If you have never read Neil Gaiman, starting with The Graveyard Book is an excellent option. Nobody's family was murdered but he escaped, to live in a graveyard and be raised by ghosts. I immediately loved this bizarre concept! The ghosts grant Nobody (or Bod) the Freedom of the Graveyard, so that he is able to pass through solid objects while in the graveyard. The plot thickens as Bod grows older, makes friends with Scarlett, attempts to attend school, and discovers that his life is still in danger. Does Bod have a happy ending- Read it and find out.