Maddie's Ghost

by Carol Fisher Saller

Madeleine “Lainie” Stanton is about to become a local celebrity. Born at precisely midnight at the millennium, she’s turning 12, and a TV station wants an interview. But when the reporter finds out Lainie’s great-grandmother Madeleine was hanged for murder, the story threatens to blow up into something quite different. Racing against time to prove her ancestor was framed, Lainie and her two best friends follow clues that seem to come in a shocking way—from Madeleine herself.

MADDIE’S GHOST is middle-grade fiction, contemporary psychological suspense, woven around a young girl’s race to solve a 1930s mystery involving her great-grandmother.

“Spooky history meets bone-chilling mystery in this tightly written ghost story—meant for only the bravest readers.” - Kate Hannigan, author of the historical fantasy series CAPE, MASK, and BOOTS

“Intricate plotting and convincing characterization. I quickly warmed to the Uncs and Grampa Jack. Lainie's elderly trio hits just the right balance: supportive but not intrusive. Lainie herself comes to life on the pages, a strong, flawed, believable girl.” - Paula Morrow, children's book editor and librarian

“I would have loved this as a kid. Mystery, ghosts, crushes, secret staircases, believable friendships, and librarians. A page-turner." – Louise Brueggemann, librarian

“A well-written book with a strong storyline. We never lose sight of what Lainie wants and how she goes about getting it. And I love how normal Lainie is.” Barbara Gregorich, author of GUIDE TO WRITING THE MYSTERY NOVEL

EDITORIAL REVIEWS

“An exciting exploration of history, justice, and the long-lasting impact of the past on the present… Maddie's Ghost is a beautiful literary experience that effortlessly bridges the gap between multiple generations and timelines… A reminder of how perspective and history can shape our present… Targeted at younger audiences but appeals to all ages.”—5 stars, Readers’ Favorite reviews

Genres: Mystery, Middle Grade

248 pages, Hardcover

First published July 10, 2023

About the author

Honors for Saller's children’s books include Kirkus Best, Bank Street Best, Horn Book Recommended Verse, NCSS/CBC Notables, the Carl Sandburg Award for Children’s Literature, the Midland Authors Award for Children’s Fiction, and Chicago Public Library’s Best Teen Fiction.

A professional manuscript editor for many years at the University of Chicago Press, Carol is also author of the book and blog The Subversive Copy Editor and contributing editor to The Chicago Manual of Style. She lives in Chicago.

Reviews

[Yamini]

This book is a sweet tale of clearing a family name from an incident that tarnished it decades ago. Many have tried this before, but the clues are all lost in the past, returning to dust and memories. But with unhinging experiences occurring every midnight, Lainie has decided to untangle the mystery once and for all.

The relationship dynamics are the first thing to grasp your attention, be it between the uncles or friends. The story is also narrated in dual timelines, transporting the reader between now and back when the incident occurred, so a little bit of patience is needed to grasp and place them. There is also a legal angle that discusses the case, so if do enjoy the lingo, you can try this for sure.

I enjoyed the eerie feel the story generated and how my feelings fluctuated from sad, to productive, to excited to lovely. Though it is targeted towards upper middle graders, I feel YA onwards would be the people who can fully enjoy it. (Or maybe I am just a child in an adult body🤣).

Thank you @carolfishersaller for the ARC.
Genre: #mystery #teens
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️

#MaddiesGhost

[ValeReads Kyriosity]

I've followed Carol Saller on Twitter for ages, but the only other book of hers I've read is The Subversive Copyeditor, so it was fun to finally sample her fiction. This was lots of fun! The writing was engaging and the ghostiness wasn't too spooky. The switching between current day and flashbacks was deftly handled. I could have done without the romantic interest for an eleven-year-old (why does anyone think that's wise or safe?) and all the OMGs, but I guess that's par for the course for the genre. I also thought that the one character who was nasty/unethical shouldn't have been rewarded as she was at the end. Something more original-Brothers-Grimm-like would have been a more appropriate fate for her. I noticed that someone referred to the main character's birth as having taken place at midnight on December 31, but her birthstone was garnet, which is January's. I actually thought that worked well, because people often don't know which day midnight belongs to. Lainie's good relationship with her dad, grandfather, and great-uncles was a highlight.

Narrator was adequate.

[Clifford]

As an adult, I'm not this book's intended audience, but I still appreciated the story and the depiction of the main characters (including the house with all of its nooks and hiding places). Lainie is a girl with spunk, and, despite her family's traumatic past, a healthy dose of optimism (tempered by standard age-appropriate angst). I think young readers will definitely enjoy going along for the ride as Lainie attempts to solve a family mystery with the help of her best friend and a crush-worthy boy.

[Hollie]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Duckweed Books for this opportunity.

This book held my attention and captivated me from the first few chapters, even if it is middle grade fiction. Lainie is an 11 year old girl who gets put in a situation by an adult she shouldn't have been in. From that, she races against time to try and clear her ancestors name against the crimes she was punished for.

With two of her friends, they search high and low for any clues to help their case. Her uncles prove to be a great source of help with advice and they are genuinely great characters. Along with her grandpa and father, the four men give her any help they can by providing information that the family had with newspaper clippings and their own memories.

I thoroughly enjoyed going on this adventure with Lainie. I finished the book in one day and couldn't put it down. I'll definitely buy a copy of this for niece for when she's a little older.

[Sudeshna Banerjee]

I would like to thank Netgalley and the author for providing me with an ARC copy of this book. I was really intrigued into reading it because of its cover photo and title. As the spooky season is here I really wanted to read something like this.

When a reporter cоntacts Madеlinе for an interview, shе thinks it is a chance tо shаre her stоry аs a millenium baby. But shе soon realizes thаt thе reporter is digging up her pаst and exposing a family secret thаt shе never knew. With thе helр of her friеnds, Madеlinе sets out tо unсover thе truth and faсe thе cоnsequences.
The writing skills of the author are flawless. I really enjoyed reading it while drinking a cup of coffee. The twists and turns have been placed at correct places without too much drama and the plot is quite interesting.

I will definitely recommend this book for the spooky season. You are definitely going to enjoy reading it.

#MaddiesGhost #NetGalley

[Elizabeth]

Maddie's ghost was a fantastic book. It was extremely well written and engaging. It had the perfect combination of ghosts and the living. I will be following this author and reading all of her books.

[Stephanie Carlson]

**My thanks to Duckweed Books for providing me a copy via NetGalley**

4 stars

A fun middle-grade mystery that flirts with the haunting nature of family trauma/history, but in a way that will feel very safe for young readers. This is not a scary or even a spooky book, though it is uncanny; and while middle-grade horror and ghost stories are what I love best, I really enjoyed the empowering and community-affirming nature of this mystery for young readers.

Firstly, things that I liked: Lainey’s house, an old Victorian filled with hidden rooms and passages, is a kid’s dream—young readers will absolutely delight in reading about its many secrets.

Lainey’s family, her father and ‘The Uncs,’ are great, and each member gets a fairly equal amount of screentime while never taking over; this is Lainey’s story first and foremost.

The story doesn’t shy away from the sad, frustrating, and unfair things about the past, which I like, but it does so in an accessible and gentle way for young readers.

And, the thing I liked most about the book: Lainey finds many reasonable and capable adults who listen to and help her. The book models ways that kids can actually find out about, research, or uncover the past, and the safe adults who they can go to when they need help. A lot of middle grade stories are built around the idea that adults ‘don’t get it’ or are untrustworthy, and I really, really like that in this story, the adults are allies, who don’t take over from Lainey but give her the tools she needs to succeed. This is a fantastic book to empower kids without making them want to sneak around or distrust the adults in their lives.

To the dings, which were quite minor: Some of the history about the pharmaceutical company may be a bit of a struggle for a middle grade reader, due to the chemistry and the legal nature of the drug approval process, but it’s handled reasonably well. The relationship misunderstandings between Lainey and her peers are a little trying to me as an adult reader, but certainly age-appropriate. Certain details of the original case (the trial and conviction of Madelaine’s great-grandmother) don’t hold up under adult scrutiny, but totally pass muster for the middle-grade level and don’t at all interfere with my enjoyment of the mystery as a story.

Overall, I would definitely recommend Maddie’s Ghost as a solid mystery story for middle grade audiences.

[Joanne]

Lainie was born at midnight on January 1st, 2000. She has been contacted by Tini, who wants to do a show about millennials. Just before that contact, Lainie finds that her great grandmother was also a millennial, and had been convicted of murder and hanged.
Lainie does the interview with Tini and is surprised that that family history is going to be part of this story. Lainie becomes upset and walks out saying she will find proof that her great grandmother is not guilty.
She then tries all she can to find clues to that fact. Her friends Elle, Seth & Violet play recurring roles. Her Unc's and her grandfather all are part of the story also.

This was a good story. The looks into the past are very nicely placed within the story and don't make you feel lost as to what you are reading. Well done.

I won this for review from earlyreviewers from Library Thing.

[Sam]

Maddie's Ghost
By, Carol Fisher Saller

"Maddie's Ghost" is a thrilling tale aimed at young readers. The protagonist, a young girl named Lainie, embarks on a journey to uncover the hidden truths of her family's past. As she goes deeper into the mystery, she not only discovers shocking truths but also learns valuable lessons about the significance of family bonds and the support of friends.

Overall, "Maddie's Ghost" is a wonderful read that will resonate with young readers, offering not only an engaging story but also valuable life lessons. It shows the significance of the enduring power of family and friendship, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys a blend of mystery, adventure, and heartfelt storytelling.

Thank you Netgalley, Duckweed Books and Carol Fisher Saller for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[HEATHER]

This was the first book I have read of Carol Fisher Saller. I know this is for middle school readers but I really enjoyed it. I really enjoyed the spooky vibes and I loved the unique cover!! I loved the mystery behind Maddie's great-grandmother. I fill like this is an Indie author to follow. I would definitely recommend this book.


Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.

[Luciana]

This is a heartwarming story not only for kids, but for anyone who loves to read about a good (old) mystery, historical facts and the importance of family. I loved every character, especially Lainie, grandpa Jack and the Uncs. Highly recommended!

[Angela]

I love this house!

[Susan]

Madeleine “Lainie” Stanton is born precisely at midnight just as her great-grandmother did a century ago. Madi’e goes by Lainie. A tv station wants to interview her as she is a “millennium baby.” When she does go to do the interview, everything goes smoothly until the interview goes to her great grandmother, Maddie comes up as part of the interview. The interviewer, Tini starts with Lainie’s great grandmother being a millennium baby too. Then Tini smoothly goes on how her great grandmother was executed for killing her boss. When a guy, Seth from her school walks in, Lainie gets very upset especially when she sees a shocking photo of her great grandmother being led to the prison yard where the gallows wait.She tells Seth that he is a “stupid slimy rat” and Tini is a “creepy fake reporter.” Before she leaves, she tells Tini that she has proof that her great grandmother was innocent and can prove it. Lainie doesn’t have proof but is determined to find it. Will she find it? Will she apologize to Seth (as she has a crush on him)?

The author has written an account that has clues throughout the story. The mystery has chills in it. It is a suspenseful mystery as the historical information is discovered and the family drama occurs. While this story has been written for middle grade children but I think any age can enjoy this thrilling mystery.
.…
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

[Ruth]

Maddie's Ghost is a wonderful story. I am not stretching to say that the tone is very reminiscent of Madeleine L'Engle--yes, another Madeleine! Protagonist Lainie harbors that familiar self-suspicion of not being very interesting or special, not smart enough despite her impressive vocabulary, but finds her way to greater self-confidence. The unconventional family in which she is both a dependent and a caregiver is utterly charming, providing an atmosphere of love with space for risk and adventure.

The mystery is rooted in decades past yet connects beautifully with current issues like the opioid epidemic (see the Painkiller documentary about the Sackler family and Purdue Pharma's victims). Lainie and her friends and uncles uncover a family story that is deeply painful, but the truth brings healing.

Maddie's Ghost doesn't explore spirituality/God as L'Engle's stories often do, but it has real emotional depth. I recommend it wholeheartedly!

[Sandra Stiles]

When Lainie Stanton receives a call from a TV reporter inviting her to be interviewed as Ohio’s first millennium baby she is flattered. Her Uncs and father are not as thrilled. They see this as possible issue, especially if the reporter’s intentions are not true. Their worst fears come true. During the taping of the interview Lainie is faced with pictures of her great-grandmother’s hanging. Seventy-five years before her great-grandmother was tried and convicted of murder. Lainie blindsided by this reporter claims she has proof of her grandmother’s innocent. Now she has only a few weeks to make her lie a truth.
I loved the complexity of this book. The flipping back and forth between historical documents and present time kept me reading. This is definitely a book I will read again in the future. It was just that good. Definitely need a copy for my classroom shelves.

[Becks Fiser]

Madeline is just excited at first when a reporter calls her wanting to do an interview about her being born as a millenium baby. But it soon turns out that her family tragedy is being brougbht back to light and she finds herself rushing to find the truth with the help of her friends.

This is a short but well written suspense story for a younger audience. I feel like parts of it are a little out of touch with how kids this age would react to whats happening around them and while i loved the family dynamic it felt likw there should have been more parental intervention. Other than that i enjoyed reading it!

Thank you to the author and net.galley for letting me read this arc.

[Cynthia Prosser]

This is a cute murder mystery for kids but with a twist. It centers around the granddaughter of an accused murderer and her investigation to find out what really happened with the murder from 80-ish years ago. She "knows" there must be evidence for exoneration but what became of that evidence and where is it. Pacing was good and the characters were well formed and relatable. There are the normal snafus the main character encountered that occur with being in middle school, with family, and with interacting with people in the adult world all the while conducting this investigation. Overall enjoyable and would recommend to anyone who enjoys a puzzle to be solved.

[Lily]

This was a fun read, with an intriguing mystery. Lainie is a great MC, and I loved her friends. She had a unique start to life, and getting to know her, her friends, and her family, was a lot of fun. I especially liked her grandpa and great-uncles. I liked that we get to switch between modern day and the past, getting some insight into what happened so long ago, just little pieces at a time. Just enough to keep you interested, but not so much that you get the whole story all at once. A great read for middle schoolers!

[Charlotte]

Maddie’s Ghost may be pitched at 8 to 12 year olds, but it is enjoyable for all ages, including this senior! Some may enjoy the spookiness and it is those to whom the great cover will appeal. But a good read for me involves a character searching for clues to resolve a mystery, no matter what the context. And Lainie does just that in trying to sort out the true story behind the events for which her great grandmother was hanged as a murderer.

[Sara Shacter]

The mystery behind Maddie's great-grandmother was riveting. The historical context and characters were so well fleshed out that I had a hard time putting down the book -- I had to discover the truth!

I also loved Maddie's intergenerational relationships with her grandfather and great-uncles. So sweet and charmingly funny.

[Bibi Belford]

Wonderful mystery with out of the ordinary characters and a unique plot. How the past has affected the main character and her intergenerational family is fascinating and watching her become engaged in super sleuthing with her besties kept me turning the pages. There's just enough innocent romance and kindness to keep this novel sweet.

[Kelsi Chapman]

This was a decent and quick read. It actually reminded me a lot of the book Christina’s Ghost by Betty Ren Wright. However, I do think that this was much more of a young adult novel, rather than one written for an older audience.

Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this!

[Kelly]

I liked the sound of this book from its description, and the cover design.

Initially, the writing seemed to have a fun, lighthearted tone that appealed to me. However, it took me a while to feel connected to any of the characters, or the story in general. I found most of the characters superficial and just didn't really warm to them.

Given that this was a ghost story, I expected to feel a little bit spooked, but I didn't feel the spookiness or eeriness that I was hoping for. There were a few moments that stood out to me while reading, but not many.

I think I would have enjoyed this book more if I'd read it as a child or teenager. I got the impression that it was aimed at a younger audience, and I think some young adult readers may enjoy it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.