As a fifth grade teacher, i can see my students truly enjoying this story. It has enough spookiness and supernatural elements to keep them interested; however, it is not inappropriately scary. This is number 2 in the series that must really be read in order. Although the author does keep making references to the back story, it is still difficult to follow if you haven't read the first one. ( )

The second title in the series has our duo saving the world once again...well, that is if they aren’t too late and can figure out just who is involved and how far into the Embassy the betrayals stem! Danger is afoot, but you can be sure that thanks to dumb luck, blind determination, and a few self-assured moments of clarity...these guys will have it covered! This series has proven with both installments that one can be seriously dedicated to solving a problem that is not your own, and still have a grand time of things too! Filled with humor and heart, it’s a series you won’t want to miss...


**ARC received for review; opinions are my own ( )

A fun return to the Embassy of the Dead with Jake and his ghost-friend Cora! When Jake is recalled to the Embassy to fill in as an Undoer, he stumbles upon a much bigger problem, and one that threatens the lives of everyone he cares about. He and Cora set out to save the world, and the underworld, once again.

I actually enjoyed this book even more than the first one. Jake is still a bit unsure of himself, but never unsure of doing the right thing. Cora is bold and ever ready for whatever adventure she can find. And sweet Zorro the ghost fox is along for the ride. The story was quick-moving and engaging. In fact, I felt like the book could have been a bit longer. I am hoping in the next book we will find out more about Jake's new pendant, and if the Ambassador will give Jake a little more respect. ( )

Hangman's Crossing is book #2 in the Embassy of the Dead middle grade series. I was glad to have read book #1 in the series, because while there is a re-cap, having the fill story made it easier to understand going in. The re-cap was a bit short but set up this book well, so it could be read without book one if necessary.

In this book, Jake is now an Undoer, helping the Embassy to send ghosts on to the afterlife, but he hasn't been called on until now and he is reluctant to go. He learns that there are ghosts to undo while the normal undoer team is on the hunt for a missing assistant and trying to piece together some suspicious artifact movements. Jake becomes more interested and involved when the ghost he is sent to help pass on was pretty easy but the normal undoer had months with the case.

The characters were all just ok. Jake is similar to the last book, stubborn but brave in the face of death and ghosts. Cory, his ghostly companion, is persistant and a bit annoying but it makes for osme really good humor throughout the story. Best of all, and my favorite is the ghost fox - cute and hanging about. All that said, the villain in this book, doesn't seem as threatening or ominous as the one in the first book, which made the whole story seem not as dramatic as I would have liked.

It is all a fun story to follow, but it seemed rushed. I would have liked to learn more about the plots to overthrow the Embassy and more about the ghosts involved in this book, kind of like the last one did. Overall, it was a good book 2 in a series. I think Middle Grade readers will enjoy it, it is creepy and an adventure of sorts. ( )

I read this one without diving into the first one, yet, which I wouldn't recommend, since this book takes off where the first one left off. However, it isn't terribly difficult to catch up and enjoy the read alone, either.

Jake wants nothing more to do with the Embassy of the Dead, although Cora and Zorro won't ever let him forget about his dangerous time...and he can't shake his ability to see ghosts, either. When his attempt to ignore their summons, ends him as a full-fledged Un-doer, he's off onto his first, easy mission. But instead of working with just a spirit, he ends up uncovering a plot to bring evil across the world.

Jake and Cora are characters to root for from beginning to end. They balance each other out so well with their very different personalities, which also causes tons of back and forth and fun. But then, many of the characters brighten the pages as each one carries a distinct personality with quirky twists, which make them easy to love, fear or hate. It's intriguing to meet each one and see how Jake comes to odds with the weird additions they make.

This is a quick-paced read, which glides from one predicament into the next. I'd recommend this one more for the younger end of the middle grade audience. The plot is very straight forward, and each problem is pretty much solved before the next comes in...except for the saving the world arc, obviously. Each dangerous situation is ended fairly easily and with care, swinging it more toward this lower end. Plus, the ending happens a bit too neatly for those who love more twist and turn.

But to say it wasn't a fun ride would be wrong. It's a well done adventure with mystery and friendship and so much fantasy. I read this in one sitting, since it is an easier read, and was into the story the entire way through. It's a grabbing, quick adventure with tons of imagination and just the right amount of tension mixed with a slight bit of ghosts and darkness. I'll definitely be keeping my eyes out for book three, since I am curious what will happen to this courageous duo next. I received a complimentary copy and my middle grader enjoyed it quite a bit ( )