Charis Cotter
Loves
Ghosts
The Mystery of the Haunted Dance Hall
Now out in Paperback
A remote summer camp
A baffling mystery
Ghosts
(of course, ghosts!)
Finalist
* Ann Connor Brimer Award for Atlantic Canadian Children’s Literature (Atlantic Book Awards)
* Crime Writers of Canada Awards of Excellence, Best Juvenile/YA Crime Book
* Snow Willow Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice Award 2026
What the critics say
"A ghostly mystery steeped in birdsong and fairy-tale magic."
--Kirkus Starred Review
"An enchanting meld of ghostly magic, inspiration from a beloved fairy tale, the otherworldly rituals of summer camp, and the thrills of an adolescent summer spent in nature."
--Kirkus Starred Review
“Lush prose, strong characterizations, and a foreboding tone combine for an immersive read that ramps up the chills”
-- Mahnaz Dar, Spellbinding Summer Reads, Kirkus
"Steady pacing and elegant prose combine to craft a warmly bewitching tale about young love and heartache."
--Publishers Weekly Starred Review
"Her writing is ethereal and evocative, evoking the dangers and glittering possibilities of summer nights away from home."
--Kirkus Starred Review
Read more about The Mystery of the Haunted Dance Hall here
Paul Butler’s Podcast, A Fear Beyond Fear
Shifting Trees and Endless Forests:
Charis Cotter's Mystery of the Haunted Dance Hall
Listen to interview here
Video Interview with the Author
Here's an interview with writer Vanessa Shields where we talk about my inspiration for The Mystery of the Haunted Dance Hall, summer camp, ghosts and just how many drafts I wrote before I was happy. We were interrupted once by dogs and twice by whales. Thank you Vanessa!
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