Review: Took: A Ghost Story

Took: A Ghost Story Took: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Took: A Ghost Story was one of the first books that truly drew me into the horror genre. Looking back, I can see how much it shaped my early fascination with spooky stories. I have always been captivated by ghosts, so it is no surprise that this book immediately captured my attention when I first read it in early middle school.

For its intended audience, the book is exceptional. It is eerie, suspenseful, and delivers just the right measure of fear without becoming overwhelming. Its accessible style allows readers to engage with the story effortlessly, making the haunting atmosphere and unfolding mystery its primary strengths.

Although my taste in horror has evolved and I now gravitate toward novels with deeply layered characters and lingering psychological tension, I still regard Took fondly. At the time I read it, I was completely engrossed and unable to put it down. Its story, reminiscent of classic horror tropes such as a new family in an old, haunted house, left a lasting impression and ignited my love for the genre.

I am giving it four stars. While I recognize that as an older reader I may not enjoy it in the same way, it remains an excellent introduction to ghostly horror for middle school readers and anyone drawn to atmospheric, suspenseful tales.

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