The Crossroads.

Adult mystery author and screenwriter Grabenstein’s first book for young readers is a murderous ghost story. Myers ably straddles the line between satisfying safe chills and sleeplessness by keeping her tones light while imbuing the malevolent characters with a touch of evil. Younger listeners will identify with the youthful characterization of 11-year-old Zack, while older kids will appreciate the fast pace, which heightens creepy suspense as two boys unravel the mystery of a 50-year-old crime that occurred at the crossroads behind Zack’s Connecticut home. Myers’ deft changes between individual voices, controlled use of sound levels, and unobtrusive insertion of chapter headings and attributives create an audio that matches radio-drama excitement. This fine production retains the atmosphere of a classic campfire ghost tale and is a surefire bet to satisfy repeated requests for “something scary.”