Published by Walden Pond Press

Summary:  Cooper’s had to deal with a lot of difficult changes in his family over the last few years; in the opening pages, he’s in the yard venting his anger.  The new girl next door sits on a swing and watching him…as usual.  Her odd behavior leads Cooper and his sister Jess to investigate, and they learn that the crest on the jacket she wears has been found on clothing at disasters going back to the nineteenth century.  Strangest of all is the fact that only Cooper, Jess, and Cooper’s new friend Gus seem to be able to see the girl or the renovations done to the derelict house that she’s moved into.  As they get deeper into the mystery, they discover a supernatural world called the In-Between and learn that they may all be in danger.  Can the three of them solve the mystery in time to avert the next disaster? 320 pages; grades 4-7.

Pros:  A well-crafted spooky tale with plenty of plot twists that will keep readers guessing right up until the end.  The family issues of divorce, an absent father, and Jess’s diabetes add some depth to the story.

Cons:  I saw some reviews that recommended this for kids as young as 8, but the complicated plot and somewhat creepy story would probably make it a better choice for older readers.