This book is being counted towards A Ghostly Challenge, R.I.P. III Challenge and Young Adult Challenge. It was also read during the Read-a-Thon.
Summary: Orphaned fifteen-year-old Judith Sparrow brings two secrets to her uncle’s house in South Carolina: one, that her grief-stricken mother died in a madhouse, the other that she has disobeyed the only condition to living in her uncle’s home — nothing green is allowed in the house. Judith can’t bear to part with the photograph of her mother in its lovely green silk frame. Surely this one small defiance will not jeopardize the happiness she finds in South Carolina — with a family at last, and new friends, especially Zeke Carey, the miller’s son. But Uncle Geoffrey’s house holds a secret of its own. And Judith’s small picture frame, hidden away at the bottom of her trunk, unleashes a powerful force that seems determined to bring that secret into the open. Or is Judith simply following her mother down the path toward madness?
I read this book at about 4am during the Read-a-Thon and let me tell you, I was scared. I couldn’t even look at the cover. It freaks me out whenever I look at it. Reading this book during broad daylight probably wouldn’t have had the same effect on me but at 4am when I was alone in the dark livingroom, it had me looking around. This is a very well-written book.
I’ve yet to read any of the author’s other books although I will at least be reading Shiloh eventually for the Newbery Project. I am interested in checking out more of her books though. I have a feeling I’ll enjoy them.
It’s a nice short book at 169 pages in my mass-market paperback but it’s enough to spook you. Great Halloween read.
NOTE:
About Kathleen
