The haunting

In this spooky middle grade debut set in 19th-century England, an orphan is adopted by the perfect family, only to realize something is amiss in her new home. Twelve-year-old Emily and her loyal canine companion Archie are ready to settle in at Blackthorn Manor with her adoptive parents, the Thorntons. However, Blackthorn seems dark and dilapidated; her parents are prone to somber moments; Miss Greer, the housekeeper, is occasionally uncommunicative; and Emily is plagued by accidents everywhere she turns. Even her new friend Kat--who knows every inch of the Manor by heart and who comes and goes at random--seems to have secrets. Emily begins to wonder if the house itself is trying to kill her or if some other force could be at work, but convincing the Thorntons of the problem proves challenging. Duga (Glow of the Fireflies) skillfully conjures a foreboding atmosphere as Emily experiences one dangerous mishap after another. Though the true nature of the threat will come as no surprise to perceptive readers, this spine-tingler is sure to appeal to younger readers in the mood for a good fright. Ages 8--12. Agent: Frances Black, Literary Counsel. (Feb.)

A girl is adopted into a forever home. But will the home adopt her back? Of all the orphans at Evanshire's Home for Neglected Girls, 12-year-old Emily feels like she's the most hated. When a wealthy couple comes to visit the orphanage, Emily is sure they'll choose a younger, prettier girl with "soft curls and big blue eyes," just like every other family seems to. To everyone's surprise, the couplea Mr. and Mrs. Thorntonchooses Emily without skipping a beat. Almost as quickly, a carriage whisks Emily off to her new home, Blackthorn Manor, and her "different, more beautiful life." From the outside, the manor (and Emily's new family) is magnificent. But, inside, the cobwebs and stale scent tell a different storyone tinged with living shadows and bizarre happenings. Determined to turn creepy into homey, Emily dares to learn the manor's secretseven as the building seems to want her out. Duga's middle-grade debut paints a timeless, atmospheric English setting. The slow pace, all chills and spooks, builds a compelling (if a bit derivative) mystery. Third-person narration focalizes through Emily, but weak characterization on all fronts makes plot the clear driving force. The cast is presumed white by default. Though the adoption mainly services the plot, this ghost story scrapes together important themes of belonging and family amid the melancholy of loss. Good but not haunting. (Horror. 8-12) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.