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Cover of The Dark Secret

The Dark Secret

R. L. Stine (1995)

SubgenreUrban Fantasy
Age groupYA 12-17
Content ratingPG-13
Pages (Quick Read (<250))
SeriesThe Cataluna Chronicles #2
Setting
CSM age13
Goodreads3.76
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Content levels

ViolenceModerate
Sexual contentNone
LanguageMild

Trigger warnings

DeathSupernatural HorrorCurse

Positive tags

MysteryFriendshipSibling Bond

Heroine archetypes

Coming-of-Age HeroineCursed Heroine

Protagonist archetypes

Duo / PartnersCursed Protagonist

Tropes

Cursed ObjectHaunted CarUrban FantasySupernatural ThreatStepsibling BondDark Past Returns

Themes

Supernatural HorrorFamily BondsPast Haunting PresentComing of AgeCurse and Consequences

Synopsis

Thrilled when they get their own first car in a hot Cataluna, stepsisters Regina and Lauren become the latest victims of Bad Luck Catherine as a dark hunt from the past is paralleled in the lives of the two girls. Original.

Is The Dark Secret appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 13 and up.

Classic R.L. Stine YA horror with supernatural threats and moderate peril. The 'Bad Luck Catherine' curse brings danger to the protagonists through their haunted car, with typical Stine-level scares and tension but no graphic content.

What to know going in

This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include death, supernatural horror, and curse.

Who'll love this

Teens who love spooky stories will enjoy this supernatural thriller about stepsisters whose dream car turns into a nightmare.

Tags

HorrorSupernatural ThrillerContemporary Fantasy