> Skip to content
  • Published: 12 May 2009
  • ISBN: 9780375846984
  • Imprint: RHUS Children's Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 352
  • RRP: $24.00

The Crossroads



Now with a new look, book one in #1 New York Times bestselling author Chris Grabenstein's spine-tingling Haunted Mysteries series will keep readers up long after the lights go out!

Perfect for Halloween! From the New York Times bestselling author of Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library and coauthor of I Funny and Treasure Hunters, comes a series of spine-tingling mysteries to keep you up long after the lights go out.

Zack, his dad, and new stepmother have just moved back to his father’s hometown, not knowing that their new house has a dark history. Fifty years ago, a crazed killer caused an accident at the nearby crossroads that took 40 innocent lives. He died when his car hit a tree in a fiery crash, and his malevolent spirit has inhabited the tree ever since. During a huge storm, lightning hits the tree, releasing the spirit, who decides his evil spree isn’t over . . . and Zack is directly in his sights.

Award-winning thriller author Chris Grabenstein fills his first book for younger readers with the same humorous and spine-tingling storytelling that has made him a fast favorite with adults.

★ “A rip-roaring ghost story.”—Booklist, Starred

  • Published: 12 May 2009
  • ISBN: 9780375846984
  • Imprint: RHUS Children's Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 352
  • RRP: $24.00

About the author

Chris Grabenstein

Chris Grabenstein is an award-winning author of books for children and adults, a playwright, screenwriter, and former advertising executive and improvisational comedian.

Winner of two Anthony and four Agatha Awards, he is also the co-author with James Patterson of The #1 New York Times bestseller I FUNNY.

A former writer for Jim Henson's Muppets and past president of the New York Chapter of the Mystery Writers of America, Chris co-wrote the screenplay for the CBS-TV movie, The Christmas Gift, starring John Denver.

He lives in New York City with his wife, three cats, and a rescue dog named Fred, who starred in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on Broadway. You can visit Chris (and Fred) at www.ChrisGrabenstein.com

Also by Chris Grabenstein

See all

Praise for The Crossroads

  • Winner of the Agatha Award and the Anthony Award
  • "An absorbing psychological thriller as well as a rip-roaring ghost story." --Booklist, Starred
  • "Creepy atmosphere and suspense that engulf readers from the very first page." --Kirkus, Starred
  • "This riveting tale is written in short, easy-to-read chapters, making it a good choice for reluctant readers." --School Library Journal