A classic ghost story with a creepy twist. ( )

Diana and her little brother Georgie have been playing and living in the woods around Oak Hill Manor for a very long time. They have the run of the Manor property as long as they follow the rules: they need to be sure nobody sees them, they can't leave the property, and they have to leave the owner, old Miss Lillian, alone. The rules are simple enough to follow until a new caretaker comes, bringing his 12-year old daughter, Lissa, with him. Diana wants to have a friend, so she breaks the rules. Her decision to befriend Lissa has consequences that will reveal long hidden secrets.

This book was a very enjoyable spooky story. The characters are believable, and the story is very well paced. The story is scary, but age appropriate. The plot is a bit predictable for adults, but still a good read even if the reader guesses the situation. I loved the cover art! The cover is what enticed me to read the book. I'm glad I did! I love ghost stories and even though this book was written for children, I found myself pulled into the tale, eagerly reading to find out what was going to happen next!

Mary Downing Hahn has written 9 other ghostly tales for middle grade kids. I'm definitely going to read more by her. It was definitely an entertaining afternoon read!

My rating: 7/10
Ages 10
A few spooky situations, but nothing inappropriate for middle grade kids ( )

A classic ghost story with a creepy twist. ( )

Georgie, age 8, and Diana, age 12, have lived in hiding on the Willis estate ever since the "bad thing" happened. They are intrigued -- and Diana excited -- when a new caretaker arrives on the property along with his 12-year-old daughter, Lissa. But Diana's attempt to make a friend would break the mysterious rules that bind her and Georgie to the estate, and disobeying those could have deadly consequences.

I picked up this book because the plot sounded vaguely similar to a novel I remembered from my own childhood; however, the copyright date soon told me it was far too recent to be that book. However, there is one big similarity between the two; perhaps that's why it was so easy for me to correctly guess the 'big reveal' in this book. However, the target audience of young children may not expect the twist. That being said, however, despite the subtitle of "A Ghost Story," this book has little in it by way of chills and thrills. It's certainly interesting, but it's not exactly a spine-tingling horror novel. So it you're looking for the latter, don't choose this book. If you like a book that deals with the everyday issue of making a new friend but has some supernatural vibes, then this could be up your alley. ( )

This is a good book to read if you like mysteries. Diana and Georgie have to find a way to relieve themselves from the old Willis place that they have been bound to for so long. Diana finds it hard to reveal herself to Lissa and Georgie gets mad at Diana for breaking the rules. Diana and Georgie have a secret that they have held on to for so many years and are finally able to let go of the past. ( )