Scott Neumyer

I received this book from smashwords hoping for an early review. (sorry it's not as early as I like) and this review appears on my Goodreads page (it was there first)...

Jimmy Stone's Ghost Town had some good ideas, and I really wanted to like it, but there were too many incongruities to make it pleasurable to read. The Point of view was in first person for a 10 year old boy, yet the vocabulary and thought processes written for Jimmy are that of a much older adolescent or even an adult. This I think was the biggest flaw...it is hard to imagine yourself in the mind of a 10 year old (and Yes I still remember many of my thoughts and actions and frustrations of that period) with the languages and word usage it is difficult to focus on the stories and events. Another major flaw with this books, is that Mr. Neumyer could not seem to decided which audience this books is for, for the Young reader or the Adult reader. The language issues, made it difficult for me to remain "in" the story.

I think that the "quests" need a bit more background. This lack of background makes you less interested in the book...and makes them seem superfluous and without thought.

In summary, I think this book has many flaws, some almost fatal. On the one had you have nice story about a kid trying to survive and goes on a quest with his friends...THAT is good. The language and audience and the decision to use first person(and that especially) does not work will for the book. This is a book I really want to like, but at this point I cannot say that I like it(but I don't hate it either)...I also think this book would be GREAT once there are a few re-writes...… (mer)

Jimmy Stone has had several disappointments in his life. The book starts out with him as a third grader, anticipating his mother bringing his new baby sister home from the hospital, her name would have been Charlotte. Instead, when his mom comes home, she brings Jimmy a puppy, which he names Trex. Shortly after his mother dies, and his grandmother goes away. All he has left is his dad and Trex, and his dad really doesn't act the same as he did before his mom died. When his dad announces that he is going to move them to rural Pennsylvania Jimmy is less than thrilled.

Fast forward Jimmy is in the fifth grade, in a state he refers to as Bordsylvania. In school he is targeted by bullies. When fellow classmate David McGee, steps forward to teach him how to deal with the bullies, Jimmy makes his first friend ever. An evening trek into the woods finds Jimmy, David and Trex embarking on an adventure to a place called Ghost Town, where they must find seven things in seven different realms, before they can ever return home!

The authors writing quickly transports you into the world of Jimmy Stone. Even though Jimmy had several tragedies in his young life, his determination and spunk really shines thru. While the story is a quick read, the author packs alot of twists into the story, so that it never becomes boring. I found myself speeding thru it just to see what would happen next. I think one of my favorite scenes was when Jimmy was hiding out in the bathroom, I could so easily picture it! Although when Trex speaks was pretty awesome as well!

While this book is geared toward ages 10 and up, I honestly think it would appeal to young and old alike. I know I really enjoyed it.
Overall a very well written book, with an ending that will leave readers anxious for more!… (mer)