Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Genre: Middle Grade
Rating: 4/5 stars
Synopsis:
When twelve-year-old Theresa Martinez's mom dies, money problems force her family to move into her dead grandmother's creepy old mansion. Immediately, strange things start to happen. The powdered sugar she's been searching the kitchen for suddenly falls out of a cupboard. Closed curtains are mysteriously open-all fun stuff for Theresa's new ghost-obsessed friend Kerry. When they find out the reality show, Ghosters, is hosting a contest for the best paranormal recording, Theresa remembers Dad's money problems and vows to win the contest. Along with Joey, her little brother who has Asperger's, the girls use Kerry's ghost-chasing equipment to hopefully capture prizewinning evidence. They soon discover that ghosts are just the tip of the stunning mysteries the old house holds.
Sarah's Review:
This book is right up middle school Sarah's alley. Let me explain. When I was in middle school I was obsessed with ghost stories, ghost shows, and scary movies. Not to mention at the time my dad lived in a haunted house, so I am totally on board with the idea of ghosts. Since my dad lived in a haunted house I've experienced ghostly things happening too.
This book was excellent! I loved that one of the main characters had Aspergers. The author did a really great job at highlighting some of the common characteristics and sensitivities a person with Aspergers might have. I think the way the author had Theresa interact with her brother was really sweet. She was always in tune with his needs.
This book started out filled with Spanish influence, and I loved it. However as the book progressed the Spanish influence was lost completely. I would have really like this to be more consistent.
I really liked the family dynamic in the book. I loved the relationship between Theresa and Joey as I mentioned before. The dark family secrets made the pages turn so fast because I wanted to figure them out. I think the strained relationship between Theresa and her dad was important. I really sympathized with Theresa. Kerry is the wild card in this book. She is quirky, and sneaky, and passionate.
Overall, I highly recommend this book. I can't wait to read the other books in the series!
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