Summary of Ghost in the Machine, by Patrick Carman

Dive into 'Ghost in the Machine' by Patrick Carman, where haunted tech and teenage drama collide in Skeleton Creek's chilling mysteries.

Welcome back to Skeleton Creek, where the only thing scarier than the ghost stories is having to navigate teenagers talking in video logs! In the second installment, Ghost in the Machine, we're about to find out that some mysteries are better left unsolved (and some friendships better off unrecorded). Spoiler alert: It involves a lot of spooky tech shenanigans that would make even Carson Daly shiver.

So, here we go! Our reluctant heroes, Ryan and Sarah, are back and still stuck in the world of haunted towns and mysterious happenings. If you thought they'd gone back to normal life after their initial ghostly encounter, think again! Ryan's still haunted-literally and figuratively-by the experiences that nearly scared his pants off the last time.

The narrative picks up with Ryan still documenting his findings about the oddities of Skeleton Creek, and let's just say, if Ryan had a dollar for every danger he walks into while filming. well, he'd still be broke because, spoilers: he doesn't learn! In Ghost in the Machine, Ryan's about to discover that his town is crammed with more ghosts than a teenager's social media feed.

As technology becomes our nemesis, ghosts start to mess with the very machines meant to keep us safe. These spirits are not just floating around aimlessly; they have a purpose and a grudge! Ryan and Sarah, in their typical Kapow! fashion, decide that the best way to deal with supernatural forces is, of course, to webcam their experiences. Because what's a good scare without a little audience participation, right?

Through a series of eerie video logs and increasingly creepy encounters, our heroes find themselves piecing together a chilling puzzle. The stakes rise as they balance teenage melodrama with actual life-threatening situations. Nothing says "best friends" like almost getting killed by a ghost because your BFF dared you to explore a creepy old machine shed!

What's the mystery buried deep within the town's history? Who's the ghost causing all the ruckus? And how many times can Ryan and Sarah possibly be in grave danger before they start using their indoor voices? Spoiler: A lot. Just remember, the ghosts are not the only ones hiding in the shadows; the truth about Skeleton Creek is lurking, too.

Through twists, turns, and some seriously corny graphics (Thanks, 2016!), Ghost in the Machine wraps up with revelations and maybe a few too many unresolved questions that will set your heart racing-no, seriously, if you have a heart condition, maybe skip this one.

In conclusion, Patrick Carman not only gives readers suspense but also delivers a masterclass in how to keep teens glued to their screens-and you thought your parents worried about your screen time! If you love ghosts, gadgets, and some good, old-fashioned teenage angst, this book will haunt you (in a good way, of course). Now grab your own video camera, and let's hope you're not the next target of the ghost in the machine!

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.