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Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite
The Curse of the Dead Man’s Diamond by Christyne Morrell is a children’s middle-grade mystery that takes readers to Casaluna, Florida. A girl named Charlie immediately feels the oppressive heat and uncanny energy of her new surroundings. Her father has uprooted their lives to move into the long-abandoned Winklevoss Manor, a place that is the root of local legend and haunted by the curse of the Winklevoss family. Charlie quickly learns from Sarah, a local teen who works at the grocery store, that the family who once owned the manor suffered a series of tragic misfortunes after discovering a precious diamond, including storms that destroyed Arthur Winklevoss’s constructions, the withering of Ada’s prized roses, and the near-fatal poisoning of their daughter, Rose. These events, combined with whispers of ghosts and curses throughout Casaluna, establish an eerie, suspenseful tone leading to Charlie’s reluctance to settle into the manor, framing the supernatural and mysterious challenges she will face.
Christyne Morrell’s writing style balances detailed descriptions with moments of humor and a relatable teen perspective, creating a rhythm that alternates between tension and levity. Pacing works well and is balanced, especially when it comes to high-stakes incidents such as the storms, the Portuguese man-o-war, and the ghost of Arthur’s tragic fate, contrasted with Charlie’s curiosity and research into the Winklevosses’ lives. The plot is deepened by the investigative sequences, and this provides readers with more insight into the history of Arthur, Ada, and their daughter Rose, as well as the ghost Guff, whose sarcastic and blunt commentary adds humor and perspective. Readers will also find Charlie relatable because of her intelligence and determination. The haunted house suspense, family tragedy, and historical mystery make this story reminiscent of books like The Graveyard Book and Coraline by Neil Gaiman. The Case of the Dead Man’s Diamond will appeal to readers who enjoy suspenseful, character-driven stories with chilling twists.
