In order to deal with her past, a teenage girl must return to the terrifying house her family ran away from.When she was 13, Lia Peartree, her mother, and her sister Ali fled Brier Hall, the seemingly haunted house in Eastwind, California, that they'd inherited from her estranged father after his death. They lived there for two years, but after Lia's eldest sister, Avery, vanished, they left in search of a fresh start. Five years later, Lia is trying to live a normal life in Daley, located several hours away, despite everything that's constantly pulling her back there: the mystery of Avery's disappearance, troubled Ali's addiction, her connection to childhood crush Rafferty (who's still in Eastwind), and what seems to be the house itself calling to her. When Ali tells Lia she's going back to Brier Hall because she believes Avery is still alive, Lia decides to follow her-against Ali's wishes-and face the secrets she's been trying to forget. With the help of Ali and Rafferty, Lia confronts everything that's been haunting her for the last five years. While the prose is lovely and frequently poetic, Lia's redundant internal thoughts do little to push the slow-moving action along. The plot, which lacks any broader themes to elevate it, ultimately falls flat. Main characters present white.An atmospheric but underwhelming take on the traditional haunted house story. (Supernatural thriller. 14-18)

Gr 10 Up —Five years ago, Lia and her family fled their haunted house, but one of them was left behind. Lia's sister Avery has been missing, presumed dead, since that fateful night, and her absence has changed everything. Lia's mother is broken, her middle sister, Ali, has turned to alcohol and drugs, and Lia copes by being perfect. But perfection can't save her from Brier Hall, because when Ali goes back there, Lia finally gives in to the pull to return to her haunted house. This is a unique take on a haunted house story, but it is heavy on description and slow in action, making the story drag. Still, the Interstellar vibes, mixed with the Gothic setting, have a certain appeal that many will enjoy. The exploration of sisterly bonds is well done, expertly illuminating the complexities of family. All main characters read white. VERDICT A slow but worthy haunting read.—Mariah Smitala