2 Sammy and Bubba hear the tale of legendary Civil War trader Quinton Abernathy and his curious death in a cabin fire on June 19, 1863, and they can’t stay away. The strange smoke in the fireplace, believed to signal the arrival of his ghost to guard his lost treasure, has returned. The boys are determined to find the treasure and solve this mystery, which is older than the state of West Virginia.
Brian Croasmun
A retired teacher, Brian Croasmun has visited countless schools throughout the Ohio Valley, inspiring students to write their own stories. He has presented at West Virginia Young Writers Day, and his work has been featured at Tamarack, West Virginia’s premier showcase for art and literature. Brian is also the author of The Clemente Ball, Santa in the Shed, and Lucy’s Wish, as well as two picture books featuring his leopard tortoise: Little Kevin Wants a Birthday and Little Kevin Saves the Day. Outside of writing, Brian is a high school sports radio broadcaster, an avid pickleball player, and a proud husband and father. He and his wife, Sherry, have two adult children, Chase and Davianne, and share their home with their dog, Winston.
Sammy and Bubba Catch a Ghost
About the author
Brian Croasmun
Brian Croasmun
Sammy and Bubba Catch a Ghost by Brian Croasmun ©2026 Brian Croasmun All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any other form or for any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage system, without written permission from Headline Books, Inc. To order additional copies of this book or for book publishing information, or to contact the author: Headline Books, Inc. P. O. Box 52 Terra Alta, WV 26764 www.headlinebooks.com mybook@headlinebooks.com Headline Kids is an imprint of Headline Books, Inc. ISBN: 9781951556112 Library of Congress Control Number: 2026942762
P R I N T E D I N T H E U N I T E D S TAT E S O F A M E R I C A
This book is dedicated to my friend and former coworker, Jeanie. From the very beginning, you have been the first person I send my manuscripts to for your honest thoughts and opinions. Thank you for always encouraging me and believing in my stories.
Chapter 1 “There are my two favorite little monster hunters.” Sammy and Bubba looked up from the lunch table to see Coach Littlefield put a hand on each of their shoulders. “It’s been pretty quiet around here since you fellas caught that sasquatch and scared off all the other monsters. Maybe you two ought to run down there and catch that Mothman character so those people can relax a little bit.” “Mothman’s been gone since 1967,” answered Bubba. He grabbed a French fry from Sammy’s tray. “Of course. Look who I’m talking to. The heir to West Virginia monster hunting royalty.” Coach Littlefield snickered as he took another chip from his bag. “The what?” asked Bubba as he scrunched up his face. “Your Uncle Edgar’s book,” said Sammy. “Oh, yeah.”
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“What was the title again?” Coach snapped his fingers in midair a couple of times. “Scary Things in the Mountains? Hill Monsters Will Get You?” “Tales of Appalachian Creatures in West Virginia,” Sammy sighed. “That’s it. When are you fellas gonna get back into those woods and make everything safe for all us civilians?” He propped his foot onto the cafeteria table bench and leaned his elbow on his knee. “I’m worried about which monster might be out there.” Mr. Simmons walked by, unrolling some large garbage bags. He paused behind Coach Littlefield. “Are you tormenting these poor boys again?” “I’m hoping to get the inside scoop on what creature is next on their list.” “We don’t have a list, believe me,” said Sammy. “I was going to see if Sammy wanted to come over and sleep out in a tent at my house tonight. I found it in the garage. It’s pretty big.” “That’s what I’m talking about.” Said Coach Littlefield as he clapped his hands once. “What are we going after? Vampires? Werewolves? What’s out there?” Sammy lowered his voice. “I don’t think my parents will let me, Bubba. My dad is still pretty upset.” 6
“I wonder why? Was it because all of the county law enforcement officers had to come out last time you boys went into the woods? Maybe the newswoman you puked all over on live television? That can’t be it,” said Coach Littlefield as he scratched his head. “Thanks for reminding me, Coach.” Sammy pushed the opening of his milk carton closed, then smashed it on his tray. “We’re just going to make a campfire and roast hot dogs and stuff. We ain’t goin’ into the woods or anything.” “Wait,” Coach Littlefield snapped his fingers. “You boys might want to get out there.” “Why?” Bubba asked. Coach Littlefield looked to the right, then to the left, before leaning toward the boys. “Because I heard the ghost of Quinton Abernathy has returned.” “Here we go,” said Mr. Simmons as he ripped a garbage bag free of the roll. “The ghost of Quinton Abernathy? What are you talking about, Coach?” Sammy asked. Coach Littlefield looked around the cafeteria again as he put a hand on each boy’s shoulder.
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“Don’t go filling their heads with nonsense,” said Mr. Simmons. Coach Littlefield tapped him on the arm with the back of his hand. “How would you go about catching a ghost? That bear trap of yours would go right through him, I’d guess.” He rubbed his chin. “You’d probably need something sticky. Maybe a bunch of those sticky mouse trap things.” “Don’t go dragging any of those things in here or people will think we have a rodent problem.” Mr. Simmons grabbed his broom, mumbling to himself as he began to sweep. “That’s all I need around here.” “Don’t worry. I’m just going to help them catch the ghost of Quinton Abernathy and make them even more famous than they are now.” “And how are you going to do that?” asked Mr. Simmons. He stopped sweeping and leaned on the handle. Sammy and Bubba looked at each other. Sammy shook his head, and Bubba smiled. “Did you guys ever see the movie Ghostbusters?” “I ain’t never seen it,” said Bubba. “I think my parents watched it one night. I didn’t think it was very funny,” said Sammy.
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“I just had a great idea. Simmons, do you have that shop vac around? This is great. You guys could strap that on your backs when you go after him.” “What are you talking about, Coach?” asked Sammy. “You know that thing,” he said. “From the movie. Oh, they had those big things on their backs that were guns or suction or something. I don’t know what they were.” “I don’t think they understand, Coach. I don’t want any of you messing with my equipment, anyhow.” “Shoot. There goes my next class. Way to kill my joke, fellas. We’ll pick this up next week. I’ll tell you all about the ghost then.” Coach Littlefield disappeared out the door toward the gym. “Ghost, shop vac, and you two. No, thank you,” said Mr. Simmons as he walked over toward the trash cans. He pulled the bag upward from the can, spun it around, and tied it in a knot in one swift move. He then popped the new bag open and re-lined the can. “Do you know what he’s talking about, Bubba?” “There ain’t no ghosts in Uncle Edgar’s book.” “I guess we’ll find out later, then. He said he’d tell us all about it next week. What about this tent of yours?”
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