Absolutely amazing spooky middle grade! Fans of RL Stine will love this story. Lawrence’s books are always dependable for spooky tales either just enough scared that also provide strong themes of friendship and family relationships. Definitely one of the top MGs I read this year. Highly recommend!

E-ARC provided via NetGalley and ABRAMS Kids publishers.
All thoughts and opinions are my own in exchange for an honest review.


I have read Lorien Lawrence entire Fright Watch collection, i went into this book expecting to love it whilst being thoroughly creeped out, what i didn’t expect was to stumble upon my favourite Middle Grade book of 2024.
Everything about this book drew me in, from the overly angsty teenage drama emotions, to the overly invested YouTube mother , to the spooky stuff.
The relationship bonds and drama felt to real and tangible it felt like this kind of things could be happening in real life (even though Ghost Hunting isn’t real) the tension between the twins i think is something everyone with a sibling and overbearing parent can relate to.
The mother i wanted to slap over the face with one of her EMF meters as the way she treated her kids was just infuriating.

The growth all the characters had was fantastic and made the book that extra special.

I feel like there are some books out there that would be better as a tv show. This is one of those i feel should be made into a Netflix movie (think goosebumps) as honestly I think it would be amazing to see it on screen as I imagined it in my head

Thank you to Lorien and Abrams Kids/Amulet Books for sharing the ARC through NetGalley.

I absolutely loved this book! The Many Hauntings of the Manning Family by Lorien Lawrence is a captivating middle-grade supernatural tale that blends mystery, adventure, and a touch of spookiness. The story follows the Manning family, 13 year old twins Trent and Gabby, and their mother. The twins have inherited their grandparents' "gifts" to help ghosts find peace (or to send demons away). These teen paranormal investigators are trying to live up to their family name, pushed by their social media obsessed mother, while trying to balance middle school.

Gabby is over it! She just wants to be able to hang with her friends and play soccer. She is so annoyed that her mother won't support her playing on the soccer team and even more annoyed that her brother is just so passive about everything their mother wants to do for their social media channel.

Trent is trying to find his voice and where he fits into everything. While once Gabby shared everything with him, he feels her pulling away. He just wants to keep the peace with his mother, so he agrees to whatever she asks of him, to the annoyance of Gabby.

Gabby decides she wants to stop, but commits to one last haunt at the abandoned Majestic Theater. The Majestic infamy stems from the Manning's grandparents failed exorcism, which the twins mom is trying to prove the twins can succeed where her parents failed. But what really happened there? What exactly is haunting the Majestic? Can two teens really succeed in doing something that terrified their grandparents?

Lawrence skillfully creates a suspenseful atmosphere while grounding the story in family dynamics and personal growth. Gabby and Trent's journey's of courage, self-discovery, and trust adds an emotional depth to the supernatural elements, making the book more than just a ghost story. The pacing is engaging, and the characters are well-developed, with a strong sense of heart.

With its mix of eerie moments and relatable family struggles, The Many Hauntings of the Manning Family is a delightful and thrilling read for young readers, perfect for those who enjoy a good mystery with a supernatural twist. Perfect mix of RL Stine and Supernatural for middle grade readers.

#TheManyHauntingsoftheManningsFamily #NetGalley