logo

46 pages 1 hour read

Skeleton Creek

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2009

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Patrick Carman

Skeleton Creek

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2009
Book Details
Pages

187

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Oregon • 2000s

Publication Year

2009

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In Skeleton Creek, 15-year-old Ryan McCray is housebound after an accident and communicates secretly with his friend Sarah Fincher to investigate the eerie history of their town, uncovering secrets about a ghost and a secret society. Their findings, documented in Ryan's journal and Sarah's video diaries, lead them into deeper danger as they uncover a web of mysteries surrounding Skeleton Creek.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Dark

Unnerving

Gritty

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carman successfully blends traditional book reading with multimedia elements, creating an engaging and interactive reading experience. While praised for its innovative format and compelling mystery, some readers felt the story's pacing could be slow at times. Overall, it is a unique and engaging read, particularly appealing to young adults and fans of mixed-media storytelling.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Skeleton Creek?

Readers who enjoy Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carman are typically teens drawn to mystery, suspense, and multimedia experiences. They might also like R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series for its spooky elements or the interactive elements of Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. Perfect for fans of engaging, multimedia storytelling.

Character List

Ryan McCray

Ryan, a 15-year-old writer and journal keeper, is the protagonist and narrator, entangled in a mysterious investigation with his friend Sarah. His introspective nature and focus on writing drive the narrative, blending print and digital storytelling.

Sarah, also 15, creates video diaries that complement Ryan's written account, leading their exploration into the town's secrets. Her fearless and determined character contrasts with Ryan's caution and introspection.

Ryan’s father serves as a representation of parental authority and caution, often attempting to separate Ryan from Sarah. His emotionally distant relationship with Ryan and mysterious activities hint at deeper connections to the town's secrets.

Gladys, the local librarian, embodies the trope of the uncooperative keeper of information. Her distrust of new media and stern demeanor make her a potential obstacle in Ryan and Sarah’s investigation.

The ghost of Joe Bush is central to the unfolding mystery and rumored crimes at the Dredge. His spectral presence and the history surrounding his death cast a shadow over Ryan and Sarah's investigation.

Henry is Paul McCray’s jovial friend and former company employee, trusted by Ryan for his friendly demeanor. He becomes an important figure in the unraveling mystery of Skeleton Creek, with ties to Ryan and Sarah’s quest.

Book Details
Pages

187

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Oregon • 2000s

Publication Year

2009

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.