The story was okay. The characters don't have a lot of depth and Caleb is basically just a shadow of evil. The final reveal is a bit of a stretch. But it was a quick read with some twists and creepy moments. It's aimed at middle-grade readers, and I think that age group would enjoy this. ( )

This book is about the mysterious and terrifying incidents that goes on around the creek when seventeen-yr-old Caleb reappears in town. A young girl, Penny, who is turning thirteen, has heard a lot about him when they move into the neighborhood. Horrible things are happening again, things that has to do with Penny's life. Penny keeps having frightening nightmares with Caleb in it. What does he have to do with her? One day, Penny has to go back to the creek for something and Caleb is there. Is he following her? She thinks this is the end of her life! They struggle and Penny escapes. Later, Penny is sure it is Caleb's body that is floating on the creek. Her head hurts when she thinks she is the only one who knows why he is dead! Who just killed six-yr-old Betty then? I particularly liked the suspense that builds up to the terrifying encounter between Penny and Caleb; and between her and the real murderer. Compelling! ( )

Need a creepy book for that middle school or ninth grade student? Want the book to be a cut or two above Goosebumps? Check out The Creek. Caleb is back from reform school and he is not at all reformed. He is still bug snake scary, ready to pick up where he left off before reform school. When a young child is killed, Caleb is the prime suspect. Penny knows, however, that Caleb is innocent. There isn’t much she can do to convince others, unfortunately, because she killed Caleb.