I read this book late 90’s / early 2000’s (1998-2002), but the book could have been written any time in the 90’s. I know it was a mystery book aimed at 10-15 year olds, the main character was a boy who was about 13. (there may have been a female character too) The boy explores / investigates this abandoned gothic mansion, coming across clues as he does so. One of the clues is the word “Boss Stone” which eventually he realizes is the architecture term (“knob or protrusion of stone or wood”). He realizes that there is a “boss stone” located on the ceiling in the main room of the mansion, and once he gets access to it there is something hidden behind it. The only other part i remember is that the building is haunted / guarded by this cloaked figure that has a tentacle.
Stump the Bookseller
New format, same book stumper solving.
This is definitely The Revenge of the Wizard’s Ghost, by John Bellairs, one of several books in his Johnny Dixon series. You can find a description of the plot and the cover reproduced here: http://www.bellairsia.com/the_work/revengewg/
Fun fact: John Bellairs lifted the hooded tentacled figure from a very creepy M R James short story.
This is it! Man I have been looking for this book for 3 years and I am so thankful for your response!
I will say, that hooded tentacled figure is still one of the creepiest characters I have ever come across.
Thank you so very much for your help!
Yes, John Bellairs is so great at creepiness for kids. I’d recommend the other books in his series as well, they’re also great.