School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-8-Thirteen-year-old Baylor Bosco has a strange connection to dead people. Though Baylor truly dislikes the ghosts he constantly encounters, his twin sister, Kristina, faithfully helps him handle this special gift. Kristina's powers are even more extraordinary than her brother's because she herself is a ghost. When a ghoulish spirit shows up close to Halloween-covered by a single sheet and wearing brown buckled shoes-Kristina is mysteriously ghostnapped and evil forces run amok. Armed with odd talismans and accompanied by supportive spiritual guides, Baylor courageously faces a dark and threatening unknown to save his twin. This first installment in a new series features goofy ghost humor and spooky, spine-tingling suspense. Baylor's quirky dialogue with pesky ghosts is a highlight, as many bombard him with hilarious requests to relay to the living. The narrative lags a bit after Baylor connects the sheet man with an ex-wife and girlfriend. There is also a romantic side story between Baylor's two friends, which is somewhat out of sync with the main plot. Despite this, fans of anything otherworldly should be instantly entranced. VERDICT A unique ghost story loaded with just the right blend of laugh-out-loud humor and suspense. Anticipate high demand for this series starter.-Etta Anton, Yeshiva of Central Queens, NY © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Like most other 13-year-old twins, Baylor Bosco and his sister, Kristina, go everywhere together, share secrets, and communicate constantly. There's just one tiny, not-normal exception: Kristina is a ghost, and Baylor is the only one who sees and hears her. With her help, he can see into the beyond and communicate healing messages to the living from people who have crossed over. It's usually a quick transaction, but when his protective barrier is breached one night by a possibly dangerous spirit that needs his help, he must use his spiritual powers in a way and in an otherworldly realm that he never has before. The story (thankfully, for most readers) is not frightening, while still tackling dark topics, such as evil forces, demons, and the occult. There are a healthy number of well-crafted subplots, including finding a date for the middle-school dance, which keep the ball rolling in the regular world which the mystery is being solved. Where the Beyond Baylor series is heading is anyone's guess, and plenty of kids will want to know.--Worthington, Becca Copyright 2016 Booklist
