Ghoulia and the Sunken Secret (Book #5)

4.3

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Author(s)

Barbara Cantini

Publisher

Harry N. Abrams

Genre(s)

Supernatural - zombies

Age Range

Release Date

September 30, 2025

ISBN

978-1419783845

Buy This Book

Everyone’s favorite little zombie girl is back in the fifth book of this ghoulishly good Tim Burton–inspired early chapter book, a great fit for fans of Netflix’s Wednesday and all readers who enjoy a mix of humor, adventure, and a touch of the macabre!

Halloween is approaching which means it’s time for the annual parade! Between carving pumpkins and enjoying fresh pumpkin juice, Ghoulia and her friends realize they need to find the perfect costume.

While rummaging through the attic for hats, masks, and capes, they stumble upon an old memory box. Inside are trinkets, old photographs, and a faded postcard—from Ghoulia’s parents! They embarked on a voyage long ago but never returned from their trip. Where could they have possibly ended up?

It’s time to put on some sleuthing gear; finding out will require detective skills and a lot of imagination! With the help of her faithful dog Tragedy, cousin Dilbert, and all her friends, Ghoulia sets on a journey to crack open the titanic mystery of her parents’ whereabouts . . . before the trail gets too cold!

Ghoulia and friends return in the fifth book of this fun, full-color chapter book series, starring everyone’s favorite, not-so-scary zombie.

Editor review

1 review

Illustrations to Die For

December 12, 2025 (Updated: June 30, 2026)

Overall rating

4.3

Plot

4.0

Characters

4.0

Writing Style

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

5.0

Ghoulia and the Sunken Secret is the fifth book of the series. It is a good choice for fans who like a slightly creepy read with alot of heart. It reminded me of the Addams family with a bit of illustrative flair like Geronimo Stilton. The illustrations are the main draw of the story. They have so many fun details that it would take multiple readings to see them all. I like the little side comments in the illustrations that contribute to the levity of the story. The text is a bit dense and complex so it is better for slightly older elementary readers that are ready for chapter books and can handle longer words like 'dissipated' and 'expertise' although the content is gentle enough that a younger child would enjoy it as a read aloud. Overall, this book can be read as a standalone and still understand the story although I am sure if you read from the beginning and understood the relationship and background of the various characters you would enjoy it more.