Kirkus
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Twelve-year-old Flora Abbott hopes she might finally find a true best friend; when Mac James moves into the eerie house across the street, Flora sees the perfect opportunity. The girls quickly form a connection, yet Mac and her parents react strangely to simple questions, and Flora notices mysterious references to someone named Daphne. As the girls grow closer, a series of unsettling events suggests that the James family—and the house they occupy—may be hiding a disturbing secret. Flora, along with her widening circle of friends, begins searching for answers. Krampien blends emotional realism with a persistent sense of unease, building suspense without relying on overt horror. The third-person narration captures Flora’s social anxiety and her longing to belong as she navigates new friendships and dangerous, escalating situations. The plot unfolds at a deliberate pace, allowing everyday routines to shift toward moments of tension and peril. This measured development invites readers to piece together clues alongside the protagonist. Black-and-white illustrations peppered throughout the text reinforce the creepy tone while offering brief visual pauses that temper the suspense. In these images, Flora and Mac appear white, and there’s some variation in skin tone among the supporting cast. The art highlights key moments in the plot and complements the story’s slowly building paranormal atmosphere. Strong characterizations and vivid descriptive passages sustain a quiet sense of dread. An atmospheric ghost story exploring friendship, courage, and hidden truths.(Paranormal. 8-12) Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.