THE HOUSE ON THE GULF

Bran’s house-sitting job seems like a dream, but the Marquises have also allowed him to bring along his mother and sister. The money that they will be able to save on rent will allow their mother the opportunity to go to school full-time, getting her one step closer to the college degree that has always been out of reach. Things seem ideal, but then why does Bran seem so nervous? He cautions them not to use any of the Marquises’ things, not to change the thermostat. He even makes them use their own furniture. Determined to figure out why Bran is being so secretive, Britt begins to investigate. A subtle mystery builds to a surprising climax with enough twists to keep readers guessing along the way. Not satisfied with easy suspense, Haddix plumbs the depths of familial relationships, both past and present, to offer more than just a fun jolt. A subtle and rich page-turner. (Fiction 8-12)