Book Review: 'Old Haunts' by E. J. Copperman

✰✰✰✰½ Alison Kerby, the proprietor of a haunted Jersey Shore guesthouse, has her hands full with renovations while hosting guests at the same time, not to mention raising her daughter. She just barely has it all under control. What she doesn't anticipate is that things are about to get a lot more interesting when ‘The Swine’ (that's Alison’s ex-husband) suddenly shows up and books a room.

While her daughter is thrilled, Alison has reservations. However, it seems that Alison is not the only one dealing with memories from the past. Both resident ghosts, Maxie and Paul, are haunted by memories of their own exes. Maxie longs to know what happened to her murdered biker, and Paul just wants to know that his ex is doing okay.

Alison agrees find some answers to keep her ghosts happy; after all they have a daily haunting to put on for guests. In doing so, Alison finds herself in a heap of trouble. Between renovating, sleuthing, and raising her daughter, Alison must somehow tactfully keep The Swine at bay.

The Bottom Line: The third installment of The Haunted Guesthouse Mysteries filled me with laughter as I can easily relate to having problems with an ex-spouse. Copperman’s writing style is engaging and fun to read; I look forward to reading more installments in this series. This is the perfect beach read in the summer or cozy up to the fireplace on a cold winter evening with this entertaining mystery. Wholeheartedly recommended for fans of cozy mysteries, paranormal mysteries, and anyone who has ever had to deal with a narcissistic ex. 

Details: Old Haunts (A Haunted Guesthouse Mystery) by E. J. Copperman. Paperback published by Berkley in 2012. 304 p. ISBN: 978-0-425-24620-7

Book Review: 'An Uninvited Ghost' by E. J. Copperman

✰✰✰ Allison has her hands full renovating her guesthouse on the South New Jersey Shore and raising her daughter. With a new group of Senior Plus guests arriving and a reality TV show filming on the property as well, Allison doesn’t have time for an investigation. Nevertheless, when a blind ghost hires one of her resident ghosts to solve a possible crime, Allison is compelled to help. After all, the resident ghosts are the main attraction at her guesthouse, and if they are not happy, they might not cooperate. As Allison investigates, the paranormal world and reality collide into a mystery with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing.

The Bottom Line: This is the second installment of The Haunted Guesthouse Mysteries. With so many characters and subplots, the story gets a little jumbled at times. Also, since a cat is prominently featured on the cover, I expected one in the book; no such luck. Nevertheless, it’s still a fun weekend or beach read. An enjoyable read recommended for fans of cozy mysteries and paranormal mysteries.

Details: An Uninvited Ghost by E. J. Copperman. Paperback published by Berkley in 2011. 304 p. ISBN: 978-425-24058-8

Book Review: 'The Dollhouse: A Ghost Story' by Charis Cotter

✰✰✰✰½ Alice and her friends had their whole summer planned, but now that her parents are getting a divorce, summer is ruined. She suddenly finds herself on a train to a small town where her mother has taken a job as a live-in nurse. The rich lady who lives there is known to be cantankerous and dislikes kids. The house is huge and spooky, but Alice quickly befriends the housekeeper's daughter, Lily. 

Soon Lily lets Alice in on a secret, there's a ghost in Alice's bedroom. But that's not the only secret being kept at the house. When Alice discovers a dollhouse locked away in the attic, things start to get really weird and spooky. As Alice drifts back and forth between real-time and era represented by the dollhouse, she starts to lose herself. Will she be able to find her way back to the real world? Or is she lost forever? Pick up this supernatural page-turner to find out.

The Bottom Line: There's nothing I love more than a good ghost story, and Charis Cotter is one of the best at telling them. With an eerie Gothic feel to this story, readers won't be able to put this one down. Enthusiastically recommended for kids, teens, and adults who enjoy suspenseful ghost stories and stories with the supernatural at work.

Details: The Dollhouse: A Ghost Story by Charis Cotter. Paperback published by Tundra in 2022. 368 p. ISBN: 978-0-7352-6908-8 [NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.]

Book Review: 'The Miracles of the Namiya General Store' by Keigo Higashino

✰✰✰✰½  When three petty thieves take refuge in an old abandoned general store, they think they are in for a quiet night. However, when a letter falls through the door’s mail slot, the trio is concerned and intrigued. The letter asks for advice from the former shopkeeper who offered thoughtful guidance to those seeking help. In his absence, the trio steps into his role. As the night slowly moves on, the correspondence they provide through their unique perspective of modern time proves life changing for everyone involved. By morning, the trio emerge to a different world than what they knew before.

The Bottom Line: With shifting time, this book is magical. The interwoven layers of plot in this novel submerses you into a rich world full of unexpected twists and turns. It makes you realize that people may be connected somehow even if they don’t realize it. Enthusiastically recommended for fans of Japanese literature with a bit of magic sprinkled in.

Details: The Miracles of the Namiya General Store by Keigo Higashino. Paperback published by Yen On in 2019. 320 p. ISBN: 978-1-9753-3386-7

Book Review: 'The Ghost Belonged to Me' by Richard Peck

 

✰✰✰✰ Young Alexander Armsworth is seeing things, strange things. There are signs of a haunting in the barn on his family's property. He's determined to get to the bottom of this, but his spunky neighbor, a girl named Blossom Culp, keeps nosing around. Then one night, the ghost of a young girl named Inez confronts Alexander with a spooky message. With the help of Blossom, Alexander will have to think fast to avoid a tragedy. Will he and Blossom be able to set things right and help a ghostly girl finally rest in peace? Check out this classic ghost story for a hauntingly good read. 

The Bottom Line: This book was the basis for the 1978 made-for-television movie, Child of Glass. I remember the movie as a creepy ghost story. While the book takes place in the early 1910s, the plot of the movie was updated to the present (late 1970s) era. Still a fun read over 40 years later, enthusiastically recommended for middle grade and young adult readers. And if you enjoy Blossom's character, there are several more books featuring her.

Details: The Ghost Belonged to Me by Richard Peck. Paperback edition published by Puffin Books in 1997. 176 p. ISBN: 978-0-14-038671-4 

Book Review: 'Elevation' by Stephen King

✰✰✰½ All Scott Carey wants to do is enjoy his home as he recovers from a nasty divorce. Unfortunately, who can work from home with the new neighbor's dogs running amok in your lawn? With all that is going on, it's little wonder that Scott is losing weight. Or is he? The bathroom scale registers a loss in weight, but Scott looks as pudgy as ever. By the time Scott tells his friend, Dr. Bob Ellis, that he's losing weight on the scale, but still looks the same, he is sure there's something unusual going on. As a retired medical doctor, Ellis is skeptical at first. However, as the days and weeks pass by it's evident Scott is indeed losing weight.

As Thanksgiving approaches, Scott weight loss continues, and he is still at odds with his new neighbors. While Missy is approachable, her wife, Deirdre, seems to have a chip on her shoulder. It's no wonder though; their restaurant is fast approaching inevitable failure due to the town's prejudices. Just when it looks likes their animosity can't get any worse, something magical happens during the annual Thanksgiving 12K run that will forever change Scott, Missy, and Deirdre's lives. 

The Bottom Line: With a bittersweet ending, this easy-to-read novella is a suspenseful weekend read. If you enjoy a mashup between horror and science fiction, check out this book. It will make you think about finding common ground between people who are at odds with each other. 

Details: Elevation by Stephen King. Hardcover published by Scribner in 2018. 160 p. ISBN: 978-1-9821-0231-9 

Book Review: 'The Turnkey of Highgate Cemetery' by Allison Rushby

✰✰✰✰ Twelve-year-old Flossie Birdwhistle may have thought death meant peaceful rest, but she was wrong. She has a job in the afterlife, a very important job. As turnkey of London's Highgate Cemetery, she cares for all the souls buried there making sure they are content and at rest. Unfortunately, this is especially difficult during World War II.

When Flossie happens to spot the ghost of a German soldier, she has a feeling it is up to no good. It's only a matter of time before she uncovers a plot that could jeopardize both her cemetery and all of England. Flossie and her ghost friends must find a way to save both and set things right before it is too late.

The Bottom Line: This Gothic mystery for middle grade readers is a delight to read. Filled with relatable characters, a bit of history, and a dash of the supernatural, this quick read takes the reader on many twists and turns. Highly recommended for middle grade and YA readers looking for a slightly dark, but engaging mystery. I hope there are more books to follow.

Details: The Turnkey of Highgate Cemetery by Allison Rushby. Hardcover published by Candlewick Press in 2018. 256 p. ISBN: 978-0-7636-9685-6 NOTE:  I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.

Book Review: 'The Dark Missions of Edgar Brim' by Shane Peacock

✰✰✰½  Edgar Brim is an orphan who has suffered from night terrors for as long as he can remember. Things only get worse when his guardian sends him to a school for boys on The Highlands of Scotland. Life at school is miserable for Edgar until a new student arrives. Tiger is everything Edgar isn't. Tiger is brave and athletic. The two soon become fast friends, but as graduation nears, tragedy strikes and secrets are revealed. With guidance from a trusted teacher, Edgar and his friends set off on a dark, supernatural mission that leads them to the Royal Lyceum Theatre in London. Here Edgar will have to confront the very terrors that have haunted him his entire life. And just when Edgar and his friends think they are in the clear, a surprise twist sets the stage for the second installment of the trilogy. 

The Bottom Line: From the author of the Boy Sherlock Holmes series comes a new Gothic trilogy for teens. Readers will identify with the characters as they struggle to face both their fears and awkward social angst. Although parts of the book drag at times, there are plenty of thrills, mystery, and creepy moments to keep you turning the pages. The book also highlights themes of teamwork and friendship. Recommended for teens and adults who enjoy Gothic literature, horror, and the supernatural. I'm looking forward to reading the next one.

Details: The Dark Missions of Edgar Brim by Shane Peacock. Paperback edition published by Penguin Teen in 2018. 368 p. ISBN: 978-0-7352-6311-6 NOTE:  I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.

Book Review: 'Putting on the Witch' by Joyce & Jim Lavene

✰✰✰✰½ It's Brian's birthday, and the coven is invited to a Witches Ball. It's the opportunity of a lifetime to get glammed up and visit a magnificent, magical castle in an undisclosed location. It's also a great time to put their worries aside. With the troubling arrival of Dorothy's notoriously wicked father, the search for their missing spell book has gone cold.

The festivities are just beginning when Molly, Elsie, and Dorothy arrive. Unbeknownst to them Dorothy's ghostly mother, Olivia, has tagged along as well. It's all fun until a member of the Grand Council of Witches turns up dead. The obvious suspects are the members of our favorite coven. As they set out to clear their name, the castle is locked down for twenty-four hours and a real Spanish Inquisitor is released to conduct an investigation. With time running out, the coven must quickly solve the mystery before anyone else gets hurt or the wrong person is blamed. It seems the clock is ticking all too quickly.

The Bottom Line: The third installment in the Retired Witches Mysteries is a house party style cozy that will keep you guessing with lots of twists and turns. Fans of paranormal cozies will enjoy this quick weekend read. Highly recommended for young adults too.

Details: Putting on the Witch (Retired Witches Mysteries) by Joyce & Jim Lavene. Paperback published by Berkley Prim Crime in 2016. 304 p. ISBN: 978-0-425-26827-8 

Book Review: 'Looking for Mr. Good Witch' by Joyce & Jim Lavene

✰✰✰✰ When handsome, young male witches begin to turn up dead along the Carolina coast, everyone is baffled. It's difficult to kill a witch, so who could have done it? There's only one possibility...a rare sea witch. Sea witches must mate every one hundred years in order to continue living. So far, this sea witch hasn't found her perfect match, but now she has her sights on Brian Fuller.

Molly and Elsie have been hoping to retire soon. However, after their friend, Olivia, died and their spell book went missing, all plans for retirement have been put on hold. As they struggle to find the missing spell book and find replacements for themselves, they end up in the middle of another dangerous mystery. Olivia isn't much help in her ghostly form, while her daughter, Dorothy, struggles to control her new powers.

With strong forces working against them, Molly and Elsie must rely on their wits and wisdom to compensate for their faltering magic. Will it be enough to identify the sea witch and save Brian from her evil spell? This paranormal, cozy mystery will have you on the edge of your seat as you follow the twists and turns of this installment of the Retired Witches mysteries. 

The Bottom Line: This fun weekend read will enchant both adult and young adult readers. This mystery has plenty of action and suspense, with just a dash of romance mixed in. Highly recommended for cozy mystery buffs and readers interested in a bit of the paranormal. This engaging series has endearing characters, and I'm looking forward to reading the next one. While I have been reading the books in order, it isn't necessary to do so. 

Details: Looking for Mr. Good Witch by Joyce & Jim Lavene. Paperback published by Berkley Prime Crime in 2015. 304 p. ISBN: 978-0-425-26826-1 

Book Review: 'Spell Booked' by Joyce & Jim Lavene

✰✰✰✰✰ Who knew witches have to find their own replacements before retiring to Boca Raton? I didn't, but that's exactly what Molly, Elsie, and Olivia are trying to do. Unfortunately, before they can even seriously begin to recruit and train new witches, Olivia ends up dead and their prized spell book has disappeared. With their magical powers beginning to fade, the witches must face an evil so powerful, that even the Grand Council is keeping quiet. Nevertheless, Molly and Elsie do their best to find their dear friend's murderer and defeat the rogue witch that is terrorizing their small town.

The Bottom Line: This charming, fast-paced cozy mystery was so much fun to read. This is the first book in the series, and I am really looking forward to reading the others. Enthusiastically recommended to fans of cozies who enjoy a paranormal twist. This is the perfect weekend read.

Details: Spell Booked (Retired Witches Mysteries) by Joyce & Jim Lavene. Paperback published by Berkley Prime Crime in 2014. 304 p. ISBN: 978-0-425268254

Book Review: 'Vampire Boy's Good Night' by Lisa Brown

✰✰✰½ Two friends happen upon a Halloween party where things aren't what they seem. Bela, a vampire boy, and Morgan, a witch girl, are looking for children. They can't seem to find any children anywhere. The children are not in school, and they are not in the park. Where can they be this time of night? Do children even exist? When they enter a beautiful house decked out for the holiday, Bela and Morgan find others like themselves. They enjoy the games and contests, but when the party comes to an end, the pair is in for a big surprise.

The Bottom Line: This delightful, seasonal tale is a fun choice for story time. Lisa Brown's illustrations are colorful and charming, and the story is fun to follow. Pick this one up to read with kids ages 6 – 8.

Details: Vampire Boy's Good Night written & illustrated by Lisa Brown. Hardcover picture book published by Harper in 2010. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-06-114011-2

Book Review: 'Beware, The Snowman (Goosebumps) by R. L. Stine

✰✰✰ After losing her mother, Jaclyn DeForest lived with her aunt in the crowded city of Chicago. She was happy there. Unfortunately, her aunt suddenly decides to uproot the middle schooler and move to the wintry, isolated village of Sherpia. With nothing to do, Jaclyn goes for a long walk. Along the way she notices that there are identical creepy snowmen in front of every house. When her new friends offer to help her build one, Jaclyn decides there is something weird going on. At night there are strange howling noises, and it's always snowing. Jaclyn feels like there is something her friends aren't telling her. With danger lurking just up the way, Jaclyn comes face to face with an evil so dark, there just might not be a way home.

The Bottom Line: This fun, quick read is perfect any time of the year. Middle grade readers will enjoy the surprise twist ending of this supernatural tale. Recommended for kids who enjoy horror.

Details: Beware, The Snowman (Goosebumps) by R. L. Stine. Hardcover published by Scholastic Inc. In 1997. p. ISBN: 978-1-4242-3699-2

Book Review: 'Library of Souls' by Ransom Riggs

✰✰✰✰ The third installment of the Miss Peregrine trilogy dives right back into the action. The situation is bleak as our heroes Jacob Portman and Emma Bloom along with Addison, a talking dog, continue to search for their beloved Miss Peregrine and the other missing ymbrynes. Their urgent quest transports the trio from modern-day London to Victorian England via a boat ride with the sinister boatman, Sharon, as their guide.

As the trio makes their way through the dark alleys of Devil's Acre, hallowgasts and wights are around every corner. Time to save Peculiardom is running out as Jacob struggles to understand and harness his special peculiar gift. The quest eventually leads them to a library in which the essences of peculiar souls are stored.

It doesn't look good for the Peculiars or the Ymbrynes as they bravely enter a final showdown against their evil nemesis, Caul. Will darkness take control of all Peculiardom or will goodness prevail? You'll be on the edge of your seat as the epic battle is fought.

The Bottom Line: Our peculiar friends are once again faced with adversity and loss. Despite all odds, they persevere and overcome by using their unique gifts and working as a team. This book was packed with adventure and action, while the ending of this trilogy was bittersweet. Riggs has created a hauntingly beautiful fictional world that I have enjoyed immensely. The story along with the vintage photos makes a lasting impression.

Enthusiastically recommended for young adults and adults who enjoy fast-paced adventures with a supernatural twist. To get the most out of this trilogy, I highly recommend reading the books in order. For those of you who long for more stories of the peculiar, Tales of the Peculiar is due out in September, and I can't wait to read it. Enjoy!

Details: Library of Souls: The Third Novel of Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs. Hardcover published by Quirk Books in 2015. 464 p. ISBN: 978-1-59474-758-8

Book Review: 'Revival' by Stephen King

✰✰✰✰½ Jamie Morton was only six years old when the shadow of the Reverend Charles Jacobs darkened his childhood. From that day forward, Jamie could never really escape the darkness. At every turn of his life, the preacher would be there.

After a heartbreaking tragedy, Charles Jacobs turned away from God. After delivering the "terrible sermon," the preacher was cast out from his flock and set out in search of answers. Meanwhile, Jamie grew up and struggled with a drug addiction. When his path finally crossed with the preacher again, he finds out that Jacobs has become a healer of sorts.

Charles Jacobs has been drawn into an obsession with what lies beyond death, and as he experiments with the healing effects of electricity, he descends into insanity. Jamie reluctantly assists as the preacher commences a final, electrifying experiment. The chilling climax will haunt Jamie for the rest of his life.

The Bottom Line: This novel is an electrifying, quick read. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't put it down. This is a story of faith, addiction, and obsession that is both moving and horrifying at the same time. Highly recommended for fans of horror and the supernatural.

Details: Revival: A Novel by Stephen King. Paperback published by Gallery Books in 2014. 416 p. ISBN: 978-1-4767-7039-0

Book Review: 'The Ghost Prison' by Joseph Delaney

✰✰✰ Billy Calder is the new prison guard at the castle. Everyone knows the castle is haunted, but there aren't many jobs available for orphans. In fact, Billy is lucky to have found this one. After preliminary training, Billy is dismayed to be transferred to the night shift. Scary things have happened at the castle; people have died there. However, Billy doesn't have a choice. Billy has heard all the stories about the haunted cells in the castle. He also knows how to take precautions, until one night when he is the only guard on duty to make the rounds. Even though he has been warned to stay away from the Witch Well, it's up to Billy to feed the evil creature within. Whether it's nerves or something else, Billy makes a mistake that will change his life forever.

The Bottom Line: Supplemented with spooky black and white illustrations by Scott M. Fischer, this ghost story is fun for late night telling. This quick read will appeal to kids in middle school. 

Details: The Ghost Prison by Joseph Delaney. Hardcover published by Sourcebooks Fire in 2013. 112 p. ISBN: 978-1-4022-9318-4

Book Review: 'The Amityville Horror' by Jay Anson

✰✰✰ The Lutz family moved into their dream house nearly forty years ago. At the time, George and Kathleen knew that just one year earlier the entire DeFeo family had been murdered in the house by the eldest son. Nevertheless, the price was right. George and Kathy were far from superstitious, so they went ahead with the purchase. They were optimistic that this would be the perfect home for their new family. 

Almost immediately after moving in, strange and terrifying phenomena began to happen to the family. Less than one month later they fled the house in fear for their lives. Believe it or not; this is their story.

The Bottom Line: While I have seen the movie countless times, the book has a more frightening quality about it. Written in a journalistic style, the book is a quick read. Anson's descriptions of the psychic phenomena are quite spooky, and the information about what Father Frank Mancuso experienced was interesting. Also, the book includes plans of the house. Recommended for fans of true crime, paranormal, and horror.

Details: The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson. Paperback published by Pocket Star Books in 2005. 256 p. ISBN: 978-1-4165-0769-7

Book Review: 'Hollow City' by Ransom Riggs

✰✰✰✰½ The most peculiar children you have ever met are back in the next installment of the series. As Jacob Portman struggles to understand and control his newfound peculiar ability, the group continues to London on a quest to restore Miss Peregrine to human form. With time running out, the group makes their way through the war-torn city in search of another time loop that will take them to the last free ymbryne. Only Miss Wren can help them save their beloved headmistress. Along the way the peculiar kids encounter other peculiars and fantastical beasts while trying to stay clear of hollowgasts and wights. The second adventure will leave you wanting more as Jacob comes face-to-face with the most difficult decision of his young life.

The Bottom Line: The second novel picks up exactly where the first novel left off. Once again the intriguing vintage photos and text work well together to provide the reader with a unique experience. This book is a fantastically dark page-turner. The peculiar children demonstrate teamwork, friendship, and loyalty. Enthusiastically recommended for teens and adults who enjoy books with supernatural and time travel twists. For the best reading experience, be sure to pick up and read Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children first.

Details: Hollow City: The Second Novel of Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs. Paperback published by Quirk Books in 2015. 416 p. ISBN: 978-1-59474-735-9 NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible by the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.

Book Review: 'Deadfall Hotel' by Steve Rasnic Tem

✰✰✰ Ever since Abby Carter perished in a house fire, Richard  and his daughter Serena have been searching for a place to call home. When Richard responds to an ad seeking a proprietor for the Deadfall Hotel, he is surprised to be offered the job. Together Richard and Serena pack up their meager belongings and move, but nothing could have prepared them for what awaits at the Deadfall Hotel.

You see, the hotel is no ordinary inn. Through the guidance of Jacob Ascher, the previous proprietor, Richard slowly begins to learn the ins and outs of the hotel. While guests do come and go as expected, some guests never leave. Stranger yet, some guests have peculiar and even dangerous habits that must be catered to. Richard learns that being the proprietor of the Deadfall Hotel includes so much more than manning the front desk and overseeing the staff; he’s also the recreation director and the gardener to name a few of the many hats he must learn to wear.

Eventually, as the seasons change, so do Richard and Serena. They become accustomed to the idiosyncrasies of the hotel, which serves as a kind of safe harbor for lost souls. By living in an environment surrounded by death, Richard and Serena learn how let go of their own “ghosts” and live again.

The Bottom Line: Deadfall Hotel is a peculiar, different kind of book; each chapter tells its own story and all the chapters are woven together to form the book. While I enjoyed the eerie atmosphere of this book, I found myself longing for more information about the hotel, its guests, and Jacob, the previous proprietor. Recommended for fans of horror and for those wanting to read something new and different. This one is intriguing and a bit odd. Finally, sensitive readers concerned about the treatment of animals will want to steer clear of this one; it does contain scenes of animal abuse.

Details: Deadfall Hotel by Steve Rasnic Tem. Paperback published by Solaris in 2012. 304 p. ISBN: 978-1-907992-83-4

Book Review: The Poisoned House by Michael Ford

✰✰✰½ Travel back in time to Victorian England with this entertaining ghost story by Michael Ford. Abigail "Abi" Tamper is a scullery maid employed at Greave Hall in London in 1855. Her mother died during the recent cholera outbreak leaving Abi orphaned. Abi is now at the mercy of Mrs. Cotton, the cruel housekeeper who is also the sister-in-law of Lord Greave. Filled with despair, the young girl decides to run away from Greave Hall only to be caught and returned to a life of misery and drudgery.

As she accepts her fate, there is an air of change in Greave Hall.  Lord Greave's son, Master Samuel "Sammy" Greave, returns from fighting in the Crimean War. He has suffered a disabling injury and requires constant care. As a child, Sammy was  like a brother to Abi. However, young Abi soon learns that things are not always what they seem.

A series of paranormal events leads Abi to believe that her mother may not have died a natural death. Abi begins to believe that she is being haunted by ghost; she suspects it's her mother warning her from the grave. Prompted by the haunting, Abi begins to investigate the secrets of the house and its inhabitants. As Lord Greave slowly goes mad, Abi must find a way to reveal the truth before someone else gets hurt.

The Bottom Line: The story of Abigail Tamper is told from the viewpoint of a 15 year old girl's "handwritten manuscript."  This ghost story is a quick read with a few predictable twists and turns. Abigail Tamper is a believable character who values friendship. The elements of suspense and the supernatural in a Gothic setting that will appeal to many YA readers, especially girls. While The Poisoned House is entertaining and fun, it is not overly scary. Also, I was surprised to find more than a few typographical errors and misspellings. Recommended for teens and tweens who enjoy reading historical fiction with classic suspense and mystery components.

Details: The Poisoned House by Michael Ford. Hardcover published by Albert Whitman & Company in 2011. 328 p. ISBN: 978-0-8075-6589-6