When I first picked up The House in the Woods, I didn’t quite know what to expect — a ghost story for younger readers by a well-known paranormal investigator? The combination actually turned out to be a delight.
A fresh ghost-hunting adventure
In this first instalment of the Ghost Hunter Chronicles, Fielding introduces three friends—Clovis, Eve and Tom—who decide to explore a spooky Ouija session in an abandoned house on Halloween night. What begins as mischievous fun soon spirals into something far darker when a restless spirit follows them home.
What I loved most was how Fielding blends familiar tropes (haunted house, scary night, friends who dare each other) with surprising depth — there’s the sense of real stakes, of genuine fear, but also of friendship, courage, curiosity.
Why it works so well
- Authentic paranormal flavour: Fielding has decades of experience in the world of ghost-hunting and paranormal investigation, and she brings that background into the story in subtle but effective ways.
- Strong character trio: The dynamic between Clovis, Eve and Tom is believable and engaging. They each bring something different to the story, and their friendship anchors the supernatural chaos.
- Accessible yet eerie: Although aimed at readers aged 11+ (as per the publisher), this book doesn’t shy away from giving you a decent chill. Many reviewers comment on how unexpectedly scary it is.
- Great pacing and setting: The abandoned house, the forest, the “what have we done?” moment — it all builds nicely. The Halloween night setting ups the tension in a fun way.
- Series launch potential: As the opening of a series, it leaves you wanting more, which is always a bonus.
A few highlights
- The moment when the Ouija board session goes wrong and the friends realize the spirit has followed them home — that shift from playful to terrifying is handled very well.
- The haunted house itself — while it may feel familiar — is given enough unique twists (wartime history, underground tunnels) to stand out.
- The humor and light moments (yes, even in a ghost story) keep the narrative balanced and make the scary bits hit harder.
Why I’d recommend it
If you’re looking for a ghost story that’s:
- Perfect for younger teens or older middle grade readers
- Has genuine spooky atmosphere without being overwhelmingly dark
- Features friends banding together, facing something unknown
- And offers a fun “ghost-hunter” twist rather than just a haunted house one-of…then this is a very good pick.
A small caveat
If you are hoping for very deep horror or adult-level complexity, this may not deliver — some readers find it a bit lighter than they hoped. But for its target audience and purpose, it succeeds brilliantly.
Final verdict:
The House in the Woods is a thrill-filled, well-written introduction to a ghost-hunting series that offers both chills and heart. Fielding’s background adds credibility, the characters are memorable, and the story keeps you turning pages. Definitely worth recommending to any young reader who loves paranormal adventure.
