City of the Dead (The Haunting of Derek Stone #1)

City of the Dead (The Haunting of Derek Stone #1)
Author(s)
Publisher
Genre(s)
Age Range
10+
Release Date
January 01, 2009
ISBN
0545034299
Buy This Book
     

Tony Abbott combines the best of the action, suspense, and humor that has made DROON a hit for almost a decade -- and takes it to the next level in this spooky new middle grade series.

Could the road to the afterlife be a two-way street?

Derek Stone just turned fourteen. He's lived in the heart of New Orleans with his dad and older brother, Ronny, his whole life. He's a little overweight. He can't hear well out of his left ear.

Oh, and he's on the run from the dead.

Derek never imagined that the dead could be anything but dead. But there's no denying it. They're back -- and they're after him.

He just doesn't know why.

And he doesn't have long to figure it out.

Tony Abbott combines the best of the action, suspense, and humor that has made DROON a hit for almost a decade -- and takes it to the next level in this spooky new middle grade series.

Could the road to the afterlife be a two-way street?

Derek Stone just turned fourteen. He's lived in the heart of New Orleans with his dad and older brother, Ronny, his whole life. He's a little overweight. He can't hear well out of his left ear.

Oh, and he's on the run from the dead.

Derek never imagined that the dead could be anything but dead. But there's no denying it. They're back -- and they're after him.

He just doesn't know why.

And he doesn't have long to figure it out.

Editor reviews

2 reviews
Sometimes the dead don't leave
(Updated: June 10, 2026)
Overall rating
 
3.0
Plot
 
3.0
Characters
 
N/A
Writing Style
 
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A


New Orleans is filled with ghost stories.  But fourteen-year-old Derek Stone thought they were just thatstories.  Nothing more.



One day Derek decides to go with his older brother Ronny and father to a TrainMania convention. Hes not too excited about the trip. Vintage trains are so boring. On the way home a terrible accident happens.  Though Derek survives, both his brother and father go missing.  Then a few months later his brother shows up.  But something is different about him.  Could it be possible that he might not be his brother after all?  Derek also hears strange voices.  One day he follows Ronny and what he finds out will shock him.  Maybe the dead arent that far from us after all.




This is a fast-paced paranormal sure to appeal to younger readers.  The whole idea that that bright white light might not be so welcoming is interesting.  So is the truth of what happened on that fateful day.  The author leaves unanswered questions that lead to the second book Bayou Dogs.  The only thing I wished is that the author had addressed more on the  rip in the fabric between the afterlife and our world.  And what exactly happens to the host bodies that the dead occupy?  Still, this book is engaging and is sure to get readers to want to know more of what will happen to Derek on his quest to find out the truth.

Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 8 4

User reviews

There are no user reviews for this listing.
Already have an account? or Create an account