Book Summary

Dan Poblocki, who is already known to many readers for his captivating writing style, once again showcases his talent in a book titled "The Ghost of Graylock." He has created stories that should be followed and enjoyed. The abandoned asylum, Graylock Hall, located in Hudson, was for a long time known as a place for the care and treatment of children and adolescents suffering from mental health issues. However, after several patients mysteriously lost their lives, it was shut down.

Now, this location, nestled in the woods and having deteriorated over the years, has taken on a frightening appearance, sparking curiosity in several characters, including the protagonist of the story and his friend, to uncover its main truths. Neil Kiddy, who has recently moved to Hudson with his family, hears rumors about Graylock Hall and decides with his friend Barry to investigate like young detectives.

Driven by significant curiosity, Neil cannot resist and approaches the asylum to examine the reality up close. He brings essential tools such as batteries, a flashlight, and a camera to ensure he is well-prepared for the journey he has chosen. Rebecca is a girl who was murdered many years ago alongside her mother under very suspicious circumstances. Currently, there are not many clues to investigate this event, except for a poem she noted in her diary that may provide Neil and Barry with some help.

The two adventurous teenagers never thought that their seemingly simple beginning would lead them into circumstances that would leave them utterly confused while also presenting them with terrifying challenges. In any case, Poblocki has consistently proven that his audience must accompany him until the end of his work to fully grasp the depth of the subject.

About the Author

Dan Poblocki, an American author born on January 29, 1977, has gained popularity for his expertise in the crime and horror genres, with most of his audience being teenagers. The simple and eloquent prose of Poblocki's works has always been one of his strengths. He has authored several books including "The Missing," "The Nightmarys," "Monsters and mischief," "Clocks and rubbers," "You cannot hide," "no way out," and "The stone child." Poblocki currently resides in Brooklyn, New York.

Who Should Read the Book?

"The Ghost of Graylock," which was selected as a Junior Library Guild title in 2013 and 2014 and won the Kentucky Bluegrass Award in 2014, has further established itself among readers. It is highly recommended for fans of horror genre literature.

This book is organized into three sections by the author.

Book Quotes

"Forget it, Neil. Where in this world can you sneak into an abandoned building? God knows what toxic things are in the air, not to mention what or who might be hiding there."

A clattering sound came from the street, and Neil pulled back. The narrow rubber wheels scattered dirt and debris. A boy on a bicycle braked and skidded to a stop next to Wesley Baptiste.

"Hey, Neil! Ready?" Another person turned into the street and quickly approached. He stopped beside Wesley and lifted his helmet. Neil immediately recognized who the boy was. Wesley had mentioned he had an older brother but hadn’t said he would come along.

Neil’s parents had created an escape route for themselves—both real and imaginary. Now Neil was doing the same. The kid goes to his parents. He hoped that the mystery of Nurse Janet would be his way out of all these troubles. Fortunately, near the mountain, there was no cell service; otherwise, Barry could have stopped him. Aunts were almost inaccessible at the candy store, but she could still show up at any moment.

The boy laughed, "You saw it, right?" Then he fell silent and stared into the distance again. He said, "It's strange how easily you can find them. Just sit and stare at whatever you want for a moment, and eventually, it will look back at you."

A few seconds later, something strange happened. Neil didn’t know how, but that act of staring took his focus elsewhere. He could feel the breeze caressing his face and the cold stone steps beneath him, but it felt like he was somewhere else.

The boy was right. When the shadows mixed with the mass of leaves on the hill, Neil suddenly saw a pair of eyes blinking and a mouth that opened and closed as if silently singing along with the wind rustling through the leaves.

Neil smiled at seeing someone who was probably as strange as he was. He had undoubtedly seen that face among the trees; if this boy saw it too, then they were both alike, and neither of them was crazy.

Neil felt regret. He should have lied. Why do they always say so many bad things about lying? The thought of an empty building in the forest was his only motivation to wake up that morning. Ever since Wesley had talked to him about the hospital the night before, he had been excited to finally have a reason to come to Hudson.