02/25/2026 Candace Reviews: The Dead Children's Playground by James Kaine
- Candace Nola
- Feb 25
- 2 min read
Today, I review THE DEAD CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUND by James Kaine!
About the book:
AT THE EDGE OF THE CEMETERY RESTS A PLACE FOR CHILDREN TO PLAY. BUT NOT ALL SOULS THAT PLAY ARE AT REST.
Nine-year-old Kylie Macklin defied the odds in conquering cancer. Now she wants nothing more than a fresh start at her new home in Huntsville. Soon, an enigmatic new friend introduces her to a playground unlike any other. Set next to Maple Hill Cemetery, the park is a sanctuary for the spirits of local children who died in the Spanish Flu and fell victim to a twisted serial killer.
Nineteen-year-old Kayla Macklin resents being uprooted from the only life she knew. Bitter about the years her parents spent focusing on Kylie’s health, she struggles to reforge a bond with her little sister while making new friends of her own. But one reckless decision will threaten her newfound happiness. And put innocent lives at risk.
Soon, Kylie’s classmates collapse with devastating fevers while a killer thought long dead returns to stalk a community still bearing the scars of his rampage decades earlier.
With the children of Huntsville in grave danger, the sisters must race against time to learn the secrets of Maple Hill Park before they end up permanent residents of The Dead Children’s Playground.
The Review:
This is my first full read from Jame Kaine (I'm currently reading two more of his books) and clearly, it won't be my last. This is a ghost story, deeply rooted in local lore and legend, with a story centered on family, friendship, and the things we do for those we love, some of things spanning generations. I found this to be incredibly well-written with regards to the pacing and the overall sense of dread.
The story is immersive and emotional, keeping the readers engaged and learning about the family and what haunts them, as well as the actual ghosts that are haunting the playground that is essentially in their backyard. The sisters were my favorite characters in this story, for many reasons but the entire dynamic of their relationship felt very real and relatable.
This could be a great starter read for YA or for those just starting to read the genre as the gore is light, the violence is just enough, and the creep factor is enough to send chills up your spine without being overwhelming.
Highly recommend!
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