THE GHOST In The GARDEN by Alisse Lee Goldenberg – Mystery, Young Adult, Paranormal

In Alisse Goldberg’s engaging young adult mystery, The Ghost in the Garden, a curious 11-year-old must face the challenges of moving to a new city, losing old friends, making new ones, and encountering historic specters in her new home.

Sophie Madison seems none too happy about her recent move from the bustling city of Calgary, Ablerta to the smaller, quieter landscape of Stratford, Ontario. But upon arrival with her parents, she begins noticing the charm of the place, appearing like a step back in time. Their new house in particular catches her interest, with its tall turret topped by stained glass window panes where Sophie’s bedroom will be. In addition, the wild beauty of the backyard garden draws her in.

Soon, a mysterious blonde-headed girl named Tabitha appears in the garden.

As she gets to know Tabitha and faces abnormal happenings with her closet door, Sophie’s left on edge, with nightmares riddling her sleeping hours.

But with the help of her parents, some newfound friends, and Tabitha’s haunting journal from the attic of Sophie’s closet, Sophie comes to terms with the spirits of the past and gains a positive outlook for her future.

Author Goldenberg’s story is artfully centered around giving new people and places a chance.

With clear familiarity and care, Goldenberg and illustrator Hannah Al-shaer paint a beautiful and detailed backdrop of Stratford, a place one could easily grow to love. From the artsy vibe of murals in an area laced with parks, shops, and restaurants, to a fairy gate in the center of town, the place oozes picturesque charm.

An engaging cast of characters fills this colorful place, from Sophie’s loving and concerned parents to a friendly but quirky vegetarian lady who happens to be the Mom of Sophie’s new friend, Fitz. These two pre-teens enjoy an easy camaraderie, as Fitz introduces Sophie to the area, and the two join forces to investigate the strange happenings in Sophie’s room. A hip, young teacher with an interest in the town’s paranormal history compliments the mysterious storyline.

Conversation throughout the narrative is realistic and genuine, and text messages between Sophie and Fitz lend a modern-day flair.

Here the haunting theme of apparitions and spirits continues in present-day terms when Sophie appears to be “ghost” texted by her best friend back in Calgary. Perhaps an indication that friendships may not always withstand the miles.

Goldenberg weaves a stirring plot with enough questions and scares to keep readers invested, but not cowering.

Shredded doorframes, decapitated teddy bears, and dark entities with clawing hands likened to a “zombie, hag monster”, offer up just the right amount of chills and thrills.

For audiences both young and old who enjoy a ghostly mystery featuring relatable issues about settling into a new place, dealing with new people, and discovering things that go bump in the night, The Ghost in the Garden proves a venturous and entertaining literary move.