Readers who love a good mystery will definitely want to meet The Paranormalists. This boy/girl team of modern-day Ghostbusters knows how to entertain. 

I was on the edge of my seat as I read this story. It’s thrilling, suspenseful, and has some unexpected twists. Also unexpected was the level of plot sophistication, given the fact that the book is written for reluctant readers. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this book doesn’t talk down to kids who aren’t prone to plow through books for fun (like I used to do). In fact, this book was a quick, fun read for me, and I’d recommend it to anyone who’s outgrown Nancy Drew and is ready for something a little more contemporary. 

In addition to a great mystery, the story also deals well with the issues of acceptance, bullying, and social challenges most teens face. Jinx is a sympathetic character, and her friend Jackson certainly brings out both the best and worst in her. I found myself just as interested in their friendship and Jinx’s possibilities for personal growth as I was in the main story line. 

I’ll be recommending The Haunting of Apartment 101 unreservedly to my students. I predict many of them will find a new friend in Jinx.

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Lerner Publishing Group

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language: 1 religious exclamation; 2 anatomical terms.

Violence/Gore:  A character refers to a murder/suicide that took place in the distant past; a character receives minor cuts.

Sex/Nudity: Masturbation is referred to.

Mature Subject Matter:

Death of family member; divorce; suicide, bullying.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Underage drinking is discussed.