Tom must rid his basement cellar of an ASG (Averagely Spooky Ghost) with the help of Hattie he ends up battling an IRG (Incredibly Revolting Ghost)!

Tom's cellar is suddenly occupied by a ghost named Hugo. Hugo has fled his house because an IRG (Incredibly Revolting Ghost) has moved in. Hugo is just an ASG (Averagely Spooky Ghost) so he is no match for the IRG. Tom enlists the help of Mrs. Hyssop, a ghosthunter, to get Hugo back home. This involves grave dirt and staying up late.

This was a cute story by Funke. I think her books are really accessible to young readers. They aren't dumbed down, but rely on the readers being smart kids with good imaginations. I think this first installment of the Ghosthunters series is a good one for kids who like a bit of a scary story.

Tom is having a bad day when his mom sends him into the basement. He hates the basement, is scared of the basement. His older sister, Lola, is not helpful. He goes down and is scared by a ghost. No one believes him until he confesses his problem to his grandmother who sends him to her friend, Hetty Hyssop, who is a ghost hunter. She helps him with his ghost which leads Tom, Hetty, and the ghost to battle a bigger, scarier ghost.

Fun, but not one of Funke's best.

I have no strong feelings about this book either way, but my son didn't particularly care for it, and that is why I'm giving it 2 stars.