coffeechug's review
4.0
My Thoughts
For anyone who follows my blog and my book reviews you know that I love Patrick Carman. I have nothing but positive things to say about his previous works. Here are some previous reviews.
Skeleton Creek: Ghost in the Machine
Trackers
Thirteen Days to Midnight
After finally getting hold of a copy of Skeleton Creek 4: The Raven I had to refresh my knowledge of this series. It has been some time since I read books 1 and 2. During that time I realized I never read book 3. I have no idea why I waited. Late last night while my newborn daughter was awake I began reading Crossbones. I had to pause and wait until early morning hours to finish, but needless to say this was another page turner that I finished in less than a day.
If you have read the series than you know that Ryan and Sarah attempt to solve all the mysteries that have unfolded since their first encounter with the Dredge. This books really expands the storyline involving Sarah traveling all over the states and documenting footage. Anytime you expand the world of a series it is always hard for me because I get used to a place/location. I had a hard time at first welcoming the idea of the clues being so spread out, but it works. It works well.
The storyline I enjoyed as it brings in historical presidents and people along with other haunted locations. I can see students investigating some of these places in further detail after reading.
I don't know why, but even though the videos were not as spooky as the first two books, I was still scared. These video clips always freak me out. I sit there expecting the worst and late last night I had to stop reading so I could sleep.
Yes, I recommend this book. If you have not read the first two books, then start there because you don't want to miss out on the storyline. As soon as I publish this review I am going to begin The Raven because I have to know what happens and what they find out.
Patrick Carman has once again delivered and not let his fans down in this next installment.
For anyone who follows my blog and my book reviews you know that I love Patrick Carman. I have nothing but positive things to say about his previous works. Here are some previous reviews.
Skeleton Creek: Ghost in the Machine
Trackers
Thirteen Days to Midnight
After finally getting hold of a copy of Skeleton Creek 4: The Raven I had to refresh my knowledge of this series. It has been some time since I read books 1 and 2. During that time I realized I never read book 3. I have no idea why I waited. Late last night while my newborn daughter was awake I began reading Crossbones. I had to pause and wait until early morning hours to finish, but needless to say this was another page turner that I finished in less than a day.
If you have read the series than you know that Ryan and Sarah attempt to solve all the mysteries that have unfolded since their first encounter with the Dredge. This books really expands the storyline involving Sarah traveling all over the states and documenting footage. Anytime you expand the world of a series it is always hard for me because I get used to a place/location. I had a hard time at first welcoming the idea of the clues being so spread out, but it works. It works well.
The storyline I enjoyed as it brings in historical presidents and people along with other haunted locations. I can see students investigating some of these places in further detail after reading.
I don't know why, but even though the videos were not as spooky as the first two books, I was still scared. These video clips always freak me out. I sit there expecting the worst and late last night I had to stop reading so I could sleep.
Yes, I recommend this book. If you have not read the first two books, then start there because you don't want to miss out on the storyline. As soon as I publish this review I am going to begin The Raven because I have to know what happens and what they find out.
Patrick Carman has once again delivered and not let his fans down in this next installment.
davidlz1's review
3.0
Great story reading experience with the kiddo. Also really liked the integration of video supplements with story. I will do another book in the series with my daughter soon!
averic's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
geleeregina's review
5.0
My students and I were on the edge of our seats with this novel in the series. You know it's a great book when students with reading disabilities who hate to read love it when they are begging you daily for you to read aloud. The videos really hook the reader into wanting to know more. Excellent book to read aloud!
cheshirecat123's review
4.0
Can't wait to finish the series. The history they are weaving through is pretty neat.
dianacantread's review
2.0
In middle school, I probably would have loved this book a lot, especially with its short films and clips. But as an adult, this does read a bit too young, even if the concept is fun and engaging. The only reason I finished it is because it's pretty fast-paced, and the videos are creepy enough that I was engaged. However, the end result of the mystery is pretty disappointing, especially in lieu of how the first two books ended in death or murder (at least from what I can tell from the recaps; I haven’t read the previous volumes, nor do I plan to). Still, the content of the book is pretty boring. Ryan's perspective is taken up by fly-fishing and waiting for Sarah to send him the videos. It gets tedious after awhile and makes me question whether Carman had planned beyond his original premise, or if the other books in the series are just as style-over-substance as this one was.
Still, a fun time for a younger reader. Unfortunately, I missed my opportunity to enjoy them as a kid who could overlook the more lackluster elements.
2.5/5 stars
Still, a fun time for a younger reader. Unfortunately, I missed my opportunity to enjoy them as a kid who could overlook the more lackluster elements.
2.5/5 stars