Charis Cotter once again delivers spooky vibes for the discerning young reader. Some other books by this author are a bit stronger/spookier, but this one has twins, which as we all know are pretty suspicious ( )

Ruth is to stay in Newfoundland for the summer, instead of spending the summer traveling with her dad, who has recently remarried. When she arrives, she finds that Newfoundland is very different from her life in Toronto–people here believe in ghosts "The Sight" and family curses. Ruth’s cousin Ruby is also staying for the summer, and the two discover they have a lot in common: they both lost their moms (who were twins) when they were two years old (on the same day), they’re the same age and they even like the same things. The two cousins start to investigate the family past, tragedies, mysteries, secrets and curses. I think this would be great book for the young reader (or a family read) who has interest in mystery, fantasy and history. The story keeps up a quick pace and timing. I would give this book a 4 out of 5 stars. ( )

This review and others posted over at my blog.

I was very impressed with The Swallow – another somewhat dark, middle-grade read from Cotter centering around ghosts – so I had high expectations going into this. Sadly, it didn’t meet my standards. While this isn’t exactly a cheerful read, it didn’t give me any deep feelings, nor deliver in the tear department like I expected (if you didn’t already know this, I love when books make me cry!)

Ruth and Ruby didn’t really stand out for me and while I was interested in learning more about the curse and the history of their family, I wasn’t incredibly invested in their story. It’s also set in the 70s (a theme for Cotter, it seems) and though I noticed the lack of cell phones and computers, it almost felt more timeless – this isn’t really a good or bad thing for me, just something to note.

If you’re looking for a middle-grade read centering around ghosts, family history and a curse, but you don’t want anything to violent, scary or heart-breaking, this would be a good pick. I didn’t think there was anything overly grim – yes, the twin daughters in each generation die young, but there are no graphic descriptions.

I believe Cotter has one other middle-grade novel right now, The Painting, and I’d like to read it. I enjoy that she focuses on darker themes, art, ghosts and curses – that sort of thing is right up my alley. This was solid, but I think because I read The Swallow first, this just didn’t meet the bar that one set. If you’re wondering which of her reads to pick up first, I’d suggest this then The Swallow, for maximum impact. ( )

I got a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review from Penguin Random House.

I actually enjoyed reading this book from the very beginning. I was hooked up the moment I met bought Ruby and Ruth. I was also intrigued with Eldred. The pacing and plot twist of this book was good. I was able to guess part of it but overall it was nice read. It’s definitely a good book for middle-graders ( )

This was my favorite type of book when I was a tween - a curse, a family mystery to solve, and a brave, intelligent narrator. Ruth has been sent to live with her Great Aunt Doll in Newfoundland for the Summer. She meets her cousin Ruby (who looks just like her) and learns that their mothers (twins) died on the same day. The girls learn about a family curse that always leaves the new generation of twin daughters motherless at a young age. ( )