Fantasy Book Review: The Ghost of Graylock

The Ghost of Graylock by Dan Poblocki

Synopsis:
Everyone’s heard the stories about Graylock Hall. It was meant to be a place of healing – a hospital where children and teenagers with mental disorders would be cared for and perhaps even cured. But something went wrong. Several young patients died under mysterious circumstances. Eventually, the hospital was shut down, the building abandoned and left to rot deep in the woods. As the new kid in town, Neil Cady wants to see Graylock for himself. Especially since rumor has it that the building is haunted. He’s got fresh batteries in his flashlight, a camera to document the adventure, and a new best friend watching his back. Neil might think he’s prepared for what he’ll find in the dark and decrepit asylum. But he’s certainly not prepared for what follows him home. . . .

Review:
Neil loves a popular ghost hunters tv show, so when he hears about Graylock, he has to investigate. Neil and his sister are staying with their aunts for the summer, after their father abandoned them for a career in Hollywood and their mother fell into a deep depression. Neil uses the mystery of Graylock to take his mind of his family problems. But he and his sister get more than they bargained for when unexplainable occurrences begin happening to both of them.

The Ghost of Graylock is a creepy and engrossing ghost story for middle readers on up. This mild horror novel is packed with danger, intense suspense, ghostly apparitions, and mystery. The story has no graphic violence, but instead is more of a psychological thriller paired with the paranormal. Well-paced and engaging, the suspense builds to an exciting and heart-pounding conclusion.