Benjamin Neary

An exciting, page-turning mystery with lovable characters and a message of hope. Perfect for ages 9 and up.

After joining his friends on a dare to visit a cemetery, twelve-year-old Benjamin Neary runs into the mysterious Mr. Redman. Soon after, Ben starts receiving a series of strange clues that he can't explain. Who is this mysterious man who has suddenly appeared in Ben's life? In the days following, Ben and his sister, Ellie, find themselves on a wild adventure through the deep forest of Maine and discover truths that will change their lives forever.

Excerpt. (c) All rights reserved.

Chapter One

A cemetery is not a place I would typically like to start a story. But for this one, I have no choice because that's where I first saw Mr. Redman. Mr. Redman isn't really his name. I call him that because of the bright red handkerchief that was tucked in his shirt pocket.

My friends, April and Joey, dared me to go in. I've known April for as long as I can remember. She has always lived in the green house next door and our birthdays are only three days apart. Joey's real name is Joseph. He moved to Solas (the town where we live) when we were in third grade, and we've been best friends ever since.

Joey is really the one who started it. There were rumors going around school that a group of kids had seen ghosts in the cemetery that was on the edge of town. And it was Joey's idea to go see if the rumors were true.

When I first heard about it, I did what I normally do when I hear a ghost story: I rolled my eyes. I absolutely do not believe in ghosts. But that night, in the darkness and the damp air, I have to admit I was a little scared. At twelve years old, I can't say I'm still afraid of the dark. But the huge oak trees slowly swaying in the breeze and casting moving shadows on tombstones did not give me a comforting feeling.

Joey didn't seem to be bothered at all. He was too busy laughing and throwing rocks near my feet trying to scare me. April, on the other hand, decided to stay near the entrance and opted to wait on us there. She told us we were acting like six year olds, and maybe she was right. But I wasn't about to let Joey think I was too scared to go in.

We started walking down a gravel path that went through the middle of the cemetery. There were tall rock walls that went around the outside, and large oak trees were scattered within. There were just enough trees, and they were just big enough, so that the branches from one tree touched the other trees making it seem like there was a roof over us. Yet, the moonlight was still able to peak through and cast those eerie shadows.

It seemed like a normal cemetery when we first walked in. The tombstones were all arranged in an orderly line, and some were decorated with flowers. However, as we walked about one hundred feet toward the back of the cemetery, it seemed to get darker. The tombstones were older with different shapes, and some were taller than I am.

I stopped in front of what appeared to be more like a crumbling building than a tombstone. It had four walls, a slanted roof, and a small arched doorway. As I squinted trying to read the writing carved above the door, I realized I didn't hear Joey giggling anymore. I didn't even hear his footsteps. I called out his name and all I heard was the echo of my own voice. He must be hiding behind something trying to scare me, I thought.

I did my best to keep calm, and I quickly turned around to make my way back up the gravel path toward the entrance. But as soon as I did, it was like I ran into a wall. I bounced off and hit the ground. My glasses, that I had gotten only two weeks earlier, fell somewhere beneath me. It was too dark to see where they landed, so...