Step into the spine-chilling world of the Ghost Files series, where ghosts whisper secrets and a teenage girl holds the key to their justice! Apryl Baker’s young adult paranormal romance saga follows Mattie Hathaway, a foster kid with a knack for seeing spirits and a heart full of grit. Blending creepy supernatural mysteries with teenage drama and a dash of romance, this series hooks readers from the first eerie encounter.
For fans of ghostly adventures and strong heroines, Ghost Files delivers a thrilling mix of horror, suspense, and heart. Mattie’s journey through a world of vengeful spirits and hidden truths is as relatable as it is haunting, making it a must-read for young adult paranormal fans.
How Ghost Files Began
Apryl Baker, a USA Today bestselling author from West Virginia, crafted Ghost Files from her love of scary movies and paranormal mysteries. Inspired by her childhood reading Nancy Drew under the covers, Baker infused her storytelling with vivid imagery and emotional depth. Published by Limitless Publishing, the series kicked off in 2013 with The Ghost Files, introducing Mattie’s ghost-seeing gift, born from a traumatic near-death experience at age five. Baker’s goal was to create a heroine who resonates with teens, especially those facing adversity, like foster kids or survivors of trauma.
The Heart of Ghost Files
The series spans six books, with the first four being reader favorites. The Ghost Files (2013) introduces Mattie, who sees her murdered foster sister Sally’s ghost and teams up with Officer Dan Richards to hunt a serial killer. The Ghost Files 2 (2014) dives deeper into Mattie’s supernatural abilities as she faces darker spirits and personal demons. The Ghost Files 3 (2014) ramps up the stakes with vengeful ghosts and romantic tension with Eli Malone. The Ghost Files 4: Part 1 (2016) explores Mattie’s family secrets and a cursed love interest, leaving fans clamoring for more.
Set in eerie small-town America, Ghost Files weaves themes of resilience, identity, and justice. Mattie’s foster care background and traumatic past make her a layered heroine, while her snarky humor lightens the creepy atmosphere. The series balances gore and psychological horror with tender moments, appealing to teens and adults who love a good scare. Its paranormal romance shines through Mattie’s crushes, though some fans debate the age gap between 16-year-old Mattie and 20-year-old Dan, a dynamic Baker defends as tailored for young adult readers.
Why Ghost Files Resonates
Ghost Files has carved a niche in young adult paranormal romance, with fans praising its addictive pacing and Mattie’s fierce spirit. Reviews on Goodreads and Amazon highlight its unputdownable quality, with readers finishing books in hours. The series’ blend of horror and heart speaks to those who feel like outsiders, especially orphans or trauma survivors, as Baker dedicates it to those facing abuse. Its upcoming major motion picture adaptation signals its growing cultural impact, promising to bring Mattie’s ghostly world to new audiences.
- First Book: The Ghost Files (2013)
- Total Books: 6
- Publisher: Limitless Publishing
- Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance
Grab The Ghost Files and dive into a world where ghosts, romance, and mysteries collide! Whether you’re a paranormal junkie or just love a gutsy heroine, Mattie Hathaway’s story will keep you up all night.