Ghost of the Great River Inn

by Lynn Hall, Allen Davis (Illustrator)

After seeing the ghost of a paymaster murdered during the Civil War, two fourth grade friends in Iowa make a startling discovery.

Genres: Childrens

64 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

Lynn Hall was the author of over fifty novels for juvenile and young adult readers, as well as over two dozen novels for younger readers. Her books focus on coming-of-age stories featuring dogs and horses.

Reviews

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found some books by this author recently at a used bookstore and it brought back fond memories of when I was in grade school, and how I wrote a letter to Lynn Hall and sent her some stories I had written. She wrote back to me and encouraged me to keep reading and to keep writing.
This book is about two friends who see the ghost of a civil war man and then they learn the legend of a man being poisoned while he was staying at the inn. He was poisoned for his money belt, but when he was found, the belt was missing. The children go on a quest to find the missing fortune and solve the mystery of the ghost. This is a 61 page chapter book for youngster, but I enjoyed it very much.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not the best book by Lynn Hall.

I read this book awhile ago. I know the ending was really really lame. I thought it was stupid how the money was found with rats or something in it. Then the money was like disintegrated and no one got it! This book is kinda stupid but anyway read it if you would like.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lynn Hall is so great. This isn't her best book, but it's still pretty good. I know a lot of children who would love it; I like that the boy and girl are friends, that the girl is the one who has the harder chores physically that her friend finds exhausting, that the ending is so unexpected...

[Katt Hansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two kids find mystery and intrigue as they chase a Civil War ghost who haunts the old stagecoach inn on the river.

Lynn Hall has been a favorite author of mine since I was about 8, but I haven't re-read her books as an adult until now. Reading this one was a little bit of a disappointment. This isn't her best story, though the characters are strong, and the inn is amazing (but being used a hay barn? The person who spends way too much time watching HGTV, especially shows featuring restorations of old buildings cringed at this one). The problem with this book is the plot, as the ending felt contrived. Too much time has passed since the treasure of the old inn was lost, so when the mystery is solved, you have to ask yourself if this is really how it could have been.

On the other hand, the relationship of the kids, the horses, the descriptions of the time and place, and the ride through the storm all feel very real. This is the strength of Lynn Hall's writing and is almost enough to carry the work, despite the plot.

Almost.

Honestly, if you want a better story by her, go read "The Shy Ones" or "Danza." But if you're a true fan of the author, then read this one to enjoy the setting and characters.