The Twisted Tree — L.R. Patton

A terrifying story that will have you rooting for the heroes. Goosebumps meets Lockwood & Co. meets Small Spaces in this middle grade horror story about amateur ghost hunter siblings who face two dangerous ghosts they can't ignore—because their lives are most definitely on the line. Twelve-year-old Julian Penn and his eleven-year-old sister, Bella, just rid their house, Kingston Estate, of all the ghosts haunting it. Julian's hoping for a little ghost-free time as he concentrates on perfecting his first violin solo at his first orchestra concert. But no such luck—the crossroads tree they pass on their bike ride to school every day is showing the classic signs of a haunting—a blanket of hazy mist, cold spots, and what looks like a wild, angry ghost face with glowing green eyes, peering out from the canopy. But maybe it's just their imagination. Then another ghost shows her ruined face—right inside Julian's orchestra room! And when one of the ghosts threatens Bella's life and rumors at school swirl about kids who have disappeared at the crossroads tree, Julian is forced to face his fears and take the lead on solving the ghost problem. Too bad he's never been great at cracking mysteries. Or being brave. Or solving complicated problems. As the anniversary of the ghosts' death approaches, they grow stronger and angrier. One seems focused on possessing them. The other seems intent on touching them—which can kill. Julian feels way in over his head; he can't even do what he's supposed to be good at: playing the violin! Will he be able to trust himself and find his courage before someone gets hurt—or, worse, possessed or killed? Or will he disappoint everyone…and most of all himself?