Horror at the Haunted House

Ellen and Corey #2

by Peg Kehret

It was a job any kid would kill for: to play a role in the Historical Society's Haunted House Halloween fundraising event. Ellen Streater was thrilled to play Joan of Arc, burning at the stake. It was for a good cause -- to benefit the eerie old Clayton House, soon to reopen as a museum. They said the house was haunted. Ellen didn't believe it -- until she felt a strange, icy feeling when she touched the beautiful Fairylustre bowl. Then she saw the ghost in the mirror -- a beautiful phantom who beckoned her into a nightmare beyond her wildest dreams.

Genres: Horror, Middle Grade, Childrens, Mystery, Halloween, Young Adult, Fiction

132 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Peg Kehret writes middle grade fiction and nonfiction. She's won dozens of state children's choice awards, where kids vote for their favorite book.

When she was twelve, Peg was paralyzed with polio. Most of her protagonists are the age she was then.

A volunteer with animal rescue groups, three of Peg's books are co-authored by Pete the Cat."

Reviews

[Annaka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good book! It's my favorite of Peg Kehret's writing that I've read so far! I love the end. My mom was scared that I was reading about ghosts, and I was, but this is a good ghost story. Plus, I like to read about ghosts, because most of the time, the ghost turns out to be either nonexistant or nice. In this case it's the second one.

[RumBelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite ghost stories growing up a child. I loved the idea of playing a role at a Historical Society's Haunted House, working in a beautiful old mansion. What really always stuck with me about this book though, was the Wedgwood bowl. How that incredible antique played such a role in the hauntings, and the mystery within the book. I don't recall any other ghost story having an element quite like. it. This book was a wonderful way to while away an afternoon, not to scary, but with a lot of interesting elements and characters.

[*victoria* · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book that got me hooked on Peg Kehret. My fourth grade teacher read it to us as a class and I loved it! I then syarted reading other books by Peg and have loved them all!!

[Alex Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second book in Peg Kehret’s trilogy following the character Ellen Streater is the only obvious supernatural one, and might be the only one with actual otherworldly entities. Whilst not an amazing piece, I have some strong positives. The book is basically a love letter to collecting and collectors, and the sentimental value that objects hold to individuals. The ending truly ties this all together and is a a fantastic final chapter that is saving this book a bit. I liked the theme a ton and the writing is consistently very solid and enjoyable. There’s some cool additions in here like Mr. Clayton towards the end and the true threat of this book alongside their shocking reveal and cruelty. The climax is decent (but I have some detriments), the concept of this Halloween attraction is pretty nice and was done even better in Wear and Scare from Spinetinglers, and the story… okay, let me clear: it’s not bad, but it’s nothing special. Aside from the conveyed themes, the story isn’t some groundbreaking material and whilst I enjoyed it for what it was, it was partly killed by two factors: the pace and the derivative nature of it. It’s super predictable and doesn’t have too much creativity, and the book is arguably way too far for its own good. Yes, it’s only 130 pages—but the font-to-page correlation basically translates to a 220 page Goosebumps. Yeah, with the meh story in mind… this isn’t worth your time, good or not. Moving on, the climax was a bit too short and there was a random character introduced that had no build up and only served as some muscle, which I found a bit underwhelming. Corey’s screaming (context required) somehow amounted to nothing, so it felt like a musical crescendo building up to utter silence with no avant-garde explanation for it. And alas, the whole attraction thing acted as more of a backdrop for the story, and I feel like it was majorly underutilized. Wasted potential; at least Ellen’s part was relevant near the end, in a very ironic twist. Overall, 7.5/10. It’s really good, but not worth the long read, for it’s nothing too special. This book has been glaring at me from my shelves for two years at this point so nice to finally rip off the band-aid.

[Eden Silverfox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellen and her brother Corey have been asked to play roles in the haunted house at the local historical society. Both agree to do so, with Corey being the most eager. He's wants everyone to hear just how good he can scream when he gets his head "chopped off". Ellen, however has a strange feeling about the mansion where the historical society is. She's had feelings like this before and they never end well.

On their first visit, Ellen experiences feeling cold and she doesn't know what it is. She really doesn't know what to do when the mansion's ghosts begins appearing to her. Who will believe her? And what does exactly the ghost want with Ellen?

I think the book started a little slow, but it definitely got better. Ellen and Corey were likable, even if Corey was a tiny bit annoying. Ellen's experiences were definitely interesting parts and the book kept me guessing. It was a mystery and a ghost story all in one! I also liked reading about the haunted house and the part Ellen played.

I also think the book teaches a good lesson and that's not to fear what you don't understand. If you don't understand something, it is best to research and not make any judgments beforehand. I thought it was a good book. It's one I will be buying and reading again.

[Brenna Wilkins]

This book gave me the chills a lot. This was one of the most suspenseful books I have ever read. The most suspenseful part that hit me first was when Ellen saw the ghost in the moirr. I was really confused when only Ellen could see the ghost and nobody else could. I wonder if the ghost only came out when Ellen was in the room. I thought it was also really creepy when the ghost started following Ellen. I finally understood why the ghost was following her because Anges broke the fairy luster and the ghost wanted it fixed. I was surprised that Anges made a fake one to fix her mistake. It was really scary and gave me chills when Ange tried to start the place on fire with Ellen in it. I loved the ending because Ange was the one that had to go to jail.

[Monster]

Ellen Streater and her brother Corey have volunteered to play roles in the local Historical Society's haunted house fundraiser. However once Ellen enters the old mansion that wiill house the benefit, she feels a cold and chilling presence. Soon, the ghost of Lydia Clayton, whose husband built the house, appears to Ellen. Ellen even starts to see and feel the ghost's presence at home. Ellen thinks that the ghost is trying to tell her something and begins to investigate the house and the owners to try to find out more about their history and to put the spirit to rest. Horror at the Haunted House is a ghost story with a dash of a mystery thrown in . Ellen is a strong, inquisitive female character who may appeal particularly to girls. The writing is solid, and the fast-paced plot and imaginative elements of the story will grab the attention of both boys and girls . Horror at the Haunted House is a good core ghost story book. Appropriate for children ages 9-12 , this book is recommended for elementary school library media centers and public library children's collections. Contains: attempted murder.

[American · Rating 3 out of 5]

Peg Kehret is one of my favorite children's mystery authors, though they are never usually 'scary', more what I call 'spooky', but I like the spooky atmosphere. They usually all teach a moral lesson, which I do like about them, and they sometimes show what to do in a dangerous situation and what not to do. The books by her and 'Pete the Cat' are some of my favorites by her, but I like the 'Ellen and Corey' series a little better. I also like some of the single books like 'Stolen Children'. I've never read the 'Frightmares' or the 'Disaster' books by her.

This is my favorite in the 'Ellen and Corey' series, recommended to me by a close friend.
Ellen and Corey each get to play a role as famous historical characters to raise money for a historical house to be turned into a museum, but strange things start happening. The new museum is said to be haunted, which Ellen doesn't believe at first, but starts to change her mind when she sees a ghost in a mirror, that only she can see. Is the place haunted? Or is something more suspicion going on? Read my favorite 'Horror at the Haunted House'!

[03danielr · Rating 4 out of 5]

summary:
Ellen and her little brother Corey are way excited because they found out that they get to die... all week long. At a haunted house that they will be in. Ellen gets to be joan of arc, burning at the stake. Everyone thought that the old Clayton house would be a good place to do the haunted house because the old creepy mansion was already haunted! But who would think that the old ghost of the Clayton home would haunt Ellen and take her to places in her wildest dreams...

a rate for this book: I rated this book 4 stars because it was really scary, it was very intense, and just a good book but I think a little something was missing.. for example they should of described the mansion and the ghost a little better than maybe it would of been better.

recommend?: I would recommend this book to anyone who likes scary, horror, intense, books. Once you start reading this you cant stop, read it, I guarantee you will like it.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book again while looking for books to donate to my library’s book sale and couldn’t remember what the story was about. It was a good, short read for needing something different. The second half of the story picked up the pace and kept me wanting to know why Lydia was so upset and trying to get Ellen’s attention. I didn’t even think about someone stealing the Wedgwood until they mentioned Agnes had taken a piece home. There was when I really started thinking, yep, she’s stolen it

I mostly read this because it was a Halloween book and I was in the mood for a creepy-ish tale. Not a bad story overall but I don’t know if I’ll read this one again.

[Jules Heberer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you like horror and books that give you the chills? If so, this novel, "Horror at the Haunted House", is the book for you! Ellen and her little brother, Corey have been invited by their grandmother's friend to act in a haunted house. First, Ellen starts off with getting chills after hearing the story of the ghost. Next... I guess you have to find out by reading this novel by Peg Kehret!! I recommend you read this amazing novel!

[JJ Waggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book when I was a kid, which is odd considering I am a terrible coward about horror and all things meant to be frightening. But this is a well-woven tale with moderate scariness (for kids) and a dash of history thrown in; a very quick read, an interesting idea, and just a fun departure for a few hours.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

For halloween, Ellen participates in a haunted house. The house is staged in an old mansion and she is Joan of Arc. Unfortunately, not all of the characters are fake. A former resident (a ghost) is trying to tell Ellen something and she won't leave Ellen alone until she does!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a kids' book, this was a great deal of fun to read. I had it figured out about halfway through, but it was still a great story with a lot of fun for the entire family. I will definitely keep my eye out for more from this author, if there is any!

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story as a child. Now my daughter loves ghost stories and recently purchased this for her as well. The old mansion, the historical scenes were what I remember best. And always wondered what the Wedgewood looked like. Highly recommend this story.

[Kiersten · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Peg Kehret book I have ever read and ever since I read it Peg Kehret has been my all-time FAV. book!! Everyone who's anyone should read this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Autumn Rushing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was good and kind of scary but not the type of scary that gives you nightmares.

[Harriet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would have rated it 16 stars.

[Kelsi S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

gooood......

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this when I was a kid.

[Kayla Blair · Rating 3 out of 5]

took too long for it to actually get interesting

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peg Kehret satisfies me again! I love how she interspersed crime with supernatural occurrences!

[Annabelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am totally taking a stroll down memory lane right now.
To say I was obsessed with ghost stories and anything creepy when I was younger is putting it lightly.

[Kasey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great children's ghost story that has that spookiness mixed with mystery.

[Galion Public Library Teens · Rating 1 out of 5]

Review by H.F. : "I didn't like when Ellen kept saying 'who are you?'"

[Axel · Rating 5 out of 5]

found this book at goodwill a few months ago and it looked interesting so i figured, why not? plus, i have niblings who might want to read stuff like this when they're older, so i wanted to know if it was too scary for them to enjoy... anyways, i liked the story and i think my niblings will also, when they're old enough to read chapter books that don't have pictures. i probably could have finished this in one day, but alas. the adhd does like to butt in sometimes.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another page-turner from Kehret. This one doesn't have a significant second theme besides the ghost story, unless you want to talk a bit about a mansion and its furnishings, including a collection of Wedgewood, left to a historical society.

[Deandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book over and over it was the scariest thing I knew.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Childhood favorite 👻🎃

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I may have read this as a kiddo??? Some of the elements seem very familiar.
Great middle grade ghost story. A little creepy but more of a mystery.