Here's the central problem of the book:
* The disappearance of a local girl: The book opens with the disappearance of a young girl named Maya. This disappearance is shrouded in mystery, and Ben and Emma are determined to find her.
* Strange occurrences and rumors: As they investigate, Ben and Emma encounter a series of strange occurrences, including reports of a mysterious figure haunting the town, a ghostly apparition on Hanging Hill, and a legend about a cursed object that brings bad luck.
* The real culprit: The mystery deepens as Ben and Emma uncover clues that lead them to believe the culprit is someone they know. They must unravel the truth and find Maya before it's too late.
The problem, therefore, is a combination of:
* A missing person: The need to find Maya, a young girl who has disappeared under mysterious circumstances.
* The uncovering of a larger conspiracy: The discovery of the "Hanging Hill" legend and the strange happenings in the town suggest there's something sinister going on beyond Maya's disappearance.
* The challenge of finding the truth: Ben and Emma must face their fears, overcome obstacles, and use their intelligence and determination to solve the puzzle and expose the true culprit.
This combination of elements creates the central problem that drives the story and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat throughout.