For kids who love a good scare and a thrilling mystery, Lewis Barnavelt accidentally unleashes a vengeful wizard's ghost in an old English manor, putting his family in danger.
When would a parent reach for this book? For the middle grader who loves classic spooky stories and historical mysteries, but isn't ready for intense horror. This book follows thirteen-year-old Lewis Barnavelt on a trip to his family's ancestral manor in England. His curiosity gets the better of him, and he accidentally frees the ghost of a wicked witch-finder, putting his whole family in mortal danger. The story masterfully blends suspense, magic, and history, exploring themes of bravery, family loyalty, and the consequences of our actions. It's a perfect choice for readers aged 9 to 13 who enjoy a good scare that resolves with courage and cleverness, providing a thrilling but ultimately reassuring adventure.
Mentions of historical violence (witch trials) and a non-graphic magical battle at the climax.
Sensitive Topics
The story deals directly with supernatural threats, including a ghost whose explicit goal is to kill the protagonists. Death is treated as a real danger. The conflict is framed as a classic good versus evil struggle, with magic being the primary force for both sides. The resolution is hopeful, achieved through ingenuity, bravery, and familial support. The approach is secular, focusing on magical lore rather than religious belief.
Ideal Reader
A 10-12 year old who has graduated from Goosebumps and is seeking a ghost story with more atmospheric depth, character development, and a compelling mystery. This reader enjoys classic gothic elements like old manors, family curses, and historical secrets, and appreciates a story where courage and cleverness, not just power, save the day.
Parent Prep
Parents should be aware that the scenes of the haunting can be genuinely frightening for sensitive readers. The ghost's illusions and direct threats are intense. Previewing chapters 8-12, where the hauntings escalate, might be wise. The book can be read cold, but familiarity with the first book, "The House with a Clock in Its Walls," would add context to the characters' relationships and magical abilities. A child asks for a "really scary book" or a ghost story. The parent is looking for an option that provides genuine chills and suspense but is grounded in a strong moral framework about courage, responsibility, and family, avoiding graphic violence or gore.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will primarily engage with the spooky adventure: the creepy manor, the vengeful ghost, and the exciting magical battle. An older reader (11-13) will also appreciate the historical backdrop of witch trials, the mystery of the ghost's power, and Lewis's internal struggle with guilt and fear as he learns to take responsibility for his actions.
What Makes It Special
This book stands out for its classic, gothic horror atmosphere, which favors suspense and psychological dread over modern jump scares. Authored partially by Bellairs' successor, it maintains the series' unique blend of the cozy and the terrifying, and its focus on history and lore gives it an intellectual depth not always found in middle-grade horror.
Read plot summary
Thirteen-year-old Lewis Barnavelt and his Uncle Jonathan travel to the ancestral Barnavelt Manor in England. There, Lewis's curiosity leads him to solve a puzzle in a hedge maze, which unwittingly releases the malevolent spirit of his ancestor, Alistair Barnavelt, a notorious witch-finder. The vengeful ghost begins to terrorize the family. Lewis, along with his uncle and friends, must delve into their family's dark history and use their combined magical knowledge to confront the powerful spirit and send him back to his grave before he destroys them all.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Lewis releases the witch-finder's ghost by solving a puzzle he thought was a game. Have you ever done something out of curiosity that had unexpected consequences? How did you handle it?
2
Alistair Barnavelt was a 'witch-finder', but the book shows that magic can be used for good. What do you think the story is saying about judging people based on labels versus their actions?
3
Lewis feels very guilty and scared after unleashing the ghost. How do his Uncle Jonathan and friends help him face his fear and fix his mistake? Why is it important to have support when you've made an error?
