Book Review: X Marks The Haunt by Lindsay Currie

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X Marks The Haunt  by Lindsay Currie is a chilling middle grade horror novel that begins with Will Stone conducting genealogy research at Graceland Cemetery, where his mother works. When an old crypt key goes missing, it unleashes a sinister force within the cemetery, draining the lake and slowly sucking the life from the surrounding trees. As the eerie presence grows stronger, Will and his friends must rely on his unique knowledge and investigative skills to uncover the truth and put a stop to the dangerous energy wreaking havoc before it consumes everything in its path. I'd like to thank NetGalley, Random House Children's Books, and Delacorte Press for approving my request for an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of X Marks The Haunt  by Lindsay Currie. All I knew about the novel before I read it was that it was a children's horror book, and I loved the cover! I received a digital copy for free in exchange for my honest review. First and foremost, the story was exceptionally a...
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Book Review: The Photographer II, The Dark Room by Barbara Steiner

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Young Adult Horror Book Series Barbara Steiner
The Photographer II: The Dark Room by Barbara Steiner is a gripping sequel that picks up right where the first book leaves off. Derrick is now living in a new town under an assumed name, attempting to blend in while hiding his dark past. He’s opened a photography studio, presenting himself as a harmless professional, but readers quickly learn that he has developed some disturbing new tricks along the way. As his story unfolds, the tension builds around one central question: will Derrick finally get away with murder, or will his carefully constructed life begin to unravel?

I typically find myself disappointed by sequels, as they often fail to capture the intensity or originality of the first installment. That was not the case here. Barbara Steiner truly outdid herself with this follow-up, and I ended up enjoying it even more than the original book. There are strong V.C. Andrews style vibes throughout the story, which add a dark, unsettling edge and give the plot an extra layer of intrigue. Those gothic undertones pair well with the sci-fi elements carried over from the first book, creating a unique blend of psychological suspense and speculative twists.

Horror Book Series for Tweens and Teens Barbara Steiner
The character development felt stronger this time around, making it easier to connect with the story while simultaneously feeling repelled by Derrick’s actions. In fact, I somehow managed to dislike Derrick even more than before, which speaks to how effectively he’s written as a deeply disturbing protagonist. The plot also felt more believable overall, aside from the obvious sci-fi aspects. Though if you’ve read the first book, you’ll know exactly what to expect on that front.

The Photographer II:  The Dark Room by Barbara Steiner delivers a darker, more engaging continuation of the story, with heightened tension, stronger characters, and an atmosphere that keeps you turning pages. I ultimately gave this book five out of five stars and would recommend it to readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with a touch of sci-fi and a villain you love to hate.

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