Book details
Deep and Dark and Dangerous: A Ghost Story
Description
Mary Downing Hahn is at her chilling best in this supernatural tale, where the long-buried secret of a young girl's death in a canoe accident relentlessly makes its way to the surface of an idyllic vacation. A family secret is at the root of Mary Downing Hahn's story of supernatural events in Maine. Thirteen-year-old Ali is eager to spend her vacation with Aunt Dulcie, helping to care for her little niece, Emma, in the lake house where Dulcie and Claire, Ali's mother, spent summers. Claire, who is phobic about water, is dead set against her going but is forced to agree. The vacation by the lake turns unpleasant when Ali and Emma meet a mean, spiteful kid named Sissy. Emma idolizes and imitates Sissy, becoming bratty and hostile and accepting Sissy's dangerous dares. Sissy keeps talking about Teresa, a girl who drowned under mysterious circumstances when Claire and Dulcie were kids. At first Ali thinks Sissy is just trying to scare her with a ghost story, but soon she discovers the real reason why Sissy is so angry: she is the ghost of Teresa and blames Claire and Dulcie for her death.
Age
10-12
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
200 pages
Why to read
- Engaging Mystery: 'Deep and Dark and Dangerous' offers readers a compelling ghost story that combines elements of mystery and suspense, keeping readers engaged as they try to unravel the secrets of the past alongside the protagonist.
- Atmospheric Setting: Mary Downing Hahn is known for her ability to create rich, atmospheric settings that enhance the mood of her stories. This book is no exception, with its eerie lake house and the haunting history that surrounds it, providing a perfect backdrop for a ghost story.
- Complex Characters: The characters in the story are well-developed, each with their own backstory and motivations. Readers will find themselves empathizing with the protagonist, Ali, as she navigates complex family dynamics and uncovers hidden truths.
- Themes of Forgiveness and Family: Beyond the thrills and chills, the book delves into deeper themes such as forgiveness, the impact of secrets, and the importance of family. These themes give the story substance and can lead to meaningful reflections for readers of all ages.