Welcome to Edinburgh Castle, an ancient fortification rumored to have more than a few ghostly residents. This entry in the Eerie Expeditions around the World (6 titles) series whisks readers to the titular Scottish fortress, dramatically describing it as the “most haunted place in Scotland.” After a brief history lesson about the castle, a roster of creepy characters gets its time to shine. There are ominous tales of a headless drummer boy, the restless spirit of a woman burned for witchcraft, and a ghost that can be smelled as well as seen, among other stories. Splashy photos and dramatic fonts create a wonderfully eerie atmosphere, and helpful back matter includes a detailed time line, a glossary, and further reading. The eerie subject matter is sure to enthrall any young reader who dares to dig in.

Intrepid “travelers” will enjoy this spooky, well-written series that’s respectful of readers’ intelligence and is accessible to striving readers. Short, clipped sentences heighten tension, and each page contains a self-contained anecdote, rather than a traditional chapter organization. Some reports/stories are debunked where they’re known to be false. Historical background, including dates and atmospheric photos and illustrations, as well as paintings of alleged ghosts, put facts in context. Some of the famous names mentioned may not resonate with young readers. Overall, the series does a fine job piquing the audience’s interest and ramps up the eeriness factor effectively. The Gettysburg title reminds readers that visitors to the haunted site must remain respectful, as it’s a celebrated battlefield memorial. “Spooky Stories” sidebars provide additional facts and background information, and provocative questions. Back matter includes a timeline, a glossary, an index, and additional resources. VERDICT Fascinating; recommended for schools and public collections.