THE GHOSTKEEPER
Created by Johanna Taylor, Lettering by Micah Myers


​THE GHOSTKEEPER is author-illustrator Johanna Taylor’s debut YA graphic novel, sold at auction to Penguin’s Putnam imprint, and edited by Chris Hernandez. Perfect for fans of everything from Lockwood & Co to The Haunting of Hill House, this YA gothic graphic novel follows a young medium with the gift—or curse, as some might say—to see and communicate with the dead.

Dorian Leith is a therapist for ghosts. He listens to their problems and tries to help them move on to the afterlife. It’s a gift that’s made him an outcast to everyone in town. That is except for his dearly departed grandmother, who he’s partnered with to turn this paranormal ability into an honest living, and the local bookshop owner, who seems to be the only non-deceased person willing to give him a chance. But it’s all worth it to Dorian, who feels like he’s been given a bigger purpose. A chance to save those who cannot save themselves. Then one day, the key to Death’s Door is stolen, trapping all the ghosts in the land of the living. Since he’s only one who can see them, the spirits rely on Dorian to retrieve the key before it is too late. If they can’t move on, they’ll soon be consumed by a ghostly rot that has begun to plague them. As it continues to fester and spread, and the ghosts become desperate for relief, Dorian must do whatever it takes to find a way to bring peace to the restless dead—even if that peace comes at the cost of his own….

This ghost story “powerfully, tenderly, and empathetically examines death, grief, and the afterlife” raved Kirkus in a starred review!

This graphic novel was named to the Kirkus Best YA Books of 2024, the American Bookseller Association's Indies Introduce List for Summer 2024, the ALCS Notable Children's Books 2025, and the American Library Association's Rainbow Booklist 2025.
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THE GHOSTKEEPER is now available for purchase in hardcover, paperback, and e-book formats.

PRAISE FOR THE GHOSTKEEPER

​“A twist puts a fresh spin on the chosen one narrative, emphasizing the importance of rest and boundaries rather than unending sacrifice and offering a love letter to altruists … Powerfully, tenderly, and empathetically examines death, grief, and the afterlife.”
--Kirkus Starred Review ★

“This heartwarming, emotionally intelligent tale inspired by Oscar Wilde and his Canterville Ghost novella contains many seamlessly executed examples of healthy communication and relationship dynamics without sacrificing the compelling story line. An absolute must-read.”
--Booklist Starred Review ★

“Gentle, contemporary depictions of managing one’s own mental health and setting boundaries are woven throughout a warmly erudite graphic novel debut that’s rich with engaging lore. Taylor’s lush illustrations portray a visually diverse community that populates an imaginative world teeming with cozy bookshops, ghost cats, and glowing banshees, among other paranormal delights.”
--Publishers Weekly

"As a pediatrician, I wish I could gift this graphic novel to so many kids who might need help understanding their feelings or learning to allow themselves to feel what they feel … Go read this book right this second, and heal your inner child.”
--Dr Haley, MD (@the.page.sage) ​
“In the grand tradition of many classic ghost stories, this heartfelt tale is about being haunted by grief, the heavy pull of the past, and most importantly, finding the way to move forward.”
--Ethan M. Aldridge, best-selling creator of ESTRANGED

“This gentle story probes how grief can haunt us and how we must learn to let go.”
--School Library Journal

"With breathtaking artwork and a story that lingers long after the last page, this is a must-read for fans of graphic novels and ghost stories alike. A hauntingly beautiful testament to the power of memory and the enduring bond between the past and present."
--Aiden Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of CEMETERY BOYS

​“This candid, affirming look at mental health and the importance of taking care of yourself includes attainable coping mechanisms that'll benefit plenty of readers, not just the undead. A vibrant graphic novel with the gentle, feel-good vibes of House in the Cerulean Sea.”
--Emmy Widener, American Booksellers Association


​NOW AVAILABLE
IN FRENCH!


​Translated by Mathilde Tamae-Bouhon
Published and sold by Editions Jungle & Steinkis