02/14/2017
Aaaah, this book is just as good as I remember! However, I am little bit more annoyed by Lissa than I was when I was younger. She was a good character but like Diana I was annoyed by her questions. The end was a bit anti-climactic, though. I remember it was much more impressive in my kid mind. Oh, well. ( )

I still have trouble with ghosts being substantial, getting dirty, being able to smell food and ride bicycles, but not needing to eat or drink, not aging. It's just not logical! And this book does have one very Bad Thing that will disturb readers (but it's the kind of bad thing that does happen irl, so I wouldn't prevent children from reading the book because they do need to know a bit about reality).

But it's not as disturbing imo as the author's Lovely Dead Ones, and yet at the same time it's better written, better crafted. I appreciate that the author doesn't leave things as "was it a dream" or whatever.

I will continue to read more by Hahn as I run across it. I appreciate that her books aren't really about the ghosts per se, aren't really horror (I don't like those genres). They're stories about children surviving challenges, facing fears, and learning about honor & doing the right thing. ( )

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. ( )