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Book details:
Ghost Road by Charis Cotter
Publication date: September 4th 2018
Genres: Middle Grade, Mystery, Historical
Synopsis:
Ghosts, a family curse, buried secrets -- and two girls who have to figure it all out. A new book from an acclaimed author, for fans of Coraline, Doll Bones and The Night Gardener.
For the first time, Ruth is heading to Newfoundland to stay with family she's never met instead of spending the summer traveling with her dad. When she arrives, she finds Newfoundland is very different from her life in Toronto--people there are much more friendly, but also superstitious, believing in ghosts and The Sight and family curses. Ruth's cousin Ruby is also staying for the summer, and the two discover they have a lot in common: they both lost their moms when they were two years old, they're the same age and they even like the same food. But while Ruby believes in spirits and fairies, Ruth believes in science and cold, hard facts.
When they find ominous information on some tombstones in the local cemetery, Ruth and Ruby start investigating their family's past and discover that twin girls are born in every generation, and every set of twins dies young, leaving their children without mothers. What's more, one of the twins always has The Sight and can see the Ghost Road that leads to the mysterious lost settlement of Slippers Cove. What happened there? What does it have to do with their family? And who is the ghostly presence that keeps visiting Ruth late at night?
The answers lie somewhere along the Ghost Road . . . if they can only find it.
AUTHOR BIO:
Charis Cotter is a writer, editor and storyteller living in Newfoundland. She grew up in Cabbagetown and Parkdale in downtown Toronto. After taking a degree in English at Glendon College, York University, she went on to study acting at The Drama Studio in London, England. After several years as an actor, she moved into publishing, where she has been working as a freelance editor and writer for more than 20 years.
My Personal Review: 4.75/5 ⭐
Set in 1970’s Newfoundland, Ghost Road is a spooky middle grade tale by Canadian author Charis Cotter. Ruth’s first adventure to the east coast is full of dark secrets, ghost stories, and a curse threatening her family.
Despite being a middle grade novel, it had a well developed complex plot and was full of suspense. I loved the detailed family history, and the villainous curse that followed the members for generations was a great mystery. Readers will be engaged throughout the story as Ruth works to handle the mysterious occurrences around the town, and piece together what truly causes the set of twins every generation to die young. The author also writes at a quality middle grade level, that will appeal to older readers. The dialogue was simplified a bit due to the target audience and historical time period, but it flowed well and the plot twists were excellent.
Ruth’s character is well written, and it’s heartwarming to see her grow throughout the book. Her structured city girl character is tested in the rural outskirts of town, she learns how to live like the rest of family - on the farm, helping in the house, and other activities.
Overall I adored Ghost Road. The concept was unique and it was to easy to read. I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of mysterious middle grade reads!
See review on Goodreads click here