Some Quiet Place

Gr 8 Up—Elizabeth Caldwell knows something terrible must have happened when she was a small child. There was a car accident that no one will discuss with her. Her mother has all but disowned her, and her abusive, alcoholic father is determined to keep her under his control. Since the age of five, Elizabeth has seen emotions as human forms hovering beside the people around her but they have no effect on her. Most of her peers consider her a freak; a few believe they can see beyond her stoic demeanor, and they are the most troublesome to her. The only emotion still trying to rouse a reaction from her is the handsome, seductive Fear, whose constant appearances in her life encourage her to try to solve the mystery of her recurring dreams. Gradually, Elizabeth becomes aware of feelings trying to break through her seemingly impenetrable wall of nothingness. Her dreams become more like memories, and a strengthening sense of unease takes the physical form of Nightmare. He is bent on destroying her, but not before she reveals to him information that she cannot provide until she discovers what happened to her 13 years earlier. Sutton provides a creative and refreshingly original approach to the supernatural genre with well-developed characters and rich description. While certain elements of the story lack thorough explanation, this intense roller-coaster ride of palpable emotions and suspense will keep readers engrossed from start to finish.—Cary Frostick, Library of Virginia