Posted by Just South of Home by Karen Strong kept me at the edge of my seat the whole time. I got a review copy from the author, but you can find this awesome book in bookstores starting tomorrow. Mystery mixed with a bit of chilling horror; Karen Strong publishes her first novel and leaves an impact!
In the book, the main character, Sarah, thought this would be a normal summer. Working with Mrs. Greene (her grandmother) around the house and binge-watching Cosmos, she didn’t know her summer was about to take a downfall. But it did when she was left in charge of her younger, bratty cousin Janie, while Janie’s mother went out of town.
Janie has a knack for trouble, too. So, it’s no surprise that Janie drags Sarah to an old burned down church, the morning after Sarah’s brother Ellis tells her a ghost story about it. Now, Creek Church is an abandoned place, no trespassing allowed. I bet Sarah never knew what was coming when Janie stole something from a graveyard at the church.
Soon Sarah, Janie, Ellis and Ellis’ friend Jasper are seeing stuff they are unable to explain; haints, muddy messages and more. And it’s up to them to stop the ghosts and help one named Abner get to where he needs to be.
I liked this book because it was kind of chilling, but it also recognized history during segregation. Creek Church was burned down by the Ku Klux Klan and Abner was killed by one of the members. It showed how dark our past really is, and that you can’t run away from it. Also, the plot was kind of mysterious, which kept my eyes glued to the page from start to finish.
This book is great for anyone ages eight to 12 and especially if you like mysteries. This one is even cooler because it has black girls as the main characters, which is not often seen.
I really enjoyed this book! I rate it 4 out of 4 roses!
Elena Reads and Reviews 