The first Creepers book series was published in the UK in 1997. This first series comprised 6 books; Beggar Boy; Ghost Writer; Mirror Mirror; The Piano; The Scarecrow; and The Wishing Well. They were written under the pen name of Edgar. J. Hyde (obviously reference to author Edgar Allen Poe and the story the Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (1887)).
Edgar J. Hyde is most likely a collection of ghostwriters, working on the Creepers series as a project. In each novel at the back of the book, you can read the following:
This series was conceived by Edgar J Hyde and much of the text was provided by his minions under the slavish conditions and pain of death! Thankfully none of the minions defied their master and so we can say ‘thank you’ to them for toughing it out and making this series possible.
Edgar J. Hyde, 1997
The Creepers franchise, like that of Goosebumps, was aimed at a demographic of 7-12 year old horror fans. It jumped late onto the band waggon in the ’90s of horror novellas aimed at a younger audience. Since this first series, the complete 4 series combined have sold a total of 4 million copies since the first release. All of which are published in five different languages. So whilst not reaching the success of the Goosebumps or even the Fear Street franchise, a respectable number of copies have been sold.
The second series was published in 1998, with the following in the series; Blood on Tap; Doctor Death; Edgar Escapes; The Ghostly Soldier; Happy Halloween; and Soul Harvest.
In the following year, 1999, a 3rd series was published; Payback Time; Rag & Bone Man; The Sold Souls; Pen Pals; Noisy Neighbours; and Cold Kisser.
Finally, in the last Creepers series, the following titles were published; The Gravedigger; The Rocking Chair; Stage Fright; The Entertainer; Hooded Hangman; and Golden Goblet.
Currently, under the publishing rights of Noir Books, which also publishes other YA titles (horror and otherwise), they are trying to reach out to other territories for translation. They have published, in their respective translations, in the USA/ Canada, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Russia and Australia.
