THE REFORMATORY by Tananarive Due has it all! 

* Great characters that you can either root for or hate
* Great plot - captivating, feels like you're there
* Historical element - based on the Dozier School for Boys
* Paranormal - haints/ghosts

And it featured an element I don't often see...an explanation on how to be a white ally to people of color in the early 1900s. It had vibes of ALL THE SINNERS BLEED

I will definitely seek out Due's backlist! 

Five enthusiastic stars!