All Those Broken Angels

Gr 8 Up—An eclectic mix of paranormal and horror/suspense. Readers meet Richard Anderson, age six, when he loses his best friend while playing hide-and-seek. Melanie is declared dead even though her body is not found. So when Richard encounters a presence that feels like Melanie, he accepts it as her. Fast forward 10 years into the future, and a new girl starts at Richard's high school. It's Melanie, not dead, but hiding from her abusive father and back in town now that her mother has died. Richard is shattered and confused. If Melanie never died, then who is this presence that has been his sole companion for 10 years? And why are little girls that resemble Melanie suddenly disappearing? The central premise is a solid one and the plot is intriguingly woven. However, there are some flaws. The police and press presence seems included solely for dramatic effect and the encounters don't ring completely true as a result. Readers may find the twist ending less surprising and more confusing. Other vengeful ghost tales, such as Kendare Blake's Anna Dressed in Blood (TOR, 2011), are a better choice.—Saleena L. Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library, Monmouth Junction, NJ