A Song in the Dark

Gr 9 Up–Archer gives realistic insight to grief, marrying it with the paranormal and ghost stories in a beautiful, lyrical story. After a devastating car accident, Jo’s mom decides to pick up the family and move back to her childhood hometown of Blackridge with her sister, hoping it will help Jo out of her deep depression. Things are strange in Blackridge: every summer a kid disappears without a trace, and no one should be out after dark. Jo’s aunt, Paige, believes that her house is haunted, but Jo does not believe in ghosts…until she sees one in her aunt’s home. Finn, the first ghost Jo meets, is the disappeared twin of Jo’s coworker, Nora, who is employed by Paige. After meeting Finn, Jo learns that there are two more ghosts who reside in the house, and she is determined to solve the mystery of the missing kids in town. This is a story about grief, loss, and friendship that will keep readers engaged and wondering what will happen next. This novel is wrapped in melancholy and tied together with hope, and realistically portrays what it’s like to be depressed. It is a fast-paced, quick read. Main characters cue white.