A Haunting Past By: Heather Beck Series: The Horror Diaries Book Number: 2 Star Rating:

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Synopsis

During a school field trip to a Native American conservation park, Truce Hamilton encounters the vengeful spirit of Bear, the native for whom the park was built to honor. Bear seems to be out to kill Truce, because he shares the name of an ancient enemy, but a disembodied voice comes to Truce's rescue.

Review

Somehow this story, with its talking skull, possessed mannequin, and a vengeful spirit that keeps mis-hearing names struck me as more funny than creepy or scary. In some ways, it reminded me of an episode of Scooby-Doo. However, the fact that A Haunting Past seemed kind of silly to me might just be because I'm a grown-up. I can see how kids, especially more sensitive ones, might truly find it frightening, since Truce, the main character is being chased by a ghost with murder on its mind. I have to say that I agreed with the girl who got herself punished for wondering out loud why they would build a conservation park dedicated to a man who'd caused so much destruction and wish that point had been explained a little better. I also would have liked to have seen a little more of Truce's relationship with his brother, and perhaps an admission from Truce that he understood where Colby was coming from after his experience at the park. Overall though, A Haunting Past was a decent story that should entertain kids, even if I did spent most of it smiling. A Haunting Past can be purchased as a separate e-book and can also be found in the Haunted anthology.

Note:  I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my review.

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Heather Beck