The Pike River Phantom

by Betty Ren Wright

While thirteen-year-old Rachel dreams of becoming Pike River’s Sunbonnet Queen, her cousin Charlie Hocking dreams of leaving. But both dreams are threatened by the presence of a fierce old lady who lives just outside of town. At first Charlie is more puzzled than frightened by the fact that the woman looks younger each time he sees her. But gradually, he realizes she’s a phantom, a mad ghost who is eerily involved with the Sunbonnet Queen contest. When she threatens Rachel, Charlie decides to stay in Pike River, for a while at least. It’s a wise decision, for with the help of an unexpected ally he saves Rachel’s life on a Fourth of July morning the Hockings will never forget.

Genres: Horror, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Childrens, Juvenile, Ghosts, Halloween

153 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Betty Ren Wright was an award-winning author of children's fiction including The Dollhouse Murders, The Ghosts Of Mercy Manor and A Ghost in The House.

Known for her ghost stories and mysteries, Wright published 28 children's novels between 1981 and 2006, as well as picture books and short stories. Prior to pursuing her career as a full-time author in 1978, she worked as an editor of children's books.

Wright lived in Wisconsin with her husband, painter George A. Fredericksen, until her death in 2013.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

The parents leave the kids alot in Betty Ren Wright's books. Rachel's parents left her with her grandparents in this book. A really good read.

[Devon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly I found the twist surprisingly fresh for this one, and well-mixed with family drama. It just didn't feel extra special to me in any way, and I didn't particularly enjoy any of the characters. It was fun, though! And definitely had some creepiness (although not a lot of tension in that creepiness).

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fits the decade and age group intended.

[CN · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twelve year old me was scared witless by this book. Doesn't totally hold up, but Charlie is sympathetic.

[Cassie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a little shaky on my terms so far. It's an okay book but you can tell that the author is just...well, not very good I would say. I hope Betty Ren Wright doesn't see this because I know that she has written other books and is experienced. But, just because she is experienced doesn't mean that she is all that good a writer. I know that I sound like a total rotten snozzcumber right now but that is my opinion. I will most likely give this book another try but I don't know that it will be any better the second time around. You can read it if you want to but, I personally, wouldn't recommend it. Peace out homies... :)

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great ghost story for a younger reader. I like that Wright's characters grow and change throughout the story. This one is not as scary as some of her other books, which make it just right for a younger reader.

[Miri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Classic Betty Ren Wright.

Charlie's cousin Rachel wants to be Sunbonnet Queen just like their grandmother was, but when Charlie discovers a dangerous secret about the contest, no one believes him, can he convince someone he's telling the truth before it's too late?

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A vengeful spirit who wants one last chance to ride in the parade as the Sunbonnet Queen? An angsty teen having trouble adjusting to his newly released fugitive father? A dark town secret? Quality stuff!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

My mom read me "The Dollhouse Murders" by Betty Ren Wright when I was little, and I read any book I come across by her. She is a great spooky story writer!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Betty Ren Wright's ghost stories as a kid.

[Lexi Vance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book TERRIFIED me as a child. Now, I want to go back and reread it so I can laugh at how silly I was.

[Hanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was creeped out on the scary scenes, especially the phantom taking form blending in as a human being. If this was a Rated R version of a horror movie, the story itself would pass for it.