The Library of Shadows

Gr 8 Up–Este Logano is looking forward to attending Radcliffe Prep, the third most haunted school in the country, to learn more about her dead father’s legacy. Rumors fly regarding the haunted library and ghostly souls such as Mateo. No one wants to go there at night. When Mateo blames Este for stealing an archived book, The Book of Fades, the paranormal romance begins to brew even though it seems unlikely. Este finds more than just books in the library during her investigation. Trap doors and secret passages are only part of the mysterious setting that Moore has created where the library is center stage. Readers that appreciate academic libraries and what they have to offer will enjoy the nostalgic research practices; however, those familiar with old collections will understand that some of the preservation practices are not authentic. The pacing of the story varies, meaning some situations resolve too quickly while others are well thought out. The paranormal investigator, Posy, starts with a dominant role but seems to be brushed off. The characters deal with grief and loss in a genuine manner. The ending is predictable but satisfying.