Aristotle James and the Phantom Funeral Coach by Daniel Bautz, Signed Paperback

Aristotle James and The Phantom Funeral Coach is not only an award-winning book, but it's also a fun and spooky read that is extremely well-written!!!

Aristotle James knows ghosts are real, but he has to prove it to everyone else.The concept of the story, written as diary entries, is a unique take telling the tale from Aristotle's point of view. The building of the main character was well done, and while some aspects of the story could be slow, reading through to the end provided a great payoff. The story lends itself to future tales of Aristotle's life.This would be a good story for young and old adults alike. Younger kids may enjoy it, though there are some scenes that could be a little scary.

"Aristotle James and the Phantom Funeral Coach" by Daniel Bautz is a gripping and thought-provoking tale that weaves elements of mystery, magic, and morality into a compelling narrative. Set in a small town plagued by rumors of a sinister force, the story follows Aristotle James (AJ), a courageous young protagonist, on a journey of discovery and moral reckoning. Bautz masterfully crafts a narrative that delves into themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the blurred lines between good and evil, all while painting a vivid picture of a town rife with secrets and hidden truths. The characters are richly developed, and AJ's journey to confront an enigmatic figure accused of wielding dark magic leads to a powerful exploration of redemption and the complexities of human nature. With its engaging storytelling and deep thematic exploration, this book invites readers on an enthralling adventure that challenges perceptions and offers insights into the human condition.Without revealing crucial plot points, "Aristotle James and the Phantom Funeral Coach" captivates with its suspenseful narrative, intricate character dynamics, and an exploration of morality that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. Daniel Bautz skillfully navigates the line between fantasy and reality, creating a story that not only entertains but also prompts contemplation on the nature of good, evil, and the choices that define us.

This book is fantastic and a must read! First, can we talk about the production value of this book? I read the Kindle version, but I won't hesitate to buy the paperback version to put on my bookshelf. The cover is beautiful and the editing is so good (nary an error to be found by me!), oh and of course, the writing. Fantastic! Looking at the cover and the title (and knowing that's it's YA), I was planning on kind of a "Scooby-Doo"-type mystery (which would have been fine) but this book is so much better! I loved the characters (especially when one of the main characters is a husky!) and I mostly loved the lessons this book teaches to the individuals - be honest, be brave, and be cautious (but still adventurous), and keep asking questions until you get to the bottom of the "mystery"! The writer captured living in a very small town in the '80s accurately (as that's where I lived at that same time), and also did a spectacular job of capturing what individuals might say or do in that age group. This is particularly important to me as i can't stand reading YA where the characters act and say things that older adults or younger kids might instead - it just takes you right out of the magical moments of being submersed in the plot of a book. This book is a quick read (it's just so compelling) and I especially love, love the diary format (and for an actual YA-age reader it could be fun to read the diary entries on the day they were written and then do some type of activity that represented what was read.) Please let there be a second book!!

Daniel Bautz's "Aristotle James and the Phantom Funeral Coach" is a riveting tale that seamlessly blends elements of mystery, folklore, and spine-chilling horror into a captivating children's narrative. Set against the backdrop of 1987, this book follows the courageous 12-year-old Aristotle James and his loyal companion, AJ, as they embark on a thrilling quest through the mysterious town of Lucas, Ohio.Bautz skillfully weaves a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, introducing ghosts, unearthed history, and the enigmatic Phantom Funeral Coach. The duo of Aristotle and AJ adds a heartwarming touch to the tale, showcasing that bravery knows no age limits. The author masterfully builds suspense, encouraging readers to confront their fears alongside the young protagonists.What sets this book apart is its ability to balance frightful moments with the importance of friendship, making it a perfect read for young audiences. Bautz's vivid descriptions bring the eerie town to life, creating an immersive experience for readers. "Aristotle James and the Phantom Funeral Coach" is not just a children's story; it's an enthralling journey into the unknown that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next adventure with Aristotle and AJ.

My kids and I have really enjoyed reading the book. We all like the adventure and mystery and I also liked the setting was in my youth (the 80s)

Purchased several as gifts. The kids and the adults LOVED the story and its characters. Their comments confirmed my opinion of Mr. Bautz's books and that they make great gifts! Don't delay ordering yours and for gifts.

It was a spooky, fun ride on the Phantom Funeral Coach! It brought me back to my childhood! My cousin and I would go outside in my aunt's wooded property pretending to solve mysteries. OR - sometimes Freddy Krueger or a werewolf would be on the hunt for us. This brings back the fun of being a kid and having a wild imagination! Join Artisotle and AJ (the husky) and uncover the dark secrets of their small town Lucas, OH. Adventures, football, scouts, kooky great-uncle, a phantom Legend, and a witch await you! A great read for middle grade +!

Loved the fast pace, the mystery and love of home life and family. Tension galore and relief when things get settled. This story has you eagerly turning the pages to see what happens next.Looking forward to another tale since Ari has his work cut out for him, and hoping it comes soon!!