Ghostlight

Gideon St. Lawrence moves with his family to a seaside community after accepting a position as a lighthouse keeper. His daughter Rebecca soon discovers that their new home at Lighthouse Point carries supernatural elements and mysterious occurrences. The story follows Rebecca as she investigates the history of the lighthouse while managing school, new friendships, and family dynamics. Her father's work documenting paranormal activity becomes intertwined with strange events at their lighthouse, leading Rebecca to confront both real and otherworldly challenges. Through ghost stories and haunted histories, Ghostlight explores themes of family bonds, courage in the face of the unknown, and the thin line between reality and the supernatural. The novel blends traditional ghost story elements with a contemporary narrative about finding one's place in an unfamiliar world.

Reader reviews indicate this middle-grade ghost story resonates with those seeking suspense without excessive horror. Readers appreciated: - Fast-paced plot that pulls readers in from the start - Balance of spooky elements with humor - Incorporation of filmmaking themes and movie-set details - Character development of protagonist Rebecca - Family relationship dynamics Common criticisms: - Some found the ending rushed - Several readers wanted more background on supporting characters - A few noted predictable plot points Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (50+ ratings) Sample reader comments: "Perfect level of creepy for middle schoolers" - Goodreads reviewer "The film industry details felt authentic" - Amazon reviewer "Wished for more closure with certain storylines" - Storygraph reviewer Multiple reviewers mentioned reading it in one sitting due to engaging pacing and noted it works well for readers transitioning from children's to YA books.

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🎬 "Ghostlight" draws inspiration from the early days of filmmaking, particularly the silent film era of the 1920s, when special effects were created through innovative practical techniques. 👻 Kenneth Oppel wrote the first draft of this novel during the COVID-19 lockdown, channeling the isolation and eerie atmosphere of that period into the story. 🏰 The grand mansion in the book was partly inspired by Casa Loma in Toronto, a Gothic Revival castle built in the early 1900s that has been used as a filming location for numerous movies. 🎥 The ghost-hunting equipment described in the book combines both vintage and modern technology, reflecting the blend of old and new that characterizes paranormal investigation. ✍️ Author Kenneth Oppel has won numerous awards for his young adult fiction, including the Governor General's Award and the Michael L. Printz Honor, establishing himself as one of Canada's most celebrated children's authors.