The Crossroads

The Crossroads by Chris Grabenstein

Zack, his dad and new stepmother have just moved back to his fathers hometown in Connecticut, not knowing that their new house has a dark history. Fifty years ago, a crazed killer caused an accident at the near by crossroads that took forty innocent lives. He died when his car hit a tree in a fiery crash, and his malevolent spirit has inhabited the tree ever since. During a huge storm, lightning hits the tree, releasing the spirit, who decides his evil spree isn't over yet, and Zach is directly in his sights.

This one is the winner of the Agatha Award for YA / childrens mystery. And it's no wonder, with its short chapters, friendly and definately unfriendly ghosts, the creepiest tree in history and a plot that wouldn't quit - this one had me hooked.

Here's the booktrailer (unfortunately it doesn't quite grasp how scary and trilling the book is.)