Hangman

This new Foul Play supernatural/mystery series will doubtless render readers wide-eyed and goose-pimpled. In the first book, the ghost of Zack, a boy killed 200 years earlier (``he hadn't slept in two hundred years, either''), haunts the minds of the children next door. This enticing mystery combines action, suspense and chilling touches, culminating in an eerie conclusion. The second title, in which an escaped mental patient stalks three girls on a stormy night, is simply a horror story, not unlike the Friday the 13th movies. These spooky yarns have their horrific moments: for example, a child is murdered, a dog is hung and, in both tales, a harmless game becomes a deadly sport. Middle readers may well find these details disturbing; in fact, the stories seem much more appropriate for older readers--perhaps future titles will feature more mature protagonists to engage that audience. However, daring middle readers devoted to thrills and chills might enjoy these tales without trepidation. Ages 8-12. (Oct.)