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The Empty Grave
Allen's mother and father have just purchased a big old house in the country. Left unoccupied for a long time, it is filled with strange sounds and movements. Maybe it's just the small animals that have taken up residence, but Allen worries some of the commotion might be caused by the ghost of a boy who died there nearly a hundred years before and whose grave in the private cemetery in the orchard out back is open and empty.
A short novel for young readers. Illustrated in black and white. Probably suitable for ages 9-13.
A short novel for young readers. Illustrated in black and white. Probably suitable for ages 9-13.
78 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1974
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 2, 2018
As a very young girl, I read this tiny tome countless times. Recently finding it on a bookshelf meant reading it one more time. Still as shuddersome, yet quirky-charming as I remembered.
August 7, 2013
I read this book over and over again in 3rd grade. It was not as awesome now as it was then but still a great book. The ending is unexpected. It is a good mystery/scary book. Highly recommended for any age.
August 17, 2020
Cute early reader that is part ghost-story, part mystery, and part treasure hunter. All in all it was a fun little read (similar to a ver young hardy boys)
August 28, 2025
Allen's mother and father have just purchased a big old house in the country. Left unoccupied for a long time, it is filled with strange sounds and movements. Maybe it's just the small animals that have taken up residence, but Allen worries some of the commotion might be caused by the ghost of a boy who died there nearly a hundred years before and whose grave in the private cemetery in the orchard out back is open and empty.
The writing is straightforward, the story is generic, and the tone tries to straddle the line between the rational and the supernatural.
With its low-key thrills and chills, I could see some kid liking this a lot, even if it didn't do much for me.
The writing is straightforward, the story is generic, and the tone tries to straddle the line between the rational and the supernatural.
With its low-key thrills and chills, I could see some kid liking this a lot, even if it didn't do much for me.
December 23, 2015
I remember reading this as a child. Specifically, we had it read to us it over the course of a week at school. For some reason, I missed a day, so for years, I had no idea what happened in the middle. I recently picked it up, and the mystery has been solved.
The book is good. It's short, a pocket book that I finished in the course of about fifteen minutes, but it packs a lot of action from the moment that Allen arrives at an abandoned farmhouse to his family to when he discovers the eponymous empty grave to when he puts to rest a ghost and finds a great treasure. Ultimately, the mysteries are almost all explained by the end (the children quickly forget that the figure of Morris was seen twice and only one of them was Gary), but the journey is magical.
The book is good. It's short, a pocket book that I finished in the course of about fifteen minutes, but it packs a lot of action from the moment that Allen arrives at an abandoned farmhouse to his family to when he discovers the eponymous empty grave to when he puts to rest a ghost and finds a great treasure. Ultimately, the mysteries are almost all explained by the end (the children quickly forget that the figure of Morris was seen twice and only one of them was Gary), but the journey is magical.
April 14, 2024
A boy and his family move to a new home, one with a lot of history that happens to be very haunted. There's a boy who keeps getting our hero in trouble by appearing everywhere and making it seem as though he's not doing his chores or is doing other things which would get him in trouble. This leads to tracking down a mystery which is very old.
Fun, a little predictable, this was an interesting read. I liked seeing the time period I grew up in - but some things will not have aged well for modern readers. I don't think parents leave kids home alone to finish off their chores so much anymore (but hey, I grew up being left alone while mom went shopping when I was fairly young...it's what people did).
The story had some nice little twists and turns as well making this a compelling story for young readers trying to figure it all out. I wouldn't say you should hunt this one down, but it's fun to read if you happen across it.
Fun, a little predictable, this was an interesting read. I liked seeing the time period I grew up in - but some things will not have aged well for modern readers. I don't think parents leave kids home alone to finish off their chores so much anymore (but hey, I grew up being left alone while mom went shopping when I was fairly young...it's what people did).
The story had some nice little twists and turns as well making this a compelling story for young readers trying to figure it all out. I wouldn't say you should hunt this one down, but it's fun to read if you happen across it.
April 24, 2023
What is it about parents that don't believe a child when they are clearly telling the truth and even had evidence from another parent before them? Accusing a child of lying when the child has never done so before? I understand that this is an early reader book and it decent writing, however there were a few questionable things here that made me raise an eyebrow. The kids choice at the end of the book after a treasure hunt for example. The way the parents didn't piece together who the boy was that was there, and then let them be friends after the boy got Allen into trouble, despite the boy hadn't meant to.
This was still a heartwarming story, though, and a fast read. Certainly had a bit of mystery and a spooky atmosphere. Old haunted houses are a favorite trope of mine and this was well handled.
2.5 ⭐ rounded up.
This was still a heartwarming story, though, and a fast read. Certainly had a bit of mystery and a spooky atmosphere. Old haunted houses are a favorite trope of mine and this was well handled.
2.5 ⭐ rounded up.
January 28, 2018
Really cute and simple story. I love the illustrations! I randomly found this one for sale in the library for 25 cents. Definitely a keeper! Perfect if you're looking for a short spooky mystery.
September 8, 2021
It’s a simple story, would only be three stars but it gets an extra star for being something I would have loved as a child!
October 5, 2023
Cute story, something I would have read as a youngster.
June 2, 2013
I read this book as a kid and it appealed to me then I'm sure because of the ranch where I grew up. I could relate to the mystery as the ranch had several spooky and mysterious buildings. I probably also liked the fact that the main character solved all his mysteries whereas mine usually remained unexplained.
I've had a nagging feeling lately to go back and read this book. I couldn't find my copy, so I went and got another. It didn't take long to re-read but it certainly explains why I now write the things I do. With a perspective of 30+ years, I could look back along that timeline and see so much. There's one part in the book where the main character, Allen, says he can feel the boy who died a 100 years ago standing beside him in the rain, hands covered with mud, as they searched for buried treasure. I in turn had to feeling of standing by my 10 year old self reading this book, filling my mind with incredible stories to tell, and whispering, "Listen carefully to what guides your soul. It all becomes fodder for your stories." I remember how this book made me want to discover some of the history and mysteries surrounding me at that time. No, I never did get the answers I wanted, but it did provide excellent fuel for my imagination.
The writing of this story isn't as clean as I'd like it. Of course, I realize that I'm a harsh critic there. My younger self didn't know better, so that's why I kept reading now. I still felt the same tension at the "scary" parts. Yes, it's still a book I'll revisit. I'm glad my nagging little voice made me go back to it again now. It was definitely time.
I've had a nagging feeling lately to go back and read this book. I couldn't find my copy, so I went and got another. It didn't take long to re-read but it certainly explains why I now write the things I do. With a perspective of 30+ years, I could look back along that timeline and see so much. There's one part in the book where the main character, Allen, says he can feel the boy who died a 100 years ago standing beside him in the rain, hands covered with mud, as they searched for buried treasure. I in turn had to feeling of standing by my 10 year old self reading this book, filling my mind with incredible stories to tell, and whispering, "Listen carefully to what guides your soul. It all becomes fodder for your stories." I remember how this book made me want to discover some of the history and mysteries surrounding me at that time. No, I never did get the answers I wanted, but it did provide excellent fuel for my imagination.
The writing of this story isn't as clean as I'd like it. Of course, I realize that I'm a harsh critic there. My younger self didn't know better, so that's why I kept reading now. I still felt the same tension at the "scary" parts. Yes, it's still a book I'll revisit. I'm glad my nagging little voice made me go back to it again now. It was definitely time.
November 8, 2025
75 page book. a nice story, reasonably intriguing. a family moves into a new old home that has been vacant a long time. things unexplainable occur and a family grave is in the large orchard. there is an empty grave and there may be a link. quick easy fun. a good pallet cleaner book from 1974.
August 22, 2011
I have read it twice. Its a good book for younger kids, its got mystery that will really get the kids interested it.
March 2, 2013
Read this as a kid and found it for sale a few years ago and immediately recognized the cover. Had to buy it and read it again.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews