Ghost Trap (A Wild Willie Mystery) [Hardcover]

Barbara Joosse (Author), Sue Truesdell (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: A Wild Willie Mystery

In the third uproarious adventure of Wild Willie and his fellow detectives, Willie is thrilled when his old best friend, Kyle, moves back to the neighborhood. His new best friend, Lucy, is not so thrilled, and friction ensues as she and Kyle compete for Willie's attention. But all three can agree on one thing: Kyle's new house is mysterious! The previous occupant-whom they dub Loony Loraine-died in the bedroom that is now Kyle's, and strange noises and voices can be heard from a secret passageway. Is Loony Loraine haunting the premises? Wild Willie, King Kyle, and Lucky Lucy put aside their differences and hatch a plan to catch a ghost. The three young detectives work out the snags in their friendship while bringing the mystery to a successful-and hilarious-solution.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4AIn this companion to The Losers Fight Back (1994) and Wild Willie and King Kyle, Detectives (1993, both Clarion), Willie's old friend Kyle moves back to the neighborhood from Cleveland and his new friend Lucy is jealous. Kyle's new house is a "handyman's special" where the children discover secret passages, an attic filled with junk, and a mystery. Lucy finds out that the former owner was an amateur detective and recluse who died in Kyle's room. The animosity between Kyle and Lucy escalates. Willie eventually figures out that he doesn't have to solve this problem and leaves it to his two friends to work out. Helpfully, a mysterious ghost turns up at Kyle's house. It groans, spouts lines from old movies (e.g., Scarface), and turns out to be a parrotAjust the catalyst needed to reshape the formerly squared-off friends into a happy triad. Readers can no doubt look forward to another book detailing the activities of the newly formed Scarface Detective Agency. Good fun, with up-to-date dialogue, short chapters, and Truesdell's big-nosed, large-eyed, loosely limned characters.ASusan Hepler, Burgundy Farm Country Day School, Alexandria, VA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

This third hilarious Wild Willie Mystery (Wild Willie and King Kyle Detectives, 1993; The Losers Fight Back, 1994) reunites Willie with Kyle, who has moved back to the neighborhood. Problems arise when Kyle meets Willie's new best friend, Lucy. Soon Willie is involved in a ``Friend War'' as Kyle and Lucy battle for his attention. Only the lure of a mystery waiting to be solved rescues the troubled trio from imminent disaster. Kyle has moved into the former home of now-deceased Loony Loraine Lamonde, a crime show enthusiast and hermit; strange noises convince him that the house is haunted. Joosse deftly captures the exuberance of childhood: At one point, Willie exclaims, ``We were gasping. We were sweating. We were scared stiff. We were having the time of our lives.'' His witty commentary combined with the outlandish plot and practical resolution make this rousing tale a success. Truesdell's whimsical pen-and-ink drawings depict the humorous predicaments and add to the entertainment, right down to the dissolution of the Friend War and Lucy's declaration: ``Three minds are sure better than one.'' (Fiction. 7-10) -- Copyright ©1998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 80 pages
• Publisher: Clarion Books (April 20, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395665876
• ISBN-13: 978-0395665879
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,121,505 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Barbara Joosse is the author of the ever-popular Mama, Do You Love Me?, along with many other books for young readers. She lives in Cedarburg, Wisconsin.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Funny and Exciting!, October 6, 2002

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Ghost Trap (A Wild Willie Mystery) (Hardcover)

I loved this book! It was easy to read, funny and suspenceful! It also has funny drawings! Willie, Lucy and Kyle remind me of me and my friends. When they investigate Kyle's haunted house, it gets just a little scary but it also makes me laugh. I borrowed the book, but now I think I'm going to buy it so I can read it again! It's perfect to read at Halloween!

5.0 out of 5 stars Ghost Trap, May 1, 2002

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Ghost Trap (A Wild Willie Mystery) (Hardcover)

This book is about three kids that like detective stuff. They find this secret room and they think there's a ghost in there, so they try to capture it.
I think you should read this book because it is funny.
People who like funny books should read this one.

5.0 out of 5 stars Scary review, May 1, 2002

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Ghost Trap (A Wild Willie Mystery) (Hardcover)

Willies old friend Kyle is moving back, but in his house is a ghost. Another problem is Willie's new friend Lucy and his old friend Kyle don't like each other. I hope they get to be friends. They're going to try to catch the ghost. Let's hope they do.
I think any kids who like Mystery Books should read this spectacular book.