How to Read The Haunted Library Series
For young readers diving into the cozy, spectral mysteries of The Haunted Library, the recommended reading path is simple and direct: read the books in publication order. While each installment features a self-contained detective case solved by the C & K Ghost Detectives, the series follows a continuous overarching plot. Specifically, the ghost boy Kaz is on a long-term quest to locate and reunite with his scattered family members. Reading the books out of order will spoil which family members Kaz successfully finds along the way.
The Haunted Library Books in Publication Order
Written by Edgar Award-winning author Dori Hillestad Butler and illustrated by Aurore Damant, the series was published between 2014 and 2017. Here is the chronological list of all ten books in the series:
- The Haunted Library (2014) – Kaz the ghost and Claire the human meet in the library, form their detective agency, and begin their search for Kaz's missing family.
- The Ghost in the Attic (2014) – The duo investigates strange noises in a neighbor's attic, learning the ropes of their new partnership.
- The Ghost Backstage (2014) – Claire's school play becomes the stage for a new mystery, where Kaz suspects his missing mother might be hiding.
- The Five O'Clock Ghost (2015) – Kaz and Claire look into a spirit that appears daily at exactly 5:00 PM, hoping it might be Kaz's brother, Little John.
- The Secret Room (2015) – Kaz learns how to pass through solid walls without feeling uncomfortable and explores a hidden room at the back of the library.
- The Ghost at the Fire Station (2015) – Now reunited with his dog Cosmo, brother Little John, and grandparents, Kaz investigates a haunting at the local fire station.
- The Ghost in the Tree House (2016) – The young detective team travels to Claire's grandparents' house to investigate a noisy tree house.
- The Hide-and-Seek Ghost (2016) – Kaz and Claire try to help a family sell their house by figuring out who is playing ghostly hide-and-seek.
- The Ghosts at the Movie Theater (2017) – The detectives visit an old theater where they seek out Kaz's long-lost uncle Dave.
- The Underground Ghosts (2017) – A Super Special double-length finale where Claire and Kaz travel to Seattle near Halloween to explore subterranean passages.
Chronological Continuity and Story Elements
Although the books are written for early readers, they maintain strong continuity. As the series progresses, Kaz's supernatural abilities grow. For example, in the early books, passing through walls makes Kaz feel terribly "skizzy" (dizzy and disoriented). By the fifth book, The Secret Room, he learns to control this ability, allowing him to explore places he couldn't reach before.
Furthermore, the emotional heart of the series is Kaz’s search for his family. They were separated when their original home, an old schoolhouse, was torn down and a strong gust of wind blew Kaz away. Over the course of the ten books, Kaz finds his ghost dog Cosmo, his little brother Little John, his grandparents, and his uncle Dave. However, his parents and his older brother Finn remain lost in the Outside, leaving the search ongoing even by the end of the final book, The Underground Ghosts.
What to Know Before You Start
Designed for children aged 6 to 9, The Haunted Library is widely praised as an excellent transition from picture books to early chapter books. Dori Hillestad Butler uses simple vocabulary, short sentences, and large print, which—coupled with Aurore Damant’s charming illustrations—helps keep reluctant readers engaged. The tone is cozy rather than scary, making it a perfect introduction to the mystery and paranormal genres for sensitive young minds.
While there are no official sequels, spin-offs, or crossovers featuring Kaz and Claire, readers who finish the series can explore Butler's other highly regarded mystery series. For younger children, King & Kayla offers a similar detective format with a lovable golden retriever, while slightly older readers will enjoy The Buddy Files, which won the Edgar Award for Best Juvenile Mystery.