If You Loved Stranger Things, You’ll Love The Greenway Trail
If you’re a Stranger Things fan, you know what makes the show so great: the 80s nostalgia, the tight-knit group of friends, the spooky mystery, and that “what the heck is going on?!” feeling that keeps you hooked.
If that’s your vibe, then The Greenway Trail by Shawn Macklin is right up your alley. It’s got adventure, mystery, a possibly haunted trail, and a group of kids who find themselves in way over their heads.
Let’s break down why this book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mix of nostalgia, suspense, and friendship.
It’s an 80s Throwback in the Best Way
One of the coolest things about Stranger Things is how it nails that 80s vibe—riding bikes, playing Dungeons & Dragons, and just hanging out before smartphones took over our lives. The Greenway Trail does the same thing, dropping you into the summer of 1984 in Springfield, Missouri, where 12-year-old Shawn and his best friends are gearing up for a summer of adventure.
Instead of battling Demogorgons, these kids are playing Atari, blasting Van Halen, and watching The Cosby Show. But what starts as a regular summer quickly turns into something more interesting than just riding bikes and eating junk food.
A Ride-or-Die Group of Friends
If you love how the Stranger Things kids have each other’s backs no matter what, you’re going to love Shawn’s friend group. Dave is the funny, fearless one who’s always getting them into trouble. John is a smooth talker who can charm his way out of anything. And Jason is the athletic, dependable one. They bicker, they push each other into wild situations, but at the end of the day, they’d do anything for each other.
Their friendship feels real, just like the bonds between Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will. And, just like in Stranger Things, the adventure they stumble into is about to test them in ways they never imagined.
A Creepy Mystery in the Woods
Hawkins has the Upside Down. Springfield has the Greenway Trail. It’s the kind of place that kids whisper about but mostly avoid. It is dark, eerie, and full of unsettling stories. Some say it’s haunted by Cherokee spirits from the Trail of Tears. Others claim kids have gone missing there and were never seen again.
Shawn’s parents warn him to stay away. But when he and Dave hear a terrifying scream coming from the woods in the middle of the night, their curiosity gets the best of them. There, they find a strange man living in the woods, the beginning of something much bigger.
Is It Paranormal, or Just Really Freaking Weird?
One of the best things about Stranger Things is how it keeps you guessing. Is it sci-fi? Supernatural? Just a bunch of government cover-ups? The Greenway Trail does the same thing.
Shawn and his friends hear strange sounds in the woods. There are whispers of ghosts and cursed land. And there’s definitely something off about the Greenway Trail at night. But are these things actually supernatural, or is there another explanation?
The story keeps you questioning what’s real and what’s just legend.
The Real Monsters Aren’t Always the Ones You Expect
Sure, Stranger Things has creatures from another dimension, but it also reminds us that the scariest things aren’t always monsters; they’re people. Government conspiracies, corrupt scientists, and bullies like Billy Hargrove are just as dangerous as the Demogorgon.
The Greenway Trail also explores this idea. While ghosts might lurk on the trail, there are also real-world threats, people hiding things they don’t want to be discovered, secrets buried, and the harsh reality of life for some of the characters.
A Secret Mission That Could Change Everything
If you love the “kids going rogue to solve a mystery” energy of Stranger Things, then The Greenway Trail delivers in a big way. Instead of uncovering secret government experiments, Shawn and his friends stumble upon an old man’s hidden treasure—literally.
Their mission is to sneak out, outsmart the adults, and find a missing ice chest full of long-lost money before anyone else does. Of course, things don’t go as planned, and soon, they’re dealing with much more than they bargained for.
It’s got all the best elements of Stranger Things: secret meetings, sneaking around, breaking the rules, and risking everything for a cause that no one else understands.If you’re searching for a similar story, pick up a copy of The Greenway Trail and prepare for an unforgettable adventure.
