Splinters of Silence

by Ann J. Loring

Ghost's mother calls him "Superboy," but Ghost doesn't often feel like a superhero. His autism makes it hard to connect with people and share his thoughts and feelings. Concrete, predictable things like numbers and maps hold his interest, but he can't speak, and he finds human touch unbearable. Still, his loving mother always makes sure that he is happy, secure, and safe.

That is, until, someone breaks into their house. Ghost is told by his mother to take his three-year-old sister, Jillie, and hide under the bed. When they finally emerge, their mother is dead, and her killer is gone. Ghost goes on the run with Jillie, knowing that they aren't safe until the killer is found.

Ghost finds a new world after leaving home, full of people barely managing to get by but who still find the time to show him kindness and compassion. In his adventures, he becomes entranced by an old house with one special room. The Dream Room, as he calls it, can conjure up visions of the past, present, and future. Ghost knows that the key to solving his mother's murder lies in the Dream Room, but how far will he go to find it?

240 pages, Paperback

Published October 18, 2016

Reviews

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Ann Loring's debut novel. I was very captivated and engaged throughout the book. This is not the typical genre which I read. There are several main characters in this book, and they speak their own narrative. There is Ghost, a 10 year old autistic boy, who does not speak, but does use sign language. There is Miles, his father, a well known attorney, Jillie the three year old sister and Abby the mother and wife. There are several minor characters also. This mystery thriller novel involves various complexities within a families relationships. The structure of the novel is easy and fluid to follow. The characters must deal with violence, grief, love, survival and redemption. A monumental task for an autistic child and a three year old. The descriptions of their struggles and heartbreak that life brings them is very real. The glimmers of hope are also feel very real. A very well written book.

[boni barklow · Rating 5 out of 5]

captivating

I don't usually read this genre but it was a well written story. The characters in the story each narrated their parts. The twists in the story were surprising. I thoroughly enjoyed it.