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richardleis's review
4.0
I was invited by Diana Corbitt to read and write an honest review of her latest novel, Ghosters 3: The Secrets of the Bloody Tower. I’m happy to say that even though I haven’t read the previous books in the series, I was able to pick up and thoroughly enjoy the story. What I like the most about Ghosters 3 are the characters and their personality quirks and other details that make them individual and interesting. The trio of teenage ghost hunters at the center of the story includes the siblings Theresa and Joey (a boy with Asperger’s) and their friend, Kerry. Theresa and Joey can see ghosts directly when they manifest, but Kerry cannot and must use specialty equipment or depend on her friends’ recaps. I got the sense right away that they have had many adventures together and work well together as a team, but I didn’t feel I needed that backstory to follow along in this novel.
The plot moves swiftly, and the writing is efficient; I think if this were a story for adults, I would have enjoyed even more scene-setting and other details, but younger readers especially will likely appreciate the quick pace. The story starts out in the United States with an encounter with a ghost before the characters quickly travel to London, England, where they find themselves in the middle of a 500-year-old mystery. There are other subplots that weave in with the primary story, lots of fun (and sad) historical facts, and an overall tone that is humorous and matter of fact as told in first person by Kerry, with some beautifully written lyricism included, such as “Too bad the butterflies in my belly can’t hear them. Their wings batter the walls of my stomach as I struggle to draw in a good breath.”
Another thing I love about this novel is the worldbuilding. There are details about the ghosts and seeing ghosts in this world that really pique my interest, including a discussion about how few people can see ghosts, the reason for the cold during ghostly visitations, and the means by which the Ghosters team can make the ghosts more visible. The team’s encounters with ghosts are generally positive and fun, but even so I thought they were nicely chilling, too. The Ghosters have seen a lot of ghosts, but they can still be scared by them. I thought the atmosphere in the last third of the book was especially well-crafted, with the various plot threads coming together while fog blankets the city.
Until I read Scary Stories for Young Foxes and now Ghosters 3, I had no idea middle grade horror was so effective. I’m reading a lot more adult horror novels and short stories lately, but I’m excited to see how the genre can also be made suitable for younger readers. I loved being scared when I was a kid, and though Ghosters 3 emphasizes teamwork, inclusiveness, and adventure, there are also scary and tense moments kids (and adults) will enjoy.
The plot moves swiftly, and the writing is efficient; I think if this were a story for adults, I would have enjoyed even more scene-setting and other details, but younger readers especially will likely appreciate the quick pace. The story starts out in the United States with an encounter with a ghost before the characters quickly travel to London, England, where they find themselves in the middle of a 500-year-old mystery. There are other subplots that weave in with the primary story, lots of fun (and sad) historical facts, and an overall tone that is humorous and matter of fact as told in first person by Kerry, with some beautifully written lyricism included, such as “Too bad the butterflies in my belly can’t hear them. Their wings batter the walls of my stomach as I struggle to draw in a good breath.”
Another thing I love about this novel is the worldbuilding. There are details about the ghosts and seeing ghosts in this world that really pique my interest, including a discussion about how few people can see ghosts, the reason for the cold during ghostly visitations, and the means by which the Ghosters team can make the ghosts more visible. The team’s encounters with ghosts are generally positive and fun, but even so I thought they were nicely chilling, too. The Ghosters have seen a lot of ghosts, but they can still be scared by them. I thought the atmosphere in the last third of the book was especially well-crafted, with the various plot threads coming together while fog blankets the city.
Until I read Scary Stories for Young Foxes and now Ghosters 3, I had no idea middle grade horror was so effective. I’m reading a lot more adult horror novels and short stories lately, but I’m excited to see how the genre can also be made suitable for younger readers. I loved being scared when I was a kid, and though Ghosters 3 emphasizes teamwork, inclusiveness, and adventure, there are also scary and tense moments kids (and adults) will enjoy.
jugglingpup's review
4.0
To see more reviews check out MI Book Reviews.
I got an ARC of this book.
Trying to think back to what I was reading in elementary school and middle school, it is safe to say it was not this book. This book would have rocked my world, but I couldn’t find anything like it when I was growing up. I wish I had access to this book and this series. It was perfect for my nerdy self. It had everything I could have wanted in a book. It was supernatural enough to be exciting, but was grounded enough that I wasn’t bored (sci-fi and fantasy have always been iffy genres for me).
I have always been super interested in ghosts. This is very much a book with ghosts, yet for the most part it isn’t wildly scary. Instead it is about helping others and embracing your talents. This book is about friendship and working together. This book is about a 500 year old murder mystery.
Holy crabs, I really liked this book. The way that swearing was handled was really wonderful. There were even jokes about how the adults were too serious. There were so many play on words. There was only one scene where I wasn’t super happy with the language. It was the scene where it is revealed that Joey is autistic. The language used made me cringe. I have learned so much in the last year about autism and language, so that scene was the reason this was not five stars. That scene is the ONLY reason this is not five stars.
There was a ton of history. I never learned a ton of English history. So it was really interesting and I loved the history lessons that sneaked into the story line. I am disappointed that no corgis made an appearance in the book. They are my favorite royal family member after all, but I understand how corgis might get in the way of a murder mystery and why they wouldn’t be invited to a funeral.
A lot of the time I have issues with books aimed at younger readers, because of the lack of parental guidance and supervision. This was explained better in this book than I had ever seen before. Not only was it an explanation I could understand and accept, it was one I would never have thought of. It was so well planned out.
Joey was my favorite character, but I wish his autism was handled a bit better. I loved Kerry. Her inhaler showing up often and in a way that made it clear that asthma was not a joke. I just wish I had read the first two books. There were a few references to Theresa and the growth she had made in confidence. I would have loved to see her grow. These kids were wholesome, smart, and just kids I would have gone wild over as a kid. These are the sorts of heroes I want in books. They were kind.
One last note, I was a party clown and even I agree with the kids. Clown motels should not exist.
I got an ARC of this book.
Trying to think back to what I was reading in elementary school and middle school, it is safe to say it was not this book. This book would have rocked my world, but I couldn’t find anything like it when I was growing up. I wish I had access to this book and this series. It was perfect for my nerdy self. It had everything I could have wanted in a book. It was supernatural enough to be exciting, but was grounded enough that I wasn’t bored (sci-fi and fantasy have always been iffy genres for me).
I have always been super interested in ghosts. This is very much a book with ghosts, yet for the most part it isn’t wildly scary. Instead it is about helping others and embracing your talents. This book is about friendship and working together. This book is about a 500 year old murder mystery.
Holy crabs, I really liked this book. The way that swearing was handled was really wonderful. There were even jokes about how the adults were too serious. There were so many play on words. There was only one scene where I wasn’t super happy with the language. It was the scene where it is revealed that Joey is autistic. The language used made me cringe. I have learned so much in the last year about autism and language, so that scene was the reason this was not five stars. That scene is the ONLY reason this is not five stars.
There was a ton of history. I never learned a ton of English history. So it was really interesting and I loved the history lessons that sneaked into the story line. I am disappointed that no corgis made an appearance in the book. They are my favorite royal family member after all, but I understand how corgis might get in the way of a murder mystery and why they wouldn’t be invited to a funeral.
A lot of the time I have issues with books aimed at younger readers, because of the lack of parental guidance and supervision. This was explained better in this book than I had ever seen before. Not only was it an explanation I could understand and accept, it was one I would never have thought of. It was so well planned out.
Joey was my favorite character, but I wish his autism was handled a bit better. I loved Kerry. Her inhaler showing up often and in a way that made it clear that asthma was not a joke. I just wish I had read the first two books. There were a few references to Theresa and the growth she had made in confidence. I would have loved to see her grow. These kids were wholesome, smart, and just kids I would have gone wild over as a kid. These are the sorts of heroes I want in books. They were kind.
One last note, I was a party clown and even I agree with the kids. Clown motels should not exist.
keepingyouonread's review
4.0
4.5 stars
Diana reached out to me a few weeks ago and asked if I would read and review a book in the Ghosters series. She sent me Ghosters 3: Secrets of the Bloody Tower, a novel for children age 9 and up.
Secrets of the Bloody Tower follows Kerry, Theresa and Joey as they travel to London to stay with Kerry’s grandmother for a few weeks of sightseeing. The trio are ghost hunters and in a previous book have won a ghost hunting competition. They quickly end up meeting two murdered princes and set out on a quest to find their bones and have them buried in Westminster Abbey.
What I liked: this book is fast paced but also educational, as the kids visit and learn about various historical sites in London. The first chapter is a little scary but for the most part the ghost are friendly.
What didn’t work for me: honestly, I really enjoyed this novel and found myself picking it over two others I’m reading. If I’m going to nitpick; the kids occasionally used adult phrasing and words.
As a mom, I thought they had a lot of freedom for youngish kids (I believe they were around 12). They end up staying alone at Kerry’s grandmother’s house and travel around London by themselves. However, when I think back to books I loved as a kid, the children always had a lot of autonomy from the adults and as a child, I loved that they were making decisions and could handle big tasks. I think children will see this as a positive and an adult character could hinder the threesomes adventures.
Who should read it: young boys or girls, 9 and up. Potentially younger if they are reading at a higher level. It has a small jump factor with the ghost but it’s more to set up the mystery. My niece is a Poe fan and I think this might be up her alley. I have not read the previous books but I don’t think it’s absolutely necessary to do so before jumping into this one.
Parents: there is no romance or cursing. The ghost do talk about dying but it doesn’t get graphic or religious.
Thank you Diana for giving me the chance to read this one and write a honest review. I look forward to your other books!
Diana reached out to me a few weeks ago and asked if I would read and review a book in the Ghosters series. She sent me Ghosters 3: Secrets of the Bloody Tower, a novel for children age 9 and up.
Secrets of the Bloody Tower follows Kerry, Theresa and Joey as they travel to London to stay with Kerry’s grandmother for a few weeks of sightseeing. The trio are ghost hunters and in a previous book have won a ghost hunting competition. They quickly end up meeting two murdered princes and set out on a quest to find their bones and have them buried in Westminster Abbey.
What I liked: this book is fast paced but also educational, as the kids visit and learn about various historical sites in London. The first chapter is a little scary but for the most part the ghost are friendly.
What didn’t work for me: honestly, I really enjoyed this novel and found myself picking it over two others I’m reading. If I’m going to nitpick; the kids occasionally used adult phrasing and words.
As a mom, I thought they had a lot of freedom for youngish kids (I believe they were around 12). They end up staying alone at Kerry’s grandmother’s house and travel around London by themselves. However, when I think back to books I loved as a kid, the children always had a lot of autonomy from the adults and as a child, I loved that they were making decisions and could handle big tasks. I think children will see this as a positive and an adult character could hinder the threesomes adventures.
Who should read it: young boys or girls, 9 and up. Potentially younger if they are reading at a higher level. It has a small jump factor with the ghost but it’s more to set up the mystery. My niece is a Poe fan and I think this might be up her alley. I have not read the previous books but I don’t think it’s absolutely necessary to do so before jumping into this one.
Parents: there is no romance or cursing. The ghost do talk about dying but it doesn’t get graphic or religious.
Thank you Diana for giving me the chance to read this one and write a honest review. I look forward to your other books!
blairlovesbooks's review
5.0
A very charming story. Great for middle-grade readers, it sprinkles some history of London in with a fun (not-too-scary) ghost story. As a child Angliophile who loved ghost stories (but nothing too scary!) I would've loved this book. The tone is written in a fun, "can you believe these people?" voice great for pre-teen readers. Overall, if you have a 9-12 year old looking for an age-appropriate ghost story, any book from this series is a wonderful starting place.
shelfquest's review
4.0
This is a great example of a middle-grade beach read. It is fun and interesting (even for an adult!) without being heavy. While Kerry, Theresa, and Joey do take risks, they do so in smart and responsible ways and really think about something before they do it. This book mostly takes place in London and the feel of the city really came through. I highly recommend this book and will definitely buy others for my daughter when she's old enough.
Thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
booknallnight's review
5.0
This is Book 3 of the Ghosters Series and by far my favorite. We get to see Kerry's perspective in this one, travel to London, get lost in the mystery of the Bloody Tower, and be surrounded by ghosts.
Definitely a series I would recommend for MG and younger YA. There are actually some spookier moments in this one (I don't like
Definitely a series I would recommend for MG and younger YA. There are actually some spookier moments in this one (I don't like
lainey34's review
5.0
This was such a great and exciting book!
Kerry and her friends Theresa and Joey take a trip to London. They fully expect to see a couple ghosts during their visit, but what they don't expect is to get caught up in the mystery of where the bones of two murdered princes are. While attempting to make the princes happy, the friends run into many other ghosts who try to get in their way. Will they be able to solve the mystery of the two, dead, five-hundred-year-old princes? This was a wonderful read and I'd give this book 4.5 stars out of 5! Thank you to the author Diana Corbitt for sending me the book in exchange for a review.
Kerry and her friends Theresa and Joey take a trip to London. They fully expect to see a couple ghosts during their visit, but what they don't expect is to get caught up in the mystery of where the bones of two murdered princes are. While attempting to make the princes happy, the friends run into many other ghosts who try to get in their way. Will they be able to solve the mystery of the two, dead, five-hundred-year-old princes? This was a wonderful read and I'd give this book 4.5 stars out of 5! Thank you to the author Diana Corbitt for sending me the book in exchange for a review.
reading_in_lala_land's review
5.0
I received a copy of Ghosters 3: Secrets of the Bloody Tower from the author Diana Corbitt and it was really good! I’m a sucker for anything British history related and especially having to do with The Tower of London so I was really excited to read this. The story is a fun read and just spooky enough for its target audience. I definitely think anyone middle grade and up would enjoy this especially fans of City of Ghosts. This is the third book in the series however I had no trouble starting with this one not having read the other two.
popthebutterfly's review
5.0
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the publishing company. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Secrets of the Bloody Tower
Author: Diana Corbitt
Book Series: Ghosters Book 3
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: middle grade readers, paranormal
Publication Date: October 1, 2019
Genre: Middle Grade Paranormal
Recommended Age: 10+ (some scary moments)
Publisher: Bedazzled Ink Publishing
Pages: 180
Synopsis: A few weeks later, Stanley’s words come true, and Theresa, her brother Joey, and her friend Kerry find themselves in London, England. Of course, they expect to spot one or two ghosts as they tour the Tower of London, but they don't expect to meet the ghosts of two young murdered princes with an urgent request: find their hidden five-hundred-year-old remains.
The princes want their bones to be buried at Westminster Abbey, where they belong, but something doesn’t want that to happen. The kids find a lot of spirit helpers along the way. Who knew England had so many ghosts? Can three kids and their ghostly friends solve a centuries-old unsolved crime that rocked England?
Review: Again, this book does well for me! I really liked this story and I loved how the author incorporated the historical parts of Europe into the story. The book was well done, the characters are even more developed and the author doesn’t disappoint with the world building. I also thought the pacing issue I had with the last one was much better in this one!
The only small issue I had with it is that I need more in this series! It’s so cute and good! Definitely a must read if you have a little spooky lover in your family or if you like middle grade paranormals yourself!
Verdict: It was great!
Book: Secrets of the Bloody Tower
Author: Diana Corbitt
Book Series: Ghosters Book 3
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: middle grade readers, paranormal
Publication Date: October 1, 2019
Genre: Middle Grade Paranormal
Recommended Age: 10+ (some scary moments)
Publisher: Bedazzled Ink Publishing
Pages: 180
Synopsis: A few weeks later, Stanley’s words come true, and Theresa, her brother Joey, and her friend Kerry find themselves in London, England. Of course, they expect to spot one or two ghosts as they tour the Tower of London, but they don't expect to meet the ghosts of two young murdered princes with an urgent request: find their hidden five-hundred-year-old remains.
The princes want their bones to be buried at Westminster Abbey, where they belong, but something doesn’t want that to happen. The kids find a lot of spirit helpers along the way. Who knew England had so many ghosts? Can three kids and their ghostly friends solve a centuries-old unsolved crime that rocked England?
Review: Again, this book does well for me! I really liked this story and I loved how the author incorporated the historical parts of Europe into the story. The book was well done, the characters are even more developed and the author doesn’t disappoint with the world building. I also thought the pacing issue I had with the last one was much better in this one!
The only small issue I had with it is that I need more in this series! It’s so cute and good! Definitely a must read if you have a little spooky lover in your family or if you like middle grade paranormals yourself!
Verdict: It was great!
keepabookout's review
4.0
Thank you so much to author Diana Corbitt for a complimentary copy of this book to review.
This book was so fun to read. It is the third book starring Kerry, Theresa, and Joey, famed ghost hunters. I have not read the first two books in the series and I had no problem jumping right into this story.
The first chapter takes place in a haunted clown motel and grabs your attention quick! I was a little nervous about the intensity of this book after reading this chapter, but I didn’t need to be. It does a great job of balancing the spooky suspense with other elements.
Our three ghost hunters are off on a historical filled adventure in London when they tag along on Joey and Theresa’s fathers book tour. They are lucky enough to be staying with Kerry’s grandma who is an excellent tour guide. When grandma ends up hospitalized with appendicitis, the kids are on their own to see all of London that they can!
While visiting the Bloody tower they are visited by a small boy. They recognize him from paintings and set out to find out just who he is and how they can help him and his brother. Through their adventures they encounter many ghosts, young and old, and gather more tools for observing and understanding ghost behavior.
One of my favorite parts of this book is that Joey has Asperger syndrome. Kerry and Theresa do a wonderful job of understanding how he thinks and responds to events. He takes phrases, words, and rules very literally, which leads to some funny situations. But his sister, Theresa or Kerry, are always quick to explain, understand, or protect him. They are wonderful examples of being inclusive.
This book is perfect for middle grade readers who love mystery, ghosts, and adventure! I would say readers 9+.
This book was so fun to read. It is the third book starring Kerry, Theresa, and Joey, famed ghost hunters. I have not read the first two books in the series and I had no problem jumping right into this story.
The first chapter takes place in a haunted clown motel and grabs your attention quick! I was a little nervous about the intensity of this book after reading this chapter, but I didn’t need to be. It does a great job of balancing the spooky suspense with other elements.
Our three ghost hunters are off on a historical filled adventure in London when they tag along on Joey and Theresa’s fathers book tour. They are lucky enough to be staying with Kerry’s grandma who is an excellent tour guide. When grandma ends up hospitalized with appendicitis, the kids are on their own to see all of London that they can!
While visiting the Bloody tower they are visited by a small boy. They recognize him from paintings and set out to find out just who he is and how they can help him and his brother. Through their adventures they encounter many ghosts, young and old, and gather more tools for observing and understanding ghost behavior.
One of my favorite parts of this book is that Joey has Asperger syndrome. Kerry and Theresa do a wonderful job of understanding how he thinks and responds to events. He takes phrases, words, and rules very literally, which leads to some funny situations. But his sister, Theresa or Kerry, are always quick to explain, understand, or protect him. They are wonderful examples of being inclusive.
This book is perfect for middle grade readers who love mystery, ghosts, and adventure! I would say readers 9+.
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