Ophie’s Ghosts

Written by Justina Ireland

Narrated by Bahni Turpin

The New York Times bestselling author of Dread Nation makes her middle grade debut with a sweeping tale of the ghosts of our past that won’t stay buried, starring an unforgettable girl named Ophie, performed by Audible Hall-of-Famer Bahni Turpin.

Ophelia Harrison used to live in a small house in the Georgia countryside. But that was before the night in November 1922, and the cruel act that took her home and her father from her. Which was the same night that Ophie learned she can see ghosts.

Now Ophie and her mother are living in Pittsburgh with relatives they barely know. In the hopes of earning enough money to get their own place, Mama has gotten Ophie a job as a maid in the same old manor house where she works.

Daffodil Manor, like the wealthy Caruthers family who owns it, is haunted by memories and prejudices of the past—and, as Ophie discovers, ghosts as well. Ghosts who have their own loves and hatreds and desires, ghosts who have wronged others and ghosts who have themselves been wronged. And as Ophie forms a friendship with one spirit whose life ended suddenly and unjustly, she wonders if she might be able to help—even as she comes to realize that Daffodil Manor may hold more secrets than she bargained for.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: May 18, 2021
• ISBN: 9780063084957

Justina Ireland

Justina Ireland enjoys dark chocolate, dark humor, and is not too proud to admit that she’s still afraid of the dark. She lives with her husband, kid, and dog in Pennsylvania. She is the author of Vengeance Bound and Promise of Shadows. Visit her at JustinaIreland.com.

Reviews for Ophie’s Ghosts

[Kaylee Gwyn · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is such a bingeable story about a 12 year old Black girl, who has the gift to see ghosts. When Ophie and her mother are forced to flee Georgia to Pittsburg, she learns more about her gift than she bargained for. Working for a rich (and racist) white woman, she befriends a ghost that can’t move on, leading Ophie to dredge up old secrets the house and its owners might not want to come to surface. I really loved this story and listened to the audiobook in one day! Even thought it’s Middle Grade, I would put a sensitivity warning for anyone who might be squeamish, especially with blood. A couple of deaths are lightly described and one ghost often has a bloody wound that is described whenever they meet with Ophie.

[skip23988 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Ugh!!!! This was so good I didn’t want it to end!

[ewyatt_16 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Ophelia sees dead people. After her dad saves their lives in rural Georgia (after he is murdered), Ophelia and her mom go to Pittsburgh for a fresh start. They end up working for a wealthy white family, the Carruthers. The house is full of spirits and Ophelia must figure out her way to navigate her talents and use them. She meets Clara, a pretty ghost who is also plotting revenge. Engaging read.

[TeNikka R. Roberts · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

My 9yo and I loved it. Wish there was a part 2

[Joanna Disch · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Erinnert ein wenig an VE Schwab, geht aber doch ganz eigene Wege. Berührend und aufwühlend.

[Jessica · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Strong narrative style, complex looks inside Ophie's world, and an emotional journey through grief and anger.

[Shwetha Manjunath · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Enjoyed listening this book. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres.

[London · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a sweet family friendly adventure for ghost lovers and seers

[Martene Avery · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved the reading. The writer has a beautiful way of telling the story.

[deslivres5 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I sought out Ophie's Ghosts after reading the YA duology Dread Nation and Deathless Divide by the same author, Justina Ireland.This title is Juvenile Fiction, not YA, and I found it fascinating.I actually listened to the audiobook, once again brought to life by the wonderful Bahni Turpin.I would categorize it as Historical Fiction Gothic fantasy, taking place mostly in 1920s Pittsburgh and, as the title suggests, a tween who can interact with ghosts is the main character.The reader experiences classism, racism and colorism along with Ophie.A perfect Horror-lite read for the Halloween season or any time.

[pagesandpieces · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Overall, it is a middle grade historical fiction with a spooky paranormal mystery that talks about America's past and the ghosts of our history.After a traumatic night when father is killed by white supremacists, Ophelia and her mother leave Georgia to move to stay with relatives in Pittsburgh- far away from Jim Crow laws. They end up working as household help in a mansion that is full of history- and ghosts. Ophie's traumatic night revealed that she can see ghosts, and she eventually becomes attached to the ghost of a modern and fun young woman who is tied to the mansion she works in.  Ophie soon realizes that her new "friend" was the victim of murder.  Despite her aunt's advice and warning about ghosts, Ophie decides she wants to help this fascinating girl.The book is age-appropriately spooky and the ending is satisfying and hopeful. Most importantly, the author does a fantastic job of weaving the history of Jim Crow, the African American Great Migration, Pittsburgh's steel and railroad history, and the reality of racism into a great ghost story and mystery.  

[amyghilton · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing story on so many different levels! History, mystery, and a little bit of horror. Great for middle grade readers.