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Mystery James #2
Mystery James Returns from the Grave
The second book in a creepy duology about Mystery James, who was found as a baby in a cemetery, lives in a funeral home, and can smell ghosts. This time, spring break takes a terrifying turn when Mystery suspects a ghost has entered her home…and refuses to leave.
"A new middle grade heroine you’re going to love."—BookRiot
Spring break was supposed to be a time for relaxation, but for Mystery James, it quickly turns into a series of spine-chilling adventures. After a burial at Garcia Graves & Funeral Home, Mystery begins to suspect the ghost of one of Ellis Town's most eccentric residents may be lingering in her home...or worse, haunting it.
With her trusty arachnid companion, Coffin by her side, Mystery must contend with creepy mortuary salesmen, a sinister presence creeping through her Tia Lucy's home, and changing friendship dynamics, all while uncovering clues that lead her deeper into an increasingly complex—and personal—mystery.
Soon, the Olde Ellis Town Cemetery becomes the backdrop for a showdown between the past and the present, where Mystery must confront her deepest fears and uncover the truth behind the supernatural events that have plagued her since childhood.
"A new middle grade heroine you’re going to love."—BookRiot
Spring break was supposed to be a time for relaxation, but for Mystery James, it quickly turns into a series of spine-chilling adventures. After a burial at Garcia Graves & Funeral Home, Mystery begins to suspect the ghost of one of Ellis Town's most eccentric residents may be lingering in her home...or worse, haunting it.
With her trusty arachnid companion, Coffin by her side, Mystery must contend with creepy mortuary salesmen, a sinister presence creeping through her Tia Lucy's home, and changing friendship dynamics, all while uncovering clues that lead her deeper into an increasingly complex—and personal—mystery.
Soon, the Olde Ellis Town Cemetery becomes the backdrop for a showdown between the past and the present, where Mystery must confront her deepest fears and uncover the truth behind the supernatural events that have plagued her since childhood.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 24, 2026
I enjoyed a big portion of this book! The terrifying poltergeist entity was awesome, the slimey salesmen were well written and genuinely creeped me out and I was excited to see how that was going to play out but unfortunately around the %70 mark, the plot shifted focus back to Baron The Vampire from the first book and it pulled my excitement away.
October 25, 2026
Mystery James is a middle schooler whose family runs a funeral home and she can smell ghosts, so there are heaps of supernatural elements in this duology! Perfect for spooky season (or really any time of year for your middle grade readers who love some paranormal creepiness), this book duo has some excellent representation and dig (pun totally intended) into some important themes.
Some noteworthy elements in the duology:
🕸️ BIPOC characters and non-traditional family structures
👻 A very gentle and loving look at caring for the dead, but also adventures with high stakes involving various types of paranormal entities
🕸️ Characters confronting their biggest fears, processing information about one’s personal past while embracing found family, navigating complicated friendship dynamics, learning to communicate about difficult topics, and leaning on others for support during hard times.
🕷️ A creepy crawly animal sidekick for a bit of levity
This duology was so much fun to read and I’m excited to add it to my classroom library, because I have many paranormal spooky story lovers among my students, and I think they’re going to love it!
Thanks so much to Random House Kids for sending me the books in this duology!
Some noteworthy elements in the duology:
🕸️ BIPOC characters and non-traditional family structures
👻 A very gentle and loving look at caring for the dead, but also adventures with high stakes involving various types of paranormal entities
🕸️ Characters confronting their biggest fears, processing information about one’s personal past while embracing found family, navigating complicated friendship dynamics, learning to communicate about difficult topics, and leaning on others for support during hard times.
🕷️ A creepy crawly animal sidekick for a bit of levity
This duology was so much fun to read and I’m excited to add it to my classroom library, because I have many paranormal spooky story lovers among my students, and I think they’re going to love it!
Thanks so much to Random House Kids for sending me the books in this duology!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Mystery James Returns from the Grave is an exhilarating and spooky adventure that masterfully combines supernatural mystery with heartfelt emotion, leaving you eager for what’s next.
Ally Russell’s Mystery James Returns from the Grave is an exciting and chilling middle-grade paranormal mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. As the follow-up to the first book, it ramps up the suspense with a series of intense events that deepen Mystery’s journey into the supernatural.
The story begins during spring break, which was supposed to be a time of relaxation for Mystery. Instead, she quickly finds herself in the middle of a terrifying mystery when she starts to suspect a ghost has entered her home—and refuses to leave. The ghostly activity escalates rapidly, with objects moving on their own and eerie whispers filling the house. Mystery’s suspicion points toward a ghost connected to the burial of a town eccentric at Garcia Graves & Funeral Home, raising questions about the town’s past and her own history.
As the haunting intensifies, Mystery’s attempts to seek help become more desperate. She reaches out to the sheriff, but he avoids her questions, adding a layer of frustration and suspicion. Her childhood friend, once her confidant, begins acting strangely distant and secretive, making her feel more isolated. Meanwhile, her trusty spider companion, Coffin, provides some comfort amid the chaos, but even he can’t prevent the growing sense of danger.
Things come to a head when the ghost’s activity becomes violent, culminating in a dramatic confrontation at the cemetery. Mystery uncovers startling clues that link her mother’s mysterious death and disappearance to the current supernatural chaos. The biggest shock comes when her sleep paralysis demon shifts into a poltergeist, turning her nightmare into a full-blown chaos of flying objects, ghostly apparitions, and haunted nightmares.
Throughout the story, Mystery’s investigation reveals hidden family secrets and unravels a long-standing mystery about her mother’s fate. The revelations are surprising and impactful, adding emotional weight to her quest for answers. The climax, with its high-stakes supernatural showdown, ties together the clues and mysteries in a satisfying, if intense, conclusion.
While a few moments felt a bit rushed—particularly the resolution of some mysteries—the story’s pacing and suspense kept me thoroughly engaged. The atmospheric settings, from the spooky funeral home to the haunted cemetery, add richly to the chilling tone.
Overall, Mystery James Returns from the Grave is a thrilling mix of supernatural suspense, mystery, and emotional discovery. Ally Russell creates a heroine who is brave, clever, and relatable, and the spooky twists and turns make this a perfect read for middle-grade fans of ghost stories and mysteries. I’m excited to see where Mystery’s adventures go next!
Ally Russell’s Mystery James Returns from the Grave is an exciting and chilling middle-grade paranormal mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. As the follow-up to the first book, it ramps up the suspense with a series of intense events that deepen Mystery’s journey into the supernatural.
The story begins during spring break, which was supposed to be a time of relaxation for Mystery. Instead, she quickly finds herself in the middle of a terrifying mystery when she starts to suspect a ghost has entered her home—and refuses to leave. The ghostly activity escalates rapidly, with objects moving on their own and eerie whispers filling the house. Mystery’s suspicion points toward a ghost connected to the burial of a town eccentric at Garcia Graves & Funeral Home, raising questions about the town’s past and her own history.
As the haunting intensifies, Mystery’s attempts to seek help become more desperate. She reaches out to the sheriff, but he avoids her questions, adding a layer of frustration and suspicion. Her childhood friend, once her confidant, begins acting strangely distant and secretive, making her feel more isolated. Meanwhile, her trusty spider companion, Coffin, provides some comfort amid the chaos, but even he can’t prevent the growing sense of danger.
Things come to a head when the ghost’s activity becomes violent, culminating in a dramatic confrontation at the cemetery. Mystery uncovers startling clues that link her mother’s mysterious death and disappearance to the current supernatural chaos. The biggest shock comes when her sleep paralysis demon shifts into a poltergeist, turning her nightmare into a full-blown chaos of flying objects, ghostly apparitions, and haunted nightmares.
Throughout the story, Mystery’s investigation reveals hidden family secrets and unravels a long-standing mystery about her mother’s fate. The revelations are surprising and impactful, adding emotional weight to her quest for answers. The climax, with its high-stakes supernatural showdown, ties together the clues and mysteries in a satisfying, if intense, conclusion.
While a few moments felt a bit rushed—particularly the resolution of some mysteries—the story’s pacing and suspense kept me thoroughly engaged. The atmospheric settings, from the spooky funeral home to the haunted cemetery, add richly to the chilling tone.
Overall, Mystery James Returns from the Grave is a thrilling mix of supernatural suspense, mystery, and emotional discovery. Ally Russell creates a heroine who is brave, clever, and relatable, and the spooky twists and turns make this a perfect read for middle-grade fans of ghost stories and mysteries. I’m excited to see where Mystery’s adventures go next!
October 17, 2026
🪦👻 A GIRL WHO SMELLS GHOSTS? SIGN ME UP! 👻🕷️
📚 Mystery James Returns from the Grave by Ally Russell, illustrated by Devin Forst
We’re back with Mystery James, and spring break is officially giving anything BUT a relaxing vacation! 💀😂
A girl who lives in a funeral home, can smell ghosts, and has a spider named Coffin as her trusty companion? Tell me that isn’t an iconic middle grade setup! 🕷️🖤
This time, something creepy is going on at home, and Mystery has a feeling that a ghost isn’t just passing through. Between unsettling supernatural activity, suspicious characters, friendship changes, and secrets tied to the past, she has a whole lot more to figure out than how to enjoy her break.
✨ What I love about this setup: Mystery is such a wonderfully unconventional heroine. The spooky atmosphere, cemetery setting, and paranormal mystery make this one stand out, while the friendship dynamics and personal discoveries give the story more depth than just a creepy ghost encounter.
And can we talk about Coffin for a second?! Because a spider sidekick named Coffin is absolutely the kind of detail that makes a book memorable. 🕷️😂
If your young reader loves creepy mysteries, supernatural adventures, quirky characters, and just the right amount of spooky, this duology deserves a spot on their bookshelf!
🖤 The vibes: Creepy, mysterious, quirky, and delightfully spooky!
📖 Tropes & Themes: 🪦 Cemetery mysteries 👻 Supernatural hauntings 🕷️ Unusual animal companions 🔎 Uncovering family and town secrets 🤝 Friendship changes 🏚️ Creepy settings 💀 Facing your fears
💬 Tell me, babes: Would you be brave enough to investigate a ghost haunting your house, or would you be packing your bags and moving OUT immediately? Because I’m not about to argue with a ghost over living space. 😂🏃🏽♀️
Quick note, babes: This review is based on the book description you shared, so I kept it focused on the premise and themes rather than pretending I’ve read the full book. 🖤
April 9, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mystery James Returns From The Grave
By Ally Russell
Out September 15, 2026
🕷️🪱🪦
🕸️Sequel to Mystery James Digs Her Own Grave
🕸️FMC can smell ghosts 👻
🕸️Paranormal funeral home
🕸️Spooky cemetery 🪦 🧛
🕸️Spider sidekick 🕷️
🕸️BIPOC representation
🕸️Mystery solves a mystery
🕸️Beautifully illustrated map of funeral home/graveyard/journal entries
Oh, to be seen! Growing up there wasn’t much of spooky Latina characters in books. Let alone main character. So when I learned of Mystery James, my heart was full. Mystery James Returns From The Grave has the same paranormal spookiness from book one. To give a quick background of Mystery, she was found as a baby in a cemetery and now lives in a funeral home. And… she has special senses, she can smell when a ghost is around.
🪱🪦
“Spring break was supposed to be a time for relaxation, but for Mystery James, it quickly turns into a series of spine-chilling adventures. After a burial at Garcia Graves & Funeral Home, Mystery begins to suspect the ghost of one of Ellis Town's most eccentric residents may be lingering in her home...or worse, haunting it.
🪦
With her trusty arachnid companion, Coffin by her side, Mystery must contend with creepy mortuary salesmen, a sinister presence creeping through her Tia Lucy's home, and changing friendship dynamics, all while uncovering clues that lead her deeper into an increasingly complex—and personal—mystery.
🪦
Soon, the Olde Ellis Town Cemetery becomes the backdrop for a showdown between the past and the present, where Mystery must confront her deepest fears and uncover the truth behind the supernatural events that have plagued her since childhood.”
Thank you, NetGalley and Ally for allowing me the opportunity to read this in advance.
Mystery James Returns From The Grave
By Ally Russell
Out September 15, 2026
🕷️🪱🪦
🕸️Sequel to Mystery James Digs Her Own Grave
🕸️FMC can smell ghosts 👻
🕸️Paranormal funeral home
🕸️Spooky cemetery 🪦 🧛
🕸️Spider sidekick 🕷️
🕸️BIPOC representation
🕸️Mystery solves a mystery
🕸️Beautifully illustrated map of funeral home/graveyard/journal entries
Oh, to be seen! Growing up there wasn’t much of spooky Latina characters in books. Let alone main character. So when I learned of Mystery James, my heart was full. Mystery James Returns From The Grave has the same paranormal spookiness from book one. To give a quick background of Mystery, she was found as a baby in a cemetery and now lives in a funeral home. And… she has special senses, she can smell when a ghost is around.
🪱🪦
“Spring break was supposed to be a time for relaxation, but for Mystery James, it quickly turns into a series of spine-chilling adventures. After a burial at Garcia Graves & Funeral Home, Mystery begins to suspect the ghost of one of Ellis Town's most eccentric residents may be lingering in her home...or worse, haunting it.
🪦
With her trusty arachnid companion, Coffin by her side, Mystery must contend with creepy mortuary salesmen, a sinister presence creeping through her Tia Lucy's home, and changing friendship dynamics, all while uncovering clues that lead her deeper into an increasingly complex—and personal—mystery.
🪦
Soon, the Olde Ellis Town Cemetery becomes the backdrop for a showdown between the past and the present, where Mystery must confront her deepest fears and uncover the truth behind the supernatural events that have plagued her since childhood.”
Thank you, NetGalley and Ally for allowing me the opportunity to read this in advance.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
MILD SPOILERS AHEAD!
Ally Russell is my favorite middle-grade author. In just a few books, she's proven to be a major talent in writing tween characters. Not many other authors can write about tween hopes, dreams, drama, and humor as well as Russell does, especially in scary situations! As someone who works with tweens as both a teacher and a librarian, I can't help but applaud the way Russell captures how middle-graders think and speak. I have caught myself chuckling at some of the lines her tween characters say because they sound almost EXACTLY like my students.
As a huge fan of MYSTERY JAMES DIGS HER OWN GRAVE, I was super excited to receive the ARC of MYSTERY JAMES RETURNS FROM THE GRAVE. The book picks up not long after MJDHOG left off, and Mystery is not exactly reeling, but definitely grappling with the events that happened at the climax of the last book. Her bestie Garrett has become distant, her Tia Lucy is acting weird and foggy-brained, and things just feel...off. We spend a lot of the book with Mystery by herself, encountering really bizarre supernatural things, like poltergeist worms! Her usual support system isn't in place, and this forces her to reach out to some new folks for help, most notably Hazel and Barry the cat! These new experiences, and the bravery she displays when talking about uncomfortable feelings with those she loves, help Mystery mature as a character and burgeoning young adult. If this is the last book in the series, I am really happy with how it ended. Mystery James forever!
Ally Russell is my favorite middle-grade author. In just a few books, she's proven to be a major talent in writing tween characters. Not many other authors can write about tween hopes, dreams, drama, and humor as well as Russell does, especially in scary situations! As someone who works with tweens as both a teacher and a librarian, I can't help but applaud the way Russell captures how middle-graders think and speak. I have caught myself chuckling at some of the lines her tween characters say because they sound almost EXACTLY like my students.
As a huge fan of MYSTERY JAMES DIGS HER OWN GRAVE, I was super excited to receive the ARC of MYSTERY JAMES RETURNS FROM THE GRAVE. The book picks up not long after MJDHOG left off, and Mystery is not exactly reeling, but definitely grappling with the events that happened at the climax of the last book. Her bestie Garrett has become distant, her Tia Lucy is acting weird and foggy-brained, and things just feel...off. We spend a lot of the book with Mystery by herself, encountering really bizarre supernatural things, like poltergeist worms! Her usual support system isn't in place, and this forces her to reach out to some new folks for help, most notably Hazel and Barry the cat! These new experiences, and the bravery she displays when talking about uncomfortable feelings with those she loves, help Mystery mature as a character and burgeoning young adult. If this is the last book in the series, I am really happy with how it ended. Mystery James forever!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐ 4.5
📖 e-book advanced reader copy
Mystery James is such a fun character and the sequel did not disappoint. Don't let the middle-grade genre fool you -- this is a paranormal mystery that will give you the chills.
I recommend reading a physical copy (if you can!) so you can appreciate the cool little illustrated journal entries between chapters.
In this second book, not too much time has passed since Mystery and Garret defeated the vampire ghost and put a graverobber behind bars. Garret has been a little less of a bff lately, and Tia Lucy is experiencing some memory troubles, which is making Mystery feel a bit lonely.
Thankfully, Mystery's paralysis demon has left her, but a not so friendly spirit seems to have taken its place in the house. As the spirit's powers strengthen, Tia Lucy appears to get worse, and people in the house aren't always acting like themselves. On top of that, the sheriff isn't helping Mystery by looking into her mom's disappearance like he promised but hey, I'm an adult reading a book written for middle-graders.
Ally Russell is easily one of my favorite MG writers and I will read everything she puts out there.
📖 e-book advanced reader copy
Mystery James is such a fun character and the sequel did not disappoint. Don't let the middle-grade genre fool you -- this is a paranormal mystery that will give you the chills.
I recommend reading a physical copy (if you can!) so you can appreciate the cool little illustrated journal entries between chapters.
In this second book, not too much time has passed since Mystery and Garret defeated the vampire ghost and put a graverobber behind bars. Garret has been a little less of a bff lately, and Tia Lucy is experiencing some memory troubles, which is making Mystery feel a bit lonely.
Thankfully, Mystery's paralysis demon has left her, but a not so friendly spirit seems to have taken its place in the house. As the spirit's powers strengthen, Tia Lucy appears to get worse, and people in the house aren't always acting like themselves. On top of that, the sheriff isn't helping Mystery by looking into her mom's disappearance like he promised but hey, I'm an adult reading a book written for middle-graders.
Ally Russell is easily one of my favorite MG writers and I will read everything she puts out there.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
✨ ARC Review ✨
📚 Mystery James Returns From the Grave by Ally Russell
🗓️ Publishes September 15, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
This was such a fun surprise and ended up being far more layered than I expected for middle grade. The mystery itself was incredibly intricate, and I was genuinely impressed by how many moving pieces were woven together. There were also moments that felt much spookier—and honestly a little more gruesome—than I anticipated for this age range, but I think that’s exactly what many tween readers are going to love. As an adult reader, I had a great time with it because it actually gave me something substantial to sink my teeth into.
One thing I would strongly recommend: read book one before jumping into this one. While this can technically be read on its own, there are frequent references to events from the first book, and I think having that background would have made certain moments even more impactful.
I also really loved the character dynamics. The tension with Mystery’s best friend felt realistic, and I appreciated how a newer friendship was woven into the story as well. Those relationship shifts felt authentic for this age group and added emotional depth beyond the mystery itself.
There’s also an ongoing mystery surrounding Mystery’s birth mother that quietly unfolds in the background and comes full circle in a really heartfelt way by the end. I appreciated that emotional payoff and the sense of closure it gave her character.
And honestly… a girl who lives in a funeral home and has a pet spider? That alone makes Mystery James unforgettable. She’s quirky, dramatic, mature for her age at times—she absolutely kept me entertained.
I can easily see this becoming a long-running series with a very loyal fan base, and I’m excited to see where it goes next.
⭐️ 4 stars
#ARCReview #NetGalley #MiddleGradeMystery #SpookyBooks #FallReads #Bookstagram #GoodreadsReview #MysteryJames
📚 Mystery James Returns From the Grave by Ally Russell
🗓️ Publishes September 15, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
This was such a fun surprise and ended up being far more layered than I expected for middle grade. The mystery itself was incredibly intricate, and I was genuinely impressed by how many moving pieces were woven together. There were also moments that felt much spookier—and honestly a little more gruesome—than I anticipated for this age range, but I think that’s exactly what many tween readers are going to love. As an adult reader, I had a great time with it because it actually gave me something substantial to sink my teeth into.
One thing I would strongly recommend: read book one before jumping into this one. While this can technically be read on its own, there are frequent references to events from the first book, and I think having that background would have made certain moments even more impactful.
I also really loved the character dynamics. The tension with Mystery’s best friend felt realistic, and I appreciated how a newer friendship was woven into the story as well. Those relationship shifts felt authentic for this age group and added emotional depth beyond the mystery itself.
There’s also an ongoing mystery surrounding Mystery’s birth mother that quietly unfolds in the background and comes full circle in a really heartfelt way by the end. I appreciated that emotional payoff and the sense of closure it gave her character.
And honestly… a girl who lives in a funeral home and has a pet spider? That alone makes Mystery James unforgettable. She’s quirky, dramatic, mature for her age at times—she absolutely kept me entertained.
I can easily see this becoming a long-running series with a very loyal fan base, and I’m excited to see where it goes next.
⭐️ 4 stars
#ARCReview #NetGalley #MiddleGradeMystery #SpookyBooks #FallReads #Bookstagram #GoodreadsReview #MysteryJames
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Children's Books Delacorte Press for this ARC book.
I love Mystery James, shes such a great character and I really enjoyed seeing how she faced the new challenges of this book as well dealing with the effects of the last book. In this story she's dealing with how her friendship with Garrett has changed because of her last adventure and it is such a well done representation of the growing pains even the strongest friendships face. The mysteries of this book continue from the first and the new elements were really intriguing and tied into the events from the first book well. It was so satisfying to see how everything came together and how Mystery handled everything that was thrown at her. This is such a well done duology and everything was wrapped up well, but Mystery James is such a vibrant character you just know she's not done with the ghostly adventures. I so love how she was written and distinctly established so you as a reader feel like you really know her which also added to how totally satisfying the ending of these books is as a reader.
I love Mystery James, shes such a great character and I really enjoyed seeing how she faced the new challenges of this book as well dealing with the effects of the last book. In this story she's dealing with how her friendship with Garrett has changed because of her last adventure and it is such a well done representation of the growing pains even the strongest friendships face. The mysteries of this book continue from the first and the new elements were really intriguing and tied into the events from the first book well. It was so satisfying to see how everything came together and how Mystery handled everything that was thrown at her. This is such a well done duology and everything was wrapped up well, but Mystery James is such a vibrant character you just know she's not done with the ghostly adventures. I so love how she was written and distinctly established so you as a reader feel like you really know her which also added to how totally satisfying the ending of these books is as a reader.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this book courtesy of NetGalley for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Overview: Mystery James has had a rough winter. The vampire Baron has been put to rest, there is even a cage around the Baron's grave. The Baron's ghost even swore that he knew where her mother was buried. But, now the sheriff is ignoring her calls. Garrett seems to be moving on to other friends. And her aunt's funeral home/house has seemed to have gained a poltergeist. What will Mystery do now? And has she completely lost Garrett's friendship? Let's find out.
Story Telling This is a middle grade horror novel, and part of a series.
Dislikes: The Knoch brothers need to learn how to take no for an answer.
Likes: Bess Richards may have hurt Hazel many years ago, yet she knew who could help Mystery out the best.
Garrett didn't let Mystery hide what was bothering her.
Favorite Scene: We do find out what was happening with the poltergeist. That was just good.
Conclusion: This was a cute story. If you are a fan of middle grade horror, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
Overview: Mystery James has had a rough winter. The vampire Baron has been put to rest, there is even a cage around the Baron's grave. The Baron's ghost even swore that he knew where her mother was buried. But, now the sheriff is ignoring her calls. Garrett seems to be moving on to other friends. And her aunt's funeral home/house has seemed to have gained a poltergeist. What will Mystery do now? And has she completely lost Garrett's friendship? Let's find out.
Story Telling This is a middle grade horror novel, and part of a series.
Dislikes: The Knoch brothers need to learn how to take no for an answer.
Likes: Bess Richards may have hurt Hazel many years ago, yet she knew who could help Mystery out the best.
Garrett didn't let Mystery hide what was bothering her.
Favorite Scene: We do find out what was happening with the poltergeist. That was just good.
Conclusion: This was a cute story. If you are a fan of middle grade horror, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I'm happy and relieved to say that this did NOT fall victim to second book syndrome! Considering it's marketed as a duology, it ranked high on my list when it came time to rate and review.
Mystery James Returns from the Grave (RFTG) starts off where Mystery James Digs Her Own Grave (DHOG) ended, so while RFTG could be read as a standalone, I do recommend reading DHOG so all the references / callbacks are understood to their full extent.
The atmospheric, spooky vibes and the character development have definitely improved from DHOG to RFTG. The ongoing mystery surrounding Mystery and her birth mother has a satisfying full-circle moment. I still had some issues with pacing, but they didn't stop me from enjoying it overall.
As mentioned, it is claimed to be a duology. I am satisfied with it staying so, but I also see the potential for more. Either way, this was a great read in time for spooky season.
Thank you Random House Children's Books | Delacorte Press for allowing me to read this eARC via NetGalley.
Mystery James Returns from the Grave (RFTG) starts off where Mystery James Digs Her Own Grave (DHOG) ended, so while RFTG could be read as a standalone, I do recommend reading DHOG so all the references / callbacks are understood to their full extent.
The atmospheric, spooky vibes and the character development have definitely improved from DHOG to RFTG. The ongoing mystery surrounding Mystery and her birth mother has a satisfying full-circle moment. I still had some issues with pacing, but they didn't stop me from enjoying it overall.
As mentioned, it is claimed to be a duology. I am satisfied with it staying so, but I also see the potential for more. Either way, this was a great read in time for spooky season.
Thank you Random House Children's Books | Delacorte Press for allowing me to read this eARC via NetGalley.
October 3, 2026
Mystery James is back in this middle grade follow up by @onedarkally
👻
Mystery James expects a relaxing spring break, but after a burial at her family’s funeral home, she becomes convinced a ghost may have followed her home. With her spider companion Coffin by her side, Mystery investigates increasingly creepy events that eventually lead her to the Olde Ellis Town Cemetery and toward answers about the supernatural experiences that have haunted her since childhood.
I love a spooky MG mystery that balances creepy moments with friendship and family! Coming back to Mystery’s life, growing up around a funeral home and adding ghosts, a creepy cemetery, and a poltergeist made it just as good as book 1! I especially liked that this story became personal and started answering questions about the supernatural experiences Mystery has had since childhood. Perfect for readers who want something spooky without being too scary. I'm sad this one is a duology and will miss Mystery!
CW: death, parental death (recounted)
👻
Mystery James expects a relaxing spring break, but after a burial at her family’s funeral home, she becomes convinced a ghost may have followed her home. With her spider companion Coffin by her side, Mystery investigates increasingly creepy events that eventually lead her to the Olde Ellis Town Cemetery and toward answers about the supernatural experiences that have haunted her since childhood.
I love a spooky MG mystery that balances creepy moments with friendship and family! Coming back to Mystery’s life, growing up around a funeral home and adding ghosts, a creepy cemetery, and a poltergeist made it just as good as book 1! I especially liked that this story became personal and started answering questions about the supernatural experiences Mystery has had since childhood. Perfect for readers who want something spooky without being too scary. I'm sad this one is a duology and will miss Mystery!
CW: death, parental death (recounted)
October 21, 2026
OK, so this was a great follow up! I wasn't expecting the ending (never do!) but it was perfect. Not only is this a horror/ghost story, but it's about growing up, making new friends and keeping old ones. And it's about how this town is messed up and people rob graves even now, not just back in the day! Just wait until you find out who's behind this!!
This book also felt quicker, but maybe that's because it didn't have to explain so much back story? Either way, not upset that it felt quicker.
I love how you finally get some closure with the story of her mother, but I'm worried this ending felt like an ending. Like it was a duology and now the series is done! I don't believe that's the case, so I'm interested to see where this goes next. I could see one or two more stories in this series.
For fans of mystery and ghost stories. Middle school all the way, I'd say this has appeal for 5th -8th graders, with the sweet spot being 6th/7th. The messed-up nature of the act of grave robbing, and mention of current day grave robbing might snag the older readers. Recommend this series to kids who like City of Ghosts series by Victoria Schwab
This book also felt quicker, but maybe that's because it didn't have to explain so much back story? Either way, not upset that it felt quicker.
I love how you finally get some closure with the story of her mother, but I'm worried this ending felt like an ending. Like it was a duology and now the series is done! I don't believe that's the case, so I'm interested to see where this goes next. I could see one or two more stories in this series.
For fans of mystery and ghost stories. Middle school all the way, I'd say this has appeal for 5th -8th graders, with the sweet spot being 6th/7th. The messed-up nature of the act of grave robbing, and mention of current day grave robbing might snag the older readers. Recommend this series to kids who like City of Ghosts series by Victoria Schwab
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
After the crazy events of last fall, spring break isn’t turning out the way Mystery James had hoped. Things are weirdly strained with her best friend Garrett. Her Aunt Lucy’s been acting strangely forgetful. The sheriff is ignoring her calls. Pushy salesmen won’t leave her aunt’s funeral home alone. Oh, and terrifying, malevolent poltergeist is haunting her home.
This second book in the Mystery James duology nicely wraps up loose threads from Book One while weaving several new spooky situations. Author Ally Russell delivers some real, delightful scares while keeping the emotional heart that I loved from Book One.
Thank you to Random House Children’s and NetGalley for providing the e-arc for my honest review.
This second book in the Mystery James duology nicely wraps up loose threads from Book One while weaving several new spooky situations. Author Ally Russell delivers some real, delightful scares while keeping the emotional heart that I loved from Book One.
Thank you to Random House Children’s and NetGalley for providing the e-arc for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Mystery James Returns from the Grave by Ally Russell is the second in a duology about Mystery James and her hunt for the ghost haunting her home. Mystery can smell ghosts so is the perfect person to help get the ghost out of her house. She lives with her Tia Lucy and with her arachnid friend Coffin she spends her Spring Break trying to find the ghost and help her Tia with the creepy mortuary salesmen that are coming around. This is an interesting middle grade mystery and with her problems with trying to find out why her friend Garrett is dissing her and taking care of all the other problems she has, Mystery James is a good read.
October 18, 2026
I really do not think that this mystery story needed a sequel. A lot of the different plot beats of this mystery did not feel cohesive or necessary. At one point I even wondered about the timing because the author clearly established that the sequel takes place months after the events of book one and yet somehow one of the culprits in book one is still in the hospital because of his injury, a broken leg, from those escapades. The plot definitely got murky at that point. The mystery itself also had plenty of holes in it, which made for a less satisfying reading experience.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
"Feeling feelings or feeling truth"
Listened to this on PRH Audio. I listened to the first one too and enjoyed the second just as much.
This was a sweet continuation to the first book, picking up just a few months after the events of the first book, which had felt somewhat incomplete at the time. I'm glad the author delivered just as much spooky ambiance for young readers as in the first book, and unraveling the rest of the mystery felt very satisfying.
Listened to this on PRH Audio. I listened to the first one too and enjoyed the second just as much.
This was a sweet continuation to the first book, picking up just a few months after the events of the first book, which had felt somewhat incomplete at the time. I'm glad the author delivered just as much spooky ambiance for young readers as in the first book, and unraveling the rest of the mystery felt very satisfying.
September 17, 2026
Mystery James is back!!! I’ve said it before, but Ally Russell writes friendships so well!
I felt like this one was heavier than the first book as Mystery and Garrett dealt with the aftermath of the first book along with friendship issues. My heart hurt for them!!
This book had so many creepy moments!!! When Mystery and Lucy were hearing noises in the house??? No thank you.
And Coffin omg. I’m so sad this series is ending after two books, these characters will stay with me for a long time.
I felt like this one was heavier than the first book as Mystery and Garrett dealt with the aftermath of the first book along with friendship issues. My heart hurt for them!!
This book had so many creepy moments!!! When Mystery and Lucy were hearing noises in the house??? No thank you.
And Coffin omg. I’m so sad this series is ending after two books, these characters will stay with me for a long time.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Mystery, Garrett and Coffin are back in this spine-tingling mystery, perfect for all wanna-be ghost hunters! This one checks all the boxes for me:
🪦 Cemetery at night
👻 Terrifying ghosts
✨ Twisty mystery
🐈⬛ Mischievous cat
🕷️ Arachnid sidekick
Fantastic read with spooky moments galore!
A huge thank you to Ally and NetGalley for letting me read this ghostly gem early!
🪦 Cemetery at night
👻 Terrifying ghosts
✨ Twisty mystery
🐈⬛ Mischievous cat
🕷️ Arachnid sidekick
Fantastic read with spooky moments galore!
A huge thank you to Ally and NetGalley for letting me read this ghostly gem early!
October 15, 2026
An excellent follow up to the first one. I loved Mystery! This book is an excellent mix of spooky and creepy, supernatural thrills, human monsters, and mystery. I loved the friendship dynamics and the character development. I also loved that mystery wore glasses! As a glasses wearer most of my life I always love characters who wear glasses and are not type cast as a nerd.
October 19, 2026
I enjoyed being back with these characters and the poltergeist plot. A bit of it ends up being a throwback to the first one which I was kind of iffy on. I thought the ending was very sweet and full circle. A cozy, spooky read for any age.
September 15, 2026
Amazing, exciting, worthy sequel!
October 1, 2026
Rounded up.
October 15, 2026
not as fun as the first one. i don't feel like the characters had as much depth as they did in the first book :(
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I loved getting to know so much about Mystery! So good! Real review to come to my blog!
June 18, 2026
Such a great duology! Love everything about Mystery James!
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