What the Dead Want by Norah Olson

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What the Dead Want by Norah Olson

Gretchen receives a call from her great aunt Esther, who asks her to visit the Axton Mansion where Esther is residing. Gretchen takes an eight hour ride to the desolate and decrepit mansion. She’s surprised by the state of the home but shocked by her aunt. Gretchen can’t decide if Esther is an alcoholic or is suffering from dementia or both. She’s even more surprised by Esther’s background. The mansion and town are haunted by the terrible happenings of the Axton ancestors during the civil war era. Abolitionists against racists and the racists won the violent battles. Satisfyingly spooky, 5 stars!

Beauty’s Rose by Shonna Slayton

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Set in the 1980’s, Beauty’s Rose tells the story of Margot visiting an Aunt in France. Aunt Suzette owns a cozy bookshop in a small French town steeped in traditional tourist attractions, royalty, knights, jousting, and festivals. Margot meets several people her age and enjoys the scenery of Chapais. Burke is an aloof mystery to the town and Sylvain seems to be a player. When Margot starts having dreams involving conversations with a beast, she thinks she’s losing her mind. Aunt Suzette’s friends, who are actually fairies (Clove, Sage, and Thyme), let Margot in on the curse that’s taking over the local prince’s life. Burke and Margot become friends and end up trapped in a hidden mansion together as he transforms into the beast. I was saddened when the story ended because I wanted more! A gentle, contemporary 1980’s fairytale retelling about love, loyalty, and sacrifice.

In the Hall with the Knife by Diana Peterfreund

Posted on by lynndellwatson

A winter storm hits Blackbrook Academy, causing students and adults to be stranded. The headmaster is one of the adults staying in Tudor House because of the storm. Headmaster Boddy is found later with a knife in his chest. No one is sure whether he was killed by a looter, which seems highly unlikely because of the storm, or murdered by one of the people staying in Tudor House along with them. Each character has a distinct personality. Scarlett and Finn both look out for themselves above everything else. Beth is focused completely on her physical strength and tennis and has a very abrupt nature. Mustard has military focus and wants to protect everyone. Vaughn is kind and honest but has a horrible twin brother named Oliver. Orchid is quiet and avoids people because she’s hiding her true identity. Kayla and Karlee seem to be airheads. While everyone is worrying about their safety, a few are focusing on themselves. I don’t want to give anything away but this is a light mystery thriller that definitely reminded me of the game Clue. A mystery geared towards young adults and a fun read, 4 stars!