Book Review: The Phantom Music Box (The Haunted Museum Book 2)
The Phantom Music Box: A Hauntingly Good Sequel – Book Review
Introduction: A Ghostly Melody That Lingers
Have you ever heard a song that sent chills down your spine? The Phantom Music Box by Suzanne Weyn, the second installment in The Haunted Museum series, is a middle-grade horror novel that blends eerie suspense, supernatural mystery, and just the right amount of spine-tingling dread. If you loved the first book (The Titanic Locket) or enjoy ghostly tales with a historical twist, this book will keep you hooked from the first page to the last.
Weyn crafts a story that’s equal parts atmospheric and fast-paced, making it perfect for young readers who crave a thrill without overwhelming terror. But does it live up to its predecessor? Let’s dive in.
Plot Summary: A Cursed Melody from the Past
Twelve-year-old Emma has always been drawn to music, so when she stumbles upon an antique music box at the local thrift store, she can’t resist buying it. But this isn’t just any music box—it’s haunted. Soon after bringing it home, Emma begins hearing eerie, phantom music when no one else is around. Worse yet, she starts seeing the ghostly figure of a young girl named Serafina, who seems desperate to communicate with her.
As Emma digs deeper, she learns that the music box is tied to a tragic event from the past—one involving a fire, a lost love, and a vengeful spirit. With the help of her best friend, Tania, Emma must uncover the truth behind Serafina’s death before the ghost’s unfinished business puts her in danger.
The plot unfolds with a perfect balance of mystery and supernatural elements, keeping readers guessing until the very end. While the stakes are high, Weyn ensures the story remains age-appropriate, making it an excellent choice for younger horror fans.
Character Analysis: Emma, Serafina, and the Power of Friendship
Emma – The Curious Protagonist
Emma is a relatable heroine—smart, brave, and just skeptical enough to make her ghostly encounters feel authentic. Unlike some protagonists who dive headfirst into danger, Emma’s hesitation adds realism to the story. Her love for music makes her connection to the music box even more personal, and her determination to help Serafina shows her compassionate side.
Serafina – The Tragic Ghost
Serafina is more than just a spooky apparition; she’s a fully realized character with a heartbreaking backstory. Weyn does an excellent job of making her sympathetic rather than purely frightening. Her desperation to be heard adds emotional weight to the story, turning what could have been a simple ghost tale into something deeper.
Tania – The Loyal Best Friend
Tania is the perfect sidekick—loyal, resourceful, and just as invested in solving the mystery as Emma. Their friendship feels genuine, and their teamwork keeps the story moving at a brisk pace.
Writing Style & Narrative Technique: A Perfectly Paced Ghost Story
Weyn’s prose is straightforward yet evocative, making The Phantom Music Box accessible for middle-grade readers while still delivering plenty of atmosphere. The pacing is excellent—each chapter ends with just enough suspense to make you want to keep reading.
One standout technique is how Weyn blends past and present. Through flashbacks (or rather, ghostly visions), we learn Serafina’s story in fragments, mimicking the way Emma uncovers the truth. This keeps the mystery engaging without overwhelming younger readers with too much backstory at once.
Themes & Deeper Meanings: Loss, Justice, and Letting Go
At its core, The Phantom Music Box is about unresolved grief and the need for closure. Serafina’s ghost lingers because her story was never properly concluded, and Emma’s journey is as much about helping the dead find peace as it is about solving a mystery.
The book also touches on themes of friendship, bravery, and the idea that some things—like music—can transcend time. It’s a surprisingly emotional read for a middle-grade horror novel, making it resonate beyond just scares.
Personal Reading Experience: Why This Book Stuck with Me
As someone who grew up loving Goosebumps and Mary Downing Hahn novels, The Phantom Music Box scratched that nostalgic itch for a well-crafted ghost story. The eerie descriptions of the music box’s melody sent actual chills down my spine—Weyn has a knack for making the supernatural feel real.
What surprised me most was how invested I became in Serafina’s story. By the end, I wasn’t just reading for the scares; I genuinely cared about her fate. That emotional depth elevates this book beyond a simple horror tale.
Comparison to Other Works in the Genre
Fans of The Haunted Museum series will find this installment just as strong as the first. It shares DNA with Goosebumps (particularly The Haunted Mask) but with more emotional depth. Readers who enjoyed Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn or Small Spaces by Katherine Arden will appreciate the blend of mystery, history, and supernatural elements.
Strengths & Minor Weaknesses
Strengths:
✔ Atmospheric & Spooky – The ghostly music box is a fantastic, creepy centerpiece.
✔ Strong Character Dynamics – Emma and Tania’s friendship feels authentic.
✔ Emotional Depth – Serafina’s backstory adds weight to the scares.
Minor Weaknesses:
✖ Predictable at Times – Some plot twists are telegraphed early for adult readers, but younger audiences may not notice.
✖ Wish for More Backstory – A deeper dive into the music box’s origins would have been fascinating.
Target Audience: Who Will Love This Book?
- Middle-grade readers (ages 8-12) who love ghost stories
- Fans of light horror with emotional depth
- Parents & educators looking for spooky but age-appropriate books
- Anyone who enjoys haunted object tales (like The Dollhouse Murders or The Jumbies)
Memorable Quotes & Passages
“The music box played on, its melody both beautiful and mournful, as if it carried the weight of a hundred years of sorrow.”
“Some ghosts don’t haunt places. They haunt people.”
These lines perfectly capture the book’s eerie yet poignant tone.
Cultural & Historical Context
While the book doesn’t dive deep into a specific historical event, the idea of a cursed object tied to the past is a classic horror trope. The music box’s origins hint at early 20th-century tragedies (fires, lost love), giving it a timeless, gothic feel.
Final Verdict: A Must-Read for Young Horror Fans
The Phantom Music Box is a fantastic sequel that delivers chills, heart, and a satisfying mystery. Suzanne Weyn knows how to craft a ghost story that’s scary enough to thrill but never too intense for younger readers. If you’re looking for a book that will keep kids (or the young at heart) eagerly turning pages, this is it.
🔗 Get the Book: Amazon
Discussion Questions (For Book Clubs or Solo Reflection)
- Would you have kept the music box if you were Emma?
- How does the book balance scares with emotional storytelling?
- What other haunted objects would make for a great sequel?
Have you read The Phantom Music Box? What did you think? Share your thoughts below! 👻📖
For more great reviews and book recommendations, visit Books By Order.
For more great reviews, visit Book Book Owl.