Book Review: TOMBSTONES Series

by | Jun 12, 2026 | Book Reviews, Reviews, The Horror Review News | 0 comments

Tombstones Series—The First Five Books
Screamin’ Calhoun
Independently published
Reviewed by Carson Buckingham

This series is simply a delight for horror fans of all ages, though the books are considered middle-grade. The protagonists are kids aged 8-13, and I enjoyed them immensely. The author deftly handles what being a middle-grade kid is like, and even brought back some memories of that time for me. They are beautifully written, and will get even the most recalcitrant reader engaged. Other than R. L. Stein, there isn’t too much available in the horror genre for kids, and this is definitely horror that even gave me a chill or two. What a great way to get kids to read! There is even a cautionary note on the Copyright page: “Living in constant fear and loss of sleep is intended by the author.” Gotta love it.

But on to the books. Here’s what you get:

Ant Farm—Book 1

Eleven-year-old Matt is a loner who is bullied and doesn’t fit in anywhere. On his birthday, his grandma gives him an ant farm. Now he finally has a world that he can control, but when his little sister feeds them Pop Rocks, the control doesn’t last long, and Matt has a huge problem on his hands.

The Graves—Book 2

Katie, age 12, and her two younger brothers have moved to a rural area from the suburbs, and Katie hates it until she discovers two tombstones in her new backyard. Being a history buff, she resolves to research the story behind them. But Katie and her new friend Lauren don’t find out much about the graves until a 95-year-old neighbor finally comes out of his spooky, boarded-up house across the street and fills them in about the horrific thing that happened in 1910…and could happen again…especially with what Katie’s younger brothers find in the woods.

The Rowan Tree—Book 3

PART ONE–Eight-year-old Tanner has a very strange one-year-old brother. Devlin spells things with his blocks, can do things far advanced for his age, and really doesn’t like Tanner too much. And he doesn’t like his parents paying any attention to Tanner at all. It makes him angry, so he tries to kill them, but ends up dead instead, a victim of demonic possession. The family buries the baby in the backyard, plants a Rowan tree above him, then moves away. The house is empty for the next 40 years.

PART TWO—New residents: The house was left to the parents of Max,13; Daisy, 8; and Sam the dog. After the first night, supernatural events begin to occur and seem to involve the huge Rowan tree in their yard. Rowans are said to offer protection against evil spirits as long as no harm comes to the tree. But Max does harm it, resulting in a horrific metamorphosis.

Agoraphobia—Book 4

Christian, age 12,  is a misfit who has lots of phobias:  fear of daylight (phenogophobia), fear of open spaces (agoraphobia), and fear of mirrors (eisoptrophobia). The town in which they live is populated by very old people. When his parents take him to register for school, they discover that all the students have Christian’s problems, so he will fit right in. But his Biology teacher sets terrifying events in motion that severely and permanently transform Christian’s life.

The Haunted Doll House—Book 5

A desperate, childless couple visit an old lady who claims to have the answer to their problem, but there are some pretty bizarre conditions that go with this solution—starting with a doll house that is an exact replica of the couple’s home. But the doll house has some eerie powers, and the old lady is not what she seems.

I can’t recommend these books more highly, and, if you have reluctant readers, you couldn’t do them a bigger favor than purchasing this entire set for them. And what kid wouldn’t love an author called Screamin’ Calhoun? Plus, the scary artwork by Kat Powell of Lubbock, Texas, can’t be beat, either.

5 out of 5 stars.

About Carson Buckingham

Professionally, Carson Buckingham has made her way in life doing all manner of things, most of which involve arson. She is currently employed as a freelance writer on a work release program. In her spare time, she studies forensics, in hopes of applying her new knowledge to eluding the authorities more effectively the next time. She is originally from Connecticut, but now resides in Kentucky—and Connecticut is glad to be rid of her.

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