The Crossroads by Chris Grabenstein

Are you looking for a spooky ghost story?  I wish I had read The Crossroads by Crhis Grabenstein in time for Halloween!  I couldn’t put it down once I picked it up, and kept looking over my shoulder.

Zach Jennings is headed home–to his father’s childhood home that is with is hard-working dad, new step mom Judy, and new dog Zipper.  Things should be looking up, but the crossroads near his new house is haunted.  Strange things happen by the old oak tree on the corner.  Tree branches drop through windshields or take the the blinking light.  Every Monday, grouchy Ms. Greta Spratling drives up in her big old Cadillac to place fresh white roses in a pail nailed to the trunk of the tree.  Just what is she up to?

Zach meets his first friend, Davy, who talks a little on the strange side, but has swell ideas for building a tree house and dealing with the local bully.  For some reason, he has chosen Zach to complete a task.  Can Zach figure out what to do before it’s too late?  Will his stepmom Judy believe his tall tales? 

Actually, Judy is one of my favorite characters.  There is no evil stepmother here.  Judy is funny if somewhat clueless in the art of cooking and mothering.  She is the one who helps Zach put to rest the ghost of his dead mother–not one of the ghosts of the crosroads, but she haunts Zach’s thoughts, none-the-less.  Besides, she is a writer…and is helped in solving the mystery by none other than the local librarian!

And what about the ghosts? There are quite a few haunting this deserted crossroads. Most of them are the friendly, helpful sort. But there’s one who’s out to kill…and he has Zach squarely in his sights.

2 Comments on The Crossroads by Chris Grabenstein

  1. 15kerribjcms6
    December 8, 2010 at 2:55 pm (13 years ago)

    That sounds like a really good book! i want to read it!!

    Reply
    • Mrs. McGriff
      December 8, 2010 at 3:08 pm (13 years ago)

      It is good. I put it on the chalk tray, but I think some one’s grabbed it already. Look in the library tomorrow.

      Reply

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