Crandalls' Castle

by Betty Ren Wright Narrated by Carol Jordan Stewart

Overview

In alternating chapters, two girls narrate the story of the "haunted mansion that the Crandall's have purchased to turn into a bed and breakfast.

Editorial Reviews

School Library Journal

Gr 5-7-In alternating chapters, two girls narrate this suspenseful novel. Charli, 12, is adjusting to life with her new stepfather when her impulsive Uncle Will Crandall announces that he has purchased a rundown mansion, rumored to be haunted, that he plans to turn into a bed-and-breakfast. On her visit, Charli sees the shadow of a rocking cradle and senses a disturbing and frightening presence. Orphaned Sophia, 14, has recently come to live with Charli's aunt and uncle and has a deep secret-she sometimes "knows things" before they happen-and she is convinced that Uncle Will's plans are dangerous. The girls' prickly relationship as they help clean the Castle, and the dread each feels toward the house, provides tension to the story. Both are sure that no one will believe them if they mention their fears. A biography of one of the mansion's former residents leads to the ghost's identity and this fact, along with Sophia's prescience, helps the girls when they must rescue Charli's youngest cousin from near death. This novel will satisfy readers looking for a scary story. The adjustment of both girls to their new living situations adds reality to the plot and gives the novel more substance than many in the genre.-Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

For seven years-since her mother's death-Sophia has been shuffled around. Now she finds herself amid a clamorous brood of distant relations, the Crandalls. Even the house across the street contains cousins-in particular Charli. Though the Crandalls are welcoming, Sophia senses, with her ability to see into the future, that Will Crandall means trouble. He reveals his plan to buy and renovate the old Castle, crumbling and reputedly haunted, and turn it into a bed and breakfast. Charli explores the Castle and sees the terrorizing shadow of a cradle, followed later by swirling apparitions, and a screaming infant. The ghost story is engrossing enough, but there are also two intriguing subplots. Charli struggles to come to terms with her mother's new marriage, while Sophia lives in constant fear of being relocated yet again. The satisfying ending indicates that when it comes to family, each member is integral. This mistress of spooky once again delivers a thought-provoking thriller. (Fiction. 10-14)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940178468937
Publisher:	Live Oak Media
Publication date:	01/01/2009
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

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