City of Ghosts

Cass’s parents are a little odd. They write books about paranormal activity, though they haven’t ever seen any ghosts. Cass, however, can see ghosts, ever since she almost drowned. Now the ghosts haunt her at school and at home. When her parents are invited to host a TV show, sharing ghost stories and their history around the world, Cass is brought along, watching her dreams of summer days on the beach turn to mist. When she arrives in Scotland, the first destination, she meets a girl who can see the Veil too, and not too soon. She quickly learns, in a place of mystery with a violent past, the Veil is more dangerous than she expected.

With this tale, Schwab joins the ranks of Mary Downing Hahn and Dan Poblocki, and other masters of spine-chilling tales. Cass’s love of photography and her down-to-earth personality in the face of frightening events make her a lovable heroine. The history of Edinburgh, Scotland, is deftly woven throughout the tale, making a perfect backdrop to this scary story. The difference in culture and language provides humorous breaks in a tense plot, and the unlikely friendship that evolves makes this a sweet series to watch.