When it comes to mystery and ghost thriller books, you can’t beath the spine-chilling suspense, eerie atmospheres, and unpredictable twists. They are some of my favorites books to read going back to my early childhood years. These genres tap into our fascination with the unknown, blending psychological intrigue with supernatural elements to keep us on edge. The tension of solving a mystery, combined with the fear of the unseen, creates a gripping reading experience.

Ghost thrillers, in particular, evoke emotions ranging from curiosity to dread, making us question reality and the afterlife. Whether unraveling a whodunit or encountering restless spirits, these stories provide an adrenaline rush, immersing readers in dark, haunting worlds where every shadow holds a secret.

In today’s ever changing marketing landscape, interactive book marketing can create buzz and engage readers in exciting, immersive ways. Hosting contests where winners spend a night in a haunted house is a thrilling way to promote mystery and ghost thriller books, offering fans a real-life spooky experience. It can turn readers into active participants, making the book launch a memorable adventure rather than just a release.

Do you love challenging contests and haunted houses? If so, then this contest is just for you. J.D. Barker, the New Your Times and international best-selling author is offering readers the chance to spend the night in a real haunted house as part of the promotion for his new novel “Something I Keep Upstairs.” The story centers around 17 year old Billy Hasler and his best friend David Spivey who are out to spend their final summer before college in the New Hampshire house that Billy has inherited. What could possibly go wrong? The novel is inspired by an abandoned house in Wood Island and the lucky winner will be spending 24 hours in this house, which is rumored to be haunted. (J.D. Barker, 2025)

On June 13 one name will be drawn and the winner, along with 3 of his/her closest friends, will get this once in a lifetime opportunity. They will meet in Kittery Point, Maine and then be transported by boat to the island and the house. Once the boat leaves, it will not be back until 24 hours later. Can you survive the night? Find out more about the contest and click here to enter.

“Something I Keep Upstairs” will be released on May 13, 2025 and is available for pre-order now.

For a haunted house to be born, somebody has to die.

In the sleepy coastal town of New Castle, New Hampshire, seventeen-year-old Billy Hasler’s life is about to take a terrifying turn. When his best friend David Spivey inherits a mysterious house on a nearby island, it seems like the perfect place to spend their final summer before heading off to college. No parents. No police. No responsibilities. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

As they dig into the island’s dark past, they awaken an ancient evil that has influenced generations. What begins as an innocent summer adventure quickly descends into a nightmare.

“Something I Keep Upstairs” is a haunting exploration of friendship, sacrifice, and the darkness lurking just beyond our understanding.