The Dead Children's Playground cover art

The Dead Children's Playground

American Horrors, Book 1

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The Dead Children's Playground

By: James Kaine
Narrated by: Melinda Melendez
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About this listen

AT THE EDGE OF THE CEMETERY RESTS A PLACE FOR CHILDREN TO PLAY.

BUT NOT ALL SOULS THAT PLAY ARE AT REST.

Nine-year-old Kylie Macklin defied the odds in conquering cancer. Now she wants nothing more than a fresh start at her new home in Huntsville. Soon, an enigmatic new friend introduces her to a playground unlike any other. Set next to Maple Hill Cemetery, the park is a sanctuary for the spirits of local children who died in the Spanish Flu and fell victim to a twisted serial killer.

Nineteen-year-old Kayla Macklin resents being uprooted from the only life she knew. Bitter about the years her parents spent focusing on Kylie’s health, she struggles to reforge a bond with her little sister while making new friends of her own. But one reckless decision will threaten her newfound happiness.

And put innocent lives at risk.

Soon, Kylie’s classmates collapse with devastating fevers while a killer thought long dead returns to stalk a community still bearing the scars of his rampage decades earlier.

With the children of Huntsville in grave danger, the sisters must race against time to learn the secrets of Maple Hill Park before they end up permanent residents of The Dead Children’s Playground.

Experience a chilling ghost story inspired by true events in this first terrifying entry in James Kaine’s American Horrors series where fear always finds its way home.

©2024 James Kaine (P)2025 James Kaine
Horror Suspense Thriller & Suspense Haunted Ghost Scary Exciting Paranormal

Continue the series

Devil of the Pines cover art
Devil of the Pines By: James Kaine
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Listener received this title free

I honestly loved this story. Not my usual read but the story intrigued me. it was creepy and hardhitting in just the right ways. it'll leave you an emotional mess by the end. I did struggle to gel with the narrator at first but it didn't take long to fall into the story. it'll have you cheering the characters on and feeling the highs and lows with them on the journey. thoroughly enjoyed this read from the author and will absolutely be continuing the series as it releases.

emotional rollercoaster

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Listener received this title free

This was a brilliant ghost story. It had all the usual tropes. Creepy kid ghost, evil spirits etc, however I feel that Kaine added more texture and dimension to the story with the character development.
Thoroughly enjoyed and thought the narrator was great

Creepy kids, creepy ghosts

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This is such a great story, full of ghosts, folklore, demons, and family dynamics all wrapped up and unputdownable. I enjoyed the different points of view throughout the story, and how the stories intertwined before reaching the conclusion. That epilogue though- wow! The narrators voice really suited the story and did an excellent job.

excellent story and narrator

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I really enjoyed this one. It was nice and creepy coming of age horror which also really pulled at the heart strings. the narrator did a great job with all of the characters and made the book easy to listen too.

the relationships between mum and daughters

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Listener received this title free

A lovely (and creepy) coming of age ghost story, it has plenty to spook you, but also packs a lot of heart, heartache and what it means to be human.
I recently realised that hauntings are not my favourite trope, but this book had me hooked. Well written, well rounded characters, honestly can't fault it in any way.
If you enjoy ghost stories, then this one is not to be missed!

ghost story with a heart

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