Bored with trick-or-treating, three friends venture into the woods on Halloween night to hunt for the haunted McBride House in this spine-tingling horror story from Phil Hickes. If you go down to the woods today, you’re in for a nasty surprise … Seeking creepy thrills instead of candy, Cody and his friends set out on Halloween to search for the ruins of the haunted McBride House in the woods near his home in Oregon. The house has taken on a sinister legendary status after it burned down a hundred years ago with tragic consequences, and it’s said that the ghosts of the family who lived there return each year on the last day of October.

But when they find the house, the truth of what is happening on this eerie autumn night is more terrifying than the three teenagers could ever have imagined … Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8.

• Author: Phil Hickes
• Illustrator: Oriol Vidal
• Publisher: Barrington Stoke
• ISBN: 978‑0‑00‑874851‑7
• Publication date: 9 October 2025
• Dimensions: approx. 129 × 198 mm
• Interest age: 9+; Reading age: ~8 (suitable for older children and younger teens who may need support)
• Genre: Middle‑grade horror/adventure — explores ghosts, thrill, legend and friendship.
• Accessible layout: Designed with generous spacing and supportive design for readers who may find standard texts daunting.

FAQs

Q1. Is this book suitable for readers with dyslexia?

Yes — it is published by Barrington Stoke, a specialist imprint known for dyslexia‑friendly editions. The layout and age‑appropriate design make it particularly suitable for readers who need extra reading support.

Q2. What age is this book aimed at?

The interest age is 9 years and older (e.g., upper primary and early secondary), and the reading age is around 8 — making it suitable for learners who read below their chronological age.

Q3. What is the story about?

The story follows three friends who, instead of candy‑collecting on Halloween, go into the woods to find the haunted McBride House. What begins as a thrill‑seeking adventure becomes a terrifying discovery of legends, ghosts and a fire’s legacy.

Q4. Could this book work in schools or reading‑intervention settings?

Definitely. With its manageable length (~100 pages), horror theme that engages older children, and accessible format, it is excellent for intervention groups, library sets or reluctant readers who need a boost.

Q5. Is the horror too scary for younger children?

The story is intended for readers aged 9+ and focuses on spooky atmosphere and tension rather than graphic horror. However, as with any horror title, we recommend checking whether the child is comfortable with ghost‑stories and suspense.