The Girl Who Would Speak for the Dead
Paul Elwork

Berkley/Penguin
March 2012/ 978-0-425-24542-2
Mystery/Paranormal
Amazon

Reviewed by Laura Hinds

In 1925, Emily and Michael Stewart are thirteen-year-old twins, and the world is their oyster. The family estate is large and the grounds are their playground. Emily discovers that when she cracks a joint in her ankle the sound seems to emanate from elsewhere. The trick of throwing her ankle crack is similar to the trick of throwing one's voice.

The children decide to put this talent to good use and con the other kids in the neighborhood, telling them that the sounds are spirit knockings. It seems to be a harmless enough way to entertain everyone, until adults get involved and their very real grief born of war insinuates itself in very frightening ways.

This novel is a ghost story, a mystery, and gives lessons about the lies we tell - all wrapped together nicely in a tight plot. There are time shifts involved to keep it interesting. I found it to be a fascinating and suspenseful read, and I became immersed in Emily's world and the events unfolding around her.

The Girl Who Would Speak for the Dead is spooky, clever, and captivating. Don't just take my word for it - get a copy for yourself. Enjoy!