The Mystery of The Moaning Banshee


Children - Grade 4th-6th
180 Pages
Reviewed on 05/02/2009
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

The setting is off the coast of Maine. A Victorian mansion, a lighthouse, a cemetery, and a secret room make this a mystery that will send chills up your spine. Thirteen-year-old Cassie Baker, her family, and Tahiti a parrot are moving into the mansion she inherited from her grandfather. Unbeknownst to the Bakers, they are being followed.

The history of the house hinted at hidden treasure. Cassie and her seven siblings would have to find the treasure or sell the house. Her grandfather had not paid his bills; as his heir, Cassie was responsible for them, or the house will be sold at auction.

Silas, the gardener, warned Cassie of a Banshee. Momo heard noises in the cellar. Josh found notes warning them to leave. Cassie found a neatly clipped rose. Could there be a ghost, a fairy, and a banshee?

The Mystery of The Moaning Banshee will thrill the most discriminating tweens and teens. Barbara Carroll has created a fast-paced plot filled with twists and turns. My favorite thing about this book is the characters. Cassie is a very mature thirteen-year-old. She and her seven brothers and sisters work together. There is very little sibling rivalry. They are generous, willing to share, and demonstrate good morals. I was left curious about where the father was and why Cassie is the one to inherit the mansion. I love mysteries and grew up reading Nancy Drew books. Cassie could easily become the next Nancy Drew.

I hope this becomes a series. This book would work well for a high interest/low level reading groups.