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The Haunting Of Riverside Academy: A Teen & YA Detective Story
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2026
About the author
Justin Owens
2 books10 followersJustin Owens works as a Computer Science Teacher in NC. He is about to begin his 13th year teaching. He taught Middle School Math for 10 years before becoming an Elementary STEAM teacher. He was recognized as Teacher of the Year in the 2023-2024 while teaching middle school math at Charles C. Erwin Middle School. His efforts to incorporate gamification in the classroom was recognized by the TIP foundation of NC (The Innovation Project of North Carolina.) in 2023. He is a follower of Christ and loves Teaching with LEGOs!
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 2, 2026
I came to ‘The Haunting of Riverside Academy: An Evelyn Cross Mystery’ by Justin Owens and Miles Reed on a quiet evening in March 2026, intending to read just a chapter or two before setting it aside. Several hours later, I surfaced from the eerie, gothic corridors of Riverside Academy blinking into the ordinary world around me and wondering how this mystery novel had so thoroughly swept me away. That, I think, is the most honest and the most glowing thing a reader can say about a book - it made the real world disappear. I felt like a Bombay Scottish School kid all over again!
The book begins with a Goosebump cum Fear Street Series vibe to it - students are vanishing from Riverside Academy. Whispers of haunted mirrors and eerie reflections have begun spreading through the school's halls, and nobody, not even the teachers, not the administration, and certainly not the student body can offer a rational explanation for what is truly happening. Into this unsettling atmosphere step our two protagonists, our Evelyn Cross and Miles Reed, intelligent, likeable, and wonderfully flawed individuals, whose bickering and opposing attitudes are as much a joy to read as the mystery itself. Together, they form one of the most compelling young detective partnerships I have encountered in recent fiction.
What I admired most about this novel was the way Justin Owens and Miles Reed refuse to insult the intelligence of their reader or, indeed, of their protagonist. The main character picks up on the fact that something is genuinely wrong almost immediately and this brisk, confident opening keeps the tension taut from the very first chapter. So many mystery novels lose precious momentum in the early pages, bogging the narrative down in excessive world-building and reluctant revelation. Owens and Reed commit to none of those sins. The story begins, and it moves fast – making the book racy and pacy!
The setting is one of the strongest elements of the novel, there is totally a lot of detail given to all the environments, and I felt completely transported to the eerie, gothic halls of Riverside Academy. So totally Fear Street Saga like and I loved that about the book! Because I was and still am a HUGE R.L. Stine forever fan!
The school has its own personality, its own secrets, its own almost architectural menace. I have also noted the strong Harry Potter atmosphere in the sense of being drawn into a unique, slightly mysterious school environment with hidden layers to uncover, yet Riverside Academy never feels derivative. It carries its own identity, its own darkness. Where Hogwarts enchants, Riverside Academy unsettles.
I was particularly moved by something that other readers have also singled out as quietly remarkable, that is, the deeper themes explored in the novel, particularly Evelyn and Miles's relationship to their faith, their beliefs, and how those beliefs are confronted and tested by events they cannot explain. For a mystery novel aimed at younger adult readers, this is a genuinely sophisticated choice on the authors' part. The haunted mirrors and vanishing students are not merely plot mechanics; they become a vehicle through which two young people are forced to interrogate what they believe about the nature of reality, the supernatural, and the limits of reason. As a Catholic Theologian and someone who has spent years at the intersection of faith and rationality, I found this dimension of the novel profoundly resonant.
Owens and Reed challenge Evelyn and Miles to test their courage, their friendship, and the very limits of what they believe to be real, and in so doing, they elevate what might have been a straightforward school mystery into something that lingers philosophically. The haunting is not just of Riverside Academy's halls, it is of the mind, of certainty, of the comfortable assumptions we carry into the unknown.
Justin Owens is, by profession, a teacher - a Computer Science Teacher in North Carolina, a veteran of over a decade in the classroom, and a Teacher of the Year awardee - and that teaching intelligence shows in every chapter. He understands young people with their impatience, their acuity, their hunger for something real and consequential in the stories they consume etc. He and his co-author Miles Reed have written a book that trusts its readers to handle atmosphere, moral ambiguity, and genuine intellectual weight. That trust is, itself, a gift.
Some secrets at Riverside Academy were never meant to be found. Perhaps. But I am very glad that Evelyn Cross and Miles Reed and the authors who gave them life found them for us. This is a confident, atmospheric, and genuinely affecting mystery, and I await the next Evelyn Cross adventure with real eagerness.
Absolutely and unreservedly 5 stars from me.
Kudos to Justin Owens and Miles Reed on a job well done!
I am totally incapacitated right now, having numerous blood and iron transfusions going on during this Holy Week – but great books keep the pain at bay, and Justin’s book is just one of the great mystery books that I have been reading these days. Brilliant job Justin! If you could keep my mind off the transfusions and the creepy nurses creeping around my bedside, then you’ve got a real winner on your hands with ‘The Haunting of Riverside Academy: An Evelyn Cross Mystery’. This is also a nice and healthy mystery read for Christian readers who like their mysteries wholesome, geared towards ‘whole family entertainment’ and clean reads.
Will be checking out Justin’s next book on Legos pronto. Legos and I were born for each other!
The book begins with a Goosebump cum Fear Street Series vibe to it - students are vanishing from Riverside Academy. Whispers of haunted mirrors and eerie reflections have begun spreading through the school's halls, and nobody, not even the teachers, not the administration, and certainly not the student body can offer a rational explanation for what is truly happening. Into this unsettling atmosphere step our two protagonists, our Evelyn Cross and Miles Reed, intelligent, likeable, and wonderfully flawed individuals, whose bickering and opposing attitudes are as much a joy to read as the mystery itself. Together, they form one of the most compelling young detective partnerships I have encountered in recent fiction.
What I admired most about this novel was the way Justin Owens and Miles Reed refuse to insult the intelligence of their reader or, indeed, of their protagonist. The main character picks up on the fact that something is genuinely wrong almost immediately and this brisk, confident opening keeps the tension taut from the very first chapter. So many mystery novels lose precious momentum in the early pages, bogging the narrative down in excessive world-building and reluctant revelation. Owens and Reed commit to none of those sins. The story begins, and it moves fast – making the book racy and pacy!
The setting is one of the strongest elements of the novel, there is totally a lot of detail given to all the environments, and I felt completely transported to the eerie, gothic halls of Riverside Academy. So totally Fear Street Saga like and I loved that about the book! Because I was and still am a HUGE R.L. Stine forever fan!
The school has its own personality, its own secrets, its own almost architectural menace. I have also noted the strong Harry Potter atmosphere in the sense of being drawn into a unique, slightly mysterious school environment with hidden layers to uncover, yet Riverside Academy never feels derivative. It carries its own identity, its own darkness. Where Hogwarts enchants, Riverside Academy unsettles.
I was particularly moved by something that other readers have also singled out as quietly remarkable, that is, the deeper themes explored in the novel, particularly Evelyn and Miles's relationship to their faith, their beliefs, and how those beliefs are confronted and tested by events they cannot explain. For a mystery novel aimed at younger adult readers, this is a genuinely sophisticated choice on the authors' part. The haunted mirrors and vanishing students are not merely plot mechanics; they become a vehicle through which two young people are forced to interrogate what they believe about the nature of reality, the supernatural, and the limits of reason. As a Catholic Theologian and someone who has spent years at the intersection of faith and rationality, I found this dimension of the novel profoundly resonant.
Owens and Reed challenge Evelyn and Miles to test their courage, their friendship, and the very limits of what they believe to be real, and in so doing, they elevate what might have been a straightforward school mystery into something that lingers philosophically. The haunting is not just of Riverside Academy's halls, it is of the mind, of certainty, of the comfortable assumptions we carry into the unknown.
Justin Owens is, by profession, a teacher - a Computer Science Teacher in North Carolina, a veteran of over a decade in the classroom, and a Teacher of the Year awardee - and that teaching intelligence shows in every chapter. He understands young people with their impatience, their acuity, their hunger for something real and consequential in the stories they consume etc. He and his co-author Miles Reed have written a book that trusts its readers to handle atmosphere, moral ambiguity, and genuine intellectual weight. That trust is, itself, a gift.
Some secrets at Riverside Academy were never meant to be found. Perhaps. But I am very glad that Evelyn Cross and Miles Reed and the authors who gave them life found them for us. This is a confident, atmospheric, and genuinely affecting mystery, and I await the next Evelyn Cross adventure with real eagerness.
Absolutely and unreservedly 5 stars from me.
Kudos to Justin Owens and Miles Reed on a job well done!
I am totally incapacitated right now, having numerous blood and iron transfusions going on during this Holy Week – but great books keep the pain at bay, and Justin’s book is just one of the great mystery books that I have been reading these days. Brilliant job Justin! If you could keep my mind off the transfusions and the creepy nurses creeping around my bedside, then you’ve got a real winner on your hands with ‘The Haunting of Riverside Academy: An Evelyn Cross Mystery’. This is also a nice and healthy mystery read for Christian readers who like their mysteries wholesome, geared towards ‘whole family entertainment’ and clean reads.
Will be checking out Justin’s next book on Legos pronto. Legos and I were born for each other!
March 25, 2026
The Haunting of Riverside was a really interesting read and one I’d comfortably give four stars. It pulled me in pretty quickly, and I appreciated the pacing overall. If anything, I even think it could have moved a little faster in certain spots, but I also recognize that this genre can sometimes get completely bogged down in heavy world building. I actually appreciated that this book didn’t do that. I’m not someone who loves pages and pages of setup, so the balance here worked well for me.
One thing I really liked was that the main character picks up on the fact that something is off almost immediately. It kept the story moving and made it easier to stay engaged instead of waiting forever for things to click into place. It also gave the whole book this underlying tension right from the start.
The setting was another highlight. It had strong Harry Potter vibes in the sense that you are brought into this unique, slightly mysterious school environment with hidden layers and secrets to uncover. At the same time, it felt like it had its own identity. I liked how it blended mystical elements with a more intellectual tone. It did not feel overly whimsical, but more grounded, which made the mystery aspect stand out even more.
I’ve seen other readers mention that the atmosphere is one of the strongest parts of the book, and I definitely agree. There is a consistent eerie undertone that builds as the story goes on. Some people have also pointed out that while the concept is really compelling, there are moments where you wish certain details or plot points were explored a bit deeper, and I can see that too. It leaves you wanting just a little bit more in certain areas.
Overall, it felt like stepping into a really unique world without being overwhelmed by it. The mix of mystery, subtle supernatural elements, and the school setting made it a fun and engaging read.
One thing I really liked was that the main character picks up on the fact that something is off almost immediately. It kept the story moving and made it easier to stay engaged instead of waiting forever for things to click into place. It also gave the whole book this underlying tension right from the start.
The setting was another highlight. It had strong Harry Potter vibes in the sense that you are brought into this unique, slightly mysterious school environment with hidden layers and secrets to uncover. At the same time, it felt like it had its own identity. I liked how it blended mystical elements with a more intellectual tone. It did not feel overly whimsical, but more grounded, which made the mystery aspect stand out even more.
I’ve seen other readers mention that the atmosphere is one of the strongest parts of the book, and I definitely agree. There is a consistent eerie undertone that builds as the story goes on. Some people have also pointed out that while the concept is really compelling, there are moments where you wish certain details or plot points were explored a bit deeper, and I can see that too. It leaves you wanting just a little bit more in certain areas.
Overall, it felt like stepping into a really unique world without being overwhelmed by it. The mix of mystery, subtle supernatural elements, and the school setting made it a fun and engaging read.
March 24, 2026
This is a really engaging book, full of mystery, suspense, and darker themes. I really liked the two main characters! I felt like I knew who they were really early on and I was rooting for them throughout! Miles and Evelyn are intelligent, likeable, and flawed individuals and I love that they were able to grow throughout the story. Even though it’s a young adult tale, I particuarly enjoyed the deeper themes explored, such as Miles’ and Evelyn’s relationship to their faith/religion/beliefs and how that’s confronted.
The overall pace flowed quite well, though I did feel that Evelyn’s long-winded explanations did hamper the momentum of the story at times. Still, Evelyn’s a great character and I appreciated her sharp mind and witticisms. The two main characters are well-suited as a team and their bickering and opposing attitudes also makes it a fun read.
I also particularly enjoyed the sense of atmosphere. There’s a lot of detail given to all the settings and I felt completely transported to the eerie, gothic halls of Riverside Academy.
I would definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for a mysterious and exciting story for young adults!
The overall pace flowed quite well, though I did feel that Evelyn’s long-winded explanations did hamper the momentum of the story at times. Still, Evelyn’s a great character and I appreciated her sharp mind and witticisms. The two main characters are well-suited as a team and their bickering and opposing attitudes also makes it a fun read.
I also particularly enjoyed the sense of atmosphere. There’s a lot of detail given to all the settings and I felt completely transported to the eerie, gothic halls of Riverside Academy.
I would definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for a mysterious and exciting story for young adults!
March 27, 2026
I very much enjoyed this fast-paced novel. The two, very different protagonists clash with each other in memorable ways, and the banter between them kept me engaged for the brief time it took me to read the book. The story is engrossing and emotional, with an uncertain ending that tells you much about the characters with how they handle it. Highly recommended.
April 14, 2026
a fun quick read
A good story that deals with science, religion, mental illness and the paranormal. Easy to read and to engage with the characters
A good story that deals with science, religion, mental illness and the paranormal. Easy to read and to engage with the characters
April 25, 2026
i read this book in three hours and twenty minutes. i picked it up, read 92 pages, set it down, talked with my mom for an hour, picked it back up, and then proceeded to finish the rest of the book in a sitting. i had no idea what to expect going into this but wow was i (pleasantly) surprised.
the book itself reads fast and easily with simple (but efficient) world building that allows you to picture everything without getting lost in the words. i didn’t think i’d ever read a mystery with a pairing of paranormal and faith/christianity but it surprisingly worked well?
the characters were easy to like and miles was a reliable narrator throughout the story which contributed to the books easy reading.
i absolutely loved evelyn, almost instantly at that. i loved their easy banter, but i especially loved how they decided to agree to not impose on each others views. “you don’t try to convert me, and i won’t try to deconvert you. we’ll coexist peacefully in mutual disagreement.” if only people in the real world could do this… *heavy sigh*
————————————————————————————————
it takes a lot to get a five star out of me when it comes to books and usually the ones that do are ones that have made me cry with either sad or happy tears, and leave a mark on me in a way that makes me think about the characters and plot for at least three days straight.
although i did really enjoy it, there were a few things i didn’t fully agree with; the main one primarily being their age. even though i agree that this book is good for middle school age to read, i think it makes more sense for the characters themselves to be in high school (at least ninth grade) simply based off of how they were written (which i understand characters are usually the same age range and the targeted audience’s age but…)
despite me not giving the book five stars, i do think it’s a book i will continue thinking about post reading simply because of the ending. i think it’s subjective to your views which in a way i enjoy because it reminds me that reading itself is subjective and not everybody that reads the same text will interpret it as such. the ending left me with lots of questions i wish i could ask miles myself, and that will definitely keep me thinking about the book.
overall, i really did enjoy reading this book (so much so i reread it the next day so i could see if my perspective on it had changed) and think it’s a book that’s worth trying! i’m excited to see how the rest of the series unfolds!!
the book itself reads fast and easily with simple (but efficient) world building that allows you to picture everything without getting lost in the words. i didn’t think i’d ever read a mystery with a pairing of paranormal and faith/christianity but it surprisingly worked well?
the characters were easy to like and miles was a reliable narrator throughout the story which contributed to the books easy reading.
i absolutely loved evelyn, almost instantly at that. i loved their easy banter, but i especially loved how they decided to agree to not impose on each others views. “you don’t try to convert me, and i won’t try to deconvert you. we’ll coexist peacefully in mutual disagreement.” if only people in the real world could do this… *heavy sigh*
————————————————————————————————
it takes a lot to get a five star out of me when it comes to books and usually the ones that do are ones that have made me cry with either sad or happy tears, and leave a mark on me in a way that makes me think about the characters and plot for at least three days straight.
although i did really enjoy it, there were a few things i didn’t fully agree with; the main one primarily being their age. even though i agree that this book is good for middle school age to read, i think it makes more sense for the characters themselves to be in high school (at least ninth grade) simply based off of how they were written (which i understand characters are usually the same age range and the targeted audience’s age but…)
despite me not giving the book five stars, i do think it’s a book i will continue thinking about post reading simply because of the ending. i think it’s subjective to your views which in a way i enjoy because it reminds me that reading itself is subjective and not everybody that reads the same text will interpret it as such. the ending left me with lots of questions i wish i could ask miles myself, and that will definitely keep me thinking about the book.
overall, i really did enjoy reading this book (so much so i reread it the next day so i could see if my perspective on it had changed) and think it’s a book that’s worth trying! i’m excited to see how the rest of the series unfolds!!
May 10, 2026
The Haunting Of Riverside Academy: An Evelyn Cross Mystery is a gripping blend of suspense, mystery, and supernatural intrigue. From the very beginning, the story creates an eerie atmosphere that keeps readers hooked, balancing chilling moments with clever investigative twists.
Evelyn Cross stands out as a strong and engaging protagonist whose determination and curiosity make the mystery even more compelling. The pacing is smooth, with each chapter uncovering new secrets that build tension and keep the reader eager to know what happens next.
What makes this book especially enjoyable is the way it combines classic mystery elements with haunting supernatural undertones, creating a story that feels both thrilling and immersive. The setting of Riverside Academy adds an extra layer of suspense, making the entire experience vivid and unforgettable.
Overall, this is an entertaining and well-crafted mystery that will appeal to readers who enjoy suspenseful storytelling, paranormal elements, and strong detective-style characters.
Evelyn Cross stands out as a strong and engaging protagonist whose determination and curiosity make the mystery even more compelling. The pacing is smooth, with each chapter uncovering new secrets that build tension and keep the reader eager to know what happens next.
What makes this book especially enjoyable is the way it combines classic mystery elements with haunting supernatural undertones, creating a story that feels both thrilling and immersive. The setting of Riverside Academy adds an extra layer of suspense, making the entire experience vivid and unforgettable.
Overall, this is an entertaining and well-crafted mystery that will appeal to readers who enjoy suspenseful storytelling, paranormal elements, and strong detective-style characters.
May 10, 2026
I really enjoyed reading The Haunting Of Riverside Academy. The story had the perfect balance of mystery, suspense, and supernatural tension that kept me turning the pages. I loved the atmosphere of Riverside Academy and how the author slowly revealed the secrets surrounding the haunting without making the pacing feel rushed. The characters felt believable, and the dialogue made it easy to connect with them throughout the story.
What stood out most to me was how engaging and cinematic the book felt. Every chapter left me wanting to know more, and the mystery kept me invested until the end. It’s one of those YA paranormal stories that manages to feel creepy, exciting, and fun at the same time. If you enjoy mysteries with supernatural twists and strong school-setting vibes, this is definitely a book worth reading.
What stood out most to me was how engaging and cinematic the book felt. Every chapter left me wanting to know more, and the mystery kept me invested until the end. It’s one of those YA paranormal stories that manages to feel creepy, exciting, and fun at the same time. If you enjoy mysteries with supernatural twists and strong school-setting vibes, this is definitely a book worth reading.
March 29, 2026
The Haunting of Riverside Academy offers a compelling blend of moody atmosphere, clever Gothic world-building, and a gripping "architecture-as-character" concept that brings the setting to life. Miles serves as a sharp, engaging protagonist, balancing scientific logic against uncanny, suspenseful clues that perfectly set up a slow-burn mystery. It is a five-star read for those who enjoy intellectual mysteries blended with atmospheric, haunted boarding school tropes.
May 11, 2026
I honestly didn’t expect to get so invested in this story, but once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. The mix of paranormal mystery and detective work gave me strong Sherlock Holmes meets X-Files vibes, but it still felt unique in its own way. Evelyn Cross is such an interesting character because she’s brilliant, awkward, and feels very real compared to a lot of YA protagonists. The atmosphere of Riverside Academy was creepy without relying on cheap jump scares or gore. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
April 20, 2026
I received this book from a Goodreads Giveaway.
The premise of this book was intriguing. The story was interesting, except it felt like a cheap Wednesday Addams knock-off for one main character and the other main character became too preachy about halfway through the book, which was a real put off.
Also, why is the whole book in italics? That's harder to read.
And, why does it say "to be continued" at the end of EVERY CHAPTER?
The premise of this book was intriguing. The story was interesting, except it felt like a cheap Wednesday Addams knock-off for one main character and the other main character became too preachy about halfway through the book, which was a real put off.
Also, why is the whole book in italics? That's harder to read.
And, why does it say "to be continued" at the end of EVERY CHAPTER?
March 3, 2026
This is geared towards YA, middle school readers. It reads fast and quick with twist, scares and humor. It is a cross between Sherlock Holmes and The X-files. It is the first in an upcoming serious of mysterious centering around the African American lead who is neurodivergent.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews