Review by Warren Thurston
Owner of Boggle Books

Growing up is a difficult part of life. The passing of each year places more pressure on children to act responsibly. All around them children find that different groups expect them to conform to the norm.

First there is one' parents to contend with. They expect their offspring to be model citizens that obey all of the family's rules. It does not occur to them that their behavioral standards may be too high.

Then there are the teachers, policemen and uncles. These people put all sorts of restrictions on what children can and cannot do. It seems their only object is to make life a misery for those young lives they are responsible for.

The group that places the greatest degree of stress on children is children themselves. It is a group that often challenges the rights of authority. Children act as their peers wish or risk being isolated.

Pete Turner is a young boy growing up in the small American town of Taylorville. He finds himself to be in a constant losing battle with authority. No matter how hard he tries; he just cannot resist the crazy schemes of Todd and Rod Miller.

They are twin boys with a nose for trouble. It follows them around like a mosquito hungry for blood. Nothing seems to deter their passion for pushing the frontiers of mischief.

One fateful day Jenny Swenson informs Pete and the Miller twins that she has seen a ghost. First it appeared in the Overstreet house; then it found its way to the cemetery. A decision was made that would have grave consequences for them all. The decision was that they should all go to the cemetery at midnight and confront the ghost.

Not wanting to look like a coward, Pete Turner agrees to accompany his friends on their midnight quest. All goes well until someone grabs Pete by the throat and tries to choke him. But an unusual ally comes to his rescue.

Jeanine Berry has created a likeable tale of how a group of children tackle the unknown. Young readers will delight at the conflict that occurs. It shows how relationships with parents can wax and wane, but can still have good outcomes no matter how hard the pain.

This is a book that is well presented and entertains. I would recommend it to all young readers who seek adventure.

Warren Thurston is the owner of Boggle Books, "The home of Quality eBook Reviews."

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Review by Dena Kosche
freelance writer

In Jeanine Berry's The Graveyard Mystery , Pete Turner and his friends sneak out to the graveyard to catch a ghost. Instead they discover a mysterious intruder.

Jeanine Berry accurately captures the world of teen adolescence with its requirement to not be afraid in The Graveyard Mystery . Pete Turner and his friends gather in the local park to hang out. One day in October while they are together, Jenny tells them that she saw a ghost in the Overstreet house and the graveyard. Between teasing and taunting, they agree to visit the graveyard that night at midnight and scientifically disapprove Jenny's ghost. Instead they inadvertently stumble upon a twenty year old mystery involving the Overstreet house.

The Graveyard Mystery skillfully keeps the reader captivated until the final, satisfying conclusion. Jeanine Berry proficiently draws the reader into Pete's life as he seeks to not lose face with his friends while trying to keep his father from catching on to his late night graveyard visitations. The Graveyard Mystery seems to be a simple mystery until the real thief is revealed.

Dena Kosche is a mom of two boys and a freelance writer who enjoys reading and writing.

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Reviewed by Chris - 9 years old
Round Table Reviews

Pete Turner is an amateur ghost hunter whose friend, Jenny, thinks she sees a ghost in a graveyard. He may agree with her, Jenny just ate too much pizza. But curiosity wins out, and they go to investigate. Spending Halloween in a graveyard doesn't sound like a lot of fun, but when there's a case to be investigated, Pete will get the job done. Is he hunting ghosts or something even worse?

THE GRAVEYARD MYSTERY contains action, a mystery that keeps you guessing, and realistic characters. There are parts in the book that surprise the reader; others make you laugh. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to my friends.

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Review by Debra Stang
Reviewer-eBook Reviews Weekly


(excerpted)
The Graveyard Mystery ... is a tightly-plotted mystery for older children and young adults. Pete, who narrates the tale in first person, emerges as a likeable hero with a pleasing sense of humor ... the ride ... is fun with a few surprising twists and turns. On a more serious note, the subplot of the older son trying to regain his father’s trust acts as a poignant undercurrent to the action and thrills of the main plot. I highly recommend this delightful book. Parents should also note that the crisp prose and fast-moving story makes The Graveyard Mystery an ideal choice for reluctant readers.

eBook Reviews Weekly

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Please see Jeanine's website for her most recent book list: members.aol.com/dayworld/graveyard.html

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