The Ghosts of Orozimbo

by H.J. Ralles

Henry’s mother has fallen in love with Orozimbo, a dilapidated eighty-year-old cottage that is nothing more than a pile of rubble! Or is it? When Henry’s parents purchase the old Texas cotton plantation, they get a lot more than just the property. Ghosts are everywhere! They threaten Henry and his cousin, Emily, and the two are caught up in a web of unresolved problems from centuries past. The only way for Henry to find peace is to solve the mysteries of Orozimbo.

216 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2014

About the author

I was born in the United Kingdom and moved to the USA in 1990-but I did spend 4 years of my childhood in Connecticut and New Jersey. I always loved to write. I wrote my first book at 10 years old and my first story was published in a New England camping magazine when I was 13 years old. My other passion is teaching. I have a Bachelor of Education and taught Grades 4 - 6 for 13 years.

In 1997 my eldest son challenged me to write a book that he would enjoy as much as his computer games. After Keeper of the Kingdom was published in 2001 I went back to the classroom as a visiting author, teaching writing workshops. I now have eight published YA science fiction novels and an exciting ghost story called The Ghosts of Malhado due for release on September 1st 2011.

In 2008 my husband and I moved from North Texas to Houston, with Sabby our devoted black Labrador and our new addition, Solo, a 1 yr old black Labrador/Retriever cross who is a bundle of fun. You can see photos of my dogs below the Newspaper Interviews. Our two sons have both graduated from college but come home regularly. I love my job! I am working on my next book and have a very busy school schedule again next year. Perhaps I will be visiting your school? Check my calendar page!

Reviews

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very well paced and engaging YA historical fiction novel. It is well researched and includes Texas history and pictures to go along with the story.

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Juvenile Fiction book that my kids found very entertaining. It is a ghost story centered around true events in Texas history. I really enjoyed how she related the historic events to the present in a way that helps kids learn about the past.