Books to read if you loved Dead Boy Detectives & School Spirits
Did you just finish binge-watching Dead Boy Detectives and/or School Spirits on Netflix? I know I did and I’m looking for some more thrilling ghostly adventures. Here are some recommendations I put together based on what you liked most:
Dead Boy Detectives Omnibus: Want to read the story that inspired the show? The original comics are gathered in an omnibus so you can follow Edwin Paine and Charles Rowland on their mysterious adventures. [I have yet to read these comics, but if they are anything like the show I bet I’ll be hooked!]
Lockwood and Co: Okay, so this middle-grade series doesn’t follow ghosts. In fact, these ghosts are pure evil. But the children who can see them and are destined to fight them have many similarities to the Dead Boy crew. Lucy Carlyle has a tenacity to rival Crystal and Lockwood himself is strikingly similar to Edwin. The mysteries they take on are as equally thrilling and haunting as those of the Dead Boy Detectives and there’s even a show on Netflix.
Say I Boo: If you love ghost mysteries and queer found family vibes, check out Say I Boo by Morgan Spellman [yes, that’s me!]. Abby Spector and her bookish best friend Lucas take up amateur paranormal investigating in this heartwarming ghosty mystery series about a young woman who helps spirits move on. Expect friendly (and not so friendly) ghosts, who-dunnit mystery, and a touch of romance.
Cemetery Boys: If you (like me) were cheering Edwin on during his gay awakening, check out Cemetery by Aiden Thomas. Follow Yadriel, a transgender Latinx teen, as he accidentally summons the spirit of a charming boy named Julian in this heartwarming and magical YA novel.
City of Ghosts: If you’re a fan of teenage human-ghost friendships, you don’t want to miss this one. Follow Cassidy Blake, a girl who can see ghosts, and her ghost bestie Jacob as they explore the haunted streets of Edinburgh in this captivating middle-grade novel filled with adventure and intrigue.
Dead Romantics: Looking for a fun romance where a human falls for a ghost? Check out the Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston. I absolutely loved this romcom-y ghost story about a writer who falls in love with the ghost of her editor. I feel like Maddie Nears would definitely enjoy this one.
School Spirits the comic book… if you can find it. Yes, the show is based on a comic book, but as of the conclusion of season 2, it hasn’t yet been released. Hopefully one day soon we can read more about the spirits who haunt Split River High. Until then, we’ll have to make do with other ghost stories (or good old reliable fanfiction).
Have another book suggestion to add to the list? I’d love to hear about it on Insta/Threads @MorganSpellmanBooks or send me an email at MorganSpellmanAuthor@gmail.com.