The Second Spy

The Books of Elsewhere: Volume 3

Look inside
Paperback
$10.99 US
5.06"W x 7.75"H x 0.84"D  
On sale Sep 01, 2026 | 320 Pages | 9780142426081
Grade 5 & Up
Reading Level: Lexile 880L

See Additional Formats
The third installment in the must-read horror fantasy series for fans of Small Spaces, Nightbooks, and Wednesday

This house is keeping secrets . . .

Can what lurks below the house be as frightening as what's hidden inside?

Terrifying things have happened to Olive in the old stone house, but none as scary as starting middle school—or so she thinks. When she plummets through a hole in her backyard, Olive discovers two things that may change her mind: First, the deadly Annabelle McMartin is back. Second, there's a secret below-ground that unlocks not one but two of Elsewhere's scariest, most cunning, most dangerous forces yet. But with the house's uncanny cats acting suspicious, her best friend threatening to move away, and her ally Morton starting to rebel, Olive isn't sure where to turn. Will she figure things out in time? Or will she be lured into Elsewhere . . . and trapped there for good?

Welcome to Elsewhere . . .

First, a pair of enchanted spectacles. Next, a deadly book. Then, magical paints from which a world called Elsewhere spills like a dream turned nightmare. And lastly, strangers, come to take it all for themselves—if even darker forces don’t prevail. At the center: the flawed and tenacious Olive, three talking cats, two remarkable friends, and a hard-won trust that binds them all. This is the scary, must-read series widely praised and adored by kids, adults, and critics alike.
© Robert Meyer
A two-time Pushcart Prize nominee for poetry and author of the critically and kid-acclaimed Books of Elsewhere series, Jacqueline West lives amid the bluffs of Red Wing, Minnesota, with her husband and their dog, Brom Bones. View titles by Jacqueline West
“A fantastic story full of magic and mysteries.”—San Francisco Chronicle on The Shadows “This is a great . . . read that will let your imagination run wild.”—TIME for Kids on The Shadows

About

The third installment in the must-read horror fantasy series for fans of Small Spaces, Nightbooks, and Wednesday

This house is keeping secrets . . .

Can what lurks below the house be as frightening as what's hidden inside?

Terrifying things have happened to Olive in the old stone house, but none as scary as starting middle school—or so she thinks. When she plummets through a hole in her backyard, Olive discovers two things that may change her mind: First, the deadly Annabelle McMartin is back. Second, there's a secret below-ground that unlocks not one but two of Elsewhere's scariest, most cunning, most dangerous forces yet. But with the house's uncanny cats acting suspicious, her best friend threatening to move away, and her ally Morton starting to rebel, Olive isn't sure where to turn. Will she figure things out in time? Or will she be lured into Elsewhere . . . and trapped there for good?

Welcome to Elsewhere . . .

First, a pair of enchanted spectacles. Next, a deadly book. Then, magical paints from which a world called Elsewhere spills like a dream turned nightmare. And lastly, strangers, come to take it all for themselves—if even darker forces don’t prevail. At the center: the flawed and tenacious Olive, three talking cats, two remarkable friends, and a hard-won trust that binds them all. This is the scary, must-read series widely praised and adored by kids, adults, and critics alike.

Author

© Robert Meyer
A two-time Pushcart Prize nominee for poetry and author of the critically and kid-acclaimed Books of Elsewhere series, Jacqueline West lives amid the bluffs of Red Wing, Minnesota, with her husband and their dog, Brom Bones. View titles by Jacqueline West

Praise

“A fantastic story full of magic and mysteries.”—San Francisco Chronicle on The Shadows “This is a great . . . read that will let your imagination run wild.”—TIME for Kids on The Shadows

Mental Health Awareness Month Resources

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and addressing student wellness and mental health is critical to help children learn how to manage emotions, develop healthy identities, empathize with peers, and pursue individual goals. We created thematic guides and book lists to help foster important conversations to build an inclusive environment where emotions matter. Explore our social emotional

Read more

Books for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Each May, we honor the stories, histories, and cultures of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Below is a selection of acclaimed fiction and nonfiction books by AANHPI creators to share with your students this month and throughout the year. AANHPI Creators – Elementary School titles  

Read more