The Watcher in the Mist

by Norma Johnston

Helping her widowed cousin run an inn on the New England coast, sixteen-year-old Cindy Clayborne suddenly finds herself caught in a labyrinth of supernatural phenomena and mysterious deaths.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Young Adult

197 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Norma Johnston was born in Ridgewood, New Jersey, USA, the only child of Marjorie (Pierce), a teacher and Charles Eugene Chambers Johnston, an engineer. She read voraciously--especially mysteries, to which her family was addicted. She was ducated at Ramsey public schools and Montclair State College, later studied acting at the American Theatre Wing and elsewhere, and received a teaching certificate from Montclair College. She was actress, director, designer, stylist, retailer, teacher, counselor, entrepreneur, preacher, editor, ... and in between all her other careers she was the author of more than 70 novels, mainly gothic romances for teens. She become a a full-time writer in 1973.

Johnston also wrote under the pseudonyms of Nicole St. John, Pamela Dryden, Lavinia Harris, Kate Chambers, Catherine E. Chambers, Elizabeth Bolton, and Adrian Robert.

Reviews

[kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite books as a child, and it was still enjoyable today. I did note more of the immature story telling and writing style, but it was entertaining to skim as I waited in line or got my haircut. I enjoy ghost stories, especially those set on the new england coasts in large old inns.

[Kristi Connell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of mystery, a little drama, a little romance, and really good pacing. A nice little YA book from when YA books were really good. But I’m a bit biased.

[Nicole]

Really scary

[Elizabeth]

YA romantic suspense -- much of a muchness.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Purely for nostalgia's sake, I read this 1986 paperback as one of my October books this year. With a teen heroine, an old inn, ghosts, murder and a little bit of romance, it's exactly what I would have enjoyed reading as a middle schooler in 1986. It's not great literature, but I enjoyed the entertainment.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an entertaining, quick read of a YA mystery book. I enjoyed reading it.