A poignant, suspenseful, and beautifully layered coming-of-age story with a ghostly twist…
In Haltmaier’s deeply atmospheric novel, a teenage girl uncovers the truth behind a haunting that spans generations. When fourteen-year-old Amy moves to a quiet lakeside town, she struggles to adjust to a new life. Just as Amy begins to adjust, eerie occurrences in her tower bedroom suggest she is not alone. Years earlier, Penny, orphaned by tragedy and trapped in a cruel home, uncovers chilling secrets hidden within its walls. As past and present collide, Amy must uncover the truth to free a lingering spirit.
By alternating between timelines, Haltmaier highlights the difference between Amy’s modern challenges and Penny’s far more difficult circumstances. Amy’s emotional development feels realistic and gradual, while Penny’s storyline carries greater weight as it deals with trauma and survival. The shifting viewpoints build a fuller picture, connecting past events to present consequences. The novel’s use of the supernatural is particularly effective. Rather than relying on fear, the ghost story functions as a vehicle for uncovering buried truths and achieving emotional closure. The mystery unfolds steadily, drawing readers into a layered investigation that blends personal growth with historical discovery. While some elements of the resolution may feel slightly convenient, they ultimately reinforce the novel’s hopeful tone and emphasis on healing. At its core, this is a meditation on belonging, resilience, and the ways unresolved histories continue to shape the present.
Fans of quiet supernatural mysteries will find much to admire.
Palmetto Publishing
Pub date August 19, 2025
ISBN 979-8318803611
Print length 372 pages
Price $18.99 (USD) Paperback, $9.99 Kindle edition