The Haunted House on Hollow Hill
by Derek Landy
HarperCollins Children's Books 2025
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.4 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- supernatural mystery
- teamwork and trust
- courage under pressure
- good vs. evil
- truth and deception
- survival
- justice
- dark humor
About this book
On a storm-lashed night, two young journalists arrive at Britain’s infamous Hollow Hotel to interview a celebrity magician—only to stumble into a chilling murder with real magic at work. As the killer picks off guests and the exits are cut off, a pair of familiar Irish detectives—Skulduggery Pleasant and Valkyrie Cain—step in to untangle the clues. Fast, funny, and frightening, this locked-room supernatural mystery blends razor-sharp banter with twisty whodunit thrills. Perfect for confident readers who like creepy atmospheres, clever puzzles, and heroes who keep their cool when things get spooky.
Setting: a storm-besieged haunted hotel in Britain, present day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Haunted House on Hollow Hill right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Haunted House on Hollow Hill. The reading level is AR 5.4, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include supernatural mystery, teamwork and trust, courage under pressure.
How long does it take to read The Haunted House on Hollow Hill?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Haunted House on Hollow Hill takes around 8.9h to finish. The book has 88,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Haunted House on Hollow Hill have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Haunted House on Hollow Hill has an AR quiz available, worth 13 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is The Haunted House on Hollow Hill?
The Haunted House on Hollow Hill has an AR reading level of 5.4, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.