So here’s what I have: I have very few details about this book. Read in late 1970’s-1980 (no later than 1980, but believe to be earlier). Book (paperback) was a gift so I think it could be earlier than 1970s. Geared toward 10-12 year olds. Category: suspense, supernatural or mystery.
In the beginning of the book a boy (think it’s a boy, could be girl) is walking down the street when a newspaper or flyer wraps around his leg. He looks at it and reads the word veni in Latin (I come or I am coming) and smells wet ashes. Later in the book the figure/ghost is beckoning him to jump in a well (?) or off a cliff – he’s saved by someone, but that’s all I remember. Hope you can help.
Edit: The author of this post found the title of the book before I got around to posting their Stumper: The Figure in the Shadows!