The Haunting of Swain's Fancy

by Brenda Seabrooke

Eleven-year-old Taylor spends the summer with her father and his new family in a historic house in West Virginia and, while contending with hostility from her stepsister Nicole, attempts to solve the mystery of ghosts who haunt the site.

Genres: Childrens

160 pages, Hardcover

First published August 25, 2003

Reviews

[Derrick Belanger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Brenda Seabrooke has written a delightfully spooky YA ghost story connecting the Civil War to the modern era. Taylor, a young girl dealing with divorced parents must spend the summer with her father at his home in Swain's Fancy. Her father's house is an old rundown gothic estate, the epitome of the classic haunted house. Not only does Taylor have to deal with her creepy surroundings but also her spiteful step sister Nicole who despises Taylor. What starts out as the worst summer of her life quickly devolves into something sinister. Taylor's bedroom is consistently colder than the rest of the house, and she sees a strange face peering in through her window. But how can someone be staring through a second story window? Could this be a trick by her stepsister or are there stranger forces at work?

Ms. Seabrooke does an excellent job capturing the conflicted feelings of a young girl dealing with the trauma of a split family, the feelings of being bullied, and the helplessness of having no one believe her truthful stories of the odd events at Swain's Fancy. This is an excellent read, and I highly recommend it to fans of mystery, Civil War stories, and the macabre.

[Kendall · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd reading:
A good, classic ghost story suitable for younger audiences. Some very spooky imagery, a surprising mystery, and little facts about the Civil War laced in between the story. The setting was described very beautifully too; I loved the house. Not a bad read and would read again!

[Brooke Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm 21 years old and have had this book for YEARS and just never read it. Well I finally did and I must say if I would have read this book when I was 10-14 it would have been my favorite book to read. As an adult of course it was a bit underwhelming and predictable but this book was made for younger children and if I was a younger child it would have been a book that kept me at the edge of my seat and I would have BEGGED my parents to stay up past bedtime to read it. So, I give it 5 stars because that's what I would have given it as a child.

[Emma Burkett · Rating 4 out of 5]

does anyone else have those super nostalgic reads from their childhood? While everyone talks about series getting them into reading, my first real push was ghost stories and this was one I read constantly in elementary school. it’s not exactly the same as I remember it, but still a well done ghost story that I just have so much attachment to.

[Shanu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reading if one likes to read young adult ghost stories.

[Amanda Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

11 year old Taylor is sent to spend the summer with her dad and his new family in a historic mansion called "Swain's Fancy" in Burneytown, West Virginia. All's well except for the ongoing battle between her and stepsister Nicole. While the feud continues, Taylor discovers that the historic house hold more than a few secrets...and that includes ghosts! Instead of being scared off, the kids decide to attempt to solve the mystery and try to help these ghosts find peace. Will the kids be able to uncover the mystery? Will Taylor and Nicole be able to mend their relationship? You'll need to read and find out!

There's a small amount of characterization, the pacing is fast and I would recommend this read to kids in 3rd grade + who are looking for a good old fashioned ghost story with some great history built in. I would also hand this title to kids who may be able to relate to having a step-family and what it's like going through the motions of change.

This was a pretty great ghost story. It was not too scary, but it was scary enough to satisfy your scary-tooth! It also was pretty wholesome...well as wholesome as a ghost story could be.

Read-a-likes:
"The Ghost of Fossil Glen" by Cynthia C. DeFelice because the characters learn how friendships are supposed to work and there's also a mystery to be solved centered around ghosts.

"The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall" by Mary Downing Hahn because there's a change in the young girl's living situation and the new house has a ghost inhabiting it.

[Ronda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

I thought this book at first was an adult level book, but in truth it is a teen book. I read it, and rather liked it. I do love a good ghost story with an air of mystery to it, and this one fits the bill. Good clean story perfect for a teen or middle schooler, as well we adults. Likeable characters, a beautiful setting, and a bit of history to boot.

[Katie-Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gives you chils all the way up your spine. It is a great book.

[Harley Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taylor is spending six weeks with her Dad in West Virginia. Although she is welcomed by her stepmother and stepbrother Peter, her stepsister Nicole makes it clear that she is not welcome. To make matters worse, the old house is haunted. At first, only Talor can see the ghost. But when Nicole sees her as well, the sibling rivalry is set aside.
The ghost goes through the upstairs rooms looking for something that she can't find. Later a second ghost appears; a Civil War soldier who does not want the lady ghost to find what she is looking for. He threatens the lives of Taylor and siblings along with Cody, their neighbor. They set out to find the missing object and give it to the lady ghost.
This is a great story with some suspenseful moments thrown in to keep the reader on edge.