Barraclough Lindsey. Long Lankin.

Not a book for the faint of heart - Long Lankin is at ghost tale of epic proportions - it is history, folklore and gothic horror. As I prepare for my spooky ooky seventh grade book talk, I got into quite the tale. Cora and Mimi find themselves unceremoniously dropped at their Aunt Ida's house by their dad as their mom is mysteriously away...again. Aunt Ida certainly seems less than pleased and dictates a series of rules that the girls must follow as Ida tries to find a way to send her home - windows remain nailed shut; don't go to the church; stay inside if the tide is out. Together with 2 neighborhood boys, Roger and Pete, Cora finds herself inexplicably drawn into the horrific mystery that is Long Lankin. A story that spans generations and decades the has nearly destroyed Cora's mom and aunt, and very nearly Mimi.

This horrific title requires a dedicated reader. I worry a bit that my typical 7th grade readers won't stick it out. The book is lengthy. The story bounces back and forth quickly among several narrators. The vocabulary is at times intense. The setting, it's time and location may create some confusion. That being said; I hope my lovers of ghost stories will give this one a try. The residents of this small village are uniquely individual, and this large cast is fully rendered. These readers will be challenged, intrigued, and I'm guessing just a little bit scared. All worthwhile adventures in reading!