Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 06/01/2020 Gr 5 Up—While Lucas and Claire are both new transplants to their school, Lucas's awkward glances and comments toward Claire make her nervous. Her dad is a ghost hunter on television, and Lucas's grandmother has powers to speak to the dead that Lucas might have inherited. When he's visited by Claire's deceased mother, they team up to travel to Hush Falls Holler, the last place Claire's dad was seen before his mysterious disappearance during a ghost-hunting trip. Chilling ghost stories are Poblocki's topic of choice and for good reason: His skilled organization of plot points and creepy characters in haunted settings captivates even the youngest readers. The story itself is an accessible mystery, providing complexity through red herrings that move the plot at a breakneck pace to heighten its dark mood. This is juxtaposed with the uplifting connection that emerges between Claire, Lucas, and Dolly, a Hush Falls native. Dolly's singular focus on saving the town and Claire's dad effortlessly solidifies their friendship and provides a foundation to root for a positive outcome. VERDICT An easy sell as a ghost story or mystery read for middle graders, with extra creepy cover art as a bonus.—Alicia Abdul, Albany H.S., NY - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 06/01/2020 *Starred Review* Claire is known for her father, the host of the TV show Invisible Intelligence, in which he hunts ghosts, traps them, and sends them away. Lucas’ grandmother Irene is known for her ability to speak with the dead, with spirits often asking her to relay messages to their loved ones. Lucas finds he has inherited this ability when Claire’s mother comes knocking in the middle of the night and reveals that Claire’s father, out hunting in Hush Falls, is in trouble. As Claire and Lucas set out to find him, they learn about the town’s sad history, the dark spirit that may be lurking, and the truth behind Claire’s father’s disappearance. The story, set in the aftermath of a catastrophic tsunami, advances through Claire’s and Lucas’ alternating points of view, and as they each face their own struggles and fears, their friendship develops along with the thrilling suspense. A fast-paced supernatural mystery with an unexpected ending, this one is sure to keep readers up into the night, expecting a knock at the door. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.