Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Ghosters #1

Ghosters

Rate this book
“A creaky old house, ghost sightings, and the forbidden third floor will engage young readers all the way through to the unexpected ending. An exciting debut novel full of mystery and humor. Diana Corbitt is a terrific writer. ”—Carrie Bedford, author of the Kate Benedict paranormal mystery series

“Be prepared for a wild ride as Theresa, Kerry and Joey explore their new home, a rundown Victorian mansion. Get ready for what they find when they get up the nerve to go into the basement. And hang onto your seat when they venture upstairs and through the door Teresa’s Dad forbade her to go through. Ghosters is great fun. It is well paced with wonderful quirky characters that readers will love.”—J.P. Shaw, author of The Drazil House Mystery

When twelve-year-old Theresa Martinez's mom dies, money problems force her family to move into her dead grandmother's creepy old mansion. Immediately, strange things start to happen. The powdered sugar she's been searching the kitchen for suddenly falls out of a cupboard. Closed curtains are mysteriously open-all fun stuff for Theresa's new ghost-obsessed friend Kerry. When they find out the reality show, Ghosters, is hosting a contest for the best paranormal recording, Theresa remembers Dad's money problems and vows to win the contest. Along with Joey, her little brother who has Asperger's, the girls use Kerry's ghost-chasing equipment to hopefully capture prizewinning evidence. They soon discover that ghosts are just the tip of the stunning mysteries the old house holds.

180 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2017

1 person is currently reading
107 people want to read

About the author

Diana Corbitt

11 books20 followers
Love, love, love to write. Especially stuff that's scary, tense and freaks people out. Doesn't have to have ghosts. The funnest scenes to write are the ones that hold the reader tight and stops their breathing. So fun.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
35 (39%)
4 stars
43 (48%)
3 stars
11 (12%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Kealyn.
563 reviews131 followers
February 23, 2025
Ghosters by Diana Corbitt

5/5 stars

Well.. I am not sure if this is the right time to write this review. But heavens... I'm crying. I'm crying so hard now. The ending of this book hit me so hard. And the author didn't even try to go for the jugular. Yes it was emotional, but it wasn't over the top. Diana wrote it so hauntingly and painfully that my adult heart broke into a million pieces. Gosh I am still sobbing. I love this novel(la) so much. ♥ Beautifully, beautifully written.

But first things first. What is this amazing middle grade book about? It's about Theresa Martinez who just moved into her grandparents' old house with her younger brother and father. Her mother passed away 6 months ago.

The realtor told them the house is haunted. And at first 12-year old Theresa is a bit skeptical. But once she starts hearing sounds and sees movements she starts to believe something is going on.

Theresa meets Kerry at her new school and Kerry is obsessed with the ghost show Ghosters. She even has an EMF meter and just ordered an EVP recorder. Kerry wants to capture ghost activities so that she can participate in the Ghosters contest and win a lot of money. Theresa agrees and together with Theresa's little brother Joey they explore the house and try to find the ghosts.

Things get complicated when Theresa's father forbids them to go to the third floor, aka the attic. The kids are extremely curious and every single ghost activity pushes them to explore and enter the attic.

And that is what this gorgeous book is about. It's about following the clues. It's about childlike curiosity. And it's about pain. Pain about being treated differently. It's about loss and the aching knowledge that something truly is going on.

And when the big unravelling happened and the truth came out I broke into a million pieces. I just felt that pain so hard. But it wasn't just pain. It was also a beautiful moment for the characters and a bit of healing. And that combination of pain and growth just hit me so hard.

If you love middle grade books and you love an unexpected ending then definitely pick this beauty up. It is more than worth you time. 5 huge stars from me for this stunning story!
Profile Image for Alyssa ❀.
162 reviews11 followers
July 29, 2020
This was such a fun read and I really hated having to put it down. I haven't read something that kept me guessing or kept me turning pages, in a little while.
This is a middle-grade ghost story for early teens but this makes me want to pick up more stories like this, for my son and I to enjoy.

Theresa and her family are living in her late grandmother's giant mansion. She isn't sure if she believes in ghosts or not, but the spooky things happening around the house are just a coincidence because the house is so old... Right?
Theresa, her brother Joey and her new friend Kerry, explore the mansion and try to find out if ghosts are trying to communicate with her.

The ending was quite unexpected and well done.
The author writes with just enough detail, the right number of cliffhangers to keep you turning the pages and drops great hints to keep you guessing about the mystery/ending. I would absolutely recommend this read!

*Diana reached out to me and offered me a free copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own and genuine.*
Profile Image for Samsnerdylife.
290 reviews10 followers
March 20, 2020
- I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review- rating: 4.5 stars

A middle grade story that will give you just enough creepy fun that you cannot help but to keep turning the pages. A fun haunted house story that develops into how families cope with trauma along with some witty fun on the side with diverse and lovable characters.

I was pleasantly surprised with the characters. Theresa Martinez immediately brings in some diversity for readers as she makes traditional Spanish Christmas cookies for her brother and father as they adjust to their new living arrangement. This scene immediately begins the idea that there is more in the house than just those three. As a mother of boys with hispanic heritage, I really loved this scene and the continuous Spanish usage throughout the story as it helps to not only teach them of their own heritage, but also about traditions and a culture they may not learn about otherwise. Furthermore, Theresa is just a brave and logical enough girl that you cannot help but to start to feel what she does as you continue the story. Her brother, Joey aka Jojo, is on the spectrum. I REALLY liked how he was written as he was more than just a character with Asperger's Syndrome. He was funny and smart and contained all of the usual little brother fun. Theresa's friend, Kerry, brought some humor and ghost chasing knowledge to the group along with some further diversity in cultures since she is British. Theresa's Dad was probably my least favorite character, but he added mystery to the plot and made me want to know why he was behaving the way he was and by the end I felt nothing but heartache for him.

The ending of this story completely surprised me - in a good way. It was a tad serious topic, but believe it was not too serious for young audiences and was handled in an age appropriate fashion. It definitely made me want to continue the series as well. My only dislike was that some of the writing felt out of place at times and that some of it could have used a bit more structure and proper connection to previous events. All in all, I really enjoyed this spooky read and would recommend to those that like a little paranormal fun!
Profile Image for Natasha.
25 reviews4 followers
June 23, 2020
Who knew a book about the Dead could teach me so much about Life!

Thank you Diana Corbitt for this copy in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation for this review, and my opinions are my own.

We follow our crew of ghost hunters with the protagonist Theresa, her brother Joey, and her new friend Kerry who is also new at school. Theresa's family has suffered a tragic loss in more ways than one, and are now moving in to their Grandmothers old run-down mansion where things are going bump in the night.
This book was written in such a subtle way that in the midst of all the spooky happenings, we also get to learn more about how different people live. We learn about cultural differences between the exchanges between Theresa with a Spanish background and Kerry who is from across the pond. Also we get to learn more about Joey with Asperger's not only through Theresa's inner monologue, but in the way she explains his behaviors to Kerry. All of these life lessons were sprinkled into the plot in a way that felt genuine and unforced.
I loved the group dynamic! Every character felt so unique and personable that I felt as if I could have met someone like them when I was a 12 years old. You feel the love that Theresa has for her brother, and the acceptance Kerry immediately shows Joey. Joey never gets pushed to the sidelines, and he plays an active role in the ghost hunting. All of the characters served a purpose and needed to be there to move the plot forward.
Despite some of the "choppy" transitions between scenes, and the rushed wrap-up in the last chapters, Corbitt really captured the voice, fears, hopes, and attitudes of the middle grade audience this book is geared towards. The life lessons posed in this book are hard-hitting, but presented in a way that the target audience will be able to absorb them.
A spine-chilling read that captures all the feels of what its like to be a preteen. A fun read for middle schoolers to the parents of those middle schoolers.

Profile Image for Bibliophilic Richard.
593 reviews66 followers
July 6, 2021
Ghosts are a myth that have been busted, or have they? Ghosters explores the Martinez family as they deal with change and grief while realizing that they are probably haunted by ghosts of their past. In this first book to Diana Corbitt’s middle-grade paranormal series, witness how grief manifests and takes the form of fictional ghosts…. Or are they fictional?

I received a free copy of this book from the author and now I’m taking the initiative of writing an honest review. So Ghosters is the first book in the Ghosters series that’s a story perfect for formative readers. What’s great about this first book is that it sets up the story nicely while standing firmly on its own. The first book focuses on the family and explores themes of grief, loss, and change which are important to impart upon young readers. What’s more, the plot is engaging and the story has an atmosphere that’s creepy and exciting at the same time. I appreciate this story for tackling the heaviness of grief while staying light and enjoyable with the ghost mystery. One of my biggest gripes about this book is its length because it feels a little too short since the story could be expanded upon to lead to more twists and turns. Another one is the predictability of the plot but its capability of interesting readers is amazing and makes up for the simplistic plot. Last of my gripes is the occasional transition that jumps abruptly which can be disorienting since the time stamps for the events aren’t really consistent but it’s just a slight blip that doesn’t affect the entirety of the story. Still, the book is charming and, needless to say, brings on the creeps and horrific atmosphere which it does very well. Overall, Ghosters is a great beginning to the series and I’m excited to find out what other adventures await our beloved characters.

Diana Corbitt is a great writer especially for an audience who’s still touch-and-go when it comes to keeping their attention. The best quality of Corbitt’s writing is its ability to hook the reader and allow the pages to keep on flipping. More than that, the story truly is fascinating and engaging even though, as an adult, the plot is pretty predictable. The entertainment quality is at an all-time high with this quick and easy read. Corbitt just shines with her ability to create imagery that’s perfect for the horror-themed story and a setting that brings tingling sensations to the reader. Overall, Corbitt writes wonderfully for the genre and I want to read more of her works not just in the middle-grade age group but also in young adult and adult age groups as well and seeing how much she can push her narrative.

The thing about middle-grade characters is that they’re pretty basic but the ones in this book are matured and responsible which is perfect for formative readers to read about. Theresa is an admirable character who’s responsible for many chores at home while balancing being a student and dealing with loss. This is a tall order for a twelve-year-old but Theresa carries herself surprisingly well despite her flaws. On a similar note, I love Joey as a character because his representation for the autism spectrum is accurate and a delight to read about. I really like reading about diverse characters because they add flavor to any story and create a different perspective. Kerry is also fun to read because she’s a driven character but I feel like she doesn’t develop much throughout the book and deserves a lot more than her impulsive, flamboyant persona. My least favorite character of the book is the Dad because of the lack of development and depth to his character. For an adult, he comes off as a little too shaken with all the changes in their lives and I wish he offers more resilience and becomes more of a role model to the rest of the characters. All in all, the characters are okay and I’m looking forward to knowing what other characters are waiting in the coming installments of this series.

One thing I love about the book is the cover because I’m just a sucker for horror novel covers. The image creates a certainty of what readers are getting into and that’s a horror story that isn’t petrifying but creates an experience for middle-grade readers could enjoy and understand. The cover looks a lot like a young adult horror novel with its art style but the typography draws the reader back to the middle-grade age group. The summary is straightforward and wastes no time in telling the story without giving out spoilers. Together, the cover and the summary have this appeal that not only attracts middle-grade readers but also adult ones and promises that the book is appropriate for a wide range of readers.

Seeing that I enjoyed this book just fine, I’d be excited to read the next installments of this companion series and see what other paranormal adventures await the Ghosters. I’d like to thank Diana Corbitt for entrusting sending a copy of her book to me and it’s an honor to be chosen. Ghosters is a wonder to read and a sight to behold, one that’s sure to entertain readers when given the opportunity.
Profile Image for Pan | Book Reviews and Recommendations .
208 reviews74 followers
November 19, 2020
In a few days I will be done with the tender age of 40 and start enjoying the crazy 41s. As the many responsibilities of a grown up's life keep piling up I cannot but keep returning to my good, carefree middle grade years. The age where a yound Undead Not-Dad Reads begun exploring the magnificent horror genre in all its forms and glory. Enter Goosebumps, Scooby-Doo, Tales from the Crypt, Twilight Zone and the lot.

I have recently got the chance to be that middle grade boy again thanks to 'Ghosters' by Diana Corbit. A fantastic middle grade horror book series that is perfect not only for the intended age group, but for all of us grown up kids.

The sad story (parents, heads up) opens up when twelve-year-old Theresa's mom dies and the rest of the family moves to their long gone dead grandma's old mansion, only to find out soon that they are not the only ones inhabiting the place.

A new school, a new quirky-ghost obsessed friend with access to ghost hunting equipment and the 'Ghosters' reality show competition for the best paranormal activity recording, spark the interest of the team. Theresa, brother Joey and quirky friend Kerry, are on a mission to win the prize that will take the family out of their financial problems.

With the prize as target, the little ghost hunting group dives deep into the mysteries of the house and to the wonderful world of the paranormal. That's where the true fun and adventure begins.

'Ghosters' made me feel like a kid again. The writing is wonderful and sweet. Diana knows how to masterfully pen down great characters that come to life in the pages of this magnificent read.

With the chills coming in waves (very appropriate for the intended age), 'Ghosters' was a truly beautiful experience and yet a sad one as Theresa's family deals with grief, each one in their own way, after the mother's death.

Nevertheless, there is a plethora of fun and puns and even abundance of open minded discussions between the characters that the author puts together in a very lovely way, following the equally clever and masterfully designed plot.

I loved this book, not only because it evoked the feeling of a good old time, but because it's the kind of material that I would proudly introduce my kid to, when the little monster reaches the right age.

Thank you Diana Corbit for sending me 'Ghosters' for review. You made me a kid again with your lovely book and for that, I salute you.

I am really looking forward to read the rest of the books in the series and I highly recommend these to any 40 year old kid, or to the kids of that 40 year old 🖤🤘

Get them at: https://www.amazon.com/Ghosters-Diana...

Or: http://bbp.bedazzledink.com/index.php...

Meet the author at: https://www.dianacorbitt.com
Profile Image for DarkBetweenPages.
256 reviews66 followers
February 22, 2020
Genre: Middle-grade | Thriller| Paranormal | Fiction

5 out of 5 stars!

YES! This is what I am talking about!

I don't know about you but growing up I was ghost obsessed.  Late on a Friday or Saturday night my family and friends would gather, turn off all the lights, grab a flashlight and creep around the house looking to experience the perfect paranormal moment. 

I now get to experience all that same fun with my two boys. It becomes on heck of a great game, on the regular here in our home.

So... what better than a middle-grade where kids are doing just that?!? and they have no idea what they are in for.

When Diana reached out to see if I would be willing to review one of the books from her Ghosters series, I was super excited and I knew exactly who I would be reading it with.

I'll just put it out there.... my eldest son and I LOVED this read. 

Ghosters was exhilarating!

The characters are so well done. Theresa is suffering the older sibling battle after a huge loss in the family and feels she needs to stay strong for her younger brother Joey. Yet she also feels her Dad doesn't seem to love her as much. When truly she and Joey just have no idea exactly what is going on with their father and his own inner demons he is fighting. Than Joey is this sweet, innocent, easy going brother who looks up to his sister and is so happy to spend time with her. In comes Theresa's new ghost obsessed friend Kerry to stir up the mix. What a perfect selection of characters!

Diana also kept this middle grade read so gripping by leaving the true reveal till the very, very end. Leaving you to devour this read, needing to know exactly what happens.

Ghosters will have you stir with emotions throughout. Yet in the end Diana pieces everything together perfecting, bringing the whole story together and releasing all of those emotions.

I must add as a mother reading this along side my eldest that I found it very refreshing how Diana not only brought up the topic of loss of a loved one(s) but also notes some mental health. She did it in such a gentle, tasteful way, not to overwhelm a middle-grade reader. 

Extremely well done and very entertaining. 

We have added the rest of the Ghosters series onto our wish list to pick up in the future. 

Currently in the series:

#1: Ghosters #2: Revenge of the Library Ghost #3: Secrets of the Bloody Tower #4: Ghosters go Camping.

Also please note, you do not need to read the series in order. So take a peak, read through the synopsis and see which one will be your first victim!

Enjoy! Happy reading.

Thank you so much Diana for sending us an e-copy to read and review.

We can't wait to dive into more. 

And of course thank you all for reading.

Your SPOOKED Book Worm

-Nichole
Profile Image for Reading4Fun.
97 reviews7 followers
December 18, 2018
I’ve never been one for ghost stories. (I don’t like to be scared.) But, I must say I enjoyed Ghosters* by Diana Corbitt. While Ghosters is geared for ages 9-12, I found myself frequently chuckling and wanting to know what happened in the end. (Honestly, I read about one-fourth of the book and then had to skip to the end to see what happened before I could go back finish reading it.)

There were two things I particularly liked about the book:

First, Joey, the main character’s brother, has Asperger's. In Ghosters, Joey is treated like a real person. Whereas often times in movies or books, the person with disabilities is left on the sideline until the end when everybody realizes his worth and value, Joey plays a major role in the ghost hunt. His sister truly loves him and does not regard her brother’s presence on their ghost hunting adventures as an annoyance. It was nice to see value and dignity given to a character with disabilities from the start of the story instead of having to wait until the end for the person to receive the dignity and value they deserved from the other characters.

Second, Theresa (the main character) and Joey’s mother recently died; their father, in addition to the kids, are grieving. The loss of Theresa’s and Joey’s mother has created a rift between Theresa and her father. (Mini spoiler alert): It is ultimately, Theresa’s quest to find a ghost that helps her family heal. It is this fact in particular that I thought was clever. Who’d have thought that a little bit of ghost hunting could help a grieving family heal?

*I was provided with Ghosters free of charge in exchange for my review of it. I received no monetary compensation, only the privilege and enjoyment that comes with reading a well-written story, and this story is indeed well-written.

Feel free to explore my blog for other book recommendations: rpbooklist.wordpress.com/
Profile Image for Icy_Space_Cobwebs .
5,647 reviews329 followers
November 18, 2018
Review of GHOSTERS by Diana Corbitt

A delightful, warmhearted, yet very intriguing middle-grade Paranormal Mystery with a whopper denouement and conclusion. Theresa Martinez, younger brother Joey (who has Asperger's), and their grieving dad Mike move to their late mother's parents' home, a huge three-story former mansion, six months after the sudden death of Theresa and Joey's mother, at the time of Theresa's twelfth birthday. A new school, a huge new home, a father unable to write (he is an author with a few published books), and ghosts. What's not to worry Theresa? With her brand-new friend Kerry, and brother Joey, Theresa determines to uncover the secrets of the house, win a GHOSTERS TV series video contest, and so provide funds for the family. What they uncover is nothing anybody could have expected, and the author giftedly delivers characters readily identifiable and an exceedingly clever plot.
Profile Image for BefuddledPanda.
288 reviews11 followers
June 25, 2021
Ghosters by Diana Corbitt was a surprising read. The author contacted me to see if I was interested in reading/reviewing the book. The premise intrigued me and I accepted. I'm really glad I did. It's about a young girl Theresa, whose mother has passed away and she's still processing the grief. Her father and younger brother are also processing in their own ways. They move to their grandparents' house (they've also passed) and turns out, the house may be haunted (it is). Theresa makes a new friend, Kerry, who is very into ghost chasing. They start looking for ghosts in the house and uncover something big. What I love most about this book is the depth of the characters and their interactions. They are realistic and well done. I think this would be a good book for parents to read with their kids and have conversations on grief, depression and patience. Rec!
Profile Image for Athena D..
977 reviews59 followers
March 29, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS

What a great book! I love watching ghost hunting shows just like the main character, Theresa and her friend, Kerry. It’s been a while since I’ve read a middle grade book, but this one was filled with mystery where I read with rapt attention.

I highly suggest reading this book if you enjoy a good middle grade mystery. Ghosters by Diana M. Corbitt is an EPIC read and will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!!
Profile Image for Samantha.
22 reviews9 followers
January 31, 2020
Proper scary! I was really on the edge of my seat. Highly recommend this for middle grade readers looking for a thrill ride.
Profile Image for Heather Daughrity.
Author 9 books94 followers
June 5, 2020
Ghosters by Diana Corbitt is a middle grade book aimed at kids roughly 9-12 years old. It features the spooky adventures of Theresa, her brother Joey, and her friend Kerry as they hunt for ghosts.

After the death of her mother, Theresa, Joey, and their dad move to their grandparents’ hundred year old Victorian house. Aside from the house being rundown, Theresa doesn’t think much about it…until spooky things start happening, and it seems that everyone in town believes that their house is haunted. Enter a brand new friend, Kerry, newly arrived in town from England and brimming with ghost hunting advice and access to a number of gadgets.

Even though Theresa knows her dad won’t like it, she agrees to join Kerry on a ghost hunt in her own house. Her brother Joey ends up joining in on the fun, and some creepy things begin to happen. Kerry is sure that if they can just capture some good ghostly footage, they can enter the yearly contest put on by their favorite show, Ghosters, with a grand prize of $200,000.

Cold spots, mysterious noises, eerie whispers, a tricycle that moves on its own, and misty apparitions fill the basement and the off-limits (as far as Dad knows) third floor.

Do they win the contest? Why is the third floor locked up? What are the secrets hidden away in this house, and why does Theresa’s father try so hard to keep them hidden? You’ll have to join in on the ghost hunt to find out.

This book has just enough creepiness to keep your kids interested but not enough to give them nightmares. Theresa’s brother, Joey, has Asperger’s, so there’s some explaining of what that means and how it affects their life. Theresa’s grandparents were from Spain so there is a bit of Spanish sprinkled throughout the dialog. While it is for the most part a fun story, there are some deeper issues addressed (deftly) within the story as well.

All in all a good fun read. I think we’ll be getting the whole series (book two: Revenge of the Library Ghost, and book three: Secrets of the Bloody Tower) as I have a little ghost loving boy myself. I definitely recommend this series to anyone with a budding ghost hunter of their own.

I was given a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
147 reviews12 followers
July 3, 2020
I don't usually read MG books, but I gave this a shot anyways. I actually really enjoyed this. The ghost part of the story was fun and interesting and creepy enough to keep you turning the pages, and there were some decently witty lines woven in throughout the story.

The characters were surprisingly interesting. Theresa brings in some great diversity, and she's also just a fairly interesting and fun character to read about. Her brother, Joey, has Asperger's Syndrome, and I love that he felt like an actual character, not just a random person dropped in for a good rep. He was funny and smart and came with all the typical little bro fun. Kerry (Theresa's best friend) was funny, and while I didn't particularly enjoy Theresa's Dad, he definitely added some mystery to the plot. (in the end I pretty much just felt sorry for him though)

The ending actually managed to surprise me (which doesn't happen often, so props to the author for that), and while it was a bit more serious than I was expecting, it worked and was handled well. The only negative comment I have is that some of the writing felt out of place and disjointed. Overall though, an enjoyable read I'd recommend to anyone looking for something quick and fun.

Huge thanks to the author to the author for providing a complimentary review copy in exchange for an honest review.

blog | Instagram | Twitter | Storygraph
Profile Image for Angel (Bookn.All.Night).
1,681 reviews45 followers
July 25, 2021
A little while ago I was given the opportunity to read Ghosters 2 and ended up really enjoying it. So I decided to go back and grab Books 1 and 3 and relive the fun.

I love that the scene is a haunted house and that it's tied to Theresa and her family. Theresa is a well-rounded character and handles her roles & responsibilities well, especially given all the changes the family has gone through.

When she, her new friend Kerry, and her brother Joey begin their ghost hunting schemes, the secrets begin to unravel and the ghosts make themselves heard .. it's enough to have you reading this in the day time. 🤣🤣

This is an enjoyable MG paranormal mystery series. One I can't wait to share with my granddaughter. She loves to read and will be all over this. It's well written and perfectly spooky. This would be great to read during the Halloween season.
Profile Image for Sammi.
1,346 reviews81 followers
June 7, 2020
SO GOOD. This is a middle grade thriller but it is such a page turner for all ages!

This book follows the adventures of Theresa and her brother Joey as they move into their dead Grandma Carmen's house. Teaming up with a sassy Brit named Kerry, these kiddos have quite the ghostly experience throughout the house and learn a lot about the Martinez family.

It was fun, fast paced, and truly thrilling. I read it in two sittings, I couldn't get enough. I'm excited to explore the rest of the Ghosters series (they can all stand alone though!) and see what else Diana Corbitt will write. She really is a fantastic writer, and created relatable lovable characters and a great (& unpredictable) plot!

*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Rachel.
116 reviews2 followers
December 29, 2020
Although this was a young, middle grade read, I really enjoyed it! I wish I had read it as a tweenager - it would have scared the absolute crap out of me! ⁣

This book does a great job of setting a spooky scene. Definitely has the creep factor. And holy crap, that ending!! That was a really dark twist I didn’t see coming at all!! I was shocked at the dark turn the story took, but I also kind of loved it. ⁣

I would recommend this book (the first in a series) to fans of the Goosebumps series, or those in a similar age group who don’t scare too easily 😳⁣

Thank you to @ghosterswriter Diana Corbitt for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. ⁣
February 11, 2019
Creepy Victorian mansion? Check. An engaging middle grade narrator with a spunky British sidekick? Check. Ghosts in the dark, dank basement and in the forbidden attic? Check and CHECK.

Our heroine is Theresa Martinez, a young girl left to fend for herself after her mother dies and her father descends into depression, emerging only occasionally to look after her brother Joey. When Theresa's family faces financial difficulties, they move into her late grandmother's dilapidated mansion, which might as well have a neon sign out front with arrows pointing down and letters that say "GHOSTS HERE." Sure enough, Theresa starts noticing ghostly activity right away, and she bonds with a girl at her new school over the sightings. Theresa and her friend Kerry (the aforementioned British sidekick, who also happens to have quite a bit of expensive paranormal investigation equipment at her disposal) enlist Joey into their ghost hunt, and they begin to unravel the secrets of the mansion.

Nothing scares me like a good ghost story, so I was prepared for some chills, and Ghosters did not disappoint. Though they're never too intense for a middle grade audience, there are some wonderfully eerie moments in the book. What I wasn't prepared for, however, was how sad and sweet this book would be. The reader grieves with Theresa over her mother's death and shares her pain and frustration over her father's emotional distance. There was a bit of awkwardness at the beginning as I got used to Theresa's voice, but I settled in to her narration quickly and found her to be a charming and sympathetic narrator.

Theresa's brother Joey is identified as having Asperger's, which I must admit made me nervous prior to reading the book. It is sadly a pretty common experience in pop culture to see autistic characters depicted as one-dimensional clichés, and characters with Asperger's syndrome have been especially popular with authors and screenwriters in recent years. (Full disclosure: I know very little about autism, so I can't speak to the authenticity of Joey's character. As I understand it, there is some controversy over whether to continue to use the Asperger's label, as the diagnosis was added to the DSM-4 but removed from the DSM-5. If I have any readers who have or teach autistic kids or are autistic themselves and would be willing to share their perspective, please feel free to leave a comment below or send me an email.)

With that said, I think that author Diana Corbitt sidesteps many of the pitfalls that some other creators seem unable to avoid. Joey is not a stereotype whose sole personality trait is his autism; he's just a boy who experiences the world a little bit differently from the people around him. He likes bugs, he annoys his sister, and he forgets to do his chores, just like pretty much every other little brother on the planet. I was pleasantly surprised by his characterization. Joey's autism is a part of who he is, but it alone does not define him.

I also appreciated this exchange between Theresa and Kerry as they make pizza together and talk about Theresa's late mother. Kerry remarks wistfully that Theresa's mom must have made wonderful Mexican food, and Theresa — whose grandparents are all Spanish — playfully but firmly calls her friend out on her racism: "Oh, I get it. We have dark hair and our last name is Martinez, so you assume we’re Mexican." It's a very brief moment, but it does touch on the microaggressions that Theresa's family constantly faces, and it's nice to see it addressed and to see Kerry called out for it.

The plot is handled just as skillfully as the characterization. The combination of the old-fashioned haunted house mystery with the high-tech paranormal investigation is thrilling. Against her father's wishes (and in direct violation of the I Am Over 18 Years of Age button on the website), Theresa and Kerry enter a contest for Theresa's house to be featured on their favorite ghost hunting reality show. They of course win the contest, and the "Ghosters" show up with their EMF meters and night vision cameras for a climactic ghost hunt that is equal parts wish fulfillment (your favorite TV stars crash your sleepover!), creepfest, and moving family drama.

With endearing characters and an exciting plot, Ghosters is a fun, spooky, and bittersweet story about a young girl dealing with loss and a legacy of family secrets. It will satisfy middle grade readers looking for a good ghost story and a little adventure, and it will also tell them a touching story of love and forgiveness. I'm excited to read the next book in the series — Ghosters 2: Revenge of the Library Ghost — because if there's one thing in this world I love more than a haunted house, it's a haunted library.

My thanks to Diana Corbitt for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Profile Image for Dakota.
45 reviews2 followers
June 15, 2020
I was asked to review this by the author!

This book was adorable, a perfect middle grade novel that talks about hardships, with lots of twists and turns. It was so easy to fall in love with the characters and their personalities, to want to read more about Joey and Theresa. I was on the edge of my seat excited to read about the adventures that they would go on and the things that were experiencing!
1 review
May 26, 2020
This is a great book for kids (age 9-12). Such a good twist that I didn’t see coming at the end! There’s a great plot which moves nicely through the book, the language is well written and understandable for kids and the characters are really well described (can’t help but love Joey the little brother). By the end of the book I was really involved and wanted to know if any ghosts were going to be found in the big old house 👻
Profile Image for Sandi.
336 reviews12 followers
April 22, 2020
Ghosters is a fun Middle-Grade read. Or, should I say, man, what a SCARY, fun Middle-Grade book! Do not, I repeat do not, read this when you are trying to go to bed. At one point in time, I seriously thought I could hear squeaking wheels rolling around on my living room floor. Read the book, you will get what I am talking about.

Ghosters is the type of paranormal story that is appropriate for all ages even though it is written for middle-grade readers. 

This is the first book that I have read where a child with a disability--  Joey, is actually written without some lecture, some overly drawn-out explanation of his disability, or seems unreal- almost one dimensional. Joey is very real, Joey enriches Ghosters so much that I might have to say he might be my favorite character in the whole book! That is saying something as there are so many richly written characters in Ghosters. 

 While reading Ghosters there were so many times that it created a good goosebumping shiver. So much so that I would have to go outside and make sure I myself wasn't wandering the "Ramos Mansion".  Now mind you, I read Cujo by Stephen King as a 12-year-old kid, I love scary stories especially when they seem that they could really happen. Ghosters is not too scary for your middle grader, it's just in my old age I absorb the scary more than I used to mainly because I am reading at home alone. Yeah, home alone reading is not always a good thing when you are reading a Paranormal Book unless that book is poorly written, which this book is not. It is fantastic! 

If you like this book, there are two other Ghoster stories: Revenge of the Library Ghost & Secrets of the Bloody Tower which I look forward to picking up soon.

While visiting the Author's website I was pleasantly surprised to find AR questions for the first two Ghoster stories.

I enjoy it when a retired teacher still uses educational practices when they interact with children. This is the first time I have seen where already provided questions are given without the book being a hit on the Times Best Seller List. Sometimes books have to have questions written and approved to get them to be considered for the AR program. Now, don't get me wrong, I think this book should be a hit! I'm not sure why I hadn't heard of it before Ms. Corbitt asked me if I would read it.  

I know that if I was still working at our local library or TA'ing at our intermediate school I would be recommending this book to all those kids who LOVE scary stories. Especially, Espie, the little 9-year-old girl who always came in asking for scary stories that didn't involve cheesy talking animals or Goosebump- type storylines. She told me once she hated the books that were "written down" by an author who thought a kid couldn't like a super scary book that only a little bit of scare was too scary. Espie loved Dracula, Stephen King books and yet they weren't age-appropriate for her according to her parents. This book without hesitation would be my next book to recommend for her to read!

rated for paranormal activity, writing style, and just pure fun.

Thank you, Diana Corbitt, for allowing me to read Ghosters in lieu of my honest review!
Profile Image for Allanah Korin.
24 reviews
May 10, 2020
5/5 stars!

In my plan to start reading middle grade novels this month, I wasn’t sure where to start. When I got the opportunity to read this book I didn’t expect it to blow me away!

Theresa Martinez and her family move into the mansion once owned by her grandmother which starts a chain of events she could never see coming. On top of moving to a new town, a new school, and looking for new friends - Theresa now also has to deal with cryptic ghosts inserting their way into her life.

These ghosts start a new chapter in her life where things really do go bump in the night and new best friends convince you to hunt for ghosts.

I was so excited to see a lot of representation in this novel! It felt amazing to see the diversity I experience in my everyday life be incorporated into this wonderful work.

I didn’t expect to be so head over heels for this book! I laughed and cried; I called my friends to fangirl over how much I was enjoying this story. I can’t recommend this enough for people who are new to middle grade, love paranormal fiction, or are just looking for an immersive read! The characters felt so real, as if I’ve known them for a long time. Their dynamics and antics reminded me of my own middle school days, sans ghosts of course.

Also the ending left me clutching my chest so please, give this book a shot!

I can’t wait to continue the series!
Profile Image for DarkRaven714.
18 reviews2 followers
May 10, 2020
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

I wish Goodreads allowed half stars, I actually give this book 4.5 stars.

As I have up and coming middle schoolers I was very excited to read this middle-grade book and it did not disappoint! The story sucks you in right away in the first chapter. As the story unfolds I was finding myself not only sucked in, but emotionally involved. My heart was racing in some parts, and I loved it! I loved the character choices and the surprising twist near the end of the book. Looking forward to reading the others in the series as well!
Profile Image for Laurel Paige.
44 reviews
May 10, 2020
Theresa and Joey Martinez have just moved in to their grandmother’s old house with their dad after their mom died. The house is rumored to be haunted, and almost right away, strange things start happening. Theresa is an avid watcher of Ghosters, a TV show about hunting ghosts, and she makes a new friend at school named Kerry who is equally obsessed. Theresa, Joey, and Kerry embark on a quest to determine if the house really is haunted and enter their video footage in a contest run by the Ghosters TV show to try to win a cash prize.

This was a fun, quick read and I could definitely see a lot of middle grade readers enjoying it. It had some depth to it though, too, as Theresa struggled with feeling like her dad didn’t care about her as much as he did Joey. A surprise twist near the end of the book brought this issue to closure, and I thought it was nicely done. I also liked the way Ms. Corbitt approached Joey’s diagnosis of Aspergers and made him seem like a regular kid who just needed to be communicated with in a little different way. For readers around the same ages as Theresa and Joey, this could be a good way for them to be exposed to the diagnosis and be able to interact with peers who have it in a more understanding way.

*I was gifted a copy of this book by its author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Roan Reedling.
Author 4 books1 follower
June 17, 2023
Masterful! A story to enchant middle-grade and grown-up kids alike.
It’s one of those books that make me want to share every emotion I experienced every step of the way, and why, with example citations. But I can’t; I won’t risk spoiling your adventure with Diana Corbitt’s wonderful characters: twelve-year-old Theresa – who’s much the mom of her family since the recent loss of their mother – her younger brother, and her new schoolmate, Kerry, visiting from England.
I almost said: so, let me just tell you how it made me feel, this book. But I can’t do that either. I can’t say I FELT it… I just WAS, wrapped in the Ghosters world the second my eyes hit the page; wrapped in the human warmth and kindness, the ache and kinship the author conveys through her characters’ actions, their surroundings… her art and labor in this is impressive – as well done or better than what I liked best about “Calliope Jones and The Last World Diver”; all with the simplest if aptest words and everyday similes that conjure images and evoke memories far more informative and impactful than words; surely, all, painstakingly chosen.
Rapt with the storyline, I was drawn to the end, unawares, spellbound, like an ion through a drift tube, watching, wondering, itching to learn, what will the kids discover, about themselves, about their family? Something dreadful? Something healing? But more urgently, more pressing: what will happen next?!
I wondered, too, early in the story: how come I’m not scared? Is something missing? No. It just isn’t. I don’t think it’s intended to be. Intense, yes. Eerie? Yes. Scary, no. Not unless tension mounting at the thought of confronting your own fear of the never-yet-experienced scares you.
That tension ratcheted up, and up, like a crossbow’s string, cranked back, notch by notch, again and again, tightening alarmingly, so it seemed at any moment an arrow must loose, and BAM! A new obstacle! And frustration – the kids’, my own – cranked the tension higher still.
You shake your head and think: that kind of involvement in a story’s just all in your head; your willingness to suspend disbelief... S’okay, reading IS all in your head, but I think you’ll find the dialog and action SO REALISTIC – so often positively PHOTO-realistic – there’s be no need to consciously suspend disbelief; no choice in the matter, either. You’re just there, right there, with the kids.
And when the arrow does finally slip, the release is sublime. A denouement among denouements, in a story to grip and enchant middle-grade and grown-up kids alike.
Profile Image for Jennifer Coffey.
169 reviews19 followers
January 28, 2020
I received this book in exchange for an honest review

This middle-grade novel follows two friends, Tessa and Kerry, as they explore Tessa's old rickety mansion for ghosts. With the hopes of winning the Ghosters Halloween video contest, Tessa, Kerry, and Tessa's little brother Joey go looking for ghosts in every room of the house, including the forbidden third floor.

Diana Corbitt tells a fast-paced and engaging story about family, friendship, courage, lies, and ghosts that leaves the reader wanting more. I can't wait to read the second book.

Corbitt quickly establishes the world of Tessa and her family as they move into her deceased grandparent's old mansion. Going to a new school becomes the least of Tessa's worries as she keeps encountering strange occurrences around the new home. The reader quickly realizes that the house is haunted, and Tessa's not going to be able to contain her curiosity.

Reading this novel was quick and easy thanks to Corbitts descriptive yet straightforward writing style. I was able to picture everything in my head perfectly. Corbitt also wrote the suspenseful scenes perfectly where I was on the edge of my seat, and I didn't have to wait too long to find out the surprise.

The story flowed from one event to the next, and I was never confused.

I instantly fell in love with Tessa's character. Even though there is a significant age difference, I could still relate to her. I also loved reading the interaction between Tessa and her little brother Joey. His Aspergers is a constant challenge for Joey, and Tessa takes every opportunity to help him better understand human interactions. Her patience is admirable as well as assuming the motherly role when they move into the house.

My favorite part was the ending, because, WOW. There were a bunch of twists and turns that I wasn't expecting. The end was mind-blowing, and I can't wait to read the next book!
I didn't really have a least favorite part. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole novel.
I give Ghosters 5 out of 5 stars for its excellent storytelling, engaging plot, and loveable characters.

I recommend this book to any middle schooler, and people that like reading haunting tales. If you usually hate ghosts, this book is still safe for you! If you like Tunnel of Bones by Victoria Schwab, you'll like Ghosters too.
Profile Image for Kate Waggoner.
418 reviews
July 11, 2019
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Ghosters is a middle grades paranormal mystery. Twelve-year-old Theresa, her younger brother (Joey), and their father move into their grandma Carmen's old house following their mother's death. Theresa's father is a writer who has had writer's block since the accident. The house has been abondoned since their grandmother's death years before and is rumored to be haunted. When they move in, Theresa's father is very explicit in his instructions that NO ONE is to go to the third floor as it's run-down, rotting, and they'd fall through the floor boards. Theresa's father spends a lot of time focusing on Joey who has Asperger's syndrome leaving Theresa feeling alone. At school, she meets Kerry who is excited to befriend her and explore her house for ghosts. Together, along with Joey, the girls explore the house and discover some mysterious and paranormal things.

This voice had a good voice and was full of conflict. I enjoyed that one of the characters is on the autism spectrum and that he was frequently included throughout the book and not just shoved into the story as an afterthought. This story has two plots and conflicts running through it that eventually collide for one heck of and ending (one that I never saw coming). The first is the ghost plot--what are they seeing? Who is trying to contact them? Why? The second plot, focuses on Theresa and her struggle with her father. They're both grieving the loss of Theresa's mother and that grieving seems to be driving them further apart. This was a heartwarming and good-natured book about family and grief. There is a spook factor throughout the book, but I wouldn't define it as scary (I don't do scary). I enjoyed this book and believe that readers who enjoy a good mystery and books with suspense will enjoy Ghosters.
Profile Image for Barbara Ann.
Author 22 books187 followers
November 11, 2018
Theresa Martinez has just moved into her Grandmother’s old house. The twelve-year-old, together with her father and nine-year-old, brother, Joey, have found themselves in financial difficulty after their mother’s recent untimely death. Theresa does not welcome the idea of switching schools and neighborhoods, but the situation is far worse, for Joey who is diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. To make matters worse, their father, a writer, has not been able to work since his wife’s death. Theresa tries to take her mind off things by cooking in the kitchen, but she quickly realizes that the stories of strange happenings in and around the creepy looking house might be true. Items jump off the shelves, and curtains open and close at will.
Theresa quickly becomes friends with Kerry, who is interested in ghosts and paranormal activity. Kerry comes up with the idea of entering a video for best paranormal recording on the reality show, Ghosters. At first, Theresa is skeptical, but she decides the prize money would go a long way toward solving the family’s money problems. The trio of friends will have no shortage of material for the video as they explore the mansion. Is the house really haunted? Will the Martinez family garner the prize?
This is a well-written mystery page-turner. I like how technology is incorporated with an old-fashioned ghost story. Middle-grade and young adult readers will enjoy the characters. Dialogue is fun and authentic for their ages.
Profile Image for Jennifer Bourque (ButterflyReader77).
295 reviews18 followers
December 15, 2018
I had the privilege to read "Ghosters" at the request of the author Diana Corbitt and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The story is geared to ages 9 to 12 years and this book is a great read for middle schoolers. We are introduced to Theresa, her father, her younger brother Joey, her friend Kerry, and their wild and suspenseful ghost hunting adventures. When Theresa's mother passes, they move into her grandmother's mansion and all is not as it seems. The floors creak, objects fall to the floor, and apparitions appear, but, are these supernatural occurrences really happening, or does Theresa just want to believe that ghosts may exist to help her as a coping mechanism to come to terms with loosing her mother? "Ghosters" offers readers a page-turning ghost hunting story that keeps you intrigued and attentive until the very last page. The story is charming and touches on the subject of grief and the pain of loosing a cherished family member. In addition the story also provides humor that will guarantee a smile on your face while you journey alongside Theresa on her ghost adventures. "Ghosters" is followed up by it sequel "Ghosters 2: Revenge of the Library Ghost" and I am excited to see what happens next for Theresa. "Ghosters" boasts a well-deserved 4.71 star rating on Goodreads. The author Diana Corbitt lives in the California Bay area and she is a retired school teacher. She was inspired to write her novels by reading picture books to her second grade students.
50 reviews1 follower
May 23, 2020
Have you enjoyed reading horror stories like Goosebumps and watching TV shows like Ghostbusters? If you did then this book is a must read for you!

This is the first book of the Ghosters series, set in an abandoned house. Theresa and Jojo move into their grandparents house with their dad, only to discover from the townspeople that the house is haunted. Theresa makes a friend who loves chasing ghosts and together, the children go on their adventure to explore the house and record a paranormal activity that would win them the competition of the famous TV show, The Ghosters.

We loved reading this middle grade book with the kids and it took me back to my childhood years where I used to enjoy reading horror! The story has few but well developed characters and we fell in love with the brave Theresa and the honest Jojo. It has a fast paced storyline that keeps the children intrigued and with the right amount of suspense to get their gasps and squeals!

I would give this book 4.5 stars and would definitely recommend if your kids are into horror books! I will be looking out for more books in this series!

Thank you to the lovely author for sending me a digital copy in exchange of an honest review. *I'm not affiliated with the writer or the publishers in any way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.