How scary are the ghosts in this book?

It's on par with Goosebumps or Small Spaces. There's a vengeful spirit and some tense moments in a crypt, but it's written for 8- to 12-year-olds, so it focuses more on mystery than gore.

Is the 'Chase Vault' a real place?

Yes, it's a real location in Barbados famous for a legend about lead coffins moving around inside a sealed vault. The book uses this real-world mystery as its central setting.

How does it handle the topic of slavery?

The book addresses it directly as the source of the haunting. It explains the cruelty of the colonial past in a way that is age-appropriate but doesn't sugarcoat the injustice.

Is this part of a series?

As of its 2026 release, it is a standalone novel, though the world-building is rich enough that readers will likely want more from this author.

Here Lies a Ghost – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Here Lies a Ghost

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2026Juvenile Fiction

91%

WISE Score

A middle-school science nerd gets locked in a haunted Barbados crypt and accidentally brings home a ghost with a 200-year-old grudge.

Here Lies a Ghost

book

2026, Juvenile Fiction

91%

WISE Score

A middle-school science nerd gets locked in a haunted Barbados crypt and accidentally brings home a ghost with a 200-year-old grudge.

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Screenwise Verdict

Shakirah Bourne is carving out a fantastic niche in spooky middle-grade fiction that actually has something to say. This isn't just a jump-scare factory; it's a thoughtful look at what happens when the desire to be popular collides with your actual conscience.

If your kid is into Small Spaces or Root Magic, this will be a hit. It handles the transition from wanting to fit in to doing the right thing with a lot of heart and zero condescension.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 8-12 middle-grade crowd. It's got enough 'scary' to satisfy horror fans but keeps the focus on friendship and history.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Strong focus on the value of authentic friendship over the hollow protection of 'cool' cliques, alongside a protagonist who embraces his love for science.

Imaginative

Uses real-world Barbadian mystery (the Chase Vault) as a springboard for a supernatural mystery, blending geology and history into the plot.

Safe

Standard middle-grade spooky fare; includes scenes of being locked in a crypt and a vengeful spirit, but remains within the bounds of juvenile fiction.

Enriching

Exceptional integration of Caribbean history and the legacy of colonialism, teaching kids to look beneath the surface of local lore to find the human truth.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Caribbean Gothic vibes that feel fresh and grounded in real Barbados lore like the notorious Chase Vault.
Science-forward protagonist who actually loves geology, making him a relatable outsider for kids who have 'uncool' hobbies.
Historical depth that explores the island's colonial past while keeping the spooky momentum going.

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What to Watch For

Spooky intensity involving a vengeful spirit and a locked crypt that might be a bit much for very sensitive or younger readers.
Historical trauma regarding the cruelty of enslavers is the root of the haunting and a major part of the mystery.

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Jermaine was so desperate to join the Turbo Jets even though they were mean to him?"
"If you found a ghost who was looking for justice, would you be brave enough to help them like Jermaine and Brody did?"
"What did you learn about the history of Barbados that surprised you?"
"Why is it sometimes harder to be friends with an 'outsider' than to follow the crowd?"

Deep Dive

Middle grade horror is having a moment, and Here Lies a Ghost is a prime example of why. Shakirah Bourne uses the 'haunted vault' trope to crack open some pretty heavy conversations about Barbadian history and the lasting scars of colonialism. It’s a smart move—kids come for the ghosts and stay for the justice.

The protagonist, Jermaine, is a great anchor. He’s not a fearless hero; he’s a kid who’s been bullied and is desperate for the protection of the 'Turbo Jets,' the school’s elite clique. The hazing ritual at the Chase Vault—a real-life Barbados mystery involving moving coffins—is the catalyst for a story about choosing the right friends over the 'cool' ones.

Parents should know that while it’s a Scholastic title, it doesn't pull punches on the history of the vault's original occupant, described as a cruel enslaver. It’s enriching because it ties the supernatural scares to real-world historical consequences. It’s a perfect pick for a kid who wants a 'scary' book that actually feels like it matters.

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