The Haunting
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- £2.99
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- £2.99
Publisher Description
A dark family secret prompts a ghost to seek revenge in this spooky novel in the spirit of Mary Downing Hahn.
The only life 12-year-old Emily has ever known is the cold, unloved existence of being an orphan. But everything changes when the Thorntons, a young couple from London, adopt Emily, whisking her away to a new life at their grand estate.
At first, life at Blackthorn Manor is wonderful. But as Emily explores the grounds and rooms, she stumbles upon a mysterious girl named Kat, who appears to be similar in age, and the two become fast friends.
That's when things take a turn for the worse. Kat seems to know a curious amount about the estate, and strange things happen whenever she's around. In one case, Emily narrowly avoids getting toppled by a bookcase in the library; in another, the fire erupts in the fireplace, nearly burning Emily's hands. It's almost as if someone -- or something -- wants Emily dead.
Emily must find out what happened to the Thorntons and, more important, how Kat is connected to these strange goings-on at Blackthorn Manor before it's too late!
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In this spooky middle grade debut set in 19th-century England, an orphan is adopted by the perfect family, only to realize something is amiss in her new home. Twelve-year-old Emily and her loyal canine companion Archie are ready to settle in at Blackthorn Manor with her adoptive parents, the Thorntons. However, Blackthorn seems dark and dilapidated; her parents are prone to somber moments; Miss Greer, the housekeeper, is occasionally uncommunicative; and Emily is plagued by accidents everywhere she turns. Even her new friend Kat who knows every inch of the Manor by heart and who comes and goes at random seems to have secrets. Emily begins to wonder if the house itself is trying to kill her or if some other force could be at work, but convincing the Thorntons of the problem proves challenging. Duga (Glow of the Fireflies) skillfully conjures a foreboding atmosphere as Emily experiences one dangerous mishap after another. Though the true nature of the threat will come as no surprise to perceptive readers, this spine-tingler is sure to appeal to younger readers in the mood for a good fright. Ages 8 12.)
