ABANDONED. Burton-esque Boy undergoes misfortune, I need to find this book!

[Cyd]

Long ago I read a book about a boy who suffers through numerous grim events/trauma. Mostly about loved ones/friends tragically dying. The cover had an illustration of a boy who resembled something Tim Burton would draw, and I vaguely remember a part where the child is racing in a hearse/being chased by a hearse.
The author would use "Erm.." a lot throughout the entire novel, almost as a pause or brief break from the tale itself. The dialogue would occasionally have "Erm.." also.

[Daphne]

Sounds like an Edward Gorey cover, but I couldn't find that plot.

[KWinks]

Can you define "long ago"?

[KWinks]

Also, I agree this sounds a lot like a John Bellairs story (now written by Brad Strickland) but it would help if we knew a few more things: is the boy staying with grandparents? an uncle? is there a sibling?

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Cyd, are you still looking for this?

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Lobstergirl wrote: "Cyd, are you still looking for this?"

No response. Moving to Abandoned.