Time Mansion


Young Adult - Coming of Age
161 Pages
Reviewed on 10/23/2024
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Time Mansion is a paranormal mystery novella by Laurel Lorenzini. After losing her mother to a freak car accident, seventeen-year-old Toby finds herself unexpectedly having to live with her Aunt Esme after her father goes to Alaska to work. Grieving and feeling abandoned, Toby arrives at her aunt's Victorian mansion and soon discovers it's haunted. She finds an old box of photographs in the house and comes across the ghost of Maddie, a young girl from 1897 who lives under the abusive control of her aunt, Shannon Driscoll. Switching places with the ghost, Toby learns that Maddie's little brother mysteriously disappeared, and her aunt claims he's dead. With the help of her new friend Damien, Toby launches her own investigation to get to the bottom of the mystery. Can she help Maddie?

A paranormal sleuth mystery soaked in suspense and intrigue, Time Mansion keeps you guessing with timely reveals and unexpected twists and turns all the way through. Laurel Lorenzini's character work is simply phenomenal. The author puts the reader into the headspace of a teenager grieving the loss of her mother, and it's easy to sympathize with Toby's plight. Toby's character development is definitely the highlight of the book. She slowly begins to find her footing, helping Maddie with her situation, and along the way forges meaningful bonds with Aunt Esme and Damien. The setting of Aunt Esme's house is spooky and provides plenty of thrills for fans of paranormal fiction. I found the ending very satisfying as it leaves the reader with hope. Overall, it's a fantastic supernatural mystery adventure for young adults.

Maria Victoria Beltran

In Time Mansion, a young adult paranormal fantasy by Laurel Lorenzini, the story unfolds as Toby, who has recently lost her mother in an accident, moves in with her aunt Esmie in an old mansion in a small town. Still grieving, she feels lost in the old house filled with memories. While alone in the house, Toby encounters Maddie, a little girl from another time. This experience will change her views on life forever. During a trip to the town library to learn more about the house's history, she meets a local boy named Damien, with whom she spends a lot of time. What follows is an extraordinary story in which Toby learns about the secrets of the house and the tragic story of the people who once lived there. Can Toby alter history and help Maddie find her little brother?

Laurel Lorenzini's Time Mansion takes readers on an unforgettable emotional journey with Toby as she copes with the loss of her mother while living in a captivating old mansion. The story's relatable characters and clear language should make it easy for young adult readers to connect with Toby and Damien. The novel's simple structure and interesting setting also ensure an enjoyable read for its intended audience, while the supernatural element adds an exciting dimension for teens. Time Mansion is a unique coming-of-age story with a winning blend of genres that will satisfy readers. This is a story of a teen caught between worlds while trying to reconcile her history. I highly recommend this book to young adult and older readers alike.

Carol Thompson

Time Mansion by Laurel Lorenzini is an engaging YA paranormal fantasy novella that transports readers into a world where the past and present intertwine. The story follows seventeen-year-old Toby, who is grappling with the loss of her mother in a tragic car accident. Sent to stay with her Aunt Esme in a Victorian mansion undergoing renovations, Toby soon discovers the house holds more than just memories—it harbors ghosts. Toby’s emotional journey is delicately portrayed as she navigates grief, estrangement from her father, and the unexpected appearance of a young ghost named Maddie. The rich descriptions of the house’s transformation and Toby’s growing curiosity about its history enhance the novella’s atmosphere.

Laurel Lorenzini’s writing is immersive, with moments of poignancy balanced by Toby’s sharp observations and her aunt’s warmth. Themes of family, loss, and self-discovery run deep, and the paranormal elements add intrigue without overshadowing the story’s emotional core. The character development is well done, and the mansion itself could almost be a character. The slow unraveling of its secrets and Toby’s connection with the past add tension to the story, keeping readers engaged until the very last page. Fans of ghost stories with heart will find Time Mansion a satisfying read that blends mystery with emotional depth. Its relatable protagonist and haunting setting make it a compelling addition to the YA fantasy genre. Although written for young adults, it’s a story adults of all ages will enjoy. The storyline is engaging, the writing is crisp, and Lorenzini offers readers a unique take on a familiar subject.