The many hauntings of the Manning family A novel

Thirteen-year-old twins Trent and Gabby Manning are supernatural ghost hunters. Both brother and sister are coerced by their mother to do spirit releases, a talent inherited from their world-famous grandparents, and to start a related YouTube channel, despite Gabby's growing irritation. The late nights and constant demands put a strain on both siblings, causing them to drift further apart. When their mom finds a new opportunity to boost their views on social media by visiting the Majestic Theatre--an old, haunted building that their grandparents last covered--a timid Trent and fed-up Gabby go into their ritual, only to come face-to-face with a powerful demon that is out of their depth. Time will tell if they can set aside their pride and find the strength to complete this new case. Lawrence creates a great starting point for those who may want to one day venture into The Conjuring universe but are still a bit young for the potential jump scares. Viewpoints from both protagonists (who present as white) shed light on their thoughts and frustrations over everyone's preconceived notions about them. Most readers will resonate with both characters as they navigate feelings of being exploited for the benefit of others and the trials of viral online life. An excellent discussion to have on the topic of boundaries with friends and, especially, family.

Ghost-hunting twins Trent and Gabby follow in their grandparents' footsteps, taking on a dangerous mission to free the ghosts trapped in the neglected Majestic Theater. The 13-year-olds inherited their grandparents' gift for communicating with ghosts. Their mom, who doesn't have paranormal abilities, seeks to capitalize on her legendary parents' reputations and her kids' talents; she eagerly records the siblings' ghost-hunting and posts them to YouTube. Unlike Trent, Gabby is tired of feeling used for content, but the anniversary of their grandparents' Last Haunt looms large, and Mom has a plan to mark it. She's determined to revisit the Majestic Theater, the site of Grandpa's "one big regret," and document the siblings' ghost-hunting for social media dividends. But what awaits the twins is something more sinister and vicious than any spirits they've encountered before. The suspense builds deliciously as the twins get to work in the theater, and the spooks it contains are equal parts thrilling and disgusting. The stakes feel high, and each sibling has the opportunity to stand out while also demonstrating trust in the other. Gabby, bold and outspoken, is the perfect foil for her brother, who's quiet and hesitant. Together, they're a likable, believably drawn pair. Lawrence has a clear vision for the world of ghosts, and she pulls readers in through evocative descriptions of place and atmosphere. Most characters present white. Top-shelf suspense and page-turning thrills.(Paranormal. 10-13) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.