A Ghostly Haunting in Grand Haven

Michigan Chillers #17

by Johnathan Rand

Genres: Horror

208 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2016

About the author

Christopher Wright is the author of dozens of horror fiction books for children and young adults. He writes under the pseudonyms Johnathan Rand and Christopher Knight. Almost all of Wright's books (save American Chillers) take place in his home state of Michigan.

Reviews

[Josiah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not every juvenile series lasts seventeen books, but Johnathan Rand's Michigan Chillers made it that far. In this episode we visit the city of Grand Haven for a paranormal adventure with an unusual family. Inspired by ghost hunting programs on television, twelve-year-old Quinn's father investigates hauntings himself. Typically he explores the haunted locations with an old friend, but one snowy night he asks Quinn to assist instead. He invites Quinn to bring his friend Angela, and after they help set up the equipment for detecting ghosts, the two can go sledding on a big hill near the mansion Quinn's father is investigating. It sounds like a good deal, so Quinn agrees; he isn't worried about ghosts.

"But just because you don't understand something doesn't mean it doesn't exist."

—A Ghostly Haunting in Grand Haven, P. 76

After a few hours whooshing down the snowy hill, Quinn and Angela return to the dark old mansion, but his father is nowhere to be found. Video footage shows Quinn's father backing away from a swirl of spectral lights before exiting the frame, and now the two kids are uneasy. Quinn never believed in ghosts, but he has no explanation for the tape. He and Angela wish they could stay put and wait for his father, but if a ghost attacked him he could be in mortal danger. Mustering their shaky courage, they set off into the bowels of the house to search for him.

Quinn and Angela have no idea what they're getting into. The house's menacing presence looms as they poke around. The basement is a labyrinth of doors and staircases that appear and disappear when their backs are turned, leaving the kids unsure they'll ever make it back to the ground floor. The unlit halls occasionally fill with ghosts that seem unaware the kids are there. Outside, the snowfall worsens into a blizzard, stranding them in the house even if they were willing to abandon Quinn's father. The being who exerts dominion over this house has a checkered past, and his moments of evil make him a formidable foe. Can Quinn, his father, and Angela escape before the mansion claims them as its latest victims?

A Ghostly Haunting in Grand Haven is perhaps the scariest Michigan Chiller to this point. That's a good thing; the series tends not to push its scares far, and kids can handle some thrills and gore, which are still very mild in this book. A few grammatical idiosyncrasies pop up, but less serious ones than in early Michigan Chillers. The obligatory "joke" reference to another Johnathan Rand book is included, this time Florida Fog Phantoms from the American Chillers series, mentioned on page one hundred sixteen. There's a chance I'd rate A Ghostly Haunting in Grand Haven the full two stars; Quinn's father being a ghost hunter is an interesting premise, and the story is entertaining. I have a good time with these Chillers.

[Austin Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Surprisingly, this wasn't terrible. I actually kind of dug the concept to this one, but it was still held back by Rand's amateur writing. Still, this book was far more tolerable than Arkansas Algae Monsters, of which is the worst Chillers book I've read to date.

Ghostly Haunting in Grand Haven gets a 1.75/5

[Paityn enos · Rating 5 out of 5]

this michigan chillers is about how quinn and her friend and dad get stuck in a haunted house with floating ghouls and gastly spirits how will they ever get out. if anyone wants to read this book come talk to me

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, there was never a part that was not interesting. There was always a point where you were on the edge of your seat. I highly suggest this book to others. I am not one to read books again but I would definitely read it again!

This book is about a boy Quinn whose father is a ghost hunter. He is not really considered a good one. He searches looking to spot a ghost or come close to one. This leads him to a scary mysterious house in Grand Haven, Michigan. Quinn and his friend Angela do not really believe in ghosts. So, they decided to go on this adventure with his father. Quinn and Angela are in for a suprise. As they would rather spend their time sledding, they are stuck in a house fighting off this spirit.

In conclusion, I really enjoyed this book. It sparked my interest because it is taken place in Grand Haven, Michigan. I really suggest this book to readers looking for a good read!

[Jenelle Compton · Rating 5 out of 5]

this review is a lie. I didn't read this book

I read Sault Ste Marie and Sea Monsters. But it's not listed here yet, and I wanted to give credit.
I really enjoyed it! It was fun to read about my town and I think I'm excited for my kid to read it. She's going to learn about the Soo Locks and shipping on the St. Mary's River without even meaning too. I kinda love that.
And it was good anyways. The plot was concise and the characters were all right. Honestly, my daughter was a little scared to read the Sault Ste Marie book, she din't want to be frightened of her town, I like that this book ends in a way that the problems are solved with a reasonable explanation.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was amazed that kids read this! I was scared!!
This is an awesome read for anyone wanting a good scare and mystery, too! The kids in the book are 12 yrs old, so I figure 12 yr olds on up might enjoy it! Maybe even a bit younger.
Thanks to Michigan's author, Johnathan Rand! I am a Michigander, too!
Enjoy!

[Ciara Corwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll never stop re-reading childhood series lmaooo

[Heather J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started reading to Harry and wanted to see how it ended. 😊