The Haunting of Holroyd Hill [Paperback]

Brenda Seabrooke (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1997 | Age Level: 10 and up

When her family moves to the Virginia countryside, eleven-year-old Melinda, her older brother, and their new friend Dan work together to solve the mystery of a Civil War-era ghost who is haunting their house.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8?Almost-12 Melinda is finding the adjustment from Alexandria to her new home in rural Virginia a difficult one. A run-in with surly Mr. Sasser is just one more piece of proof of how awful the whole change has been. All other problems fade into insignificance, however, when the girl discovers that a ghost has started walking through the house every night. Her older brother, Kevin; their new friend Dan, the grandson of the unpleasant neighbor; and Melinda begin keeping watch, trying to discover where the ghost comes from and where it goes on its nightly journey. A little research at the local library provides some clues, while Dan's recollections of some family stories yield additional hints. Gradually, the young people put all the information together and the three investigators confront three ghosts caught up in a tragic event from Civil War days. Fans of Betty Ren Wright will enjoy this novel, as Seabrooke believably weaves the supernatural elements into her story. The characters are not fully developed, but the plot is tight and moves swiftly. Refreshingly, the adults are normal and caring (even the supposedly nasty neighbor).?Elaine Fort Weischedel, Turner Free Library, Randolph, MA
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 6^-8. Seabrooke weaves Civil War history and a tragic love story into a fast-paced, intriguing murder mystery-cum-ghost story that is successful on all levels. Eleven-year-old Melinda is not pleased about her family's move to Virginia. She misses her friends, and she and her brother, Kevin, have had an unsettling introduction to their new neighbor. Things begin to look up, however, when she and Kevin befriend the neighbor's grandson, Dan, meet a ghost who haunts their property, and uncover a mystery that may involve Dan's grandfather. When they discover a second ghost inhabiting Dan's house, they realize that the stories of the two ghosts may be entwined, and the search for answers becomes an irresistible challenge. As they piece together clues, they learn about the Battle of Manassas and help the ghosts find peace. Chris Sherman --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (June 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140385401
• ISBN-13: 978-0140385403
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,387,577 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ghostly visits!, May 26, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Haunting of Holroyd Hill (Paperback)

Moving to a new home in never easy, especially when a ghost lives there,too! This book was a real page page turner for me all the way through as Melinda, her brother Kevin and their neighbor Dan not only have to deal with the hair-raising ghostly visits, but also solve the Civil War mystery behind them!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spooky, December 19, 2005

By 

Christina "stone" (boresville, usa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Haunting of Holroyd Hill (Paperback)

Do you like getting scared? Well, if you do then I suggest you read this book....alone....in big creeky house!!! The Haunting of Holroyd Hill is always keeping you on the edge and is taking you threw a maze of surprises! Brenda Seabrooke Wrote this book very well! I loved how she took this story from her own life experiences. For example, the books setting was near where she lived in Falls Church, Virginia. She bought a big new house there over a old pre-Civil war road and she kept hearing noises and thats where this TRUE murder mystery starts. This book is ok for all ages, unless you have child who is easily scared! I hope this review makes you wanna read this wonderful book!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read, February 1, 2002

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Haunting of Holroyd Hill (Paperback)

Do you like mysteries? This is a fast-paced, murder story. Brenda is from Falls Church, VA. She said she wrote it when they moved to a new house, and heard strange sounds. This is a very true story. I think it was a very interesting story. Because it keeps you interested in the book and not put it down, and go do something else.

I liked the Haunting of Holroyd Hill because it was a thrilling mystery book. I would recommend this book to middle school students, because I liked it and I think they will too.