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Spirit Hunters #3
Something Wicked
The riveting conclusion to the acclaimed Spirit Hunters series! We Need Diverse Books cofounder Ellen Oh delivers the final book in her middle grade series Spirit Hunters, a gripping mystery and thrilling adventure, starring a Korean-American heroine and a diverse cast of characters. Harper is dealing with too many new changes in her house. Her cousin, Leo, is now living with them; her sister, Kelly, has started working at a local makeup store, Jeune; and Harper's spirit hunter abilities have grown increasingly more powerful and uncontrollable, making her a target for possession. But when Harper and Dayo uncover a dangerous plot to steal youth from millions of innocent people, Harper must use all her powers to destroy an ancient evil and save her sister. Can our intrepid spirit hunters rescue Kelly before it’s too late? A spellbinding, spooky, middle grade series, perfect for Halloween! Don't miss the first two thrilling books in this series from Ellen Oh:
240 pages, Hardcover
First published July 19, 2022
10 people are currently reading
2159 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Oh
23 books1,062 followers*Hi friends! I'm not often on Goodreads so if you want to keep up with me, the best place to do so is on instagram! I'm at elloecho!
Ellen Oh is a former adjunct college instructor and lawyer with an insatiable curiosity for ancient Asian history. She loves K-pop, K-dramas, and eating good food that someone else cooks for her. She is fueled by Diet Coke. Ellen is a founding member of We Need Diverse Books (WNDB), a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing diversity in children’s literature. Originally from New York City, Ellen lives in Rockville, Maryland, with her husband, three children, two dogs, and has yet to satisfy her quest for a decent bagel.
Ellen Oh is a former adjunct college instructor and lawyer with an insatiable curiosity for ancient Asian history. She loves K-pop, K-dramas, and eating good food that someone else cooks for her. She is fueled by Diet Coke. Ellen is a founding member of We Need Diverse Books (WNDB), a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing diversity in children’s literature. Originally from New York City, Ellen lives in Rockville, Maryland, with her husband, three children, two dogs, and has yet to satisfy her quest for a decent bagel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 19, 2024
✰ 2.25 stars ✰
“Remember, child, your strength is inside of you. It is your mind—it is not only your defense, but your weapon.”
As Harper's prowess as a spirit hunter continues to grow, so do the dangers that are threatening her and her family. And while she learns how to hone her skills to be put to better use in the face of those threats, it also makes her susceptible to more danger that she won't be able to protect herself from. 😥 But, when Something Wicked manifests itself into her older sister, Kelly - setting its sights and claim on a much more grander target, Harper will have to channel all the energy she possess to repel the sinister evil that has staked its claim for centuries, before it manifests itself into so much greater that it would be impossible to stop. 😨
“Your dreams are trying to tell you something.
“What is it, Rose? What am I missing?”
You’re in danger, Harper!”
Sadly, as enticing as that setup may be, I did not find this at all as menacing or life-threatening or even as remotely appealing and humorous as the previous installments; in a word - it was dull. 🙎🏻♀️The evil was dull, the humor was lackluster and Harper felt drained of any spiritual energy that kept me motivated to continue reading and it felt a chore to continue. It did not possess any of the eerie creepiness that the previous two books - the spookiness that created such a dark vibe. 😮💨 And I feel bad because the dedication spoke so promisingly of being scared of even turning a corner, but it was a toll even turning the page to continue. 😭😭 I'm honestly quite disappointed with how after much a scary and menacing feel - it just lacked all that spark that made seeing Harper take down the evil do-goers all the more rewarding. 🙍🏻♀️
“Harper, love is not cheesy. It is the most powerful emotion. People kill for it. People will sacrifice themselves for it. It can both heal you and destroy you.
There is no greater power, and you should not underestimate it.”
Harper was as free-spirited as ever, but still resolutely determined to help her family as much as possible. Having her cousin, Leo along for the ride expanded their spirited duo into a trio, which brought in a lot of solid teamwork, especially considering how much danger Harper was putting her life in with her newfound abilities. 🫂 'To have a best friend who believed in her and a cousin who was willing to help her, despite the danger, made Harper finally feel a powerful sense of belonging.' Harper's Grandmother and Dayo were, as always, the light of the party, and having the enchanting Mrs. Devereux serve as Harper's tutor was also an interesting inclusion. 🤍🤍
Some of the vibes were still there; loyalty to family and friendship is still at the heart of the story, along with the courage to stand up to those who want to knock you down.The demonic evil- while it was not as scary to me - there is still an important lesson that was taught to the intended targeted audience, which for that, I have to respect and acknowledge. 👍🏻👍🏻 The school issues addressed also felt rather forced and didn't really add much to the overall plot, itself, but then again - I have to see it from a younger perspective; so I suppose, just to include the problems young children are facing - must help them, in some extent. 🙏🏻
“What I am is a spirit hunter. We all are! We fight the evil others can’t see!”
I am upset that it wasn't as good as I would have hoped, a rather poor way to conclude what had been an engaging paranormal middle grade series. 😕 Perhaps the only redeeming factor was that it did not feel like it was over; that there was one more evil left to thwart - one more mission for the resident Ghost Busters to put out to pasture with their spiritual powers. With the public becoming more aware of the demonic spirits and evil dangers that Harper is thwarting, there is also a steady possibility of a rise in threats. And with the way the story concluded, it is safe to say that Harper's journey may not be quite yet over. ☺️
“Remember, child, your strength is inside of you. It is your mind—it is not only your defense, but your weapon.”
As Harper's prowess as a spirit hunter continues to grow, so do the dangers that are threatening her and her family. And while she learns how to hone her skills to be put to better use in the face of those threats, it also makes her susceptible to more danger that she won't be able to protect herself from. 😥 But, when Something Wicked manifests itself into her older sister, Kelly - setting its sights and claim on a much more grander target, Harper will have to channel all the energy she possess to repel the sinister evil that has staked its claim for centuries, before it manifests itself into so much greater that it would be impossible to stop. 😨
“Your dreams are trying to tell you something.
“What is it, Rose? What am I missing?”
You’re in danger, Harper!”
Sadly, as enticing as that setup may be, I did not find this at all as menacing or life-threatening or even as remotely appealing and humorous as the previous installments; in a word - it was dull. 🙎🏻♀️The evil was dull, the humor was lackluster and Harper felt drained of any spiritual energy that kept me motivated to continue reading and it felt a chore to continue. It did not possess any of the eerie creepiness that the previous two books - the spookiness that created such a dark vibe. 😮💨 And I feel bad because the dedication spoke so promisingly of being scared of even turning a corner, but it was a toll even turning the page to continue. 😭😭 I'm honestly quite disappointed with how after much a scary and menacing feel - it just lacked all that spark that made seeing Harper take down the evil do-goers all the more rewarding. 🙍🏻♀️
“Harper, love is not cheesy. It is the most powerful emotion. People kill for it. People will sacrifice themselves for it. It can both heal you and destroy you.
There is no greater power, and you should not underestimate it.”
Harper was as free-spirited as ever, but still resolutely determined to help her family as much as possible. Having her cousin, Leo along for the ride expanded their spirited duo into a trio, which brought in a lot of solid teamwork, especially considering how much danger Harper was putting her life in with her newfound abilities. 🫂 'To have a best friend who believed in her and a cousin who was willing to help her, despite the danger, made Harper finally feel a powerful sense of belonging.' Harper's Grandmother and Dayo were, as always, the light of the party, and having the enchanting Mrs. Devereux serve as Harper's tutor was also an interesting inclusion. 🤍🤍
Some of the vibes were still there; loyalty to family and friendship is still at the heart of the story, along with the courage to stand up to those who want to knock you down.The demonic evil- while it was not as scary to me - there is still an important lesson that was taught to the intended targeted audience, which for that, I have to respect and acknowledge. 👍🏻👍🏻 The school issues addressed also felt rather forced and didn't really add much to the overall plot, itself, but then again - I have to see it from a younger perspective; so I suppose, just to include the problems young children are facing - must help them, in some extent. 🙏🏻
“What I am is a spirit hunter. We all are! We fight the evil others can’t see!”
I am upset that it wasn't as good as I would have hoped, a rather poor way to conclude what had been an engaging paranormal middle grade series. 😕 Perhaps the only redeeming factor was that it did not feel like it was over; that there was one more evil left to thwart - one more mission for the resident Ghost Busters to put out to pasture with their spiritual powers. With the public becoming more aware of the demonic spirits and evil dangers that Harper is thwarting, there is also a steady possibility of a rise in threats. And with the way the story concluded, it is safe to say that Harper's journey may not be quite yet over. ☺️
January 25, 2023
I think this 3rd book is the last, & I’m sad because I want more of this spooky goodness! Lol This is a dark, creepy, beautifully told trilogy that I flew through. This makes my dark, creepy loving heart so happy. This was just as incredible as the 1st 2 books. Whole new mystery, & different kind of creepy/paranormal twist. Love that each has the same great core as the others, while at the same time adding a little something different to the paranormal aspects along with the new mystery. So good! I love the little brother in here so much, & even the cousin has become so great. But Harper & Dayo have my heart as a team. Because their dynamic together, & what they mean to each other in this friendship is truly beautiful. Harper’s grandmother also is the best, as is her paranormal friend-who is the rockstar of all ghosts lol. More great underlying messages in this 1 too. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Another STUNNING cover by Matt Rockefeller too.💜
July 21, 2022
4.75
Please, don't say it's over.
Y'all, I love SPIRIT HUNTERS so much! And SOMETHING WICKED was an epic conclusion. But conclusion! Why does it have to end?
If you like mid-grade spooky I cannot recommend this series enough. It involves not only a diverse cast of characters but also great story lines about children having power to make the future better, but that they don't have to do it alone. They should work together and ask for help from adults when needed.
It's super cute and I love it and it made me cry.
Cover 5; characters 4; plot 4; pace 4; writing 5; enjoyment 5; Cry *
Please, don't say it's over.
Y'all, I love SPIRIT HUNTERS so much! And SOMETHING WICKED was an epic conclusion. But conclusion! Why does it have to end?
If you like mid-grade spooky I cannot recommend this series enough. It involves not only a diverse cast of characters but also great story lines about children having power to make the future better, but that they don't have to do it alone. They should work together and ask for help from adults when needed.
It's super cute and I love it and it made me cry.
Cover 5; characters 4; plot 4; pace 4; writing 5; enjoyment 5; Cry *
October 31, 2022
I enjoyed this book so much!! I loved the rest of the series but I think this might be my new favorite. The new characters are so good and I love the development of each of the kids and also how Oh made family and friendship the center of the story. I also love the comments on racism in the book as well which are done really well I think. Overall, I would so recommend this series to anyone!! Oh’s writing is so well done and the story line is solid. I just love it!
July 30, 2022
This one was a slog to get through. The first two were fun and spooky but this one kinda felt like filler? And it ends in a way that makes me think there will be more books but it’s supposed to be the end of the trilogy so I’m a bit confused there
February 26, 2023
I absolutely loved this third installment of the Spirit Hunters series. I thought this book, while still going along with the overall story line, was new and exciting. I was hooked from page one. I recommend the Spirit Hunters series to all readers both young and old.
October 9, 2025
Content warning:
Bullying
Representation:
Broken hip
Divorce
Various races mentioned
Words that may bother some readers:
B
Bloody - 1 time
G
God (not religious) - 2 times
H
Hell - 2 times
Bullying
Representation:
Broken hip
Divorce
Various races mentioned
Words that may bother some readers:
B
Bloody - 1 time
G
God (not religious) - 2 times
H
Hell - 2 times
February 9, 2023
this series was amazing, im so sad it’s over 🥲💔
February 2, 2023
I really hope this isn’t the end to the series like I’m hearing. This was left way to open ended.
I’ve been reading this series with my 7 year old daughter. I kid you not, this is the only time she has ever hard core begged me not to stop reading. She borrows the audio versions all the time and falls asleep listening to them every night almost. Such a fun and well thought out paranormal middle grade series. I’m going to remember reading these with my daughter for decades to come.
I’ve been reading this series with my 7 year old daughter. I kid you not, this is the only time she has ever hard core begged me not to stop reading. She borrows the audio versions all the time and falls asleep listening to them every night almost. Such a fun and well thought out paranormal middle grade series. I’m going to remember reading these with my daughter for decades to come.
November 14, 2022
I know someone who likes makeup is going to read this and be appalled which makes me giggle. Body swapping evil witch was creepy as fuck. Ellen Oh knows exactly how to ensure I turn on allllll the lights just to go to the bathroom at 2 am.
3 Spirit Hunters books is not enough! I NEED MORE!! Which is essentially the highest praise I can give a book.
3 Spirit Hunters books is not enough! I NEED MORE!! Which is essentially the highest praise I can give a book.
August 5, 2022
I enjoyed seeing Harper and her powers develop. Michael, her friends and her develop their bond spirit hunting abilities.I think there will be more books
September 3, 2022
Please tell me this is not the last book! I need more of these😭 It's so well written and the characters are explained and presented perfectly!!!
October 9, 2022
Love this series.
October 12, 2022
This series just keeps getting better.
October 15, 2022
I love this series and these characters.
November 27, 2022
Apparently I like to torture myself, because I decided to listen to the audiobook for this, and it uses the same narrator from the previous one and its just as terrible. I'm sorry this narrator has no clue how children sound, every child screams their lines, especially Harper, every line this girl has is executed as if she just scream talks. I had my volume set to the lowest audio level I could to deal with this. There is also the issue of the voices she chose to give each character, they were not good, and grandma and the demon sounded the same lol. But Kelly the oldest sister who is 17, sounded like she was a 12 year old who thought she was 17, so many issues. Pronunciation was spot on, and her reading was very clear but the yelling of each dialogue line was the worst issue.
The plot this go around was to put it simply, boring. I loved the first book, the stakes where so much darker and the spooky atmosphere was so much more present. The 2nd book kind of had the same vibes but overall it just didn't hit like the first did. And now the third and final book (maybe not since it seems its left open for more) has none of those atmospheric vibes that the first had.
The story involves a witch who is trying to steal the youth of every one around her so she can continue to live forever. The story focuses more on giving more training to Harper who now has new powers, but as usual listens to nobody and does whatever she wants till she almost hurts herself. The possession of Kelly was lackluster especially in comparisons to the first book. She basically just ran around being mean and yelling at people, and hitting Harper once. There was also a subplot of Leo being picked on at school and I'm not exactly sure I like the solution of Harper using her gifts to scare the bully to get it to stop.
Another big issue I had was the dialogue, so much of it just made me cringe. And I get it, they are kids, but I have read plenty of MG books where the dialogue didn't make me go "that's not how 8th graders talk" or "that's not how 17 year olds sound" these are thoughts I had all through this book. I will say it is possible the narrators execution of the dialogue might have played into my issues with a lot of it as well.
Overall this series has just simmered out for me. What the first book had never seemed to present itself in later installments, and if there are plans for more, I'm willing to bow out now and call my journey with this series over.
The plot this go around was to put it simply, boring. I loved the first book, the stakes where so much darker and the spooky atmosphere was so much more present. The 2nd book kind of had the same vibes but overall it just didn't hit like the first did. And now the third and final book (maybe not since it seems its left open for more) has none of those atmospheric vibes that the first had.
The story involves a witch who is trying to steal the youth of every one around her so she can continue to live forever. The story focuses more on giving more training to Harper who now has new powers, but as usual listens to nobody and does whatever she wants till she almost hurts herself. The possession of Kelly was lackluster especially in comparisons to the first book. She basically just ran around being mean and yelling at people, and hitting Harper once. There was also a subplot of Leo being picked on at school and I'm not exactly sure I like the solution of Harper using her gifts to scare the bully to get it to stop.
Another big issue I had was the dialogue, so much of it just made me cringe. And I get it, they are kids, but I have read plenty of MG books where the dialogue didn't make me go "that's not how 8th graders talk" or "that's not how 17 year olds sound" these are thoughts I had all through this book. I will say it is possible the narrators execution of the dialogue might have played into my issues with a lot of it as well.
Overall this series has just simmered out for me. What the first book had never seemed to present itself in later installments, and if there are plans for more, I'm willing to bow out now and call my journey with this series over.
July 20, 2023
Something Wicked is a continuation of the Spirit Hunters series, seeing Harper, her best friend Dayo, and her cousin Leo battling new monsters. When Harper's sister, Kelly, starts working for a new cosmetic company in town, Jeune, Harper notices Kelly starts to act not like herself. Kelly becomes obsessed with working at Jeune and even her boss starts taking a peculiar interest in her. Unlike, the first two books battling more ghostly figures, the third installment sees Harper and her friends up against a witch and her demon companion.
I gave this book a 3-star rating because I feel like the story was more of a slow burn than the first two. This book took me longer to get into and the build up was a lot slower. I think I enjoyed the fast-paced storylines of the first two books a lot more, especially for middle school horror series.
I gave this book a 3-star rating because I feel like the story was more of a slow burn than the first two. This book took me longer to get into and the build up was a lot slower. I think I enjoyed the fast-paced storylines of the first two books a lot more, especially for middle school horror series.
May 23, 2024
I absolutely LOVE the Spirit Hunters Series!!
The third book wasn't as creepy as the second, but it did have some good scenes. This book is perfect for middle grade readers and it wasn't too scary. I enjoy the character arch of Harper and her families relationship to the paranormal. When a child doesn't feel like a parent will believe them(in this case Harper and her mother), of course they're not going to be upfront with all the spooky stuff they experience. Harpers mom gas lit her for years because she had her own issues to deal with when it came to her shaman mother. It made their relationship realistic and I appreciated how the family is starting to take what Harper experiences as real instead of ignoring it. I also like how the author doesn't gloss over racism, she has her main character confront it, and that made the story more realistic as well.
The third book wasn't as creepy as the second, but it did have some good scenes. This book is perfect for middle grade readers and it wasn't too scary. I enjoy the character arch of Harper and her families relationship to the paranormal. When a child doesn't feel like a parent will believe them(in this case Harper and her mother), of course they're not going to be upfront with all the spooky stuff they experience. Harpers mom gas lit her for years because she had her own issues to deal with when it came to her shaman mother. It made their relationship realistic and I appreciated how the family is starting to take what Harper experiences as real instead of ignoring it. I also like how the author doesn't gloss over racism, she has her main character confront it, and that made the story more realistic as well.
August 20, 2024
I finished this book a few days ago and it was pretty well told overall. The author has a gift for tying together a cohesive story. As this book featured a demon, I wasn't a fan of it, but the tale itself is a fairly classic one in the horror sphere. I think this is an okay read in general, and while most adults wouldn't feel poorly about its contents when it comes to minors consuming it, I personally would not be comfortable. Many religions and tales of folklore consider demons in a variety of ways, and some would simply consider it a bad spirit, but for Christians, the connotation of the word carries a heavier meaning. While I appreciate the complexity of cultures and understand not everyone will feel the same way, for me personally, I wouldn't want my kid reading this one.
June 26, 2023
Ah, what a wonderful ending to the trilogy (though I would have happily read more in this series!). Big sis Kelly has managed to stay out of or just adjacent to the supernatural comings and goings in the family in previous books. But, it is her turn now to find herself in the middle of the action. Fortunately for her, our wonderful and brave team of Harper and Dayo are on the case, with support from Harper's little brother and cousin. It's nice to see them all work together on this latest spirit challenge!
January 6, 2025
This final book in the Spirit Hunters trilogy did not disappoint! Dealing with demons, the themes in this series may not be for the most faint of heart, but they are perfect for our middle school readers looking for more of a stepping stone into YA horror. I regularly recommend the first book to our students and am happy to encourage those who like the first book to continue on in the series.
November 16, 2025
2.5 stars
mild spoilers
This last book didn't really do it for me. I needed more grandma, and less cousin. Also, the idea that the big bad was poison make-up with a witch behind it stealing their youth just seems so cliche at this point, and it certainly didn't help the older sister's personality.
mild spoilers
This last book didn't really do it for me. I needed more grandma, and less cousin. Also, the idea that the big bad was poison make-up with a witch behind it stealing their youth just seems so cliche at this point, and it certainly didn't help the older sister's personality.
October 16, 2022
I enjoyed this one just as much as the other two. My ownly complaint would be that it felt like it was left open for another adventure but it's marked as the conclusion to a trilogy. I would have rather they not get me excited for another one if it's finished. Still it was a good one.
July 22, 2023
Like many series with powers, Harper just keeps leveling up -- to telekinesis and astral projection and a proper crew to back her up (Dayo and Leo). Enjoyable, but missing the terror of the first two books. It felt pretty open-ended and I'd be happy to see a fourth book in this series.
November 12, 2022
E ARC provided by Edelweiss or Netgalley
May 9, 2023
Action packed middle grade fantasy.
June 10, 2023
I dont know how I forgot to add this. Cute like the others. Would read another if the other wrote one but I think this is the end of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2023
Really enjoy this series
June 24, 2023
This book was one of my faves it was packed with scary and adventure so my kind of thing and I just hope that the ather of this book will make like fifty more but if not at least 2 more books
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews