Givin' up the Ghost

STORYLINE:  A sixteen-year-old girl is transplanted to her Uncle’s house in England after her father’s death. She prefers to hide her psychic gifts, but can’t after a murdered man appeals to her to solve the mystery of his death.

When it is clear that Indigo’s skills are not a hoax, she and her friends get busy trying to solve the case. The situation becomes more intriguing and deadly until the murderer is exposed.

PLAYER/S: Indigo Eady is a typical teen, except for the fact that has special skills and is mourning the loss of her father. She’s also hounded by ghosts who think she can solve their problems. Her psychic ability and helpful nature means she’s forced into situations not of her own choosing. She does well at standing behind her friends and doing what’s necessary.

I LIKED: the change in setting as most of the books I’ve been reading unfold in the U.S. I got a good picture of the pub where the young investigators plan their strategy, as well as the nooks and crannies that Indigo visits. The setting took me back to my high school years when I read a lot of books set in old England.

There is an interesting variety of characters and a significant amount of spirit activity (which is expected). Love the ghostly Madam, Cleo and the serving girl with a fascination for technology.

I COULD HAVE LIVED WITHOUT: the dark presence that skulks around, trying to harm  Indigo. The shadow was creepy and acted as another force trying to prevent the Indigo’s team from reaching their goal.  

 OVERALL COMMENTS: I enjoy the way Indigo was characterized. Her awkwardness, angst over her father’s death and the crush on Badger make her endearing. She comes across as a regular teen, unsure of herself in some instances, yet trying to forge a path for herself and also come to terms with the attraction she feels for Badger.

The book isn’t full of pulse-pounding scenes, but is more of a slow build-up—with some near misses in between—following clues toward a climax in which antagonist and protagonist, plus crew meet in a showdown.

There is a touching scene near the end that helps provide closure for both characters and reader, which also works well in explaining why some of the ghosts refuse to leave this realm until they’re good and ready.

COVER NOTE: I’m not a fan of graphic covers, but this one does an excellent job of conveying what goes on in the story. The artist even captured the streak in Indigo’s hair and the shadowy figures in pursuit.

SOURCE: I downloaded Givin' up the Ghost from Amazon.