Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol Books

The 27 published chapter books are numbered, and reading in order provides the clearest introduction to Desmond, Andres, and their neighborhood. Most investigations are episodic, though, so a child can usually enjoy an individual mystery without remembering a complicated continuing plot.

The graphic novel line retells the same mysteries in full color. Its first published book is an alternate version of The Haunted House Next Door, not book #28; later graphic adaptations and chapter books announced by the publisher remain outside this published count until release.

Sources: Simon & Schuster chapter-book series, Simon & Schuster graphic novel series.

Ghosts, monsters, zombies, werewolves, and haunted houses appear often, but the stories treat them as funny mysteries rather than horror. Scares are brief, language is accessible, and illustrations on nearly every page help keep the mood light.

The publisher positions the books for emerging readers around ages 5–9. Friendship, bravery, and problem-solving matter more than defeating frightening creatures through violence.