From the New York Times bestselling author of Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library and coauthor of I Funny and Treasure Hunters, comes a series of spine-tingling mysteries to keep you up long after the lights go out. ZACK, HIS DAD, and new stepmother have just moved back to his father’s hometown, not knowing that their new house has a dark history. Fifty years ago, a crazed killer caused an accident at the nearby crossroads that took 40 innocent lives. He died when his car hit a tree in a fiery crash, and his malevolent spirit has inhabited the tree ever since. During a huge storm, lightning hits the tree, releasing the spirit, who decides his evil spree isn’t over . . . and Zack is directly in his sights. Award-winning thriller author Chris Grabenstein fills his first book for younger readers with the same humorous and spine-tingling storytelling that has made him a fast favorite with adults.
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"No one ever believes Zack's stories, so he definitely doesn't expect his new stepmother to listen to him. His dead mother haunts him and he cannot seem to escape the hauntings, even when his family moves to Connecticut. Zack doesn't really fit in and has a hard time making friends, so he is surprised to find someone to confide in when they move. This story has just enough creepiness, mystery and suspense. I didn't want to stop reading! I wish there would have been more of a resolution with the father in the end, but it is definitely a good read. Maybe a bit predictable for adult readers, but just about any middle school student will love it!"
— Kelly (5 out of 5 stars)
“An absorbing psychological thriller…as well as a rip-roaring ghost story.”
— Booklist (starred review)" I really liked this book it really made me keep reading !!!!!!! This is one of my favorite books!!!! "
— Krista, 2/19/2014" Great creepy ghost story with a current day setting; but the haunting origins in the 1950's. "
— Christi, 2/16/2014" A true page turner. One of the best mysteries I've read in months--and it's a middle grade. "
— Linda, 2/10/2014" this book is a ghost story but it is amazing!! you never know whats going to happen next. and you dont know who is real or whos a ghost "
— Jordan, 2/5/2014" This was a really fun ghost story. Great for kids who like scary stories. It's a quick read with many of the chapters only 1-2 pages long. This keeps your attention and adds to the suspense. Filled with ghosts, with some suicide, death, and murder thrown in, so not for a faint hearted child. "
— Danette, 1/24/2014" i think this book was great because Zack's mom dies and his dad gets re married to a nice woman named Judy. They moved to California and started their new lives. Zack made a new friend named Davy. Then they built a tree house together and burnt it down. then Zack gets kidnapped. Does Zack make it out alive? "
— Jerry, 1/4/2014" Great book for tweens who like suspense & ghosts! Vivid characters, intense "bad guys" and fun read in all. "
— Paige, 12/28/2013" This is a clever twist on a ghost story. "
— Jeanette, 12/13/2013" The Crossroads has a good climax and an exciting ending. Some of the details in the book were silly and incongruous with the general atmosphere of "believable" horror the writer intended to convey. "
— Iwaswondering, 12/2/2013" I thought it was a mystery novel sort of book. I was sort of creeped out at the tree who talks though! "
— 712, 12/1/2013" I couldn't finish this one. When it got to the part about the villain, who is a ghost, it was so cliched I couldn't take it seriously anymore. "
— Heather, 7/26/2013" This book was awesome.I had a fun time reading it.It was a perfect mix of horror and a little bit of comedy.When Zack finds out that he is being haunted by ghosts...well you have to find out!Anyways I really liked this book and I recommend this book to all of my friends. "
— Kailey, 6/20/2013" Wow! Hard to put down! I read it in one sitting! Then had a difficult time sleeping because I had the story on my mind :0) It would be great for reluctant readers because the chapters are short with tons of action! "
— Lorelie, 12/10/2012" This book was good, its for people that like mystery and suspense over all I like it "
— Matt, 10/14/2012" This was a scary ghost story. The main ghost is a killing ghost but, is limited in what he can do. A good choice for readers who need to move beyond Goosebumps. "
— Pandora, 8/20/2012" if you love ghosts, evil people, and a book that keeps you reading you will love this book im reading the sequel to it right now "
— katlyn, 4/20/2012" Great children's ghost story. Probably the best opening line of any story I've read. "
— Barb, 4/3/2012" I relay enjoy this series "
— Dale, 12/31/2011" I haven't read a ghost story in a while, and this was pretty good! I wasn't sure at first...it was a little weird. But as far as kids books go, this was scary! "
— Jana, 11/29/2011" Pretty cool book. Not a heavy read and I actually had fun following Zack everywhere. "
— Tiffany, 9/25/2011" Quite a page turner. One of the best books i have ever read. "
— Lena, 8/20/2011" A bit of a slow start, but nicely paced action with a Practical-Magic-for-YA feel - Zack's a little underdeveloped, but that will not bother this book's ideal audience: middle grade mystery lovers. "
— Aerin, 6/24/2011" It's a good book about ghost "
— Courtney, 6/6/2011" Wow! Hard to put down! I read it in one sitting! Then had a difficult time sleeping because I had the story on my mind :0) It would be great for reluctant readers because the chapters are short with tons of action! "
— Lorelie, 5/27/2011" Enjoyed this but the dialog in parts was a little weak. "
— Jen, 5/21/2011" Great book for tweens who like suspense & ghosts! Vivid characters, intense "bad guys" and fun read in all. "
— Paige, 4/19/2011" A little tale to haunt you with! Who thinks counting thunder to lightning flashes helps ease the mind?!! Nu-uh! Or that the bark of a tree that resembles a face is a real tree hugger? Me! Good story, good and creepy ghosts, not all of these are dead either. Sure liked this book! "
— Valerie, 4/11/2011" im speachless <br/> <br/>this book was AMAZING <br/> <br/>though the end was kind of cut off, and short... <br/>i still love it "
— Dunja, 3/19/2011" I loved this book! I read it as part of a Teen Read challenge that I'm participating in. It might be a little bit young for a teenager but the story was excellent and I could barely put it down. <br/> <br/>Cross your fingers and let's hope Mr. Grabensteing can keep 'em coming! "
— Brenda, 2/25/2011" The Crossroads has a good climax and an exciting ending. Some of the details in the book were silly and incongruous with the general atmosphere of "believable" horror the writer intended to convey. "
— Iwaswondering, 2/9/2011" Zack and his dad,and stepmom move to his fathers town.A killer that died fifty years ago in a car accident his ghost is trying killing zack for a revenge. Zack is in a battle for his life against this ghost. His step mom helps in this battle. "
— Ronaldo, 1/30/2011" I thought that the crossroads was an extremely detailed and vivid book about the lives between the living and the deceased and an amazing story of how refenge and holding past fellings could effect the people on earth and the deads lifes. "
— Cassidy, 1/27/2011" Fun book! Would definitely recommend to younger, somewhat reluctant readers. Quick, interesting, and relate-able. My 5th grade nephew loved it too! "
— Bethann, 12/31/2010" This book was pretty good, it's also been forever since I've read it.... "
— ß???a???, 12/11/2010" It's a good book about ghost "
— Courtney, 12/1/2010" One of my favorite books! <br/> "
— Addy, 11/26/2010Chris Grabenstein is a New York Times bestselling author who has collaborated with James Patterson on numerous books, including the I Funny series and Daniel X: Armageddon. He lives in New York City.