Deep and Dark and Dangerous

Thirteen-year-old Ali agrees to spend the summer at her aunt's lakehouse in Maine, babysitting her young cousin Emma. Before departing, she discovers an old photograph showing her mother and aunt as children, with a mysterious third girl torn from the image. At the lake, Emma befriends a strange girl named Sissy who begins to exert a troubling influence. The new friend's increasingly hostile behavior and fixation on a decades-old drowning sets Ali on edge as she tries to uncover the connection between Sissy and her family's past. Ali must protect her cousin while piecing together the truth about a long-buried incident that drove her mother and aunt apart years ago. The lake holds secrets that some would prefer stay hidden beneath its dark waters. The novel explores themes of guilt, family bonds, and the weight of unspoken truths through the lens of a summer that forces long-suppressed memories to surface.

Readers describe this as a ghost story that balances spooky elements with age-appropriate content for middle-grade audiences. Many note it works well as an introduction to horror for younger readers aged 8-12. Readers liked: - The building tension and atmosphere - Relatable family dynamics - Clear, straightforward writing style - The Maine lake setting - Satisfying resolution without being too scary Common criticisms: - Some found it predictable - Main character Ali can be frustrating/unlikeable - Too mild for older readers seeking stronger scares - A few felt the ending wrapped up too neatly Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 from 16,800+ ratings Amazon: 4.6/5 from 1,100+ ratings Commonsense Media: 4/5 from parents, 4/5 from kids One frequent comment from teachers and librarians is that this book appeals to reluctant readers. Multiple reviewers mentioned reading it in one sitting, unable to put it down.

Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn A ghost story about a twelve-year-old who must protect her stepsister from a supernatural friendship that turns dangerous.

The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall by Mary Downing Hahn The tale of an orphan who arrives at her uncle's manor house and encounters the vengeful ghost of her cousin.

The Old Willis Place by Mary Downing Hahn Two siblings who haunt an old estate must face their past when a new caretaker's daughter moves in.

The Doll in the Garden by Mary Downing Hahn A young girl discovers a mysterious antique doll buried in her neighbor's garden, leading to the unraveling of a decades-old tragedy.

Time for Andrew by Mary Downing Hahn A modern boy switches places with his look-alike ancestor from 1910, each trapped in the other's time period until they can find a way to switch back.

🌟 The author struggled with dyslexia as a child but found solace in storytelling, which later shaped her career as a writer of children's ghost stories. 🌟 Many of the supernatural elements in the book were inspired by New England folklore, particularly stories about spirits connected to lakes and waterways. 🌟 The Maine lake setting was based on author Mary Downing Hahn's own experiences visiting Dark Harbor, Maine, during her childhood summers. 🌟 The book won the 2008 Maryland Children's Book Award and has been included in numerous state reading lists across the United States. 🌟 The torn photograph plot element was inspired by real Victorian-era mourning photographs, where families would take pictures with their deceased loved ones as keepsakes.