Gr 9 Up-Luke Manchett lives in a small town in northeast England where his life consists mainly of rugby; tending to his headache-prone, New Age-advocating mother; and attempting to hide the fact that his father, who walked out when he was six, exorcises spirits on a paranormal television show. But when Luke's estranged father unexpectedly dies, he leaves the teen with a Host of eight unhappy spirits, a set of incomprehensible notes, a locked book, and a collection of rings. With school outcast Elza Moss's help, Luke has until Halloween—just 13 days—to figure out how to use this miscellany to control or banish the Host; if he fails, the entire town will be in danger. Dark and witty, Hunt's debut novel is like an eerie episode of Ghost Hunters merged with an Edgar Wright comedic film. A well-constructed, truly unique plot and perfect pacing combine to immediately hook readers, who will be invested in Luke's fate after only a few pages. Luke and Elza are credible and convincing characters: He is funny, likable, and though inexperienced with the paranormal, he is determined. Independent and outspoken Elza shows a spark of her own humor. By the end of the book, readers will not only be cheering for the teens' survival but also hoping for a budding romance as well. VERDICT Fans of Jonathan Stroud's "Lockwood &; Co." series (Disney-Hyperion) are certain to appreciate this unusual and enjoyable title.— Maggie Mason Smith, Clemson University R. M. Cooper Library, South Carolina

Luke Manchett believes he has cashed in when his television-star father dies and leaves him a large inheritance. The catch is killer: Luke's estranged father was raising and possessing souls, and they are displeased with their continued enforced servitude. Since it's almost Halloween and their powers are heightened, they conspire to free themselves by any means necessary. Luke's best hope is Elza, a strange classmate with second sight who agrees to help him flush out the souls and rescue his possessed mother. As readers learn the true price his father paid for fame and fortune, they will eagerly follow Luke and Elza as they rip open the layers separating them from the "Deadside" and discover what it takes to put a life right again. Hunt builds suspense as the days to Halloween melt away and creates a sharp contrast between the mundane details of Luke's pedestrian school life with the fresh horror he sees as the veil between the living and the dead grows ever thinner. A solid pick for paranormal enthusiasts.