May the Dead Keep You

Gr 9 Up–Catie East lives in the Heights, an unusual and historic landmark home surrounded by a redwood forest. Catie much prefers to wander barefoot through her forest than to be around people—unless, of course, that person is her ex and best friend Ivy. But when a scientist and his son, Hunter, move into the estate’s cottage, Catie finds herself smitten. What starts out as a sweet, innocent romance soon turns into a complex, emotionally twisted affair. Strange things are happening at the Heights: animals coming to life in Hunter’s hands and reflections in the mirror that are not Catie’s. And Hunter, once a sweet-natured boy, starts to show a much darker side. The more Catie uncovers the true past of her coveted home, the more violent the house becomes. Told in alternating perspectives of Catie and the home’s original daughter, Catherine, this story is a tale about overcoming generational trauma and breaking cycles of abuse. Readers will be drawn in by the mystery of the Heights, propelled by the strange and haunted events that lead to a violent conclusion. The characters are inherently flawed and relatable. The book begins with a link to content warnings, including animal deaths and resurrections, underage drinking, domestic abuse, violence, and miscarriage. Race of the characters is not mentioned.