Our Book Guide

At Ghost & Quill, we believe every book deserves a second chapter. Our books are graded honestly using our (slightly spooky) condition system.

Please note: These grades apply to our mystery book packs. Since part of the magic is the surprise, we can't share photos of individual books beforehand—but we promise to grade honestly so you know exactly what condition to expect.

Freshly Summoned (brand New)

This book has never been read. It's fresh from the publisher, untouched and waiting for its first reader. Crisp pages, perfect binding, that unmistakable new book smell—this is a book in its original, pristine state.

What to expect:

  • Brand new, unread condition
  • No wear, marks, or damage of any kind
  • Perfect binding and pristine pages
  • That glorious new book smell
  • Exactly as it left the publisher

Perfect for anyone who loves being the first to crack open a spine.

Barely Haunted (Like New)

This book has lived a charmed life. It looks and feels almost new, with minimal signs of previous ownership. You might find a slight crease on the spine or a small mark, but overall, this book could pass for fresh off the shelf.

What to expect:

  • Clean, unmarked pages
  • Tight, intact binding
  • Minimal to no spine creasing
  • No writing, highlighting, or annotations
  • Cover in excellent condition with only minor shelf wear, if any

Perfect for collectors or anyone who wants a book that feels brand new.

Clearly Haunted
(Good)

This book has been read and loved. It shows honest signs of its previous life—a creased spine, perhaps a dog-eared page or two, maybe a previous owner's name inscribed inside. But it's still a solid, readable copy with plenty of life left in it.

What to expect:

  • Pages intact and readable throughout
  • Some spine creasing or cover wear
  • Possible minor marks, spots, or page discolouration
  • May have light annotations, underlining, or a previous owner's name
  • All pages present and securely bound

Perfect for readers who value the story over pristine condition.

Exocism Needed (Acceptable)

This book has seen some things. It's battled the elements, survived a few mishaps, and bears the scars to prove it. Think tears, watermarks, heavy wear, significant annotations, or bindings that are holding on by sheer willpower. But here's the thing: the story is still intact. Every word is readable. It just needs someone who doesn't mind a little character (or chaos).

What to expect:

  • Heavy wear and visible damage (tears, stains, watermarks, etc.)
  • Significant spine creasing or cover damage
  • May have loose pages or weakened binding (but all pages present)
  • Possible heavy annotations, highlighting, or writing throughout
  • Definitely shows its age and adventures

Perfect for budget-conscious readers, students, or anyone who believes a battered book is a well-loved book.

Our Mystery Pack Promise

We grade honestly and carefully inspect every book before it goes into a mystery pack. While you won't know the exact title until it arrives (that's the fun part!), you can trust that the condition grade is accurate.

Why mystery packs?

  • Discover books you'd never have picked up otherwise
  • Experience the thrill of a surprise read
  • Support second-hand books finding new homes (or welcome brand new ones!)
  • Get great value on themed collections

Every book, regardless of condition, is carefully cleaned and checked before it finds its way to you. We believe in giving stories a second chance, no matter how haunted they may be. And if they're brand new? Well, we believe in great first impressions too.

Not happy with your mystery selection? Contact us. We want you to love your books, surprises and all.

Remember: A book's worth isn't measured by its condition, but by the worlds it contains.

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