What’s a character without motivation? Even if that character is dead, they need a reason to be in the scene. In my novel Ghost Tamer, one of the ghosts tells the main character, “Everyone who dies had plans, Raely.” Whether it’s revenge, righting an injustice, or protecting a loved one, unfinished business is a common reason for a soul to linger after death. In Ghost Tamer, not all ghosts are aware of what exactly holds them back, and some even actively choose not to move on, leaving Raely to deal with the ones she cannot ignore. Here’s a collection of unfinished business stories both long and short, creepy and slightly campy. Pick your favorite or try them all!
The Mediator series, by Meg Cabot
The first novel was originally published in 2000, so if you love a nostalgic YA series, this one’s for you with six books in total, plus a novella. (The first few are published under her pseudonym Jenny Carrol.) Unfinished business is the primary reason that all ghosts run across the main character, teenage Suze Simon, and most of them won’t leave her alone until she helps them cross over. Goodreads reviewers can’t get enough of how fun this YA series is even after all these years.
How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
Extra creep factor for haunted puppets, dolls, and yes, even taxidermy creatures. Main character Louise Joyner has a difficult relationship with her brother Mark, but they have to work together to get their recently deceased parents’ house sold, although the house may have other ideas. You’ll have to trust me that unfinished business abounds so that I don’t spoil the read for you. It’s best to go in without knowing too much.
The Retired Witches Mystery series by Joyce Lavene
What could be better for spooky season than a ghost-witch combo? I love the delightful addition of witch familiars as cats who were humans in a previous life. This coven of witches was just getting prepped for retirement when one of them dies. Olivia won’t move on, however, as her unfinished business involves helping her coven achieve their goals. A fabulous fall cozy series.
Sometimes They Come Back by Stephen King
Perhaps you don’t want to delve wholly into an entire series but would enjoy a nice evening of fright. In this short story by Stephen King, main character Jim is haunted by three psychotic bullies who died in an accident in their youth before they were able to kill him as a boy. Years later the body count increases as people in Jim’s life become collateral while the ghostly bullies make their way to Jim.
Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn
Although it’s YA, this is classic ‘80s YA that has been reprinted several times and some parents have even tried to ban it from school libraries. This story has everything: classic step-sibling rivalry, family who moves out to the country into a converted church attached to a graveyard, and of course a creepy child ghost with major unfinished business and pied piper tendencies utilizing the nearby pond.
The Turn of the Screw by Henry James
Let’s go full on classic with this 1898 horror novella made all the more creepy by its myriad of potential interpretations. We have a classic unreliable narrator in our unnamed governess as well as disturbing happenings with children influenced by the ghosts of her predecessors. Are these malevolent ghosts with unfinished business? Or are they the murderous hallucinations of an insane governess? Either way, you’re in for a nail biting read.
Whether you want to delve into a series, relax for an evening, give yourself nightmares, or just enjoy a fun, nostalgic spook-vibe, may your fall reading list be packed with spooky delights.
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