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Took: A Ghost Story
Daniel doesn’t believe the woods behind his new home are haunted by an evil witch and her terrifying beast. But then his little sister disappears . . . and it’s up to him to find her. Mary Downing Hahn’s popular page-turner will thrill readers who love spooky stories. They say that a ghost witch lives in the woods, up on the hill. They say her companion has a pig skull for a face and stands taller than a man, his skeleton gleaming in the moonlight. They say that the witch takes young girls, and no one ever sees them again. Daniel doesn’t believe the stories. He figures the kids on the bus are just trying to scare him since he’s new. Still, he wishes his family had never moved here—their house is a wreck, Mom and Dad keep fighting, and his little sister, Erica, spends most of her time talking to her creepy doll. But when Erica disappears into the woods one day, Daniel knows something is terribly wrong. Has she been “took”? Mary Downing Hahn is one of the most popular middle grade authors in the world, winner of numerous state awards as well as the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction (for Stepping on the Cracks ) and the Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award (for Closed for the Season ). Also available as a graphic novel!
264 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2015
1180 people are currently reading
9678 people want to read
About the author
Mary Downing Hahn
71 books4,393 followersI grew up in a small shingled house down at the end of Guilford Road in College Park, Maryland. Our block was loaded with kids my age. We spent hours outdoors playing "Kick the Can" and "Mother, May I" as well as cowboy and outlaw games that usually ended in quarrels about who shot whom. In the summer, we went on day long expeditions into forbidden territory -- the woods on the other side of the train tracks, the creek that wound its way through College Park, and the experimental farm run by the University of Maryland.
In elementary school, I was known as the class artist. I loved to read and draw but I hated writing reports. Requirements such as outlines, perfect penmanship, and following directions killed my interest in putting words on paper. All those facts -- who cared what the principal products of Chile were? To me, writing reports was almost as boring as math.
Despite my dislike of writing, I loved to make up stories. Instead of telling them in words, I told them in pictures. My stories were usually about orphans who ran away and had the sort of exciting adventures I would have enjoyed if my mother hadn't always interfered.
When I was in junior high school, I developed an interest in more complex stories. I wanted to show how people felt, what they thought, what they said. For this, I needed words. Although I wasn't sure I was smart enough, I decided to write and illustrate children's books when I grew up. Consequently, at the age of thirteen, I began my first book. Small Town Life was about a girl named Susan, as tall and skinny and freckle faced as I was. Unlike her shy, self conscious creator, however, Susan was a leader who lived the life I wanted to live -- my ideal self, in other words. Although I never finished Small Town Life, it marked the start of a lifelong interest in writing.
In high school, I kept a diary. In college, I wrote poetry and short stories and dreamed of being published in The New Yorker. Unfortunately, I didn't have the courage or the confidence to send anything there.
By the time my first novel was published, I was 41 years old. That's how long it took me to get serious about writing. The Sara Summer took me a year to write, another year to find a publisher, and yet another year of revisions before Clarion accepted it.
Since Sara appeared in 1979, I've written an average of one book a year. If I have a plot firmly in mind when I begin, the writing goes fairly quickly. More typically, I start with a character or a situation and only a vague idea of what's going to happen. Therefore, I spend a lot of time revising and thinking things out. If I'd paid more attention to the craft of outlining back in elementary school, I might be a faster writer, but, on the other hand, if I knew everything that was going to happen in a story, I might be too bored to write it down. Writing is a journey of discovery. That's what makes it so exciting.
In elementary school, I was known as the class artist. I loved to read and draw but I hated writing reports. Requirements such as outlines, perfect penmanship, and following directions killed my interest in putting words on paper. All those facts -- who cared what the principal products of Chile were? To me, writing reports was almost as boring as math.
Despite my dislike of writing, I loved to make up stories. Instead of telling them in words, I told them in pictures. My stories were usually about orphans who ran away and had the sort of exciting adventures I would have enjoyed if my mother hadn't always interfered.
When I was in junior high school, I developed an interest in more complex stories. I wanted to show how people felt, what they thought, what they said. For this, I needed words. Although I wasn't sure I was smart enough, I decided to write and illustrate children's books when I grew up. Consequently, at the age of thirteen, I began my first book. Small Town Life was about a girl named Susan, as tall and skinny and freckle faced as I was. Unlike her shy, self conscious creator, however, Susan was a leader who lived the life I wanted to live -- my ideal self, in other words. Although I never finished Small Town Life, it marked the start of a lifelong interest in writing.
In high school, I kept a diary. In college, I wrote poetry and short stories and dreamed of being published in The New Yorker. Unfortunately, I didn't have the courage or the confidence to send anything there.
By the time my first novel was published, I was 41 years old. That's how long it took me to get serious about writing. The Sara Summer took me a year to write, another year to find a publisher, and yet another year of revisions before Clarion accepted it.
Since Sara appeared in 1979, I've written an average of one book a year. If I have a plot firmly in mind when I begin, the writing goes fairly quickly. More typically, I start with a character or a situation and only a vague idea of what's going to happen. Therefore, I spend a lot of time revising and thinking things out. If I'd paid more attention to the craft of outlining back in elementary school, I might be a faster writer, but, on the other hand, if I knew everything that was going to happen in a story, I might be too bored to write it down. Writing is a journey of discovery. That's what makes it so exciting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,626 reviews
May 10, 2019
Another thrilling ghost story from Mary Downing Hahn, author of ‘One for Sorrow’, that is sure to keep you turning pages.
A family relocates from a thriving lifestyle in Connecticut to the back hills of West Virginia and there lives are changed in a very unexpected way.
I read this fictional middle-grade book in one sitting. I just couldn’t put it down. Highly recommended!
A family relocates from a thriving lifestyle in Connecticut to the back hills of West Virginia and there lives are changed in a very unexpected way.
I read this fictional middle-grade book in one sitting. I just couldn’t put it down. Highly recommended!
November 5, 2021
One of my kids picked this up at a store, and I wanted to read it before they did just in case it was too much. It absolutely wasn't though. Great MG or even a bit younger read for the kids out there who like a little fear factor in their reading. All around good story and plot. It is creepy, but nothing outrageous for that age range. I can see this one being a book that a lot of kids can't put down.
October 21, 2020
I love books that have creepy old tales told in them that turn out to be real and this is one of those. I am especially scared of stories where children are taken, or took, as the case may be. This was very well written and the build up was great. Throughout the book, I shifted nervously, unintentionally, because I was that freaked out.
Daniel was a great narrator because he was at an age to still believe in eerie tales but too young for adults to really take him seriously. That’s why no one believed him when he said an old woman had taken his sister as the children told stories of the girl who’d been “took” fifty years ago. Tales of the old woman’s Razorback hog, Bloodybones also circulated and I must say, a hog that can stand taller than the average man is a terrifying thought.
The question you must ask yourself is if you find a lost girl in the woods who wants to remain lost, what would you do? This tale ventures into the problems of messing with an old conjure woman and her creepy pet. It is chilling and sad at times, but if you hang in there till the end, it’s well worth the time. I recommend this to those who like short scary stories. You might not want to read or listen to this while walking around in the woods though. You never know when Auntie and Bloodybones might come back!!
Daniel was a great narrator because he was at an age to still believe in eerie tales but too young for adults to really take him seriously. That’s why no one believed him when he said an old woman had taken his sister as the children told stories of the girl who’d been “took” fifty years ago. Tales of the old woman’s Razorback hog, Bloodybones also circulated and I must say, a hog that can stand taller than the average man is a terrifying thought.
The question you must ask yourself is if you find a lost girl in the woods who wants to remain lost, what would you do? This tale ventures into the problems of messing with an old conjure woman and her creepy pet. It is chilling and sad at times, but if you hang in there till the end, it’s well worth the time. I recommend this to those who like short scary stories. You might not want to read or listen to this while walking around in the woods though. You never know when Auntie and Bloodybones might come back!!
December 10, 2015
As the wind knocks against your house, you wonder, is this really the wind? Then you look outside and meet the horrifying truth. The story Took by Mary Downing Hahn is a bone chilling story leaving you hungry for more. I finished the book in two sittings because the book always left you curious of what will happen next.
Daniel and his parents and little sister Erica move out of their beautiful home to a run down, impossible fixer upper due to financial issues.The Anderson’s are unlike all of the other children. The town they live in is small and deserted. The children scare Daniel and Erica with the story of Old Auntie. I could tell Daniel was half believing what they were saying, but he did not want to scare Erica. He is a good brother in that way. Old Auntie and her razorback hog, Bloody Bones, take a child every fifty years to serve them. And now all of the children, especially Brody Mason, are saying Erica is going to be “took”. This is because the last girl “took” lived in their new house. The children there all have bad grammar so instead of saying “taken”, they say “took”. Daniel realizes that these odd stories the kids are describing might not be as fictional as they seem.
With Erica acting weird, Mom and Dad fighting, and Daniel noticing suspicious activity, this move might not have been the best idea. Read this story to see how the story unfolds and how much Daniel truly loves his sister. A reader who would enjoy this book would be somebody who enjoys mysteries and scary stories.
April 13, 2021
b>3.0 Stars
This was a decent middle grade horror story, but not the author's strongest. Admittedly I wanted more creepy doll action.
This was a decent middle grade horror story, but not the author's strongest. Admittedly I wanted more creepy doll action.
October 11, 2016
I feel like I went down the rabbbit hole with this book.
Took was advertised at my daughters school during her bookfair. The librarians played a video for the kids and gave a spooky summary of the books. They got the kids all hyped up about it. So naturally my second grader went straight for this book at the book fair and I purchased it for her.
We got a few chapters in and my daughter didn't want to read it anymore. It was too scary she said. My daughter usually likes stuff on the creepier side. But with it being read at night and involving a creepy doll, my daughter just had enough.
I decided to continue the book myself because I was actually enjoying it. It was a fast pace story with a great setting and great detail. Things just kept getting more and more creepy as the book went on, and by the last 10 chapters I had to keep going until I finished.
Even though this book was made for kids I was still sufficiently freaked out as an adult. And don't get me wrong, I love mystery, thriller, and suspenseful books.
I'm not sure why this was at a 2nd graders book fair.. I would say this is more for 4th-7th graders. But anyway I kept an open mind, and understood that this was meant for younger people, and I loved it!
Took was advertised at my daughters school during her bookfair. The librarians played a video for the kids and gave a spooky summary of the books. They got the kids all hyped up about it. So naturally my second grader went straight for this book at the book fair and I purchased it for her.
We got a few chapters in and my daughter didn't want to read it anymore. It was too scary she said. My daughter usually likes stuff on the creepier side. But with it being read at night and involving a creepy doll, my daughter just had enough.
I decided to continue the book myself because I was actually enjoying it. It was a fast pace story with a great setting and great detail. Things just kept getting more and more creepy as the book went on, and by the last 10 chapters I had to keep going until I finished.
Even though this book was made for kids I was still sufficiently freaked out as an adult. And don't get me wrong, I love mystery, thriller, and suspenseful books.
I'm not sure why this was at a 2nd graders book fair.. I would say this is more for 4th-7th graders. But anyway I kept an open mind, and understood that this was meant for younger people, and I loved it!
October 29, 2016
As a reviewer I can say I love to read. I've always loved to read. One of my favorite things about school when I was younger was getting to go to the book fairs. I loved them. Now as a parent I am hoping to pass this joy of reading to my children. Actually, that's how I came across this book. I went with my son to his book fair at his school. While he was browsing books, I couldn't help myself and picked up this one. It a has a cover that just grabbed me. So along with getting him some books I also got me one.
This is a pretty good young adult book. It follows Daniel and his sister Erica as they move to West Virginia into an old farm house. Once there stories begin about an old witch named Old Auntie. As the house begins to affect the family, Erica becomes rather withdrawn, only speaking to her doll. Soon enough Erica disappears and Daniel must believe the tales surrounding him and find the courage to help his sister.
Im a reviewer and enjoy all kinds of books. Yes, I even enjoy young adult books meant for people half my age ;) and with that being said this was an awesome young adult book. It was written well and I loved the characters and the story. It kept me reading and I was able to finish it in one sitting. The story wasn't really a ghost story in my opinion, but it told a creepy story surrounded by folklore. It was really good and gave me chills at times. It was like a fairy tale gone wrong.
I definitely plan on reading more from this author. I even have some lined up. :)...Stormi
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This is a pretty good young adult book. It follows Daniel and his sister Erica as they move to West Virginia into an old farm house. Once there stories begin about an old witch named Old Auntie. As the house begins to affect the family, Erica becomes rather withdrawn, only speaking to her doll. Soon enough Erica disappears and Daniel must believe the tales surrounding him and find the courage to help his sister.
Im a reviewer and enjoy all kinds of books. Yes, I even enjoy young adult books meant for people half my age ;) and with that being said this was an awesome young adult book. It was written well and I loved the characters and the story. It kept me reading and I was able to finish it in one sitting. The story wasn't really a ghost story in my opinion, but it told a creepy story surrounded by folklore. It was really good and gave me chills at times. It was like a fairy tale gone wrong.
I definitely plan on reading more from this author. I even have some lined up. :)...Stormi
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February 13, 2020
In this spooky, but not really scary, tale, a family’s fortune goes bust after the recession and they have to sell everything to get the creditors off their backs. They move to West Virginia where life is cheaper, buying an old farmhouse house they can fix up. And then they get haunted by an old woman who wants to take the girl of the house and who makes everyone feel snippy and mean.
There's some folklore running through this story. In particular, Bloody Bones could have been fleshed out (ha!) a little more because that's an old story that's dying out in many areas; I only knew of it from reading books about regional monsters, I'd never have heard it otherwise.
Also employed: The Riddle Song.
There were probably other folkloric elements that I did not pick up, as well.
But that's not what grabbed my attention in this story.
Daniel (7th grade) is our narrator, the main character. His little sister is named Erica (2nd grade). She's the one who gets took which means there's a lot of calling for Erica throughout the book.
It was weird to hear my name in a story, which was oft-repeated since the child gets a doll that looks like her so she names it Little Erica. SO much Erica! And done by a narrator that I wouldn't recommend, I was not a fan of his reading style.
Anyway, there have not been a lot of Ericas in pop culture during my time on this earth. To date, I know of:
Erica Kane
Erica who also got took
The Grand Poobah of Pasta (I only know of this one because my friend sings this to me often)
Mr. Peanut Butter's friend
and, most recently, Erica Sinclair
So here's to the Ericas, even the ones who have to be saved by their brave big brothers. And also to legends of the south and spooky tales to frighten children.
There's some folklore running through this story. In particular, Bloody Bones could have been fleshed out (ha!) a little more because that's an old story that's dying out in many areas; I only knew of it from reading books about regional monsters, I'd never have heard it otherwise.
Also employed: The Riddle Song.
There were probably other folkloric elements that I did not pick up, as well.
But that's not what grabbed my attention in this story.
Daniel (7th grade) is our narrator, the main character. His little sister is named Erica (2nd grade). She's the one who gets took which means there's a lot of calling for Erica throughout the book.
It was weird to hear my name in a story, which was oft-repeated since the child gets a doll that looks like her so she names it Little Erica. SO much Erica! And done by a narrator that I wouldn't recommend, I was not a fan of his reading style.
Anyway, there have not been a lot of Ericas in pop culture during my time on this earth. To date, I know of:
Erica Kane
Erica who also got took
The Grand Poobah of Pasta (I only know of this one because my friend sings this to me often)
Mr. Peanut Butter's friend
and, most recently, Erica Sinclair
So here's to the Ericas, even the ones who have to be saved by their brave big brothers. And also to legends of the south and spooky tales to frighten children.
December 2, 2024
قلم فوقالعادهای داره.
بینهایت روون و جذاب. 💚
بینهایت روون و جذاب. 💚
September 28, 2015
Another great Mary Downing Hahn book. Exciting, creepy scary-I loved it!!!
October 4, 2015
Amazing. Less a ghost story and more like a fairy tale, the scariest kind, with a villain I'd never wish to meet in a dark wood.
April 13, 2016
There is nothing like a good ghost story to keep a person up at night. Whether it is the creepy tales told on Halloween nights in the U.S.A. or the Yamishiba ghost stories of Japan that are told in the summer time to keep people cool. A good ghost story can make a night of stormy weather seem magical. This book is written about a local legend that tells a story of an old hag who steals little girls every fifty years. With every disappearance there is a mysterious reappearance of an unknown child that slowly withers and dies within a month. No one knows who this ghostly woman is that haunts the forests of West Virginia and no one wants to find out. It is not until Daniel and his sister Erica move into a rundown old farm, near the edges of the woods, that a whispering of “old auntie” reemerges. Town folks begin to squabble about the olden days and children taunt both Daniel and Erica until the unthinkable happens. For Daniel soon learns that there is a ghost in West Virginia and it is a deadly ghost woman that wants something that he holds dear.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I found it to be well written and to be rather unique. I have read a ton of ghost stories and I have to say that the author put a lot of thought into this story. I honestly believe that any age can enjoy this book. It was a very fast moving story and the characters were well thought of. I plan on giving this book to my daughter and I am positive she will enjoy it as much as I did. I don’t count it as a traditional ghost story. It is a little different than that, but that is really nice. It seems like the typical ghost story is just a rehash of what is already out there, so I really enjoyed this one. I want to say thank you to the author and Goodreads for sending me this book in a giveaway. It was very much appreciated and I had a great time! Thanks a bunch.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I found it to be well written and to be rather unique. I have read a ton of ghost stories and I have to say that the author put a lot of thought into this story. I honestly believe that any age can enjoy this book. It was a very fast moving story and the characters were well thought of. I plan on giving this book to my daughter and I am positive she will enjoy it as much as I did. I don’t count it as a traditional ghost story. It is a little different than that, but that is really nice. It seems like the typical ghost story is just a rehash of what is already out there, so I really enjoyed this one. I want to say thank you to the author and Goodreads for sending me this book in a giveaway. It was very much appreciated and I had a great time! Thanks a bunch.
September 30, 2021
2.5 ⭐. Trigger Warnings for bullying, missing children
This wasn't as much a ghost story as it was a story about a witch. I didn't much care for it, and the ending felt off. I'm not sure what to make of this. MDH is a favorite author, but I think this is one of my least favorites of hers yet. This reads awfully young so maybe I would have enjoyed it more as a preteen? It wasn't bad but it read like an extremely tame Stephen King. 🤔 I don't know. I think I'll ponder this more.
This wasn't as much a ghost story as it was a story about a witch. I didn't much care for it, and the ending felt off. I'm not sure what to make of this. MDH is a favorite author, but I think this is one of my least favorites of hers yet. This reads awfully young so maybe I would have enjoyed it more as a preteen? It wasn't bad but it read like an extremely tame Stephen King. 🤔 I don't know. I think I'll ponder this more.
Read
January 18, 2020Not my fav MDH book. I thought it was a little repetitive. I didn't think it was as chilling and scary as other reviews would lead me to believe.
February 19, 2021
Great ghost story read for middle grade! I’m an adult and some parts had me spooked! 👻
September 7, 2015
--for Teens
Fans of Hahn are going to find this latest story irresistible.
The Story: The tale begins with a Connecticut family of four moving to a tiny rural town in West Virginia. This wouldn't be so bad except it is clear from the beginning that the parents didn't make the decision to move into the dilapidated farmhouse themselves. They were 'urged' to by Auntie, a truly creepy character who the locals call a 'conjure' woman.
Neither Daniel nor his younger sister Erica are happy with the move. They miss their old friends and neighborhood and they hate the new school and the constant bullying that takes place just because they are outsiders.
BUT it gets worse. Auntie, for reasons we can only guess at, wants Erica and it isn't long until the sweet little girl begins to hear voices in the night and begins to withdraw into her special place.
~
Hahn deftly handles this story. Amidst Daniel's chapters there are segments from Auntie's point of view. The dismal house, the dark woods, and the dolly that begins to whisper to Erica all work to keep the tension building. There was a point at which I thought the story was a little drawn out but that doesn't keep this book from having the momentum to keep you flipping those pages.
What I really think: A good choice for Teens and young readers ready to step up from the Goosebumps books, but not for most adults.
Other Recent Creepy Tales:
------------------------------
The Boy Who Drew Monsters by Keith Donohue
The Creeping by Alexandra Sirowy
Welcome to the Dark House by Laurie Faria Stolarz
MARY: The Summoning by Hillary Monahan
This review copy came from Netgalley.
Fans of Hahn are going to find this latest story irresistible.
The Story: The tale begins with a Connecticut family of four moving to a tiny rural town in West Virginia. This wouldn't be so bad except it is clear from the beginning that the parents didn't make the decision to move into the dilapidated farmhouse themselves. They were 'urged' to by Auntie, a truly creepy character who the locals call a 'conjure' woman.
Neither Daniel nor his younger sister Erica are happy with the move. They miss their old friends and neighborhood and they hate the new school and the constant bullying that takes place just because they are outsiders.
BUT it gets worse. Auntie, for reasons we can only guess at, wants Erica and it isn't long until the sweet little girl begins to hear voices in the night and begins to withdraw into her special place.
~
Hahn deftly handles this story. Amidst Daniel's chapters there are segments from Auntie's point of view. The dismal house, the dark woods, and the dolly that begins to whisper to Erica all work to keep the tension building. There was a point at which I thought the story was a little drawn out but that doesn't keep this book from having the momentum to keep you flipping those pages.
What I really think: A good choice for Teens and young readers ready to step up from the Goosebumps books, but not for most adults.
Other Recent Creepy Tales:
------------------------------
The Boy Who Drew Monsters by Keith Donohue
The Creeping by Alexandra Sirowy
Welcome to the Dark House by Laurie Faria Stolarz
MARY: The Summoning by Hillary Monahan
This review copy came from Netgalley.
June 2, 2020
I have VERY mixed feelings about this book. My feelings for the first quarter of the book and the last three quarters were polar opposites.
I had a hard time with it at first. I know there are some things that should be exaggerated a little bit for this genre, but I really had some trouble with a few things: Daniel, the main character, is thirteen and speaks and acts more like an adult than his parents, who many times act like children. And while, it is part of the plot that Daniel and his sister feel isolated, their experiences in school were almost laughably bad and completely unbelievable.
THAT SAID, after the plot gets going (about 25% of the way in) I was hooked. The plot was interesting, engaging, and I absolutely did not want to put it down. Alternating between the witch POV and Daniel was unexpected and enjoyable.
All-in-all, I'd give it a 3.5 stars. However, if I could judge the beginning and the end separately, they would be 2.5 and 4.5 respectively.
I had a hard time with it at first. I know there are some things that should be exaggerated a little bit for this genre, but I really had some trouble with a few things: Daniel, the main character, is thirteen and speaks and acts more like an adult than his parents, who many times act like children. And while, it is part of the plot that Daniel and his sister feel isolated, their experiences in school were almost laughably bad and completely unbelievable.
THAT SAID, after the plot gets going (about 25% of the way in) I was hooked. The plot was interesting, engaging, and I absolutely did not want to put it down. Alternating between the witch POV and Daniel was unexpected and enjoyable.
All-in-all, I'd give it a 3.5 stars. However, if I could judge the beginning and the end separately, they would be 2.5 and 4.5 respectively.
September 27, 2015
Just in time for Hallowe'en Mary Downing Hahn has delivered another spooky ghost story that will make you wish you kept the lights on.
When Daniel Anderson's family moves to a decrepit home in a small town in West Virginia, after living a pretty posh life in Connecticut, he's sure that the stories about Old Auntie and Bloody Jack being told to him and his sister by all of the other students are just meant to scare him. But when his seven year old sister goes missing, and a girl who went disappearing 50 years ago is found, everyone, even adults, fear it's the work of Old Auntie, and refuse to go back into the woods. But seeing how her sister's disappearance is destroying his parents, Daniel becomes determined to do something to get her back, even if it might lead him face to face with the worst horror imaginable.
When Daniel Anderson's family moves to a decrepit home in a small town in West Virginia, after living a pretty posh life in Connecticut, he's sure that the stories about Old Auntie and Bloody Jack being told to him and his sister by all of the other students are just meant to scare him. But when his seven year old sister goes missing, and a girl who went disappearing 50 years ago is found, everyone, even adults, fear it's the work of Old Auntie, and refuse to go back into the woods. But seeing how her sister's disappearance is destroying his parents, Daniel becomes determined to do something to get her back, even if it might lead him face to face with the worst horror imaginable.
May 6, 2015
Skeerd!
I am not a reader of ghost stories, but I am TRYING to hit one of my gaps. This was very well crafted and I will recommend MDH will all the sincerity I can muster for someone as SKEERD as I am. Quality is not what deterred me. Creepy content? That'll do it!
For my fellow readers who find dolls unnerving...beware! The doll in this book is possessed by an evil witch who lures young girls into the woods to be enslaved for 50 years, only to return them unaged and psychologically damaged.
Woven into this ghost story is the usual MG content: new school, new friends, bullying, fitting in, struggling parents, and kindness.
Recommended for young readers looking for a scary story. Best for ages 11-14.
I am not a reader of ghost stories, but I am TRYING to hit one of my gaps. This was very well crafted and I will recommend MDH will all the sincerity I can muster for someone as SKEERD as I am. Quality is not what deterred me. Creepy content? That'll do it!
For my fellow readers who find dolls unnerving...beware! The doll in this book is possessed by an evil witch who lures young girls into the woods to be enslaved for 50 years, only to return them unaged and psychologically damaged.
Woven into this ghost story is the usual MG content: new school, new friends, bullying, fitting in, struggling parents, and kindness.
Recommended for young readers looking for a scary story. Best for ages 11-14.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2017
I like this book because it is very scary and it talks about how this little boy got taken away from someone and his family didn't notice till his sister had came in his room one day and found a letter saying "I'll be back in awhile" with a sad face but it gets really interesting cause they're trying to find who took the little boy. I would recommend this book to everyone who likes to read scary and mysterious books.
January 17, 2023
As a first time reader of this author, I was pretty happy with this book.
Took is a creepy middle grade novel that focuses on a family moving to a rural town. Daniel and Erica hate that their lives have been uprooted by their parents. They try to make the most of it, but the creepy nearby woods and mean townsfolk soon have the family fighting amongst each other. To make matters worse, Erica goes missing one night and can't be found. Can Daniel find her, and does this have anything to do with the scary old woman he saw in the woods?
I really loved the theme of this novel. Creepy woods, a rural town with mean people, cold winter nights. It's a perfect setup for something spooky. It had a dark fairy tale vibe to it that I just love.
Daniel and Erica were fun to follow along. They both have trouble fitting in at their new school, and I think any middle schooler or adult can appreciate the struggle. The bickering between Erica and Daniel felt real to me, and once things get going Daniel has to learn to be brave or risk losing his sister forever.
I also liked the characters Old Auntie and her descendant Mrs. Perkins. I would've liked to delve a bit more into the magic element to understand it better, but for a middle grade read I think the coverage of it was passable.
The plot was pretty simple and easy to follow, and the writing really smooth as well. While this may not have been the most surprising creepy read, it was a solid and very enjoyable experience.
Took is a creepy middle grade novel that focuses on a family moving to a rural town. Daniel and Erica hate that their lives have been uprooted by their parents. They try to make the most of it, but the creepy nearby woods and mean townsfolk soon have the family fighting amongst each other. To make matters worse, Erica goes missing one night and can't be found. Can Daniel find her, and does this have anything to do with the scary old woman he saw in the woods?
I really loved the theme of this novel. Creepy woods, a rural town with mean people, cold winter nights. It's a perfect setup for something spooky. It had a dark fairy tale vibe to it that I just love.
Daniel and Erica were fun to follow along. They both have trouble fitting in at their new school, and I think any middle schooler or adult can appreciate the struggle. The bickering between Erica and Daniel felt real to me, and once things get going Daniel has to learn to be brave or risk losing his sister forever.
I also liked the characters Old Auntie and her descendant Mrs. Perkins. I would've liked to delve a bit more into the magic element to understand it better, but for a middle grade read I think the coverage of it was passable.
The plot was pretty simple and easy to follow, and the writing really smooth as well. While this may not have been the most surprising creepy read, it was a solid and very enjoyable experience.
July 20, 2025
یه داستان بامزه و ترسناک برای نوجوونهایی که تازه میخوان کتاب خوندن رو شروع کنن و به ژانر ترسناک علاقه دارن🥹
البته منم کلی لذت بردم ازش✨
البته منم کلی لذت بردم ازش✨
March 9, 2021
It was pretty good. I think I got caught up on the 50 years that's a little far fetched that a town would remember or have the same people etc to carry on the "legend/scary story" for it to happen every 50 years... but besides that I would say it was a good YA mystery/thriller.
January 4, 2019
Mary Downing Hahn is a reliable author for MS horror/supernatural books; she knows the line for books that work for the younger readers who want a creepy read without being terrified.
Daniel and his little sister, Erica, don't want to move to rural West Virginia. Connecticut works fine for them. But Dad lost his job when the economy tanked. No more private schools, clubs, lessons, cars, boats. They even have to sell their house and have just enough money left to buy a rundown farmhouse surrounded by woods, miles from town. Mom and Dad say its cheaper to live there; they'll grow their own food and Dad will work on his nature photography business. But the local kids think they are snobby outsiders because of their different clothes and "frighten them with strange stories about their house and a witch called Old Auntie" who they say steals a girl every fifty years. The last girl to disappear lived in their old farmhouse. No family has lived there since. As soon as they move in, Erica insists that she hears a voice all around her calling her name but no one else hears it, so she withdraws further into herself, holding long conversations with her doll while Mom and Dad and Daniel grow increasingly unhappy in their new surroundings." At first Daniel dismisses the tales of the witch and her man-eating hog, Bloody Bones, as superstitious nonsense, but gradually as Erica withdraws more from the family [ and strange events start to happen], he is forced to believe that she is in real danger." And then Erica vanishes. Police and the men from town search the woods but all trace of her has disappeared--even the police dogs lose her scent. Daniel blames himself because Erica ran off after they had a fight. So he continues to search and near a ruined cabin that belonged to the old witch woman long ago, he finds a mysterious young girl wearing Erica's clothes, a pale, thin girl who insists her name is Girl and who only wants to get back to "Old Auntie". Old people in the town are convinced she is the missing Selene who disappeared fifty years ago and have old pictures to prove it. It takes all Daniel's courage to approach Old Auntie's last descendant, rumored to be a conjure woman, too, and ask for help. But will he have the courage to follow the terrifying plan he is given to confront Old Auntie and take his sister back? Great for 5th/6th booktalks.
Daniel and his little sister, Erica, don't want to move to rural West Virginia. Connecticut works fine for them. But Dad lost his job when the economy tanked. No more private schools, clubs, lessons, cars, boats. They even have to sell their house and have just enough money left to buy a rundown farmhouse surrounded by woods, miles from town. Mom and Dad say its cheaper to live there; they'll grow their own food and Dad will work on his nature photography business. But the local kids think they are snobby outsiders because of their different clothes and "frighten them with strange stories about their house and a witch called Old Auntie" who they say steals a girl every fifty years. The last girl to disappear lived in their old farmhouse. No family has lived there since. As soon as they move in, Erica insists that she hears a voice all around her calling her name but no one else hears it, so she withdraws further into herself, holding long conversations with her doll while Mom and Dad and Daniel grow increasingly unhappy in their new surroundings." At first Daniel dismisses the tales of the witch and her man-eating hog, Bloody Bones, as superstitious nonsense, but gradually as Erica withdraws more from the family [ and strange events start to happen], he is forced to believe that she is in real danger." And then Erica vanishes. Police and the men from town search the woods but all trace of her has disappeared--even the police dogs lose her scent. Daniel blames himself because Erica ran off after they had a fight. So he continues to search and near a ruined cabin that belonged to the old witch woman long ago, he finds a mysterious young girl wearing Erica's clothes, a pale, thin girl who insists her name is Girl and who only wants to get back to "Old Auntie". Old people in the town are convinced she is the missing Selene who disappeared fifty years ago and have old pictures to prove it. It takes all Daniel's courage to approach Old Auntie's last descendant, rumored to be a conjure woman, too, and ask for help. But will he have the courage to follow the terrifying plan he is given to confront Old Auntie and take his sister back? Great for 5th/6th booktalks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2015
Creepy, scary and a page turner. Mary Downing Hahn is a master of the ghost story for children and older readers such as myself who enjoy a little spine tingling without a lot of violence and horror. The rural atmosphere, hostility of the locals towards Daniel's family and a creeping sense of doom make this ghost story all the more sinister. Daniel, the young protagonist, is a true hero in this book. He not only finds himself in a fight against a witch/ghost like character and her creature from Southern folklore, Bloody Bones, but also his parents' apathy. The reason I gave the book just 4 stars is due to my frustration with Daniel's parents. The adult in me made me want to shake them out of their pathetic slide into incompetence. I also thought that the image of the small West Virginia town didn't initially fare very well in Hahn's portrayal of the school's teachers and some of the townspeople as backward and unfriendly. Ultimately Took is a frighteningly fun read and another creepy success.
February 5, 2017
Daniel and his sister Erica did not want to move to rural West Virginia. Their new home is a rundown farm surrounded by woods miles from town. The local kids treat Daniel and Erica as snobby outsiders and frightened them with strange and scary stories about their house and a witch called Old Auntie. Erica withdraws further into herself holding long conversations with her doll and their parents grow increasingly unhappy in their new surroundings. First Daniel dismisses the tales of the witch and her man eating razorback hog Bloody Bones as a superstitious nonsense but gradually he is forced to believe that Erica is in real danger. When Erica disapears he knows she has been "took' and he must take all his courage to confront Old Auntie and take his sister Erica back. I liked this book because it was not that scary but it was like a mystery book and I would recommend this book to people that like mystery books and books that are a little scary.
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March 24, 2016This book was amazing. Mary Downing Hahn is a master at literature. This book is about Erica "Ai-ri-Cah" and her brother Daniel. His dad loses his job and they move to a podunk town in Virginia. Nobody likes them in the town and they have trouble meeting friends. To scare Daniel and Erica, the town kids tell a "folk story" of Auntie. An eccentric witchy old woman that stands on a hill, and her mutant hog skeleton, Bloody Bones. Everyone warns the kids to stay out of the woods, but sometimes the woods lure you in and you can't escape.
This was one of the best books that I have read in awhile. I suggest everyone give Mary Downing Hahn a try. Reintroduce yourself to her literature.
This was one of the best books that I have read in awhile. I suggest everyone give Mary Downing Hahn a try. Reintroduce yourself to her literature.
September 30, 2016
This is the story of Daniel and Erica, after they move from Connecticut to a rural community in an old house in the woods. Folks in the town tell the story of Old Auntie, an ancient spell caster who takes girls and wipes their memories, before keeping them for 50 years as her slave. Daniel doesn't believe these stories at first, at least not until he and his sister were separated in the woods, only for her not to be found later. Was she taken by Old Auntie? Will Daniel be able to find his sister again?
I enjoyed this book thoroughly, although it was a bit slow at first. I recommend this book for anyone who likes suspenseful stories with big twists.
I enjoyed this book thoroughly, although it was a bit slow at first. I recommend this book for anyone who likes suspenseful stories with big twists.
January 3, 2021
I don't like middle grade horror
Maybe it's because I just don't like it. Maybe it's because my expectations for horror are adult\YA level, so that it seems anticlimactic.
Whatever the case, i don't like it. Sue me.
That said, i enjoyed this book. Her first person point of view writing is not my favorite, but i rather enjoyed when we saw from auntie. During this time, I am currently reading The Girl In The Locked Room, and I find the same for this.
Her third person is poetic and beautiful, and a type of writing style I don't often see in middle grade books.
I guess i expected more. 3.4 stars
Maybe it's because I just don't like it. Maybe it's because my expectations for horror are adult\YA level, so that it seems anticlimactic.
Whatever the case, i don't like it. Sue me.
That said, i enjoyed this book. Her first person point of view writing is not my favorite, but i rather enjoyed when we saw from auntie. During this time, I am currently reading The Girl In The Locked Room, and I find the same for this.
Her third person is poetic and beautiful, and a type of writing style I don't often see in middle grade books.
I guess i expected more. 3.4 stars
October 17, 2020
I wanted a good spooky book for the season and this was definitely that! I really enjoyed the story line as well as how the author described the setting and characters. I was able to really picture the area and the people. Really enjoyed the creepy vibe!
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