Ghost at the Window [Paperback]

Margaret McAllister (Author)

Book Description

A mystery story about a ghost trapped in a house which slips in and out of different periods in history. The ghost appeals to the boy who lives in the house for his help to release her spirit from the house. Exciting mystery/ghost story which keeps the reader gripped. Margaret McAllister's third novel for OUP - her first two books "A Friend for Rachel" and "Hold My Hand and Run" were very well reviewed. Unusual angle on time slip - it's the house that time-travels. Margaret McAllister lives in North Yorkshire.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8-When Ewan Dart opens the door to his house, he's never sure if he'll see a Victorian parlor, ancient warriors, or his own living room. Ninian House, located in a remote Scottish village, shifts in time, displaying moments from its history to its current residents. The figures from the past are usually unaware of their watchers, but Ewan is contacted by Elspeth, a spirit who has been trapped in the house since her death at age nine in the 1930s. At the moment of her death, the house shifted in time, and she was unable to leave it. She enlists Ewan's help to break free, but their efforts are thwarted by a threatening force that is centered in a locked closet. With the help of his friend Mick, Ewan finds out about former residents, and contacts one of them, Elspeth's cousin Alex, to resolve the mystery and set her free. Ninian House's time-shifting, casually accepted by Ewan's parents and other local residents, gives this fast-paced ghost story an unusual twist. McAllister's characters are realistic and their relationships are detailed, especially the developing bond between Ewan and his artistic father. Mick and his family add local color and warmth to the story. This engaging book will have a strong appeal to fans of Betty Ren Wright though the Scottish setting makes for a slightly more challenging read.
Beth L. Meister, Queens Borough Public Library, Flushing, NY
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 6-9. Ninian House, Ewan Dart's home in a small Scottish town, has some quirks--the most troublesome being that it shifts back in time, offering glimpses into history. Past and present collide, when Ewan encounters Elspeth, a young ghost trapped in time, who needs Ewan's help to find peace at last. Ewan must unravel Elspeth's past and the mystery of a locked closet--in an increasingly intense race against time. This has an intriguing premise as well as suspense that sometimes turns quite spooky. McAllister's prose moves quickly, and her characters, setting, and events are easy to visualize. She also incorporates some provocative, philosophically complex ideas about fear and hate, love and forgiveness, and death and afterlife (including a somewhat jarringly matter-of-fact discussion between Ewan and Elspeth). Part mystery, part ghost story, part morality tale, the novel has a good deal to offer as it explores the diverse, interwoven threads and impact of past and present, faith and heart. Shelle Rosenfeld
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Oxford Childrens (October 31, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0192718479
• ISBN-13: 978-0192718471
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,104,055 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining and fun, February 8, 2008

By 

Annie Ford "sinistergiggle" (moseslake, wa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ghost at the Window (Peter's Neighborhood Series) (Hardcover)

My teen daughter recommended this book to me after she enjoyed it so much. I am glad I took time to read it. This book is original, imaginative and well written. Anything set in Scotland would grab my attention but this little book held it firm and let the story and mystery unfold steadily and smoothly. It is not a "ghost story" by today's horrific standards, (even in the junior set) but is rather a fantasy that happens to have a ghost that is a part of it. I love that the goings on in the peculiar old house are known to anyone who enters it, all family members living there, townspeople, etc. so it is not one of those typical 'kid-tries-to-convince-the-grown-ups' kind of thing. But there are secrets that are to be uncovered and solutions to dilema and humor tossed in for good measure. (Distracted, artist dad and hassled working mom grateful for microwavable freezer foods, for example). We found this gem at the library and I am nudging my 11 year old to read it, too, primarily for the themes of conquering ones fears and the practicing of Letting Go, things it seems we all could use lessons in. For now I will buy it here on Amazon and add it to my library of personal favorites.