School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-9Cristyn, 14, is horrified at the prospect of spending the summer in Wales while her professor father does research in medieval studies. Even when he reveals that her mother, who died when she was three, was born in Wales and that her own name is Welsh, Cristyn doesn't want to face an entire summer away from home. In spite of her misgivings, she feels an affinity for the centuries-old cottage they rent along with her father's colleague, Erica Dunham, and her two children, Miranda and Dennis. Miranda is angry and hurt over her parents' divorce and her absent father's lack of attention. The children become involved in trying to make sense of strange happenings around the cottagecoins dropping out of the air, pieces being moved around on a Scrabble board, etc.and are drawn into Welsh history and legend. Interwoven into the ghost story are the issues and conflicts being worked out in both families. The characters are well developed and the plot has plenty of twists to keep readers turning the pages. The easy, yet complex, relationship between Cristyn and her father is especially well drawn in contrast to Miranda's difficult relationship with her mother. Most importantly, this book is accessible to kids who read a lot of contemporary realistic stories, but it offers them much more than the usual problem novel because of its supernatural elements and its glimpse into the rich history of another part of the world.Connie C. Rockman, Stratford Library Association, CT (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Kimmel's debut novel is a fast-paced contemporary taleinterlaced with a historical mysteryset in Wales and featuring a cast of well-rounded characters. A young female ghost, searching for a prized possession bequeathed by her beloved father, haunts the 16th-century stone house where 14-year-old Cristyn Stone and her father, a professor of medieval studies, are staying for the summer. Another professor, Mrs. Dunham, and her two childrena lonely boy and his rebellious older sisterjoin them. Both families are trying to cope with traumatic family situations. Cristyn's mother died when she was three, and although she and her father have a solid relationship, he rarely mentions the loss, leaving Cristyn hungry for details and memories. The Dunham children are coping not only with their parents' recent divorce, but with an intermittently appearing father who almost kidnapped eight-year-old Dennis. Kimmel packs into her tale a satisfying amount of interpersonal strife and reconciliation that may well resonate with readers. The author's ability to show her characters at their best and worst while they grapple with their own inner turmoil (particularly Dennis's prickly sister) makes up for a few predictable plot elements, and the brisk pace and moody Welsh setting will draw readers deep into the mystery. Ages 10-14. (Apr.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
