The Recommended Reading Order
The Haunted Mysteries series (often referred to as the Haunted Places series) follows a linear, chronological storyline. To fully appreciate character growth and Zack Jennings' progressing adventures, you should read the books in order of publication.
- The Crossroads (2008)
- The Hanging Hill (2009) — Also published under the title The Demons' Door
- The Smoky Corridor (2010) — Also published under the title The Zombie Awakening
- The Black Heart Crypt (2011)
A Closer Look at the Books
1. The Crossroads (2008)
The series begins with The Crossroads, introducing eleven-year-old Zack Jennings. Following the tragic passing of his biological mother, Zack moves from New York City to a small town in Connecticut with his father and his supportive new stepmother, Judy. However, their new home sits near a dark, historic crossroads haunted by the vengeful spirit of a long-dead killer. When a freak lightning strike destroys an old tree and releases the malevolent ghost, Zack—who possesses the rare gift of seeing the supernatural—must find a way to stop the entity before it destroys his family.
2. The Hanging Hill (2009) / The Demons' Door
In the second installment, Judy takes Zack along to the Hanging Hill Playhouse, a creepy summer theater where she is helping put on a play. Zack soon discovers that the playhouse is crawling with ghosts and that the sinister director has dark intentions. He plans to perform a ritual during a full moon that requires a child born under a very specific celestial alignment—a child like Zack. Zack has to use his quick wits, alongside his dog Zipper, to keep the demons at bay.
3. The Smoky Corridor (2010) / The Zombie Awakening
Starting at a brand-new school is tough enough, but it becomes downright dangerous for Zack in The Smoky Corridor. Beneath his new school lies a dark basement guarded by two spirits who warn Zack of a terrifying zombie waking up under the floorboards. To stop this monster, Zack has to team up with new friends and deal with a host of other hazards, including a spirit with voodoo expertise and a real-world hitman.
4. The Black Heart Crypt (2011)
The final book in the tetralogy culminates on Zack's favorite night of the year: Halloween. However, a local cemetery holds a dark history, and vengeful spirits choose this night to break free. The ghosts plan to settle old scores with Zack and his entire family. Zack has to dig deep into the town's history and summon all his bravery to protect those he loves, concluding the major storylines of the series.
What to Know Before You Start
Chronological vs. Publication Order: There is no discrepancy between publication order and chronological order. The narrative spans Zack's middle school years in real time. Reading them out of order is possible because each book handles its central mystery stand-alone, but you will miss the evolution of Zack's relationships, especially the touching and refreshing bond he forms with his stepmother Judy.
Alternative Titles: Depending on where you purchase your books, you may find the second and third books under different titles. The Hanging Hill was re-released internationally as The Demons' Door, while The Smoky Corridor was re-released as The Zombie Awakening. The contents are identical.
Spooky but Accessible: Chris Grabenstein leverages his background in improvisational comedy and adult mystery writing to strike a perfect balance. The books offer genuine spine-tingling thrills and spooky atmospheres without crossing into graphic horror, making them highly recommended for reluctant readers and kids transitioning to longer chapter books.
Awards and Accolades
The Haunted Mysteries series is highly decorated. The Crossroads won both the Agatha Award and the Anthony Award for Best Children's/Young Adult Novel. The accolades continued with The Hanging Hill winning the Agatha Award in 2009 and The Black Heart Crypt clinching the same prize in 2011, establishing the series as one of the most successful middle-grade horror-mysteries of its era.