Skeleton Creek

“Skeleton’s Creek – Ryan’s Journal” is the first book in a new series by author Patrick Carman. Carman has already experimented with New Media in his Atherton series and, once again, he returns to the format with this new book and series which is, ostensibly, a kind of ghost story – with a secret society thrown into the overall mystery. Taking into account that this book is aimed at adolescents, the results are almost entirely positive with Carman weaving a successfully creepy and suspenseful tale, while taking advantage of the internet to augment his story. To be fair, Skeleton Creek isn’t nearly as immersive as primarily web-based series such as Gemini Division or After Judgment, but the fact that Carman is cognizant enough to take advantage of this new media to help tell his story is certainly a benefit.

Book 2 – Ghost In The Machine: B+

Patrick Carman’s innovative Skeleton Creek series concludes with its second book, titled Ghost In The Machine — a story which picks up from the suspenseful cliffhanger from the first book. Readers will find that the experience of the second book is very familiar to its predecessor. And, likewise, the story is just as successful – making good use of the established mystery elements. It’s possible that some readers may find the solution a bit too simple or straightforward, but I’m not afraid to admit, the ending was a surprise to me.