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Ghost Town: Seven Ghostly Stories
For fans of Gillian Flynn, Caroline Cooney, and R.L. Stine comes Ghost Seven Ghostly Stories from four-time Edgar Allen Poe Young Adult Mystery Award winner Joan Lowery Nixon. In the old towns of the Wild West, there’s more to hear than the paint peeling from the deserted storefronts, more than the tumbleweeds somersaulting down the empty streets. If you listen hard, you can hear voices whispering stories. Stories like the one about the lost mine in Maiden, Montana, or how Wyatt Earp won the shoot-out at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona. And don’t forget about the Bad Man from Bodie, California—he’s still searching for his lost finger! Can you hear them? “An entertaining collection.” –School Library Journal “Combining history and mystery…[Ghost Seven Ghostly Stories] recalls classic campfire tales.” –Booklist “A well conceived (and titled) collection…[of] chilling short stories.” –Kirkus Reviews
149 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2000
22 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Joan Lowery Nixon
190 books485 followersAuthor of more than one hundred books, Joan Lowery Nixon is the only writer to have won four Edgar Allan Poe Awards for Juvenile Mysteries (and been nominated several other times) from the Mystery Writers of America. Creating contemporary teenage characters who have both a personal problem and a mystery to solve, Nixon captured the attention of legions of teenage readers since the publication of her first YA novel more than twenty years ago. In addition to mystery/suspense novels, she wrote nonfiction and fiction for children and middle graders, as well as several short stories. Nixon was the first person to write novels for teens about the orphan trains of the nineteenth century. She followed those with historical novels about Ellis Island and, more recently for younger readers, Colonial Williamsburg. Joan Lowery Nixon died on June 28, 2003—a great loss for all of us.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 2, 2019
Ghost Town tells seven stories about historic and now abandoned (or turned into tourist attraction sites) towns in the United States. Tombstone, AZ. Shakespeare, NM. Maiden, MT. Virginia City, NV. Grafton, UT. Bodie, CA. Fort Griffin, TX. What I enjoyed most about this book is the fact Joan Lowery Nixon first tells a fictional story about a supernatural or strange encounter in each place....then follows up with a chapter filled with factual information on each town, including contact information for tourist info, simple driving directions to get there, and a listing of websites and publications for more information. This book was published about 20 years ago, so some of the information might be outdated, but it's easy to find updated sites online.
I've been a bit obsessed with the Old West era ever since I read Laura Ingalls Wilder's books as a child. The resilience and strength of those who headed west just amaze me. Plus, all the tales and legends of heroes and villains or those who were a mix of both. So much history! It makes ghost towns incredibly interesting for me! This book was a fun and interesting read! Joan Lowery Nixon's books are always well-written and enjoyable. Geared toward middle grade age students, the chapters in this book are short and concise, but full of information. The legends about the particular town are told in the fictional story and information about the actual physical town and its history are further explored in the non-fiction follow up chapter on each site.
This book could be used to entice a reluctant reader or as supplemental reading in a classroom setting. As an adult, I love US history so this book was an interesting, quick read for me.
Joan Lowery-Nixon wrote more than 100 books for kids and won four Edgar Allen Poe awards for mysteries. Geared to middle grade through YA readers, Nixon's stories are enjoyable for adults as well. Sometimes I just want to enjoy a mystery or interesting story without having any heavy adult themes. Nixon's books are perfect for a mystery fix with no spurting blood or graphic horror moments. Kid's lit can be a great palate cleanser for the mind! Just an enjoyable reading experience!
I've been a bit obsessed with the Old West era ever since I read Laura Ingalls Wilder's books as a child. The resilience and strength of those who headed west just amaze me. Plus, all the tales and legends of heroes and villains or those who were a mix of both. So much history! It makes ghost towns incredibly interesting for me! This book was a fun and interesting read! Joan Lowery Nixon's books are always well-written and enjoyable. Geared toward middle grade age students, the chapters in this book are short and concise, but full of information. The legends about the particular town are told in the fictional story and information about the actual physical town and its history are further explored in the non-fiction follow up chapter on each site.
This book could be used to entice a reluctant reader or as supplemental reading in a classroom setting. As an adult, I love US history so this book was an interesting, quick read for me.
Joan Lowery-Nixon wrote more than 100 books for kids and won four Edgar Allen Poe awards for mysteries. Geared to middle grade through YA readers, Nixon's stories are enjoyable for adults as well. Sometimes I just want to enjoy a mystery or interesting story without having any heavy adult themes. Nixon's books are perfect for a mystery fix with no spurting blood or graphic horror moments. Kid's lit can be a great palate cleanser for the mind! Just an enjoyable reading experience!
November 30, 2018
The stories in Ghost Town are all extremely short, most under 10 pages. I love the old western towns and the fact the Joan Lowery Nixon dedicates a few pages after the story to tell the reader about the real-life town the story is based on. The stories have twists that are enjoyable. Though I wish there was more description, I think that these stories are able to be enjoyed by all.
To read the full review: https://www.boundtowriting.com/review...
To read the full review: https://www.boundtowriting.com/review...
November 25, 2015
The seven short stories are set in ghost towns of the American West. Kids on family vacations, field trips or movie sets encounter ghostly beings who change their point of view, attitude or even their life! This book also makes a great travel guide as it contains resources and references at the end of each chapter. (2000)
May 19, 2024
Perfectly enjoyable, although not very creepy for the most part. I did really enjoy the writing style, and I think the historical aspect of the book is fascinated and that’s what truly kept me reading.
I could see myself handing this to my future children to read to kind of slowly bring them into horror.
I could see myself handing this to my future children to read to kind of slowly bring them into horror.
August 12, 2017
An awesome read.
February 1, 2019
An interesting and short read. The idea of a trade-off is scary af.
January 15, 2021
After each story, it tells you where you can visit the ghost town in the story and the history of the town.
March 11, 2024
love the short stories and it reads like a journal . i read it as a kid and reread it recently . still a good book
September 1, 2009
I think this book is a good way to introduce readers to ghost towns of Western America. I know it got me wanting to visit places like Virginia City, Nevada, Bodie, California and Tombstone, Arizona. I like that Nixon chose seven different towns from seven different states. The only one of the seven I've visited is Grafton, Utah because I grew up in Southern Utah.
Each story is based on some history and after the story Nixon gives more background on the ghost town featured, directions and contacts for more information. The author lets readers know which ghost towns are public and which are privately owned, which towns have been restored etc.In the back of the book Nixon gives her advice or “helpful hints” for visiting ghost towns.
As I began reading this book, I really had my doubts whether it was worth my time – the beginning stories seemed rather cheesy. Some of the shorter stories didn't work well because there was barely enough length to introduce the characters and setting before the story was ending. Other elements in the stories didn't fit such as a ghost dog needing help because some bullies were gonna throw stones at it. I thought the stories seemed to get better as the book went along. My top 3 favorite ghost stories of the seven presented in Ghost Town are: 1) “Trade – Off” - Fort Griffin, Texas 2) “Bad Man From Bodie” - Bodie, California and 3) “The Intruders” - Maiden, Montana.
My favorite passage is from my favorite story of the book, “Trade-Off”. This is the only story in the book that tells the story from the perspective of ghosts themselves:
“Keep your eyes open for the right opportunity for a trade-off,” Sergeant Holter had answered. “Luck means being prepared when the right opportunity comes along.”
Josh had been puzzled. “What's a trade-off?” he asked.
“It's an even trade between you and someone living. You trade your situation for his.”
“You mean I'd become him, and he'd cross over to this side and become me?”
“Only if he asks to make the change.”
…. “Trade-offs don't take place often, but they do happen. You look for someone who's discontented, someone whose body you wouldn't mind inhabiting, and be ready for the trade. No problem. You just have to keep looking for that opportunity and make the most of it.”
Each story is based on some history and after the story Nixon gives more background on the ghost town featured, directions and contacts for more information. The author lets readers know which ghost towns are public and which are privately owned, which towns have been restored etc.In the back of the book Nixon gives her advice or “helpful hints” for visiting ghost towns.
As I began reading this book, I really had my doubts whether it was worth my time – the beginning stories seemed rather cheesy. Some of the shorter stories didn't work well because there was barely enough length to introduce the characters and setting before the story was ending. Other elements in the stories didn't fit such as a ghost dog needing help because some bullies were gonna throw stones at it. I thought the stories seemed to get better as the book went along. My top 3 favorite ghost stories of the seven presented in Ghost Town are: 1) “Trade – Off” - Fort Griffin, Texas 2) “Bad Man From Bodie” - Bodie, California and 3) “The Intruders” - Maiden, Montana.
My favorite passage is from my favorite story of the book, “Trade-Off”. This is the only story in the book that tells the story from the perspective of ghosts themselves:
“Keep your eyes open for the right opportunity for a trade-off,” Sergeant Holter had answered. “Luck means being prepared when the right opportunity comes along.”
Josh had been puzzled. “What's a trade-off?” he asked.
“It's an even trade between you and someone living. You trade your situation for his.”
“You mean I'd become him, and he'd cross over to this side and become me?”
“Only if he asks to make the change.”
…. “Trade-offs don't take place often, but they do happen. You look for someone who's discontented, someone whose body you wouldn't mind inhabiting, and be ready for the trade. No problem. You just have to keep looking for that opportunity and make the most of it.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. Most of the stories made be smile and some left me feeling creeped out. The bits of information after each story pertaining to the town featured were a very nice touch to the book. Short stories are becoming the wayside and this book is a great example of their enjoyability.
September 8, 2020
This book is collection of 7 differing perspectives from 7 different people. This book is interesting in the style of spooky scary book that leaves you on end wanting to finish the story. This is very good to just read quickly in small portions and eventually get it done over a span of 7 days.
June 20, 2011
Good book about ghosts.
February 6, 2012
Young Adult stories. Liked them
January 9, 2014
Ghost Town by Joan Lowry Nixon is a great book for preteens and kids. It has a bunch of ghost stories based of of true events! I recommend this book!
November 22, 2013
Good short stories blending history and shivers for the middle grade set.
June 24, 2014
I agree with the previous reviewer that the early stories were a little cheesy but improved as the book progressed. Enjoyable read.
October 21, 2014
Great short stories, some of them I wish were made into their own books
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews