Plot summary

Zack, his dad, and his new stepmother have just moved back to his father’s hometown, at Connecticut, not knowing that their new house has a dark history. Fifty years ago, a crazed killer caused an accident at the nearby crossroads that took 40 innocent lives. He died when his car hit a tree, which is in Zack's backyard. Since then, his malevolent spirit has inhabited the tree. During a huge storm, a lightning hits the tree, releasing the spirit, and the spirit began looking for the descendants of those who cost him his life, starting with Zack, whose grandfather started it all.

Audio

An Audiobook of The Crossroads has been released read by J.J. Myers, wife of Chris Grabenstein, the author. It was officially sold in America on May 27, 2008. J.J. Myers won a HEADPHONES award from Audio File magazine for her performance of the book.

Reception

Connie Fletcher in her review for Booklist

Booklist

Booklist is a publication of the American Library Association that provides critical reviews of books and audiovisual materials for all ages. It is geared toward libraries and booksellers and is available in print or online...

 said that the book was "An absorbing psychological thriller, as well as a rip-roaring ghost story, this switches points of view among humans, trees, and ghosts with astonishing élan." Kirkus Reviews

Kirkus Reviews

Kirkus Reviews is an American book review magazine founded in 1933 by Virginia Kirkus . Kirkus serves the book and literary trade sector, including libraries, publishers, literary and film agents, film and TV producers and booksellers. Kirkus Reviews is published on the first and 15th of each month...

 described it as having "brief, fast-paced action chapters, tight plotting, several murders and a sympathetic main character keep things moving, as long-buried clues to the mystery of a tragic accident are revealed with some help from kindly phantoms. One friendly ghost in particular may come as a surprise. Fans of the genre won't mind some of the implausibilities; they'll keep reading." Jessica Miller in her review for School Library Journal

School Library Journal

The School Library Journal is a monthly magazine with articles and reviews for school librarians, media specialists, and public librarians who work with young people. Articles cover a wide variety of topics, with a focus on technology and multimedia. Reviews are included for preschool to 4th grade,...

said that "this riveting tale is written in short, easy-to-read chapters, making it a good choice for reluctant readers. Throughout the story, the main characters grow closer to one another and gain heroic traits while the "bad guys" reveal greater depths of wickedness and insanity. Readers will relate to Zack and enjoy the book's scare factor and adventure."

Sequels

Two books, 'The Hanging Hill' and 'The Smoky Corridor' was written by Chris Grabenstein as sequels to this book.

The Smoky Corridor

In 'The Smoky Corridor', Zack was just starting at his new school. The school may seemed peaceful, but under the school were tunnels which contains ghost from the Civil War, zombies and even voodoo-savy ghosts. Most of the characters from 'The Crossroads' appeared in this book like Davy, Mr. Willoughby and Kyle Snertz. This book is the last book of the series so far.

External links

• Official site