It's sometimes a challenge to use the word delight when a lot of people are killed off in a book, but this one certainly qualifies. Leigh is a gutsy survivor and the relatives who take her in are pretty cool. Her friendship with the younger version of Bodie's ghost is a big plus, as is her developing relationship with her cousin.
There's plenty of action and tight situations, but what little Bodie transferred to her saves her bacon. All told, a very satisfying story. ( )

Unlike most people, I did NOT see the video on TikTok until AFTER I had already bought and started reading the book. :)

After the murder of her parents, 16-year-old Leigh is sent to live with rich relatives she had never met. While searching for clues into her parents’ death, she encounters the ghosts that live in the mansion and begins a string of dangerous adventures trying to get to the truth of what really happened, and who was responsible.

What I liked: interesting storyline and plot! The ghosts were great characters, and I loved the dynamic they brought to the story.

What I did not like: several things bothered me a little. One issue was the dialogue. Leigh is 16 but speaks like an adult, not a teenager. The Guatemalan immigrant handyman, Nacho, speaks perfect English, like college-educated level (with a better vocabulary than me!), but then uses random Spanish words here and there, like he forgets the English word. The Spanish interjections felt very forced, not natural, and just took me out of the story. There were also some discrepancies in the narration (she started in one place then suddenly she was somewhere else, or she got into bed and then later got into bed again). There were a couple of scenes that came across rather creepy. (Her dad’s friend describes being disappointed in her and having the urge to “put her over his knee and spank her,” and she responds with, “Oh I'd deserve it.” Creepy.

It was an interesting read, and I loved the mystery and the ghosts, I just wish it had better editing.

3 out of 5 stars ( )

This entry in the teen fiction mystery genre was exceptionally well done. The characters were not only realistic but rang true in all aspects. The parents of the teenaged protagonist, Leigh, are murdered and our heroine wants answers. After a suicide attempt, she goes to live with a family of her distant cousins, becomes very close to her teen-aged cousin and 1 of the resident ghosts, and begins to delve into what really happened to her parents that awful night. Leigh searches for clues wherever and whenever she can leading to some hair raising adventures. As she pieces together clues with the help of her cousin, a staff member of the estate, and a couple of resident ghosts, the disturbing truth emerges. A satisfactory ending ensues. If you do not like ghosts as major characters, you might want to pass on this one. Recommended to those who enjoy ghost stories, thrillers, and mysteries. ( )

I enjoyed reading this book. I grew to care about Leigh and also Little Bodie, one of the titular ghosts. All in all, a very enjoyable read. ( )

Reading Leigh Howard reminded me of Bruce Wayne aka Batman. The way their parents died triggered it mainly but how the individual persevered and overcome the trauma is different. Leigh is a troubled and suicidal 16 years old when she was sent to live with her distant cousins, Tristan and Peg with their daughter Myra. She was reluctant at first but as they keep showering her with love and with Myra slowly gaining her trust, she slowly progressed to be a different, livelier girl. Her will to find who murdered her parents turned the household upside down and with the help of the ghosts of the manor making things worst!

Overall, I'm glad for this chance to read this exciting novel as there was never a dull moment and it's filled with lots of adventurous plots from the moment Leigh met the ghosts. I do find it relatable especially the mental health stigma which I'm glad had a positive outcome and a good influence, so to speak. Definitely an easy read and great for a quick adventure for the young ones and the young at heart :-) I'm just thankful for a switch of pace reading young adult after finishing an intense read! Thanks to the publisher, Black Rose Writing, for this e-ARC in return for my honest review. ( )