Families who loved The Secret of the Underground Room by John Bellairs often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when their middle schooler expresses a fascination with the macabre or asks deep questions about the battle between good and evil. This chilling mystery follows Johnny Dixon and the eccentric Professor Childermass as they travel to England to rescue a friend who has been possessed by the spirit of a medieval knight. While it is a fast-paced supernatural thriller, the story is grounded in themes of profound loyalty and the courage required to face one's deepest fears. It is an ideal choice for a child who enjoys a vintage, Gothic atmosphere but needs a narrative that reinforces the strength of human connection over darkness. Parents should be aware that the book contains genuinely frightening imagery and religious themes related to possession, making it best suited for mature readers ages 10 to 14.
