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Spooksville #2
The Howling Ghost
The ghost was mean-spirited.
Cindy is playing by the ocean with her younger brother, Neil, when a ghost appears out of nowhere and grabs Neil and takes him away. Cindy tries to tell people what happened, but everyone assumes the boy must have drowned. Cindy is left heartbroken, with no one to help her find her brother.
Until Sally reads about what happened in the paper. Sally believes in ghosts -- she knows ghosts are a dime a dozen when it comes to Spooksville. With Adam and Watch, Sally goes to Cindy and promises to help her get her brother back.
But what none of them knows is that this is a nasty old ghost.
It would rather turn them all into ghosts than return Cindy's brother.
Front cover illustration - Lee MacLeod
Cindy is playing by the ocean with her younger brother, Neil, when a ghost appears out of nowhere and grabs Neil and takes him away. Cindy tries to tell people what happened, but everyone assumes the boy must have drowned. Cindy is left heartbroken, with no one to help her find her brother.
Until Sally reads about what happened in the paper. Sally believes in ghosts -- she knows ghosts are a dime a dozen when it comes to Spooksville. With Adam and Watch, Sally goes to Cindy and promises to help her get her brother back.
But what none of them knows is that this is a nasty old ghost.
It would rather turn them all into ghosts than return Cindy's brother.
Front cover illustration - Lee MacLeod
128 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1995
24 people are currently reading
630 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Pike
261 books5,467 followersChristopher Pike is the pseudonym of Kevin McFadden. He is a bestselling author of young adult and children's fiction who specializes in the thriller genre.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
McFadden was born in New York but grew up in California where he stills lives in today. A college drop-out, he did factory work, painted houses and programmed computers before becoming a recognized author. Initially unsuccessful when he set out to write science fiction and adult mystery, it was not until his work caught the attention of an editor who suggested he write a teen thriller that he became a hit. The result was Slumber Party (1985), a book about a group of teenagers who run into bizarre and violent events during a ski weekend. After that he wrote Weekend and Chain Letter. All three books went on to become bestsellers.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
McFadden was born in New York but grew up in California where he stills lives in today. A college drop-out, he did factory work, painted houses and programmed computers before becoming a recognized author. Initially unsuccessful when he set out to write science fiction and adult mystery, it was not until his work caught the attention of an editor who suggested he write a teen thriller that he became a hit. The result was Slumber Party (1985), a book about a group of teenagers who run into bizarre and violent events during a ski weekend. After that he wrote Weekend and Chain Letter. All three books went on to become bestsellers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
July 27, 2019
Having developed the central cast of characters in book #1, The Howling Ghost launches into the adventure right away. The lack of additional characterization is actually a little disappointing, but there are still several great moments of quirky personalities amid the high-stakes thrills. And boy are the thrills numerous, with potential shark attacks, burning buildings, angry ghosts being just a few examples. All in all, I'm thoroughly hooked on this series and am already looking forward to the next one!
February 2, 2018
“They don’t write about ghosts in the paper. Not even The Daily Disaster.” — Sally
Yes, the official name of Springville/Spooksville’s newspaper is The Daily Disaster! This is a fun series for the younger kids from the pen of Christopher Pike. The Howling Ghost is the second in the series, picking up on the heels of the charming inaugural entry, The Secret Path. Adam had just moved to Springville in the first book, where he met Sally and Watch. They quickly became his friends. Twelve-year-old Adam wasn’t certain initially what to make of all those wild stories about the town. Springville has been nicknamed Spooksville by the children because of all the weird occurrences, and the way kids just seem to vanish. By the end of his first big adventure, Adam knows he’s not living in a normal place. That tone carries forward into the second entry:
“Adam was amazed at how large the obituary section was for such a small town. In each issue it took up half the paper. Sally was right about one thing: not everyone stayed for long in Spooksville. The cause of death was often listed as simply disappeared.”
Just as in the first book, Pike injects enough humor and charm into The Howling Ghost to offset any real scares. Though there is a ghost and some danger, it really never gets too dark for the 8-12 year old age group at which it’s aimed. In fact, this series from the 1990s may seem innocent after Harry Potter, and may appeal more to the 8-10 age range rather than 8-12 that’s suggested.
Cindy Makey loses her younger brother Neil to a howling ghost at Spooksville’s lighthouse. He is never found, so presumed to be just another kid who disappeared. Sally gets the ball rolling for the trio of friends to investigate, so that Neil doesn’t become just another statistic. This proves problematic, however, as Cindy MaKay is very sweet, and takes a shine to Adam — which might be returned. The only caveat to this story is in fact, that dynamic, with the very jealous Sally coming off petulant and snarky, even uncaring once she realizes the possibility of Adam liking Cindy. She was precocious and likable in the first book, but in this one the reader gets irritated with her.
Things take a serious turn when after hooking up with Cindy, who is ecstatic that someone believes her story about a ghost snatching her brother, a visit is made to the deserted lighthouse. Cindy almost falls to her death, but Adam saves her. Scramming out of there when they hear the howling ghost, the kids decide to do some research. This leads to some fun stuff involving the Spooksville librarian, Mr. Spiney. His obsession with kids building strong bones knows no bounds!
What the kids discover at the library about a wrecked ship and a lighthouse keeper and her young son, will become important when they return to the lighthouse, but in what way I can’t reveal. There is some action and some derring-do by all involved. Adam even gets his first kiss — albeit on the cheek, which leaves Sally steaming. Before that happens, there is some underwater danger, and some more spookiness at the lighthouse. Will Cindy become a bigger part of the series, sticking around to eat donuts with the trio in the next book, The Haunted Cave? I’ll have to see. Finding out should be fun in this terrific series for younger kids.
Yes, the official name of Springville/Spooksville’s newspaper is The Daily Disaster! This is a fun series for the younger kids from the pen of Christopher Pike. The Howling Ghost is the second in the series, picking up on the heels of the charming inaugural entry, The Secret Path. Adam had just moved to Springville in the first book, where he met Sally and Watch. They quickly became his friends. Twelve-year-old Adam wasn’t certain initially what to make of all those wild stories about the town. Springville has been nicknamed Spooksville by the children because of all the weird occurrences, and the way kids just seem to vanish. By the end of his first big adventure, Adam knows he’s not living in a normal place. That tone carries forward into the second entry:
“Adam was amazed at how large the obituary section was for such a small town. In each issue it took up half the paper. Sally was right about one thing: not everyone stayed for long in Spooksville. The cause of death was often listed as simply disappeared.”
Just as in the first book, Pike injects enough humor and charm into The Howling Ghost to offset any real scares. Though there is a ghost and some danger, it really never gets too dark for the 8-12 year old age group at which it’s aimed. In fact, this series from the 1990s may seem innocent after Harry Potter, and may appeal more to the 8-10 age range rather than 8-12 that’s suggested.
Cindy Makey loses her younger brother Neil to a howling ghost at Spooksville’s lighthouse. He is never found, so presumed to be just another kid who disappeared. Sally gets the ball rolling for the trio of friends to investigate, so that Neil doesn’t become just another statistic. This proves problematic, however, as Cindy MaKay is very sweet, and takes a shine to Adam — which might be returned. The only caveat to this story is in fact, that dynamic, with the very jealous Sally coming off petulant and snarky, even uncaring once she realizes the possibility of Adam liking Cindy. She was precocious and likable in the first book, but in this one the reader gets irritated with her.
Things take a serious turn when after hooking up with Cindy, who is ecstatic that someone believes her story about a ghost snatching her brother, a visit is made to the deserted lighthouse. Cindy almost falls to her death, but Adam saves her. Scramming out of there when they hear the howling ghost, the kids decide to do some research. This leads to some fun stuff involving the Spooksville librarian, Mr. Spiney. His obsession with kids building strong bones knows no bounds!
What the kids discover at the library about a wrecked ship and a lighthouse keeper and her young son, will become important when they return to the lighthouse, but in what way I can’t reveal. There is some action and some derring-do by all involved. Adam even gets his first kiss — albeit on the cheek, which leaves Sally steaming. Before that happens, there is some underwater danger, and some more spookiness at the lighthouse. Will Cindy become a bigger part of the series, sticking around to eat donuts with the trio in the next book, The Haunted Cave? I’ll have to see. Finding out should be fun in this terrific series for younger kids.
May 17, 2024
Aside from a somewhat eventful and clever ending, this book was quite boring. That is not to mention the fact that some of the characters were beyond annoying!! Cough cough SALLY!
December 27, 2013
Re-reading this series as an adult... well not a very mature adult, but still... older than the recommended age. I love this series when I was younger and, having seen some of the Hub's television version, felt the need to reread these books.
The Howling Ghost is one of my all time favourite Spooksville stories. The introduction of Cindy to balance out Sally's character is excellent (I find Sally overbearing at times!). The boy's meeting Cindy was pretty cute ("Or a rose that's been crushed" Adam said, feeling in a poetic mood.) There was enough scary parts to keep me captivated, fighting with Ghosts, jumping off Lighthouses, being trapped in a shipwreck 17m under water. What I really enjoyed about this book was the CLEVERNESS of the plot and how it all ties in together. That they picked up information at the lighthouse, the shipwreck, the library and Watch ties it all together (and Sally takes credit for it!) and there is a cheerful sort of ending to the evil wicked ghost that steals young children.
My other big rant about this series is that the "Science" involved is pretty great. Christopher Pike discusses many things from cryogenics, time travel, evolution, pollution, etc. in a platform for children. In this book, it discusses the process of scuba diving as the two characters take a dive to a ship wreck. It is done in a very real way (what happens if I lose my weight belt when suba diving, well then I'll rush up to the surface of the water and suffocate on my own blood...!!!). Also when they are jumping 20m into the water from the lighthouse, Watch mentions surface tension and how they will die if they just jump. Very very clever, keeping it in the boundaries of reality even though this is a Fantasy sorta story. Adds to the "Tension".
Great book, very good plot, a diverse range of characters. LOVED it! :D
The Howling Ghost is one of my all time favourite Spooksville stories. The introduction of Cindy to balance out Sally's character is excellent (I find Sally overbearing at times!). The boy's meeting Cindy was pretty cute ("Or a rose that's been crushed" Adam said, feeling in a poetic mood.) There was enough scary parts to keep me captivated, fighting with Ghosts, jumping off Lighthouses, being trapped in a shipwreck 17m under water. What I really enjoyed about this book was the CLEVERNESS of the plot and how it all ties in together. That they picked up information at the lighthouse, the shipwreck, the library and Watch ties it all together (and Sally takes credit for it!) and there is a cheerful sort of ending to the evil wicked ghost that steals young children.
My other big rant about this series is that the "Science" involved is pretty great. Christopher Pike discusses many things from cryogenics, time travel, evolution, pollution, etc. in a platform for children. In this book, it discusses the process of scuba diving as the two characters take a dive to a ship wreck. It is done in a very real way (what happens if I lose my weight belt when suba diving, well then I'll rush up to the surface of the water and suffocate on my own blood...!!!). Also when they are jumping 20m into the water from the lighthouse, Watch mentions surface tension and how they will die if they just jump. Very very clever, keeping it in the boundaries of reality even though this is a Fantasy sorta story. Adds to the "Tension".
Great book, very good plot, a diverse range of characters. LOVED it! :D
July 17, 2012
#2 Spooksville.
Segunda entrega de la serie Fantasville, en el nos encontramos a los mismos protagonistas que la novela anterior, y esta vez se unen a la aventura dos hermanos mas (Cindy y Neil)
El libro es entretenido, y los personajes claramente definen sus personalidades, que pase el siguiente señorita Laura.
Segunda entrega de la serie Fantasville, en el nos encontramos a los mismos protagonistas que la novela anterior, y esta vez se unen a la aventura dos hermanos mas (Cindy y Neil)
El libro es entretenido, y los personajes claramente definen sus personalidades, que pase el siguiente señorita Laura.
January 6, 2020
These are adorable. I love Pike's older stuff, but these Spooksville books are surprisingly humorous. A sweet story in the end, as well. It's a ghost, it's a lighthouse, there's friends, very young budding romance (kind of, maybe, sort-of), a creepy town and sharks. Can't leave out the sharks. :)
March 9, 2019
On the edges of Springville, known to its younger population as Spooksville, Cindy and her little brother, Neil, are walking on the jetty near the old lighthouse when a howling, ghostly hand snatches Neil away. Everyone in town is convinced that Cindy witnessed something tragic, but no one believes that a ghost actually took him–no one except Adam, Sally, and Watch, who are all too familiar with Spooksville’s strangeness. If there’s any chance that Neil might still be alive, they have to act fast, before the ghost comes for them too. Trigger warnings: death, child death, body horror, drowning, suffocation, blood.
The Howling Ghost isn’t quite as strong as The Secret Path, but it’s still a fun ride. The science fiction elements have mostly receded here, leaving more straightforward horror. I think I didn’t enjoy it quite as much because most of that horror is not in the supernatural but in the realism and some pretty on-point actual science. I was getting serious Bury Me Deep flashbacks with all the scuba diving, and while it’s nowhere near as graphic, I’m pretty sure I would have been just as terrified had I read it when I was a kid. Pike seems to have a morbid fascination with water pressure and exploding lungs, and Watch and Adam don’t seem to realize how much danger they put themselves in until it’s almost too late. It’s a bit of a weird detour from the rest of the plot, but I guess it’s effective, if (cue Lemony Snicket voice) effective here is a word that means scary as all get out–perhaps even more so for adults than children, who simply trust that things will work out.
The overarching story is pretty well-plotted and, as usual, Pike puts an interesting twist on his ghostly mythology. Unlike many books in a series, the plots are almost completely stand-alone; it wouldn’t be hard to read The Howling Ghost without any familiarity with the first book. I didn’t so much enjoy all the jealousy and girl-hate between Sally and Cindy, and I’m hoping that’s not a trend that will continue in the series. The ending takes an unexpected turn, and it’s quick-thinking more than daring that saves the day in this book, which means Watch is in his element, Sally is claiming the credit, and Adam is taking most of the fall for their bad ideas. I suspect that trend will continue, and I’ll admit, it’s often hilarious. It’s not his best work, but it’s a solid addition to the series.
I review regularly by brightbeautifulthings.tumblr.com.
The Howling Ghost isn’t quite as strong as The Secret Path, but it’s still a fun ride. The science fiction elements have mostly receded here, leaving more straightforward horror. I think I didn’t enjoy it quite as much because most of that horror is not in the supernatural but in the realism and some pretty on-point actual science. I was getting serious Bury Me Deep flashbacks with all the scuba diving, and while it’s nowhere near as graphic, I’m pretty sure I would have been just as terrified had I read it when I was a kid. Pike seems to have a morbid fascination with water pressure and exploding lungs, and Watch and Adam don’t seem to realize how much danger they put themselves in until it’s almost too late. It’s a bit of a weird detour from the rest of the plot, but I guess it’s effective, if (cue Lemony Snicket voice) effective here is a word that means scary as all get out–perhaps even more so for adults than children, who simply trust that things will work out.
The overarching story is pretty well-plotted and, as usual, Pike puts an interesting twist on his ghostly mythology. Unlike many books in a series, the plots are almost completely stand-alone; it wouldn’t be hard to read The Howling Ghost without any familiarity with the first book. I didn’t so much enjoy all the jealousy and girl-hate between Sally and Cindy, and I’m hoping that’s not a trend that will continue in the series. The ending takes an unexpected turn, and it’s quick-thinking more than daring that saves the day in this book, which means Watch is in his element, Sally is claiming the credit, and Adam is taking most of the fall for their bad ideas. I suspect that trend will continue, and I’ll admit, it’s often hilarious. It’s not his best work, but it’s a solid addition to the series.
I review regularly by brightbeautifulthings.tumblr.com.
August 11, 2021
Ésta es una relectura. La colección, como de unos veinte libros, tiene como publico objetivo a los niños. Es una saga que me quedó inconclusa de chico y la estoy retomando ahora. Los libros se leen en un par de horas y me lo paso genial. Lectura ligera.Tres amigos ayudan a una niña a encontrar a su hermano quien fue secuestrado por un fantasma.
June 24, 2024
The Howling Ghost from the Spooksville series is a book that I've heard mixed responses from, but I held off on reading it until Summer time, because the second book takes place on a beachy lighthouse theme.And the first book I read was all the way back in October. I really enjoyed the first one .The second one however, I believe I enjoyed it even more .This book was really fun. The story starts off with Cindy and her little brother,Neil playing on a jetty leading to a lighthouse.As they're playing, the lighthouse comes on and shines on Neil and Cindy sees hands come out and grabs Neil and he begins floating in the air while simultaneously, they hear this howling noise.After this, we could to the kids Adam, Sally and Watch. They're at a diner and Sally's drinking coffee and being her usual self,when they stumble across a newspaper article about a local boy going missing.They learn that the girl Cindy claims that a ghost took the boy, but none of the local authorities believe that. They all think that he simply drowned. So Sally decides to try to help this girl find her brother with the help of Watch and Adam. They go to Cindy's house and they introduce themselves and Cindy tells them their story and they decide to go investigate the lighthouse Inside the lighthouse, they discovered that the wires going to the light is burned and and Watch discovers that there is two initials carved into a table. They want some more information about who ran the lighthouse. So they go to the library and this part I really enjoyed. I usually love library settings in these type of books, but this one was especially great ,because we're introduced to one of my favorite characters named Mr. Spiney.Mr spiney is described as a tall, skinny guy, who the rumors are is after people's bones and he offers people milk to keep their bones strong.There's rumors of him grave digging and pulling up people's bones and hiding them in his closet, which I thought was exceptionally creepy. Sure enough they get to the library and he offers them milk and Watch finds out that there was an accident about 30 years ago,where the ship crashed and went under because the lighthouse wasn't lit up and it turns out that the lighthouse went out because a kid was playing on it and messed something up.at least that's what they think happened. This leads the kids to going underwater ,which watch coincidentally has scuba gear for him and Adam. Underwater ,they discover something pretty creepy and bring back something pretty creepy. That's really where I'm going to leave this off, because this one is another one that's very easy to spoil and I think you should go in this as blind as possible, because I had a lot of fun with this book And the main reason is I honestly didn't know where it was going. I didn't know if the ghost was going to be real or some kind of hoax, but I was very surprised at how scary this book actually got. I also loved the twist at the end of who the ghost was.I really don't have any complaints about this one maybe a few scenes meander a little bit,but not too bad. I did ,like many others got a little annoyed at the Sally bickering,but it wasn't terrible.I had a lot of fun with this one and props to this book for really only having like three settings. The kids never go home. This all happens I believe in one day. It's literally the lighthouse, underwater,back to the lighthouse again with a library thrown in the middle. This is definitely a solid entry into the Spooksville series.I really enjoyed it I'm going to give The Howling Ghost a four out of five stars.
December 13, 2022
Sympa, mais moins que le premier je trouve...
October 29, 2024
The narrator is ok. Quick, easy read for Halloween.
December 31, 2024
Adam, Sally, and "Watch" are back in this second book in the Spooksville series.
April 8, 2023
The Details:
Narrated by Adam Verner
Unabridged
This sequel was just as entertaining as the first book. It's also giving me Scooby Doo Mystery vibes.
I love that each book is following a different mystery and they're so easy and fast to breeze through.
On to the next one!
Pick it up, give it a go & enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
Narrated by Adam Verner
Unabridged
This sequel was just as entertaining as the first book. It's also giving me Scooby Doo Mystery vibes.
I love that each book is following a different mystery and they're so easy and fast to breeze through.
On to the next one!
Pick it up, give it a go & enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
July 9, 2012
I was reading The Serpent's shadow just now, and I read the word "jetty" and suddenly, I remembered this book. I remembered how scared I was when I read this as a kid and how I loved it and how i reread it lots of times. :D
October 13, 2016
My first delve into Christopher Pike's world, and it was the second book of a series. Didn't really matter though, because the story stood on its own (while alluding to the first book a few times).
Fun scares, and a strangely sweet ending.
Fun scares, and a strangely sweet ending.
November 16, 2024
“This is worse than the Secret Path,” Adam whispered as he began to shiver.
You said it Adam.
You said it Adam.
February 6, 2022
In ‘The Howling Ghost’, Cindy is distraught when her five-year-old brother, Neil is kidnapped by a ghost from the lighthouse. His disappearance is surmised as a drowning but Adam, Sally and Watch know better and offer to help her.
In the vein of the first installment of this series, it provided the backstory regarding the lighthouse, as well as more details on other residents. There was plenty of mystery pertaining to the ghost’s identity and motive, plus Neil’s whereabouts.
The answers to the above made perfect sense.
Cindy was a nice new addition to the group, switching up the dynamics but not too much. The supernatural element was complemented by realism in the form of the foursome’s teamwork that did not waver even in the face of struggles and missteps.
Overall, ‘The Howling Ghost’ was a howlingly fun read with plenty of entertaining conversations peppering the group’s rescue mission.
In the vein of the first installment of this series, it provided the backstory regarding the lighthouse, as well as more details on other residents. There was plenty of mystery pertaining to the ghost’s identity and motive, plus Neil’s whereabouts.
The answers to the above made perfect sense.
Cindy was a nice new addition to the group, switching up the dynamics but not too much. The supernatural element was complemented by realism in the form of the foursome’s teamwork that did not waver even in the face of struggles and missteps.
Overall, ‘The Howling Ghost’ was a howlingly fun read with plenty of entertaining conversations peppering the group’s rescue mission.
July 6, 2021
Tenía este libro pendiente desde hace un tiempo y cuando por fin me decidí a leerlo me dí cuenta de que era el libro dos de la serie Fantasville de Christopher Pike. Ok, la lectura me pareció satisfactoria, es un libro corto lleno de amistad, misterio y aventuras muy rápido de leer. Verdaderamente puedo notar como es un relato infantil, aunque cualquier persona puede leer desde niños, jóvenes, adultos y ancianos, pero sin duda, ¡¡¡SI TÚ QUE ESTÁS LEYENDO ESTA RESEÑA TIENES HIJOS O HIJAS Y QUIERES INTRODUCIRLOS O HACERLOS CONTINUAR CON ELLA, ESTA ES UNA EXCELENTE OPCIÓN!!!
Entonces, continuando con la reseña, me pareció rápido (me lo leí en cuatro días pero puede leerse en una tarde), entretenido y espontáneo, ideal para personas de todas las edades, sobre todo niños y adolescentes, así que, aunque me pareció que le faltó desarrollo y un poco de madurez en la narración (motivo por el que le dí cuatro estrellas) entiendo que es un relato de misterio y terror para niños.
LO RECOMIENDO.
Entonces, continuando con la reseña, me pareció rápido (me lo leí en cuatro días pero puede leerse en una tarde), entretenido y espontáneo, ideal para personas de todas las edades, sobre todo niños y adolescentes, así que, aunque me pareció que le faltó desarrollo y un poco de madurez en la narración (motivo por el que le dí cuatro estrellas) entiendo que es un relato de misterio y terror para niños.
LO RECOMIENDO.
January 20, 2021
Ahora que ya nos han presentado a los personajes y por qué los jóvenes del pueblo lo llaman Fantasville a modo de burla (y con toda la razón), empezamos directamente en la acción y por fin conocemos a Cindy, la cuarta integrante del grupo. Al igual que el primero, el terror paranormal ochentero es sublime y nostálgico, te transporta a un mundo espeluznante pero divertido y los chicos son tan graciosos y valientes que te dan ganas de correr todo tipo de aventuras con ellos.
El plot twist de este libro es precioso y a lo largo de todo él te van poniendo en situación para que al final se te salga la lagrimilla y logres incluso empatizar con el villano. Estoy deseando saber qué viene a continuación y qué tal avanza la amistad entre Sally y Cindy.
1. La Senda Secreta (Fantasville ·1): https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ★★★
El plot twist de este libro es precioso y a lo largo de todo él te van poniendo en situación para que al final se te salga la lagrimilla y logres incluso empatizar con el villano. Estoy deseando saber qué viene a continuación y qué tal avanza la amistad entre Sally y Cindy.
1. La Senda Secreta (Fantasville ·1): https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ★★★
September 30, 2025
Returning to Spooksville alas, and the quality has dipped immediately. There’s a solid story to be offered here and some great scenes/moments, and the characters are quite likable again. However, the book has had a huge dip here: the writing is rough (sorry Pike), the book is insanely slow even for kids horror length, not a lot actually happens until the final chapter, and the story is really drawn out. I couldn’t stand Sally as well; it was fun in the first book but now it’s just intolerable banter, and it ISN’T FUN to here about romance in a book targeted at people not even in High School. I’m not the target, but even still: shit ain’t jiving here. Overall, 6/10. It’s a great story, but dulled by its execution.
November 12, 2022
This is the 2nd book and the 2nd I've read for spooksville in order. The first book was amazing, I left a review for it. This one was really good also but not quite as good. It had a lot of adventure but I think the part where he was in the ship and the whole sunken ship storyline seemed a bit redundant and unrealistic even for children's books. The atmosphere was great tho. The ending actually made this up to a 3.5 from a 3 for me because it was a good ending that I wasn't expecting and it was kind of cute. I liked the adventure and everything just thought it didn't need the whole sunken ship stuff. The lighthouse was pretty creepy too. Hope the other books are more on par with book 1.
June 19, 2022
Again, a good book for its category. Think of Goosebumps and RL Stine.
It develops on the town of Spooksville and this is their second adventure, which is great, because the trio is already familiar with each other and there is a lot of humor, sarcasm and jokes.
This adventure also comes with some stressful scenes, no spoilers, but I was at the edge of my seat, also like that on these scenes, the writer took their time, it wasnt solved on the next chapter, it developed very good and at a good pace
It develops on the town of Spooksville and this is their second adventure, which is great, because the trio is already familiar with each other and there is a lot of humor, sarcasm and jokes.
This adventure also comes with some stressful scenes, no spoilers, but I was at the edge of my seat, also like that on these scenes, the writer took their time, it wasnt solved on the next chapter, it developed very good and at a good pace
October 30, 2025
A good paranormal, light horror book, with young teen protagonists almost as autonomous as adults. Their lack of maturity shows mores in their exchanges, Sally's jealousy quickly becoming annoying. The biggest flaw of the book, next to a good plot with predictable... and less predictable elements, very good suspense and fear for the characters, and a well-crafted investigation.
More "frightening" than a good ol' Goosebumps !
7/10, VERY generously rounded up to four stars despite Sally's behavior.
More "frightening" than a good ol' Goosebumps !
7/10, VERY generously rounded up to four stars despite Sally's behavior.
February 6, 2021
I was a little cautious after reading the first book of the series, cause I felt like the book was simplistic and rushed. This book was a lot better than expected, I felt that Christopher Pike wrote the characters better and made them more realistic. The book plot was better paced and the action was believable and gripping. I am looking more forward to see what is going to happen in the next book now.
October 9, 2025
Primer libro de la Spooky Season, esta época del año que me encanta y fue muy agradable arrancar con el segundo libro de esta serie Fantasville.
Los personajes funcionan bien, en este caso conocen a Cindy, se nota un poco los celos de Sally (uno de los personajes que más rica me causa) Adam que es como El Fuerte del grupo y Watch el inteligente.
En general la historia es simple y entretenida, como siempre suelen agregarle un giro de trama para generar el factor sorpresa.
Los personajes funcionan bien, en este caso conocen a Cindy, se nota un poco los celos de Sally (uno de los personajes que más rica me causa) Adam que es como El Fuerte del grupo y Watch el inteligente.
En general la historia es simple y entretenida, como siempre suelen agregarle un giro de trama para generar el factor sorpresa.
September 22, 2020
Si lo hubiera leído sentada, me habría tenido al borde de la silla a todo rato :P Pero no fue el caso pues lo leí en la cama (grave error).
¡Me encantó esta segunda entrega! Si bien es un libro tan sencillo que le faltan descripciones (a mi parecer), fácilmente pude llenar los blancos que tenia en la cabeza y así poder hacerme una clara imagen mental de las cosas que iban sucediendo.
¡Me encantó esta segunda entrega! Si bien es un libro tan sencillo que le faltan descripciones (a mi parecer), fácilmente pude llenar los blancos que tenia en la cabeza y así poder hacerme una clara imagen mental de las cosas que iban sucediendo.
July 2, 2024
While The Howling Ghost was a fun haunted lighthouse story, I did enjoy the the unusual-ness of the first book a bit more.
This one just felt too straight forward and common as far as haunting stories go. But definitely think its a great started to the haunted lighthouse trope for younger readers.
This one just felt too straight forward and common as far as haunting stories go. But definitely think its a great started to the haunted lighthouse trope for younger readers.
June 8, 2022
Not ashamed to admit I absolutely enjoyed it even though it YA fiction. The simple storyline and relatable characters made it one of my favorite books this year. This is my first from the Spooksville/Springville series. Hope to read more.
June 21, 2022
Great book for tweens/early teens. Not as juvenile as Goosebumps, but it keeps up the fun; not as sci-fi as Stranger Things, but the vibe works. This book was better than the first one, which acted as character/town introduction. The writing is simple, yet doesn't feel "dumbed down"
May 23, 2023
Mi libro favorito desde chica, la verdad no es una joya literaria sin embargo tiene buena trama, buenos personajes y la relaciones que se desarrollan a lo largo del relato están muy bien estructurados, 10/10
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