealing with the consequences of a poor decision, but readers don’t learn the details until later. Robby is a precocious ten-year-old dealing with an overprotective mother. Harmony is still grieving for her recently deceased grandmother, and she’s been touring with her father’s band for the past six months. She wonders if she’s already seen her grandmother’s ghost, so she’s more open to the possibility of spirits in the most haunted city in America.
The narrative is a nice blend of fiction, true ghost tales, and the history of New Orleans and Savannah. The author acknowledges she took some liberties “to keep this story PG”, since some of the actual tales are “REALLY gruesome”. There are links in the back of the book to some of the author’s favorite ghost tours and sources of ghostly information. The narrative includes actual locations and real people who lived in Savannah. The author includes information about the abuse and disrespect shown toward slaves, and readers may be surprised to know that parts of Savannah are built atop mass graves.
What didn’t work as well:
Readers looking for a ghost story will be disappointed. The book has more information about ghosts than it does about a spooky story. The mystery of the murder is the driving force of the plot, along with the children’s subplots mentioned above. The book’s second half becomes more interesting as things fall into place.
The final verdict:
Despite the backdrop of ghost stories and a murder mystery, the story of the three children is most engaging. I recommend this book to readers interested in learning about ghosts and children dealing with hardships.
As you might guess from the synopsis, this ghost story turns into a mystery. A popular black man is murdered, his grandson goes missing, and Harmony’s new friend Myah is determined to find the killer. Myah is also dealing with the consequences of a poor decision, but readers don’t learn the details until later. Robby is a precocious ten-year-old dealing with an overprotective mother. Harmony is still grieving for her recently deceased grandmother, and she’s been touring with her father’s band for the past six months. She wonders if she’s already seen her grandmother’s ghost, so she’s more open to the possibility of spirits in the most haunted city in America.
The narrative is a nice blend of fiction, true ghost tales, and the history of New Orleans and Savannah. The author acknowledges she took some liberties “to keep this story PG”, since some of the actual tales are “REALLY gruesome”. There are links in the back of the book to some of the author’s favorite ghost tours and sources of ghostly information. The narrative includes actual locations and real people who lived in Savannah. The author includes information about the abuse and disrespect shown toward slaves, and readers may be surprised to know that parts of Savannah are built atop mass graves.
What didn’t work as well:
Readers looking for a ghost story will be disappointed. The book has more information about ghosts than it does about a spooky story. The mystery of the murder is the driving force of the plot, along with the children’s subplots mentioned above. The book’s second half becomes more interesting as things fall into place.
The final verdict:
Despite the backdrop of ghost stories and a murder mystery, the story of the three children is most engaging. I recommend this book to readers interested in learning about ghosts and children dealing with hardships.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Tiffany D. Jackson is so incredible at writing mysteries/thrillers for YA, but she is just as amazing at writing them for middle grade! Ghost in the Night is her newest middle grade novel, and it is such a great story!
Ghost in the Night is about 12-year-old Harmony, who became interested in ghosts after her grandma passed away and she had an experience that made her believe her grandma had become a ghost. Because of this, she sought out every ghost tour she could find while traveling with her dad on his tour, trying to learn more. This story follows their time during his tour stop in Savannah, Georgia. They arrive not long after Tim Truman, a beloved member of the community, has been murdered and his nephew Jabari has gone missing. Harmony learns more about Mr. Truman and a possible haunted house, becoming friends with a girl who says she can speak to ghosts and getting involved in something dangerous.
I loved getting to know Harmony’s character and seeing how she was handling her grief for her grandma. It affected her heavily, but she also held onto the advice her grandma would always give her, which helped her in many situations. She had to navigate several relationships, including with her dad’s friend, Lena and her son Robby, who they were staying with in Savannah. She also had to deal with some really difficult news that was hard to bear, and I loved how all of it was handled and portrayed. And although the focus was on Harmony’s grief and her journey with ghosts, this story also addressed racism within history and the heaviness of past pain as well as racism today, shown through the way Mr. Truman’s case was handled in comparison to a missing white woman. All the serious topics were handled with care, written in a way that middle grade readers will be able to understand.
Ghost in the Night is about 12-year-old Harmony, who became interested in ghosts after her grandma passed away and she had an experience that made her believe her grandma had become a ghost. Because of this, she sought out every ghost tour she could find while traveling with her dad on his tour, trying to learn more. This story follows their time during his tour stop in Savannah, Georgia. They arrive not long after Tim Truman, a beloved member of the community, has been murdered and his nephew Jabari has gone missing. Harmony learns more about Mr. Truman and a possible haunted house, becoming friends with a girl who says she can speak to ghosts and getting involved in something dangerous.
I loved getting to know Harmony’s character and seeing how she was handling her grief for her grandma. It affected her heavily, but she also held onto the advice her grandma would always give her, which helped her in many situations. She had to navigate several relationships, including with her dad’s friend, Lena and her son Robby, who they were staying with in Savannah. She also had to deal with some really difficult news that was hard to bear, and I loved how all of it was handled and portrayed. And although the focus was on Harmony’s grief and her journey with ghosts, this story also addressed racism within history and the heaviness of past pain as well as racism today, shown through the way Mr. Truman’s case was handled in comparison to a missing white woman. All the serious topics were handled with care, written in a way that middle grade readers will be able to understand.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Rounded to 4 stars for Goodreads)
I had a good time reading Ghost in the Night by Tiffany D. Jackson.
Harmony is on the road with her dad, a Jazz musician touring the country, and in every city where he has a gig she signs up for ghost tours, determined to prove whether ghosts are real. The paranormal angle was genuinely fun and a little eerie, but what really landed for me was the grief underneath it all. As someone who has lost a well loved grandparent, I understood why this question of what happens after we die felt so urgent to our young character.
Harmony has grit. She is smart, observant, and has a really kind heart. She carries a lot emotionally, and while I personally felt she might have read slightly older at times, I still rooted for her the whole way through.
The shift from her home in NYC to her new surroundings in Savannah adds a layer of uncertainty for Harmony, and honestly for the reader too. The relationship between her dad and his friend felt a little loosely defined, which gave parts of that storyline a slightly unfinished feel. Ultimately, she faces many-many changes in her future that she’ll have to acclimate and adjust to.
My only real critique is that the three kids (Harmony, Robby, and Myah) sometimes felt just a touch young for the roles they were playing, and the narrative voice occasionally slipped out of its colloquial tone. Minor things in the grand scheme.
Overall, this is a really strong middle grade mystery with heart, atmosphere, and emotional depth. I would absolutely recommend it to the target age group and to adults like me who still love a good YA ghost story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Scholastic for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
I had a good time reading Ghost in the Night by Tiffany D. Jackson.
Harmony is on the road with her dad, a Jazz musician touring the country, and in every city where he has a gig she signs up for ghost tours, determined to prove whether ghosts are real. The paranormal angle was genuinely fun and a little eerie, but what really landed for me was the grief underneath it all. As someone who has lost a well loved grandparent, I understood why this question of what happens after we die felt so urgent to our young character.
Harmony has grit. She is smart, observant, and has a really kind heart. She carries a lot emotionally, and while I personally felt she might have read slightly older at times, I still rooted for her the whole way through.
The shift from her home in NYC to her new surroundings in Savannah adds a layer of uncertainty for Harmony, and honestly for the reader too. The relationship between her dad and his friend felt a little loosely defined, which gave parts of that storyline a slightly unfinished feel. Ultimately, she faces many-many changes in her future that she’ll have to acclimate and adjust to.
My only real critique is that the three kids (Harmony, Robby, and Myah) sometimes felt just a touch young for the roles they were playing, and the narrative voice occasionally slipped out of its colloquial tone. Minor things in the grand scheme.
Overall, this is a really strong middle grade mystery with heart, atmosphere, and emotional depth. I would absolutely recommend it to the target age group and to adults like me who still love a good YA ghost story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Scholastic for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Tiffany D. Jackson continues to prove why she’s an auto-buy author for me because once again, she absolutely delivered.
This middle grade thriller follows Harmony, a young girl navigating life after the loss of her grandmother, the person who meant everything to her and still carrying the weight of losing her mother at a young age. Now traveling from city to city with her dad while he performs music gigs, Harmony finds comfort in one consistent thing: ghost tours. In every new place, she seeks them out… but Savannah? Savannah hits different.
What starts as curiosity quickly turns into something much deeper as Harmony finds herself wrapped up in a chilling mystery that kept me fully invested from start to finish.
What stood out most to me was how beautifully this story handled grief, especially for younger readers. The relationship between Harmony and her grandmother was so heartfelt and layered, and you could truly feel her absence shaping Harmony’s world. Tiffany balances that emotional depth with suspense in a way that feels both accessible and impactful.
I also loved the friendships in this story. Harmony’s bond with Myah felt authentic and grounding, while Robby added that perfect “ride or die” energy to their dynamic. Together, they brought warmth, humor, and relatability to a story that also delivers eerie, edge-of-your-seat moments.
Even though this is categorized as middle grade, don’t let that fool you, this is a story that readers of all ages can connect with. It’s emotional, mysterious, and full of heart, all wrapped in Tiffany’s signature storytelling style that never misses.
Highly recommend adding this one to your TBR, especially if you love a good mystery with emotional depth
This middle grade thriller follows Harmony, a young girl navigating life after the loss of her grandmother, the person who meant everything to her and still carrying the weight of losing her mother at a young age. Now traveling from city to city with her dad while he performs music gigs, Harmony finds comfort in one consistent thing: ghost tours. In every new place, she seeks them out… but Savannah? Savannah hits different.
What starts as curiosity quickly turns into something much deeper as Harmony finds herself wrapped up in a chilling mystery that kept me fully invested from start to finish.
What stood out most to me was how beautifully this story handled grief, especially for younger readers. The relationship between Harmony and her grandmother was so heartfelt and layered, and you could truly feel her absence shaping Harmony’s world. Tiffany balances that emotional depth with suspense in a way that feels both accessible and impactful.
I also loved the friendships in this story. Harmony’s bond with Myah felt authentic and grounding, while Robby added that perfect “ride or die” energy to their dynamic. Together, they brought warmth, humor, and relatability to a story that also delivers eerie, edge-of-your-seat moments.
Even though this is categorized as middle grade, don’t let that fool you, this is a story that readers of all ages can connect with. It’s emotional, mysterious, and full of heart, all wrapped in Tiffany’s signature storytelling style that never misses.
Highly recommend adding this one to your TBR, especially if you love a good mystery with emotional depth
Read
February 28, 2026Tiffany D. Jackson delivers another gripping and atmospheric mystery in Ghost in the Night, a middle-grade thriller that blends Southern folklore, friendship, and long-buried secrets.
Set against the haunting backdrop of Savannah, Georgia, the story follows Harmony as she spends the summer with her father and stumbles into a mystery tied to a missing boy and a ghostly photograph. What begins as curiosity quickly turns into something much deeper — and darker — than she expects.
Jackson does an excellent job capturing the emotional landscape of a twelve-year-old navigating independence, fear, and loyalty.
The friendships feel authentic, and Harmony’s voice is relatable without losing the suspenseful edge that makes Jackson’s writing so compelling. The Savannah setting adds richness and atmosphere; the ghost-tour elements especially create a strong sense of tension and mood.
While this is written for a younger audience, the stakes feel real. The mystery unfolds at a steady pace, with enough twists to keep readers engaged without becoming overwhelming. Themes of truth, community secrets, and courage are woven in thoughtfully, making this both an entertaining and meaningful read.
Readers who enjoy eerie mysteries with heart — and just the right touch of danger — will find this one hard to put down.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Set against the haunting backdrop of Savannah, Georgia, the story follows Harmony as she spends the summer with her father and stumbles into a mystery tied to a missing boy and a ghostly photograph. What begins as curiosity quickly turns into something much deeper — and darker — than she expects.
Jackson does an excellent job capturing the emotional landscape of a twelve-year-old navigating independence, fear, and loyalty.
The friendships feel authentic, and Harmony’s voice is relatable without losing the suspenseful edge that makes Jackson’s writing so compelling. The Savannah setting adds richness and atmosphere; the ghost-tour elements especially create a strong sense of tension and mood.
While this is written for a younger audience, the stakes feel real. The mystery unfolds at a steady pace, with enough twists to keep readers engaged without becoming overwhelming. Themes of truth, community secrets, and courage are woven in thoughtfully, making this both an entertaining and meaningful read.
Readers who enjoy eerie mysteries with heart — and just the right touch of danger — will find this one hard to put down.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Scholastic for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Didn't love this one as much as Blood in the Water, but Tiffany D. Jackson has proven twice in a row that she's a force to be reckoned with in the MG space. Her YA novels are hit or miss with me, but I adore the summer vibes she's brought to these last two releases. Also she has incredible talent for making her settings feel like actual characters. She really captured the beauty of Savannah and those tight bonds that only come from communities where people look out for each other.
Like her other works, this book addresses the Black experience in America, this time incorporating what is now known as Taylor Square in Savannah, GA. I love that she chose to set a ghost inspired murder mystery here given its history. Her biggest strength has always been the racial and social commentary she weaves into her books, and this one is no different.
The mystery kind of falls flat for me here. I'm afraid the "villain" wasn't fleshed out enough for me to care about the big reveal. Still, the friendship between Harmony, Robby, and Myah kept things enjoyable enough. And Harmony's final conversation with her father at the end of the book was done beautifully and is perfect for that MG audience first discovering their independence.
Didn't love this one as much as Blood in the Water, but Tiffany D. Jackson has proven twice in a row that she's a force to be reckoned with in the MG space. Her YA novels are hit or miss with me, but I adore the summer vibes she's brought to these last two releases. Also she has incredible talent for making her settings feel like actual characters. She really captured the beauty of Savannah and those tight bonds that only come from communities where people look out for each other.
Like her other works, this book addresses the Black experience in America, this time incorporating what is now known as Taylor Square in Savannah, GA. I love that she chose to set a ghost inspired murder mystery here given its history. Her biggest strength has always been the racial and social commentary she weaves into her books, and this one is no different.
The mystery kind of falls flat for me here. I'm afraid the "villain" wasn't fleshed out enough for me to care about the big reveal. Still, the friendship between Harmony, Robby, and Myah kept things enjoyable enough. And Harmony's final conversation with her father at the end of the book was done beautifully and is perfect for that MG audience first discovering their independence.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Tiffany D. Jackson is an auto-buy/auto-read author for me, so I already knew I was reading this. After loving Blood in the Water, there was no way I was skipping this one.
Harmony Roundtree, originally from Harlem, spends the summer in Savannah while her dad plays with his band. She’s into ghosts, and Savannah is basically the capital of ghosts, murders, and missing people, so the vibes were already set. The atmosphere? Chef’s kiss.
I really liked Harmony. She reminded me of myself as a kid watching Ghost Hunters, Most Haunted, and Celebrity Ghost Stories, fully convinced I was about to discover something supernatural in my own house. That nostalgia made her so easy to connect with.
This wasn’t scary-scary to me. It felt more psychological, layered with grief and race and the kinds of ghosts that aren’t always paranormal. The pacing worked, and I stayed locked in.
Now listen… I won’t lie. I thought the reveal was going to be a little more mature. The reasoning behind what happened felt immature to me, and I was low-key convinced it had something to do with Tim’s work. That said, it didn’t ruin the experience. I was still invested.
Compared to Blood in the Water, this one wasn’t as dark or deep, but Tiffany still did what she does best. She blends real issues with suspense in a way that just works.
And honestly? Tiffany D. Jackson never misses.
4.5/5
Harmony Roundtree, originally from Harlem, spends the summer in Savannah while her dad plays with his band. She’s into ghosts, and Savannah is basically the capital of ghosts, murders, and missing people, so the vibes were already set. The atmosphere? Chef’s kiss.
I really liked Harmony. She reminded me of myself as a kid watching Ghost Hunters, Most Haunted, and Celebrity Ghost Stories, fully convinced I was about to discover something supernatural in my own house. That nostalgia made her so easy to connect with.
This wasn’t scary-scary to me. It felt more psychological, layered with grief and race and the kinds of ghosts that aren’t always paranormal. The pacing worked, and I stayed locked in.
Now listen… I won’t lie. I thought the reveal was going to be a little more mature. The reasoning behind what happened felt immature to me, and I was low-key convinced it had something to do with Tim’s work. That said, it didn’t ruin the experience. I was still invested.
Compared to Blood in the Water, this one wasn’t as dark or deep, but Tiffany still did what she does best. She blends real issues with suspense in a way that just works.
And honestly? Tiffany D. Jackson never misses.
4.5/5
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Okay so little Ms. Harmony?? I loved her. She’s so cute and fully committed to this ghost-hunting life like she is not backing down from anything. Her personality really carries the story—she’s curious, brave, and just has that energy where you can’t help but root for her.
What really pulls the story forward is the mystery—Harmony, along with her friends Myah and Robby, ends up searching for a young boy named Jabari after his well-known family member is killed and he suddenly goes missing in their Savannah community. That part adds a little more weight to the story and raises the stakes beyond just ghost hunting, even though the tone still stays pretty accessible.
The book itself is definitely more on the fun, lighter side, but it still touches on some real things like fear, courage, and learning how to face what scares you. It’s not super deep, but it has those little moments that make you think, especially for a YA read.
I will say though… this isn’t my favorite from Tiffany D. Jackson. If you’ve read her other books, you know she can get way more intense and layered, and this one just didn’t hit like that for me. But I don’t think it’s supposed to—it feels more like a cute, slightly spooky, easy read.
Overall, it’s fun, quick, and perfect if you want something a little eerie but not heavy. Harmony makes it worth it for sure.
What really pulls the story forward is the mystery—Harmony, along with her friends Myah and Robby, ends up searching for a young boy named Jabari after his well-known family member is killed and he suddenly goes missing in their Savannah community. That part adds a little more weight to the story and raises the stakes beyond just ghost hunting, even though the tone still stays pretty accessible.
The book itself is definitely more on the fun, lighter side, but it still touches on some real things like fear, courage, and learning how to face what scares you. It’s not super deep, but it has those little moments that make you think, especially for a YA read.
I will say though… this isn’t my favorite from Tiffany D. Jackson. If you’ve read her other books, you know she can get way more intense and layered, and this one just didn’t hit like that for me. But I don’t think it’s supposed to—it feels more like a cute, slightly spooky, easy read.
Overall, it’s fun, quick, and perfect if you want something a little eerie but not heavy. Harmony makes it worth it for sure.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Scholastic Press for this ARC copy.
If you’re looking for a mystery with paranormal elements that doesn’t go too deep into fantasy, this is your starter pack
Harmony, a ghost-tour obsessed girl from New York heads to Savannah with her dad and quickly finds herself caught up in a spooky mystery. And in true Tiffany D. Jackson fashion… there’s definitely more going on beneath the surface.
One thing I really loved was Harmony’s relationship with her dad. He fully supports her curiosity and detective mindset, which gave the story major Nancy Drew energy. Once Harmony teams up with her new friends, the whole vibe becomes very Scooby-Doo-esque.
Tiffany D. Jackson always does an amazing job blending entertainment with history, and I appreciated how the story incorporated historical details about Colonial Square along with Gullah Geechee culture. Those elements added so much personality and depth to the story without making it feel heavy for younger readers.
For adult readers who also enjoy middle grade and YA, just keep in mind that this is written for a younger audience. Don’t go in expecting super layered character development or intense depth. This is more of a fun, spooky, fast-paced mystery with light paranormal elements and strong friendship dynamics.
A quick 2 hour read lol
If you’re looking for a mystery with paranormal elements that doesn’t go too deep into fantasy, this is your starter pack
Harmony, a ghost-tour obsessed girl from New York heads to Savannah with her dad and quickly finds herself caught up in a spooky mystery. And in true Tiffany D. Jackson fashion… there’s definitely more going on beneath the surface.
One thing I really loved was Harmony’s relationship with her dad. He fully supports her curiosity and detective mindset, which gave the story major Nancy Drew energy. Once Harmony teams up with her new friends, the whole vibe becomes very Scooby-Doo-esque.
Tiffany D. Jackson always does an amazing job blending entertainment with history, and I appreciated how the story incorporated historical details about Colonial Square along with Gullah Geechee culture. Those elements added so much personality and depth to the story without making it feel heavy for younger readers.
For adult readers who also enjoy middle grade and YA, just keep in mind that this is written for a younger audience. Don’t go in expecting super layered character development or intense depth. This is more of a fun, spooky, fast-paced mystery with light paranormal elements and strong friendship dynamics.
A quick 2 hour read lol
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The plot was very engaging and enjoyable/believable even for those of us who don't believe in ghosts and hauntings. The characters were pretty likeable, much more so than in Jackson's first middle grade novel, Blood in the Water. I do still think she needs to write her characters to act a little more mature, as they seem quite childish and naive - not like the 12 year olds I know.
My one complaint was that there is a constant, repeated narrative that black people are always overlooked and forgotten. It does not help the story at all and is not believable, considering the important jobs and money that the black characters in this story all have. There was a bit of a disconnect between Harmony saying "nobody has money for that" when she wanted a new camera lens, yet she also talks about living in hotels and getting room service, and every time she asks her dad for money, he gives it to her. They are staying with a black woman who owns a house WITH a guest house, yet as they were first driving to the house, she notices that they've left the nice part of town and are in the type of area she is more used to. Its as though we are supposed to think she is poor, but she seems to have a lot more privilege than I do as a working middle class citizen.
My one complaint was that there is a constant, repeated narrative that black people are always overlooked and forgotten. It does not help the story at all and is not believable, considering the important jobs and money that the black characters in this story all have. There was a bit of a disconnect between Harmony saying "nobody has money for that" when she wanted a new camera lens, yet she also talks about living in hotels and getting room service, and every time she asks her dad for money, he gives it to her. They are staying with a black woman who owns a house WITH a guest house, yet as they were first driving to the house, she notices that they've left the nice part of town and are in the type of area she is more used to. Its as though we are supposed to think she is poor, but she seems to have a lot more privilege than I do as a working middle class citizen.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A perfect read for kiddos who like mysteries and maybe getting just a little bit scared. Adept storyteller Tiffany D. Jackson returns to middle grade with another spine-tingling tale.
Harmony and her dad have been spending the summer on the road as Harmony rides along on tour with her dad and his band. She's been taking pictures and listening to stories on ghost tours in each city they visit, partly to contribute to the photography portfolio she's submitting to get into the Studio Museum program back home in NY. The other reason is that she's secretly trying to figure out if she really experienced a haunting herself, after her grandma passed away earlier in the year. Now, in Savannah, not only are there stories of ghosts everywhere she turns, but just before she arrived a man was murdered nearby and his son is still missing. Harmony teams up with Robby, the 10 year-old, old for his years, tech genius son of the family she's staying with and a new friend Myah who claims she can speak to ghosts. However, when they get to the haunted house, will they meet a ghost, or a demon...or something else equally dangerous?
Harmony and her dad have been spending the summer on the road as Harmony rides along on tour with her dad and his band. She's been taking pictures and listening to stories on ghost tours in each city they visit, partly to contribute to the photography portfolio she's submitting to get into the Studio Museum program back home in NY. The other reason is that she's secretly trying to figure out if she really experienced a haunting herself, after her grandma passed away earlier in the year. Now, in Savannah, not only are there stories of ghosts everywhere she turns, but just before she arrived a man was murdered nearby and his son is still missing. Harmony teams up with Robby, the 10 year-old, old for his years, tech genius son of the family she's staying with and a new friend Myah who claims she can speak to ghosts. However, when they get to the haunted house, will they meet a ghost, or a demon...or something else equally dangerous?
April 5, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Tiffany D. Jackson for the ARC of Ghost in the Night! Tiffany is one of my favorite authors, so I was excited to dive into this one.
This YA story leans toward middle grade and is perfect for younger readers who enjoy a spooky mystery. We follow Harmony, who proudly calls herself a “weird girl from Harlem.” After experiencing a recent tragedy, she becomes fascinated with researching ghosts. When she travels to Savannah with her dad for his music gig, her curiosity grows even stronger especially when she joins a ghost tour.
During the tour, Harmony thinks she sees a ghost… but did she really? Around the same time, she learns about a murder that may be connected to the very house where she had her eerie experience. Determined to uncover the truth, Harmony teams up with two new friends to investigate the so-called “haunted house” and they end up discovering far more than they expected.
This is a fast-paced, engaging thriller that younger YA and middle grade readers will definitely enjoy. As always, I love Tiffany D. Jackson’s storytelling and can’t wait to see what she writes next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Tiffany D. Jackson for the ARC of Ghost in the Night! Tiffany is one of my favorite authors, so I was excited to dive into this one.
This YA story leans toward middle grade and is perfect for younger readers who enjoy a spooky mystery. We follow Harmony, who proudly calls herself a “weird girl from Harlem.” After experiencing a recent tragedy, she becomes fascinated with researching ghosts. When she travels to Savannah with her dad for his music gig, her curiosity grows even stronger especially when she joins a ghost tour.
During the tour, Harmony thinks she sees a ghost… but did she really? Around the same time, she learns about a murder that may be connected to the very house where she had her eerie experience. Determined to uncover the truth, Harmony teams up with two new friends to investigate the so-called “haunted house” and they end up discovering far more than they expected.
This is a fast-paced, engaging thriller that younger YA and middle grade readers will definitely enjoy. As always, I love Tiffany D. Jackson’s storytelling and can’t wait to see what she writes next!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If Tiffany wrote it I’m reading it! I loved Harmony! She was a sweet no-nonsense kind of kid! This book is definitely leans into the eerie spooky atmosphere that’s perfect for the target audience.
We follow Harmony after the loss of her grandmother as she leaves her home in Harlem to travel with her dad for his music gigs. In every city, she makes it a point to visit a ghost tour to get more answers on things that she’s witnessed and just how ghost really work.
As someone who’s been on a few ghost tours, I really appreciated how well the author captured the experience to set the tone.
When Harmony arrives in Savannah, she meets Robby and Maya, and together they set out to uncover the truth behind a Murder and a missing child. The mystery itself is fast paced and kept me engaged. That twist at the end was not at all expecting it but it didn’t disappoint.
What stood out to me most, though, were the emotional layers. This story gently explores grief in a way that feels accessible and meaningful for younger readers, offering messages that can really help with understanding loss and processing emotions.
A spooky, heartfelt read with depth and purpose.
We follow Harmony after the loss of her grandmother as she leaves her home in Harlem to travel with her dad for his music gigs. In every city, she makes it a point to visit a ghost tour to get more answers on things that she’s witnessed and just how ghost really work.
As someone who’s been on a few ghost tours, I really appreciated how well the author captured the experience to set the tone.
When Harmony arrives in Savannah, she meets Robby and Maya, and together they set out to uncover the truth behind a Murder and a missing child. The mystery itself is fast paced and kept me engaged. That twist at the end was not at all expecting it but it didn’t disappoint.
What stood out to me most, though, were the emotional layers. This story gently explores grief in a way that feels accessible and meaningful for younger readers, offering messages that can really help with understanding loss and processing emotions.
A spooky, heartfelt read with depth and purpose.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Book Report: Ghost in the Night by Tiffany D Jackson
After a personal loss…Harmony finds herself in Savannah, Georgia…a city known for its historic streets…moss draped trees and tales of unexplained happenings. When a photo taken on a ghost tour appears to capture something unusual…Harmony and two new friends begin digging for answers... only to uncover clues tied to a long-unsolved crime🔍✨
I'm such a fan of whatever Tiffany D. Jackson creates and the fact that she's writing suspenseful middle grade novels is such a gift for young readers (and the young at heart!)💛
One of my favorite parts of this book was the setting. Savannah felt vivid and immersive and the historical details made it feel like a little armchair getaway. I also loved how the mystery unfolded…balancing intrigue…friendship and just enough eerie atmosphere to keep the pages turning.This is for the readers who enjoy mysteries…local legends and stories that deliver a few goosebumps along the way…I think this one will be a hit.
Thank you Scholastic Preas for the advanced ecopy!
Releases 8/4
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
After a personal loss…Harmony finds herself in Savannah, Georgia…a city known for its historic streets…moss draped trees and tales of unexplained happenings. When a photo taken on a ghost tour appears to capture something unusual…Harmony and two new friends begin digging for answers... only to uncover clues tied to a long-unsolved crime🔍✨
I'm such a fan of whatever Tiffany D. Jackson creates and the fact that she's writing suspenseful middle grade novels is such a gift for young readers (and the young at heart!)💛
One of my favorite parts of this book was the setting. Savannah felt vivid and immersive and the historical details made it feel like a little armchair getaway. I also loved how the mystery unfolded…balancing intrigue…friendship and just enough eerie atmosphere to keep the pages turning.This is for the readers who enjoy mysteries…local legends and stories that deliver a few goosebumps along the way…I think this one will be a hit.
Thank you Scholastic Preas for the advanced ecopy!
Releases 8/4
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Scholastic Press for the ARC.
Harmony has always been interested in ghosts and ghost tours and even believes her grandma, who has recently died, might be now be a ghost. Harmony's dad gets a job in Savannah, a very haunted city, and they stay with a friend of her dad's and her son who is a couple of years younger than Harmony, but extremely smart. Immediately, Harmony wants to go on a ghost tour and takes a picture of what could be a ghost. This sets up the rest of the story, where Harmony meets a girl her age who is also interested in ghosts, Now, Harmony and two new friends start investigating and realize there's also an unsolved murder, which could make investigating very dangerous for the trio.
Not only is this a ghost story, but we also learn about the history of Savanah. For students wanting a very scary story, this isn't that, but for those who like a mystery and a little bit of suspense, will enjoy this. The cover is fantastic which will also entice readers.
Harmony has always been interested in ghosts and ghost tours and even believes her grandma, who has recently died, might be now be a ghost. Harmony's dad gets a job in Savannah, a very haunted city, and they stay with a friend of her dad's and her son who is a couple of years younger than Harmony, but extremely smart. Immediately, Harmony wants to go on a ghost tour and takes a picture of what could be a ghost. This sets up the rest of the story, where Harmony meets a girl her age who is also interested in ghosts, Now, Harmony and two new friends start investigating and realize there's also an unsolved murder, which could make investigating very dangerous for the trio.
Not only is this a ghost story, but we also learn about the history of Savanah. For students wanting a very scary story, this isn't that, but for those who like a mystery and a little bit of suspense, will enjoy this. The cover is fantastic which will also entice readers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Reading 2026
Book 65: Ghost in the Night by Tiffany D. Jackson
Tiffany is an auto read author for me. So thank you to #NetGalley for the advanced copy of this middle grade mystery. This is Jackson’s second middle grade book, Blood on the Water came out last year. Ghost will be published August 4, 2026. Read on my Kindle.
Synopsis: From mega-bestselling author Tiffany D. Jackson comes this highly anticipated follow-up to her middle grade debut Blood in the Water. Ghost in the Night is another spine-tingling, can't-put-it-down mystery, this time set in America's Most Haunted City, Savannah, Georgia
Review: Another good book by Tiffany Jackson. I heard her speak at the Texas Book Festival and she previewed this book with her love of ghosts and haunted tours. I was excited to get to this book. The main characters were great and multifaceted, especially Harmony. And in true Jackson style the book is hard hitting, Harmony is deeply entrenched in the ghost hunt, and the rug is pulled out from under her life. My rating 4⭐️
Book 65: Ghost in the Night by Tiffany D. Jackson
Tiffany is an auto read author for me. So thank you to #NetGalley for the advanced copy of this middle grade mystery. This is Jackson’s second middle grade book, Blood on the Water came out last year. Ghost will be published August 4, 2026. Read on my Kindle.
Synopsis: From mega-bestselling author Tiffany D. Jackson comes this highly anticipated follow-up to her middle grade debut Blood in the Water. Ghost in the Night is another spine-tingling, can't-put-it-down mystery, this time set in America's Most Haunted City, Savannah, Georgia
Review: Another good book by Tiffany Jackson. I heard her speak at the Texas Book Festival and she previewed this book with her love of ghosts and haunted tours. I was excited to get to this book. The main characters were great and multifaceted, especially Harmony. And in true Jackson style the book is hard hitting, Harmony is deeply entrenched in the ghost hunt, and the rug is pulled out from under her life. My rating 4⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Jackson is on fire. Her middle grade mysteries are now new favorites just like all of her YA books that I can't keep on the shelves in our library. Ghost in the Night was one of those books that I started and squeed over before pumping the brakes on continuing to read it so I can enjoy it thoroughly because it's so darn mysterious and curious and history-filled with ghosts too. Harmony is the kind of character that has had lots of freedom since her father is a musician and while they've moved to Savannah from the city, it's usually just a stop to another place so she gets started with ghosts tours in the area until she stumbles on a real life one with an older Black man named Truman found dead and one of Harmony's new pictures from the mysterious Calhoun house showing his image in the window! And now a new friend of hers is missing.
It's a fantastic readalike to Bayron's middle grade vampire books because it's all about solving problems.
There a mix of excitement and adventure and a lot of lively understanding of the setting that becomes a character by itself.
It's a fantastic readalike to Bayron's middle grade vampire books because it's all about solving problems.
There a mix of excitement and adventure and a lot of lively understanding of the setting that becomes a character by itself.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Harmony and her dad end up in Savannah the same day as a beloved community member was found dead, with his grandchild vanished. They're staying with some family friends that Harmony hadn't known about, and the woman and Harmony's dad seem to be keeping secrets.
Harmony has loved ghost tours, especially since her beloved grandma, one of her best friends, died. When she goes on a tour in Savannah, she takes a picture of something unusual in an empty house.
What did she find? What is going on with her dad? Can she help solve the mysteries all around her?
Secrets and clues mount as Harmony navigates this unusual summer in Savannah. Her life will never be the same.
This is an unputdownable book, like all of Tiffany Jackson's books. It's well-written, eerie, and filled with heart, hope, and the complexity of humanity. I highly recommend this for all upper elementary, middle school, and public libraries.
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss for an ARC!
Harmony has loved ghost tours, especially since her beloved grandma, one of her best friends, died. When she goes on a tour in Savannah, she takes a picture of something unusual in an empty house.
What did she find? What is going on with her dad? Can she help solve the mysteries all around her?
Secrets and clues mount as Harmony navigates this unusual summer in Savannah. Her life will never be the same.
This is an unputdownable book, like all of Tiffany Jackson's books. It's well-written, eerie, and filled with heart, hope, and the complexity of humanity. I highly recommend this for all upper elementary, middle school, and public libraries.
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss for an ARC!
March 18, 2026
“Kids know a lot more than adults think.”
Tiffany D Jackson does it again with her new middle grades mystery/ghost tale. Harmony Roundtree is a wonderfully funny and sprite main character who is intrigued by the presence of ghosts, she’s a Harlemite with set of homegirl besties she’s excited to reunite with after a summer trip with her musician dad to Savannah. But Harmony first has to process a grief that’s she’s keeping from her dad and maybe help solve a crime. Along the way she learns many lessons - the most impactful comes from listening to the wisdom inside herself.
Jackson tells so many rich stories within this tale- love for your people and their traditions, the importance of
Grandmas, why kids know a lot more than adults think and what it means to embrace life even during loss. It’s for middle grades but just as important for older kids and adults.
Thanks NetGalley and Scholastic for this ARC.
Tiffany D Jackson does it again with her new middle grades mystery/ghost tale. Harmony Roundtree is a wonderfully funny and sprite main character who is intrigued by the presence of ghosts, she’s a Harlemite with set of homegirl besties she’s excited to reunite with after a summer trip with her musician dad to Savannah. But Harmony first has to process a grief that’s she’s keeping from her dad and maybe help solve a crime. Along the way she learns many lessons - the most impactful comes from listening to the wisdom inside herself.
Jackson tells so many rich stories within this tale- love for your people and their traditions, the importance of
Grandmas, why kids know a lot more than adults think and what it means to embrace life even during loss. It’s for middle grades but just as important for older kids and adults.
Thanks NetGalley and Scholastic for this ARC.
May 17, 2026
After having my mind BLOWN by The Scammer, I had to pick up more by this author. This is her second middle grade thriller and it follows Harmony, who has come to Savannah with her dad following the death of her grandmother. Harmony loves ghost stories and haunted houses and enjoys taking ghost tours. Savannah is considered the most haunted city in the US so she loves absorbing all the atmosphere.
I liked the Savannah setting and TDJ did a really good job having a mystery with twists and turns but it never got too intense or scary so it’s a perfect middle grade read. Harmony did seem a little more mature than your average 12 year old though.
I really enjoyed the resolution of the mystery and how that all worked out. While this did not blow my mind like The Scammer did, it was still a fun and enjoyable middle grade mystery.
Thank you Scholastic Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I liked the Savannah setting and TDJ did a really good job having a mystery with twists and turns but it never got too intense or scary so it’s a perfect middle grade read. Harmony did seem a little more mature than your average 12 year old though.
I really enjoyed the resolution of the mystery and how that all worked out. While this did not blow my mind like The Scammer did, it was still a fun and enjoyable middle grade mystery.
Thank you Scholastic Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
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