Mary Downing Hahn channels Edgar Allen Poe-meets-Oliver Twist in her latest hair-raising thriller, The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall. When 12-year-old orphan Florence arrives at her amiable great-uncle’s estate far from the bleak London orphanage where she has grown up, she is thrown headfirst into a murderous plot by her vengeful cousin, Sophia—who should be resting peacefully in her grave after her accidental death almost a year ago.
Though mourned by her great-aunt Eugenie, Sophia still terrorizes her younger brother James from beyond the grave, even causing him to be confined to bed after a “sickness.” Even as sick as he is, James is grateful to be alive—which he won’t be for much longer if Sophia gets her way. If her wicked plan succeeds, Crutchfield Hall will never be safe for any of its residents again.
During her 30-year writing career, Hahn has become a favorite among young readers thirsting for a touch of unreality and horror. Her stories are noted for being spooky but never to the extreme, can’t-go-to-sleep-at-night level.
In The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall she maintains a chilling level of suspense while exploring the bonds between siblings, family and friends. Taking her cues from classic stories by Poe and the Brönte sisters, Hahn gives readers an atmospheric and age-appropriate ghost story that's sure to set the stage for Halloween.
