The Ghost in the Mirror

Rose Rita Pottinger and Mrs. Zimmermann embark on a journey to Pennsylvania Dutch country in search of a magic spell that could restore Mrs. Zimmermann's lost powers. Their quest leads them to stay at an old farmhouse owned by Mrs. Zimmermann's cousin Oley. The farmhouse holds mysteries connected to a centuries-old practitioner of magic named Wilder Graves. Through an antique mirror in the house, Rose Rita encounters strange visions and begins to uncover dark secrets from the past that still affect the present. As Rose Rita and Mrs. Zimmermann investigate further, they find themselves caught in supernatural events that test their courage and wit. The story combines elements of historical magic practices with contemporary supernatural suspense. The novel explores themes of friendship, personal growth, and the responsibility that comes with wielding power. It raises questions about how the past influences the present and the price of pursuing magical abilities.

Many readers note this book maintains the Gothic atmosphere of earlier Bellairs works but lacks some of his signature darkness and complexity. Fans appreciate the continued focus on Mrs. Zimmermann as a main character and the integration of historical elements. Readers liked: - The friendship between Mrs. Zimmermann and Rose Rita - Historical details about 19th century New England - The fast-paced plot Common criticisms: - Less scary than previous books in the series - Plot feels more straightforward and predictable - Writing style differs noticeably from Bellairs' original works Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,124 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (31 reviews) Several reviewers mentioned that while Strickland's continuation is competent, it doesn't fully capture Bellairs' distinctive voice. One reader on Goodreads noted: "It's a decent story but missing that special eeriness that made Bellairs' books so memorable."

The House with a Clock in Its Walls by John Bellairs This gothic mystery follows a young boy who moves to his uncle's mansion and encounters supernatural threats, dark magic, and hidden dangers within the house's walls.

The Egypt Game by Zilpha Keatley Snyder A group of children create an imaginative game in an abandoned yard that leads to real Egyptian magic and an unsettling mystery.

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin Sixteen people gather for the reading of a millionaire's will and become entangled in a puzzle-filled mystery with unexpected twists and supernatural elements.

Behind the Attic Wall by Sylvia Cassedy An orphaned girl sent to live with elderly aunts discovers mysterious dolls in an attic that harbor secrets and magical powers.

The Castle in the Attic by Elizabeth Winthrop A boy's miniature castle becomes a portal to a medieval world filled with magic, danger, and a quest to defeat dark forces.

🔮 "The Ghost in the Mirror" was the first novel in the Lewis Barnavelt series completed by Brad Strickland after John Bellairs' death in 1991. 📚 The novel features a unique pairing of Mrs. Zimmermann and Rose Rita Pottinger on their own adventure, rather than focusing on the series' usual protagonist, Lewis Barnavelt. ⌛️ The story is set in 1951 and incorporates authentic historical details about Pennsylvania Dutch folk magic and hexerei traditions. 🏰 The haunted house featured in the book was inspired by real Victorian-era architecture common in Pennsylvania's Lancaster County. ✍️ Brad Strickland was personally selected by John Bellairs' son to continue the series, and he studied Bellairs' writing style extensively to maintain consistency in tone and atmosphere.