ABANDONED. Strange noise in the woods: mystery/suspense read in 3rd grade

[Mary]

Two kids, I think they are siblings, hear a noise in the woods near their house. I'm pretty sure it sounded like drums. I think it turns out to be a homeless man, but I really don't remember much since I read it in 3rd grade for a book report (2007).

[Tab]

Do you remember the cover?
What genre: fantasy, coming of age, mystery, etc?
Time period/location story takes place?
Tone: Funny, reflective, suspensful, etc?
Part of a series?

[Mary]

Mystery, suspenseful, I think it was a stand-alone book

[Ket]

This is likely at too high of a reading level for a third grade book report, but Greenmantle by Charles de Lint? This book has another plot in it about the mafia, but music from the woods turns out to be coming from a camp of itinerants. But there is a fantasy element as well. Possible. I'll keep looking too.

[Mary]

I think that one is a different book, thanks though!

[Michele]

Do you recall if it was a new book at the time, or an older one? Was it aimed at 3rd graders or were you an advanced reader? Anything about where the story takes place -- US, England, past, present, future?

[Mary]

I'm sorry that I'm sooo not being helpful but I really can't remember. I do remember my brothers listen to an All American Rejects CD while I was trying to read :P
I'm pretty sure it was America in a rural area

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Mary, are you still looking for this or did you find it?

[Krista]

Skellig, maybe?

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Lobstergirl wrote: "Mary, are you still looking for this or did you find it?"

No response in 2 years. Moving to Abandoned.