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A Haunting Collection by Mary Downing Hahn: Deep and Dark and Dangerous, All the Lovely Bad Ones, and Wait Till Helen Comes
Mysterious disappearances! Ghost appearances! From the supernatural to the downright scary, these three spooky stories from award-winning author Mary Downing Hahn are sure to send shivers down readers’ spines. Mysterious photographs, ghostly old houses, and all things supernatural await readers in these three frightful tales.
576 pages, Hardcover
Published May 3, 2016
34 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
About the author
Mary Downing Hahn
72 books4,399 followersI grew up in a small shingled house down at the end of Guilford Road in College Park, Maryland. Our block was loaded with kids my age. We spent hours outdoors playing "Kick the Can" and "Mother, May I" as well as cowboy and outlaw games that usually ended in quarrels about who shot whom. In the summer, we went on day long expeditions into forbidden territory -- the woods on the other side of the train tracks, the creek that wound its way through College Park, and the experimental farm run by the University of Maryland.
In elementary school, I was known as the class artist. I loved to read and draw but I hated writing reports. Requirements such as outlines, perfect penmanship, and following directions killed my interest in putting words on paper. All those facts -- who cared what the principal products of Chile were? To me, writing reports was almost as boring as math.
Despite my dislike of writing, I loved to make up stories. Instead of telling them in words, I told them in pictures. My stories were usually about orphans who ran away and had the sort of exciting adventures I would have enjoyed if my mother hadn't always interfered.
When I was in junior high school, I developed an interest in more complex stories. I wanted to show how people felt, what they thought, what they said. For this, I needed words. Although I wasn't sure I was smart enough, I decided to write and illustrate children's books when I grew up. Consequently, at the age of thirteen, I began my first book. Small Town Life was about a girl named Susan, as tall and skinny and freckle faced as I was. Unlike her shy, self conscious creator, however, Susan was a leader who lived the life I wanted to live -- my ideal self, in other words. Although I never finished Small Town Life, it marked the start of a lifelong interest in writing.
In high school, I kept a diary. In college, I wrote poetry and short stories and dreamed of being published in The New Yorker. Unfortunately, I didn't have the courage or the confidence to send anything there.
By the time my first novel was published, I was 41 years old. That's how long it took me to get serious about writing. The Sara Summer took me a year to write, another year to find a publisher, and yet another year of revisions before Clarion accepted it.
Since Sara appeared in 1979, I've written an average of one book a year. If I have a plot firmly in mind when I begin, the writing goes fairly quickly. More typically, I start with a character or a situation and only a vague idea of what's going to happen. Therefore, I spend a lot of time revising and thinking things out. If I'd paid more attention to the craft of outlining back in elementary school, I might be a faster writer, but, on the other hand, if I knew everything that was going to happen in a story, I might be too bored to write it down. Writing is a journey of discovery. That's what makes it so exciting.
In elementary school, I was known as the class artist. I loved to read and draw but I hated writing reports. Requirements such as outlines, perfect penmanship, and following directions killed my interest in putting words on paper. All those facts -- who cared what the principal products of Chile were? To me, writing reports was almost as boring as math.
Despite my dislike of writing, I loved to make up stories. Instead of telling them in words, I told them in pictures. My stories were usually about orphans who ran away and had the sort of exciting adventures I would have enjoyed if my mother hadn't always interfered.
When I was in junior high school, I developed an interest in more complex stories. I wanted to show how people felt, what they thought, what they said. For this, I needed words. Although I wasn't sure I was smart enough, I decided to write and illustrate children's books when I grew up. Consequently, at the age of thirteen, I began my first book. Small Town Life was about a girl named Susan, as tall and skinny and freckle faced as I was. Unlike her shy, self conscious creator, however, Susan was a leader who lived the life I wanted to live -- my ideal self, in other words. Although I never finished Small Town Life, it marked the start of a lifelong interest in writing.
In high school, I kept a diary. In college, I wrote poetry and short stories and dreamed of being published in The New Yorker. Unfortunately, I didn't have the courage or the confidence to send anything there.
By the time my first novel was published, I was 41 years old. That's how long it took me to get serious about writing. The Sara Summer took me a year to write, another year to find a publisher, and yet another year of revisions before Clarion accepted it.
Since Sara appeared in 1979, I've written an average of one book a year. If I have a plot firmly in mind when I begin, the writing goes fairly quickly. More typically, I start with a character or a situation and only a vague idea of what's going to happen. Therefore, I spend a lot of time revising and thinking things out. If I'd paid more attention to the craft of outlining back in elementary school, I might be a faster writer, but, on the other hand, if I knew everything that was going to happen in a story, I might be too bored to write it down. Writing is a journey of discovery. That's what makes it so exciting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 15, 2018
I picked out this book because it said it was scary. It was amazing. I loved it so much because it was a little scary and it was a little realistic. The main characters are Molly, Michal, and Heather. Heather's dad Dave married Molly's and Michal's mom Jean
August 7, 2024
The set of books that got me into reading in the first place! I still remember the day. I was in my elementary school in Houston, didn’t speak a word of English, just chose a cover that looked interesting. Little did I know a couple of months later I’d actually understand what it said! Still read all three books every year!
October 31, 2016
Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hann is a well crafted ghost story full of secrets from the past. Could Molly's life get any worse she already had to move in the country, her mom got married and she feels that her stepsister Heather may be in trouble. It all started off while heather was at the graveyard molly was spying on her and heather was talking to someone but there was no one there. Heather was mad she never liked molly and molly didn't like her but things get worse once Helen comes.''Just wait Molly wait till Helen comes.'' Heather said. I recommend this book to readers who like ghost stories and a scare.
April 12, 2020
I couldn’t read this when I was home alone cause it was spooky and good!
December 7, 2017
I enjoyed this book so much
July 13, 2025
Deep and Dark and Dangerous:
I just love when a book geared toward children is good enough to hold up to an adult audience.
Deep and Dark and Dangerous was one of the first books I can ever remember reading as a child and I remember LOVING it. I decided it was time to pick it up as an adult to see if it held up and I am very happy with the results. I really have to say I was on the edge of my seat through the whole book. A super easy with an interesting plot. I will say the adults in this book are dumber than all hell and kind of just a bunch of assholes but you know whatever. I did really enjoy this even though you can tell it was written with children in mind.
presently surprised :)
Wait Till Helen Comes:
Well first off.. fuck you dave!! Dave just fucking sucks and you know what while I’m at it, fuck mom too! These parents suck!
All in all an enjoyable and simple read. Leave it to Hahn to write a masterful kids horror story.
All the Lovely Bad Ones:
No what the fuck! That was not a kids book!
Lets just talk about all the the fucking crazy ass plot points. This lady way back when killed literally 67 people and buried them in unmarked graves. She hanged herself in a grove outside this poor persons house that she committed all these crimes in. She kept record of all the murders in a book and she was buried with it. Fast forward to present day bitch is a ghost and so are the kids she killed “the lovely bad ones” so these alive kids have to like resolve their problem because they were shit heads and woke up the ghosts. To make the lovely bad ones happy, these kids are tasked with finding this book… so yeah they fuck DUG UP A GRAVE!!!! Like some other stuff happens but not super important right now. The kids encounter this ghost bitch and she controls the boy and has him climb up her tree and has him try to HANG HIMSELF from the same branch. Luckily she doesn’t succeed. The lovely bad ones are all like bro just say ur sorry and she’s like “NO!” So this random as dude shows up and she’s like “oh fuck no!” And just fucking starts throwing kids at this dude. He finally grabs her and drags her away kicking and screaming and they disappear into the night…… BRO the FUCKING DEVIL came and scooped this bitch up!!!!!!!
So I say once again, THIS WAS SOOOOO NOT A KIDS BOOK🫠
Overall like it was fine, but what the actual fuck was going on!?
Overall:
This was an easy read and actually quite fun. I definitely recommending this 3 and 1 for people who were fans on MDH when they were a kid. Growing up I adored Deep and Dark and Dangerous and it was a lot of fun to reread and read some “new”/other stuff of hers.
I just love when a book geared toward children is good enough to hold up to an adult audience.
Deep and Dark and Dangerous was one of the first books I can ever remember reading as a child and I remember LOVING it. I decided it was time to pick it up as an adult to see if it held up and I am very happy with the results. I really have to say I was on the edge of my seat through the whole book. A super easy with an interesting plot. I will say the adults in this book are dumber than all hell and kind of just a bunch of assholes but you know whatever. I did really enjoy this even though you can tell it was written with children in mind.
presently surprised :)
Wait Till Helen Comes:
Well first off.. fuck you dave!! Dave just fucking sucks and you know what while I’m at it, fuck mom too! These parents suck!
All in all an enjoyable and simple read. Leave it to Hahn to write a masterful kids horror story.
All the Lovely Bad Ones:
No what the fuck! That was not a kids book!
Lets just talk about all the the fucking crazy ass plot points. This lady way back when killed literally 67 people and buried them in unmarked graves. She hanged herself in a grove outside this poor persons house that she committed all these crimes in. She kept record of all the murders in a book and she was buried with it. Fast forward to present day bitch is a ghost and so are the kids she killed “the lovely bad ones” so these alive kids have to like resolve their problem because they were shit heads and woke up the ghosts. To make the lovely bad ones happy, these kids are tasked with finding this book… so yeah they fuck DUG UP A GRAVE!!!! Like some other stuff happens but not super important right now. The kids encounter this ghost bitch and she controls the boy and has him climb up her tree and has him try to HANG HIMSELF from the same branch. Luckily she doesn’t succeed. The lovely bad ones are all like bro just say ur sorry and she’s like “NO!” So this random as dude shows up and she’s like “oh fuck no!” And just fucking starts throwing kids at this dude. He finally grabs her and drags her away kicking and screaming and they disappear into the night…… BRO the FUCKING DEVIL came and scooped this bitch up!!!!!!!
So I say once again, THIS WAS SOOOOO NOT A KIDS BOOK🫠
Overall like it was fine, but what the actual fuck was going on!?
Overall:
This was an easy read and actually quite fun. I definitely recommending this 3 and 1 for people who were fans on MDH when they were a kid. Growing up I adored Deep and Dark and Dangerous and it was a lot of fun to reread and read some “new”/other stuff of hers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2020
A marvelous, creepy, wise and spooky story…wait till Helen comes by the author Mary Downing Hahn herself. This novel is such an amazing book to read because the pacific details and settings are so immaculate, as well as the plot. The main characters Molly, Micheal get to experience strange things by the name of the ghost Helen with her “friend” Heather. This book is made for everyone, but I’d Specifically say that this novel is made for people who like spooky, and scary themes. The character Molly is mostly the main character we could say, and I really loved her saying, what she does in the novel, etc!
My opinions on this terrific book is that, once I read the first few pages of the book I fell in love with it. I figured horror wouldn’t suit me but this type of horror is absolutely amazing, I’m pretty sure all the characters, plot, settings, etc were really thought out. This book is written in a normal chapter book way, so it would look boring at first but not just the cover, and it’s how much you get into the book a bit more first. The characters are fantastic, for example I love how they get to experience something strange and they just get curious about it but also scared. This novel is for ALL ages!
Finally, I think Wait Till Helen comes is the BEST book I’ve ever read. I think my favorite part of the book was probably the first time when Heather and Molly met they hated each other by the glimpse of it. And throughout the chapters Heather was with Helen and Molly finds out.. to be continued! I also think this book is not only recommended for kids, but also teens, like I said I thought all ages would be fine to read the novel. This novel was unproblematic and legit nothing was wrong with it, I’m so glad I chose this book to read! You should also read “Wait till Helen comes” I really recommend it.
My opinions on this terrific book is that, once I read the first few pages of the book I fell in love with it. I figured horror wouldn’t suit me but this type of horror is absolutely amazing, I’m pretty sure all the characters, plot, settings, etc were really thought out. This book is written in a normal chapter book way, so it would look boring at first but not just the cover, and it’s how much you get into the book a bit more first. The characters are fantastic, for example I love how they get to experience something strange and they just get curious about it but also scared. This novel is for ALL ages!
Finally, I think Wait Till Helen comes is the BEST book I’ve ever read. I think my favorite part of the book was probably the first time when Heather and Molly met they hated each other by the glimpse of it. And throughout the chapters Heather was with Helen and Molly finds out.. to be continued! I also think this book is not only recommended for kids, but also teens, like I said I thought all ages would be fine to read the novel. This novel was unproblematic and legit nothing was wrong with it, I’m so glad I chose this book to read! You should also read “Wait till Helen comes” I really recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2022
Overall I liked the book, the suspense is build up really well. Molly, personally, was a really lovable main character, and I just felt the need to shelter her, from her fears and her family problems. Heather was a very irritable character at first but she had a really good character development arc, and by the end of the story I loved her character as well and I just wanted to give her a hug. I hated the character Dave, Heather's father, I think the author did a great job at making such a hateble character. I personally didn't love the ending, the reason I am giving it 4 stars, it didn't give me the scare I wanted with all the suspense that had been build up, and I felt it a bit rushed. But regardless, it wasn't a bad ending. I liked the book and I definitely recommend it to others.
November 20, 2021
Despite being meant for children, i thoroughly enjoyed this book. Having a ghost story from a child's point of view made this all seem that much scarier. I was always on the edge of my seat whenever the mention of the ghost came in, I wanted to throw the book and runaway. the moment when the ghost is wanting to lure the child to her death is absolutely wild. i have heard so many ghost stories similar to this one and it's just chilling to know that things like this happen in real life... That is if you believe in ghosts and other supernatural creatures.
June 16, 2020
I bought this for my son because he remembered reading Deep, Dark, and Dangerous with his 5th grade class around Halloween time and enjoyed it. The stories are well written and come full circle, which is helpful for children to see a situation reach a contented end for all. I can see my 9 year old daughter enjoying these as she has started to enjoy scary things and often asks for a scary movie or story.
May 3, 2022
I enjoyed the plot, and it was intriguing. I enjoyed the creepiness of it and it was able to keep my attention. The fact that this story was written in the point of view of a child honestly made it a little more spooky. I enjoyed the suspense build up and the relatable character of Molly who made the book a little more structured, and Heather, who at first was irritating, but by the end, everything made sense. I thought the ending was a little rushed but this story was overall nicely written.
November 6, 2021
My 11-year-old loves these spooky stories and says Mary Downing Hahn is the best writer for atmospheric children's horror out there. After reading Wait Till Helen Comes (her favorite) I would agree that there is just the right mix of horror tropes that won't keep your kid up at night but will keep their imagination running well into the dark of night. Highly recommended.
January 24, 2022
If you like/love horror, this book is perfect. This is the book I have read well over 15 times. Its an easy read, but it really holds your attention. I found this book when I wasn't super into reading. I didn't own it but I loved it so much, my mom bought it for me. I have been reading this book since elementary school. It is and always will be one of my favorites.
August 29, 2017
I didn't enjoy this book as much as I was hoping for. My favorite book out of the 3 was The 1st one. I ended up liking Sissy when I found out her reasons. I found the 2nd book a lot like the 1st book. It was a great story other than that.
July 27, 2018
Twelve year old molly and her ten year old brother, Michael never liked her stepsister, Heather, There parents have moved them all to the country to live in a new house. There Heather staring talking to a ghost named Helen. What will happened if molly and Michael find out about the ghost?
August 2, 2024
I absolutely love Mary Downing Hahn. She is what started my love for reading at a young age! Even to this day in my late 30's I will still pick this book up at least once a year and if I'm ever in a reading slump, I will pick it up!
September 11, 2024
The two that I'd read before I still enjoyed immensely. Wait Til Helen Comes was a bit of a disappointment but such is life. Mary Downing Hahn will always have a special place in my heart for awakening the horror story lover in me. :)
October 30, 2025
Pretty good.
I got it for Wait Till Helen Comes, which I thought was one that I remembered, but I am not sure now.
I liked Deep and Dark and Dangerous best. All the Lovely Bad Ones was almost a little too modern and easy, but still interesting.
I got it for Wait Till Helen Comes, which I thought was one that I remembered, but I am not sure now.
I liked Deep and Dark and Dangerous best. All the Lovely Bad Ones was almost a little too modern and easy, but still interesting.
September 22, 2017
all of the books were good but I think there needs to be more suspense to it
January 30, 2018
I thought that these books were good shorter ghost stories. I kept me entertained, but the story wasn't drawn out.
February 15, 2019
SO GOOD I loved how Helen and Heather basically had the same past and the same initials I loved how it ended and when Molly save Heather from drowning.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2021
2.5 stars
January 6, 2022
This is truly 'A Haunting Collection". One that I loved.
February 28, 2023
its scary and has elements in the book
June 29, 2024
good book. Its scared me a little
January 29, 2018
this has been one of my favrorite books this year! it was a very deep and scary book and also very tense kind of a book. the main character hanna was a young but mature girl. she had spechle power that she could see spirits and talk to them. her older sister isabella does not belive that she can talk to this ghost named helen. but hanna warns isabella "just wait till helen comes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2017
Wait Till Helen Comes
By: Abigail Hales
Mary Downing Haun has written Wait Till Helen Comes. Its a very scary suspenseful book. Molly, Heather and Michael have to move an abandon church house by the graveyard. Heather is a sister to Molly and Michael. Heather is a trouble maker and loves to get them in trouble. One day Molly sees Heather talking to a ghost. When Heather comes in she tells her to never go there again. Heather gets mad and tells her to never tell her what to do again then says, ¨Wait till Helen Comes.¨
By: Abigail Hales
Mary Downing Haun has written Wait Till Helen Comes. Its a very scary suspenseful book. Molly, Heather and Michael have to move an abandon church house by the graveyard. Heather is a sister to Molly and Michael. Heather is a trouble maker and loves to get them in trouble. One day Molly sees Heather talking to a ghost. When Heather comes in she tells her to never go there again. Heather gets mad and tells her to never tell her what to do again then says, ¨Wait till Helen Comes.¨
January 31, 2017
I loved this a haunting collection of 3 books in 1 bundle. The author has a way of grabbing the readers attention and feeling emotions for fictional characters and there problems. It definitely an easy read through and through, they are very few words that you may not know. Overall the author did great job capturing my attention and falling for her characters, I give this a 5 star rating. If your in the moon to get hooked on something easy this is the book for you. Even if I say it is an easy read it not by any means boring.
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June 1, 2016 This book starts out like any other book but has some interesting changes then weirdly enough you learn more about the characters and have a few scary moments.
This book was a great book. Currently I so not own it and I usually don't read the same book twice but this book allowed me to explore a lot more and have an even more creative imagination. I can't wait to read it again even if it is a small book.
This book was a great book. Currently I so not own it and I usually don't read the same book twice but this book allowed me to explore a lot more and have an even more creative imagination. I can't wait to read it again even if it is a small book.
March 23, 2016
This book is so good ! Its has already been my second time reading this book.... I dont want to spoil it so I think everyone should go check out this wondeful book !!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews