Rereading: A SPELL IS CAST by Eleanor Cameron

This standalone novel from 1964 shows considerable growth and craft in writing for Cameron beyond her “Mushroom Planet” series, the beginning of more subtle work by her. The illustrations by Beth and Joe Krush are excellent.

Cory lives in New York City with Stephanie, though they’re not related. Cory was the infant daughter of Stephanie’s best friend when the child became orphaned, and has brought her up as her own daughter, though Stephanie is an actress doing one-woman shows and is often away on tour. This spring she’s sent the girl to visit Cory’s grandmother and Uncle Dirk in northern coastal California, in the family mansion Tarnhelm, which will all be new, though she’s been corresponding with her uncle.

When Cory arrives, she finds no one to meet her, and has to catch a ride from a neighbor, then get help from Peter, the neighbor boy, to climb up to Tarnhelm in a thunderstorm. With her welcome uncertain, Cory is happy to meet the cook and caretaker, husband and wife Fergie and Andrew, who are warm and welcoming, though when she finally sees her grandmother and uncle the next day, they’re a bit frightening. Cory gradually gets to know them, and things improve, but discovers mysteries in the old house, and places Uncle Dirk does not want her to see. Cory tries to make friends with Peter and his gang, and with a woman, Laurel, she meets on the beach, but everything keeps getting confused and uncertain, especially when she finds out Stephanie has never actually adopted her. Will Cory ever be welcome as a member of this strange family?

Recommended, has elements of gothic romance and mystery along with fine characters and well-observed settings.

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