R.L. Stine has a number of Goosebumps titles since the series debut in 1992, but The Ghost Next Door stands out as one of the better entires. A truly emotional and quietly haunting story which relies on tension, mystery, and atmosphere and not jump scares or monsters.
Hannah’s neighborhood has gotten a little… weird. Ever since that new boy moved in next door. But when did he move in? Wasn’t the house empty when Hannah went to sleep the night before? Why does it still look so deserted? Hannah can’t get any answers from her new neighbor. He just keeps disappearing in the oddest ways. And he’s so pale… Is Hannah being haunted by the ghost next door?
It doesn’t take long into this 144-page middle grade horror to determine the twist. However, that is coming from a 40-year-old and not those 8-12 that the book was initially intended for. The twist was still heartbreaking and terrifying at the same time.
The 10th book in the original series, Stine’s writing feels almost more mature than usual, blending suspenseful horror with a bit of melancholy. Stine keeps the pacing tight, as needed in these shorter stories and the age of the reader, while also crafting an amazing story. The characters are well-crafted, ones that linger with you long after reading. This book is more about loss, friendship, and the suspense of the unknown than straight fear.
The Ghost Next Door is an eerie, yet touching story. R.L. Stine proves he can craft Goosebumps tales that can deliver chills what also give us emotional feelings at the same time. It’s a great book to jump back into all these years later.
Goosebumps: The Ghost Next Door is available at bookstores everywhere from Scholastic. The audiobook, narrated by Emily Eiden, is available via Libro.fm!
