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Cover of THE GHOST OF WRECKERS COVE
4.31

Based on 84 Goodreads ratings

THE GHOST OF WRECKERS COVE

by their father’s tales of fictional girl detectives, Cristina and Martha form their own secret sleuthing society and set out to solve the mystery. Their search takes them to the village library, a forgotten museum, and even a crumbling cliffside cave, uncovering clues that tie together ghostly sightings, legendary land pirates called “wreckers,” and a priceless jewel lost at sea. The pair begin to suspect that they may need to help Ida accept the truth of what happened so many years ago—a fitting task for two girls who are also quietly processing the recent loss of their mother. Despite its ghostly apparitions and dark themes, Del Campo’s story is more sweet than spooky, and Liniers’ illustrations employ a muted palette and watercolor texture that matches the quietly emotional story. “I will always believe in fairies and magic,” Martha announces to dismissive Cristina at one point, and this tale of sisterly bonding does indeed feel like a fairy tale, at times. As such, slightly older readers may wish that there were more swashbuckling, ghostly adventure, Still, its quiet pace and subtle tone will resonate with younger, reflective readers who are drawn to atmosphere over action. "

Book Details

Publisher:Of
Published:2024-01-01
Pages:192
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:9781545821

Reading Info

Age Range:12-18

About This Book

This gripping middle-grade mystery plunges readers into a windswept coastal adventure where a young protagonist uncovers a century-old shipwreck legend while staying with relatives for the summer. Th...

Our Review

This gripping middle-grade mystery plunges readers into a windswept coastal adventure where a young protagonist uncovers a century-old shipwreck legend while staying with relatives for the summer. The atmospheric setting of a foggy cove and the lingering tale of sunken treasure create the perfect backdrop for a suspenseful ghost story that keeps pages turning late into the night. Young readers will find themselves completely immersed in the search for clues, deciphering old maps, and unraveling family secrets that connect past and present.

What sets this maritime mystery apart is how it balances supernatural elements with real emotional stakes—the protagonist's journey isn't just about solving a historical puzzle but about finding their place within a family legacy. The ghostly elements provide just enough spine-tingling excitement without crossing into truly frightening territory, making it ideal for readers who enjoy adventure stories with a touch of the paranormal. Between the well-paced revelations and the satisfying resolution that ties together both historical and contemporary threads, this nautical tale leaves readers with that wonderful feeling of having solved the mystery right alongside the characters.

Themes

Nigeria

Subjects

Nigeria