This week I read the highly acclaimed Newberry award-winning, The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. Gaiman is known for several popular young adult books, including Coraline, which was adapted into a movie. The Graveyard Book tells the story of a young boy, Nobody Owens. Nobody, or “Bod” as he is affectionately called, is a human boy that lives in a graveyard and is raised by ghosts. Nobody was orphaned as a toddler when the evil “The man Jack” murders his entire family. The ghosts discovered the child and decided to raise and protect him.

Although the murdering of an entire family may sound like a dark way to begin a children’s book, I think Gaiman did a good job of relating this in a way that wouldn’t be too traumatizing to youngsters. In The Graveyard Book Gaiman develops a charming world filled with ghosts, ghouls, magic, and an evil secret society. My only real issue with this book is that it was too short and Gaiman didn’t make it into a series.

I felt like the book ended with some weak explanations and left some questions unanswered. This was the only reason I have it a 4. The book was superbly written, and reminding me a bit of Roald Dahl. The Graveyard Book is the very definition of a page-turner, but it ends almost as quickly as it begins.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars | Publisher: HarperCollins | Pages:320 | Buy on Amazon

Halloween is only a few weeks away and here in Michigan the leaves are starting to change and there’s a chill in the air. It’s perfect weather for curling up with a cup of tea and a good book. In honor of Halloween, here’s a list of spooky/mystery/supernatural stories you may enjoy:

Just After Sunset by Stephen King

This collection of 13 short stories ranges from horror to gross-you-out to more common things we are fearful of like divorce and terminal illness. Stories include “The Cat from Hell” which is about a killer cat and the hit man hired to kill it and “N” which features a mental patient with OCD.

Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger

What could be better for fall reading than a gothic ghost story set in and around London’s Highgate Cemetery? It’s a creepy (but not scary) story and the dreary London weather creates the perfect backdrop. Read my full review here.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

The young at heart might enjoy the latest book from Coraline author, Neil Gaiman. Nobody (Bod) Owens lives in a graveyard and is raised by ghosts after his parents are killed. Unfortunately, the man who killed his parents is also after him. The Graveyard Book has won the 2009 Newberry Medal and the 2009 Hugo Award for Best Novel.

Grave Sight by Charlaine Harris

Speaking of graveyards, this mystery series features a heroine who spends a lot of time in them. Harper Connelly acquired the ability to find dead people and determine their cause of death after being struck by lightning as a teenager. Now, along with her stepbrother Tolliver, she makes her living finding missing persons. I recommend reading this series in order, starting with Grave Sight, followed by Grave Surprise and An Ice Cold Grave.

Abby Cooper: Psychic Eye by Victoria Laurie

Abby Cooper is a psychic who lives in the Detroit metropolitan area. Along with police detective Dutch Rivers, she investigates both human and supernatural mysteries. There are currently seven books in the series, starting with Abby Cooper: Psychic Eye.

The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening by L. J. Smith

If you like your vampires young and broody, the Vampire Diaries series is for you. Stefan and Damon are vampire brothers with a serious case of sibling rivalry. Set in the small town of Fell’s Church, Virginia, the book takes place around fall events like Homecoming and football. Read my full review here.

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

If you prefer your vampires the old-fashioned way – skulking about European locales, biting people in the neck – you will like this story about Dracula. As implied by the title, it contains a lot of historical information about Europe and Vlad the Impaler. This thriller also has elements of mystery and romance and it will grab you right from the beginning.

Dead Men’s Boots by Mike Carey

If zombies are more your thing, the Felix Castor series will appeal to you. The books are set in an alternate version of London where the dead have started to return to Earth as ghosts and zombies. Exorcists like Felix Castor have the ability to permanently banish the spirits. Read my full review here.

Kitty and the Midnight Hour by Carrie Vaughn

Werewolf Kitty Norville hosts “The Midnight Hour” on a Denver radio station and dispenses advice to the supernatural. Her fellow werewolves and the local vampires don’t like the public exposure, which puts Kitty in a dangerous position. This urban fantasy series might appeal to fans of Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse books.

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark 25th Anniversary Edition: Collected from American Folklore by Alvin Schwartz

If you want to gather the family and read scary stories on Halloween night, this collection will frighten both children and adults. Many of the stories are based on urban legends and contain very creepy illustrations to go along with them. It’s perfect reading for Halloween, campfires, and sleepovers.