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Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Trouble is haunting Cassidy Blake . . . even more than usual.
She (plus her ghost best friend, Jacob, of course) are in Paris, where Cass's parents are filming their TV show about the world's most haunted cities. Sure, it's fun eating croissants and seeing the Eiffel Tower, but there's true ghostly danger lurking beneath Paris, in the creepy underground Catacombs.
When Cass accidentally awakens a frighteningly strong spirit, she must rely on her still-growing skills as a ghosthunter -- and turn to friends both old and new to help her unravel a mystery. But time is running out, and the spirit is only growing stronger.
And if Cass fails, the force she's unleashed could haunt the city forever.
Review:
It might seem strange for a grown woman to be excited for a middle grade novel. But Victoria Schwab's Cassidy Blake series is truly wonderful. It has just the right mix of thrills and spooky fun (along with a surprising amount of serious angst about how brief life can be) that readers of all ages will enjoy this page-turner.
What I Liked:
Setting:Who doesn't like a ghost story set in Paris? Cassidy's parents are ghosthunters who are filming a television series in various locations around the world! The last book, City of Bones, was set in Edinburgh, Scotland. So it is only fitting that this book is set in a city as famous for its cemeteries and catacombs, as it is for the Eiffel Tower.
I loved how the author used various locations around the city to weave in different ghost stories. This created an atmosphere of excitement... and dread.
Characters:
Cassidy is a twelve-year old girl who can see ghosts. While her parents are ghosthunters, it's really all for show. They don't seem to actually believe in spirits. So Cassidy cannot confide in them that ever since she had a near death experience, she can see and hear ghosts. Even her best friend, Jacob is one.
Throughout the novel, Cassidy has to tow a fine line between lying to her parents and maintaining a loving relationship with them. I liked that so much. She really does love and respect them. I think she only wishes that she knew for sure that if she opened up to them about her abilities that she would be believed.
Jacob (the ghost) is also a very poignant character. He is often sarcastic and snarky, almost like Cassidy's inner voice. But he is also clinging to the last of his humanity. He really doesn't want to "move on". One can tell that he just doesn't want to believe that his life, which had only just begun, is suddenly over. This heart-breaking sentiment is what elevates this book to so much more than a "cute" middle-grade novel.
Story:
The story begins in Paris where Cassidy finds a powerful ghost (a poltergeist) has been stirred up by her presence. This spirit has the very real possibility of hurting not only Cassidy, but her parents as well. But in order for her to help send the ghost on its way, she has to find out he was so she can help him remember.
This was a fun puzzle for the reader. With only small clues to go by, Cassidy must discover the life (and death) of this person. Along the way, she has help from her friend (via text), and different Parisians. I loved how she overcame her obstacles to solve the mystery.
Rating:
Release Date: September 3rd, 2019
Author: Victoria Schwab
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Genre: Middle-grade mystery
Page Length: 304 pages
Source: Public Library
Format: E-Book
Recommendation: A great read for Halloween. Perfect for middle grade readers (fourth grade and up), but adults will find it enjoyable as well.
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