Sadly, because I love MG horror and want to see more non-gory creepiness in MG books, I can only recommend The Murk as an apt description of the writing.

The book fails on several levels: Wooden dialogue that frequently sounds too adult or, worse, unbelievable; inexplicable and maddening lapses of intelligence forced onto both protagonists; and dreary pacing.

The emotional reactions of the two principal characters, Piper and Tad, seem forced to the point of weirdness. For example, after Tad (Piper's bestie for years) saves her life and that of Piper's infant sister, Piper rejects him--Why? Who knows?--then rekindles their friendship when the aforementioned baby sister becomes ill. Tad's reaction? Confusion (I get that). Unrelenting infatuation (Really? After a year of being ignored?). And an utterly unbelievable lack of resentment when, after her baby sister falls ill, Piper comes to Tad in tears and begs for his help. Tad even agrees, almost immediately, to sneak off to the Okefenokee Swamp with Piper to search for a mythical flower mentioned in the early 19th-century journal of one of Tad's forebears.

Tad's agreement highlights one of the most irritating aspects of this book: The deliberate dumbing-down of both principals to advance the plot. Why would a boy smart enough to create a unique orchid (for Piper) suddenly buy into a "Hey, the journal must be right, and X marks the spot" cliche? Ditto for Piper; initially portrayed as an intelligent, smart, and resourceful girl she then becomes so overwhelmed by emotion that she accepts as credible the existence of an all-healing flower. These transformations smack of a lack of respect readers, the characters, and the plot.

The pace lags throughout--only in the last pages does any suspense build--and this substantial flaw isn't helped by the inclusion of overly lengthy and dull entries from the old journal.

Look elsewhere for fun MG horror. ( )

After reading this I will never look at plants the same again. This title was chock full of action, adventure, suspense, as well as a lively cast of characters. I highly recommend this title. Especially anyone that has camping trips planned in the near future!! ( )