City of Ghosts

Cassidy Blake sees ghosts after a near-death experience. Her best friend Jacob, who pulled her back from death, is now a ghost himself and her constant companion as they explore the veil between life and death. When Cassidy's ghost-hunting parents take her to Edinburgh, Scotland to film their TV show, she encounters spirits more dangerous than any she's met before. The ancient city holds centuries of dark history, and Cassidy must navigate both the world of the living and the realm of the dead. Through encounters with Edinburgh's supernatural residents, Cassidy learns about her role as someone who can cross between worlds. She faces challenges that test her understanding of life, death, and the bonds of friendship. The story explores themes of mortality and connection, asking what truly separates the living from the dead. This middle-grade novel balances supernatural elements with questions about courage, responsibility, and the nature of friendship.

Readers note this middle-grade ghost story offers a lighter, less frightening take on supernatural themes. Parents and teachers report it works well for kids who want spooky content without being too scared. Readers liked: - The Edinburgh setting and historical details - The friendship between Cassidy and Jacob - Clear, engaging writing style suitable for younger readers - Educational elements about Scottish history woven into the story Readers disliked: - Pacing feels slow in the middle sections - Some found the plot predictable - Limited character development beyond the protagonist - Parents note the ghost encounters may still frighten sensitive children Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (46,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (1,200+ ratings) Book Review Blogs: 8/10 average Common reader comment: "Perfect introduction to ghost stories for middle school readers who aren't ready for YA horror yet." Multiple reviews mention the book serves as a good bridge between chapter books and more complex supernatural fiction.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman A boy raised by ghosts in a graveyard learns to navigate both the world of the dead and the living while uncovering the truth about his family's murder.

Small Spaces by Katherine Arden Three middle school students face otherworldly spirits and scarecrows during a field trip gone wrong, leading to a battle for survival in a misty parallel world.

The Ghost Collector by Allison Mills A Cree girl who helps spirits move on with her grandmother must confront her understanding of death when her mother becomes a ghost.

Spirit Hunters by Ellen Oh A Korean-American girl with repressed supernatural abilities moves into a haunted house and must save her brother from a malevolent spirit.

The House with a Clock in Its Walls by John Bellairs An orphan moves to his uncle's house filled with magical secrets and must stop a clock hidden in the walls from bringing about the end of the world.

🌟 The book was inspired by Victoria Schwab's own ghost tour experiences in Edinburgh, Scotland, where she lived while writing parts of the story. 👻 The main character Cassidy's ability to see ghosts was partially influenced by the classic film "The Sixth Sense," but Schwab wanted to create a less frightening version for middle-grade readers. 🏰 Edinburgh Castle, featured prominently in the book, is considered one of the most haunted locations in Scotland, with reported sightings of ghostly pipers, drummers, and prisoners. 📚 Though written for middle-grade readers, Schwab deliberately included darker elements from Scottish folklore, staying true to the atmospheric and sometimes grim nature of traditional Scottish ghost stories. 🎬 The rights to adapt "City of Ghosts" into a television series were acquired by Entertainment One, with plans to develop it as a supernatural drama.