August 1, 2023
A girl with anxiety stumbles upon an actual haunted mansion. Even though her therapy is going well, 16-year-old Audrey Perez isn't looking forward to the beyond-nerves that her anxiety will give her as she starts a new school, having moved from the suburbs into New Orleans proper. Worse, she won't have her boyfriend, Chase, there to protect her from the world. Luckily, right off the bat she befriends Tatum, an outgoing girl from Scotland, and Iris, a wryly funny Black girl. When Audrey, whose family emigrated from Spain centuries ago, finds an abandoned manor house in the neighborhood, she lets her new friends in on it. Filmmaker Iris knows she's found a compelling subject. But after her first brush with the paranormal, Audrey starts to experience happenings outside of the mansion--ghostly possessions that lead her to mysterious keys. As the girls investigate, they notice chills in the air and sense that something bad is coming. This mysterious new threat is dangerous enough that even the ghosts dread it. The paranormal storyline has some strong moments, but readers primarily seeking thrills may feel the story's action is overshadowed by the characters' interpersonal dynamics. Audrey and Chase's relationship reveals red flags alongside moments of genuine sweetness and ends on a healthy, mature, nuanced note. Audrey's friendships are impacted by her expertly depicted anxiety and showcase healthy bonds. Disney fans will adore the care put in capturing details of the Haunted Mansion. Come for spooky action, stay for the robust cast. (Paranormal. 12-16)
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