Author: Mary Downing Hahn | Pages: 187 | Rating: 4.2/5 (22,545 ratings) | Find it on Amazon
An Unforgettable Summer of Secrets
Mary Downing Hahn, a master of middle-grade suspense, delivers another winner with Deep and Dark and Dangerous. This book proves that you don't need extreme violence or complex dystopian worlds to craft a story that will cling to readers long after the last page is turned. It’s a classic ghost story that thrives on atmosphere, mystery, and the unsettling feeling that the past is never truly buried.
The story follows thirteen-year-old Ali, who is thrilled to spend the summer at her aunt’s quaint lakeside cottage. It’s a chance to bond with her aunt and her younger cousin, but the idyllic setting holds a dark shadow. When Ali finds an old, torn photograph with a face scratched out, she uncovers the first thread of a family secret everyone seems determined to keep hidden.
What Makes This Book So Gripping?
The heart of the novel's success lies in its perfectly paced mystery. Hahn is an expert at building tension slowly, like the creeping fog over the lake she so vividly describes. Readers are drawn into Ali’s investigation, feeling every chill and shudder right alongside her. The mystery isn't just about a ghost; it's about uncovering a tragic event that fractured a family, making the emotional stakes feel real and important.
Another element readers consistently praise is the character of the ghost herself, Sissy. She is not just a generic spooky apparition but a complex and genuinely menacing presence. Her interactions with the children are chilling because they feel unpredictable and dangerously real. Hahn creates a palpable sense of threat that is age-appropriate yet effectively scary, making it a perfect "gateway" ghost story for young readers.
Is Deep and Dark and Dangerous Right for You?
If you or a young reader in your life loves mysteries that send shivers down your spine without relying on gore, this book is an excellent choice. With 187 pages, it’s a manageable read that doesn’t sacrifice depth for brevity. The 4.2-star rating from over 22,000 readers on Goodreads is a testament to its enduring appeal. It’s a story about friendship, family secrets, and confronting the past—themes that resonate deeply.
Deep and Dark and Dangerous is a standout in children's horror literature. It’s the kind of book that might make you think twice about what’s lurking in old photo albums or down by the water on a misty evening. A compelling, spooky, and ultimately satisfying read that deserves its place as a modern classic.
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