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The Haunting of Bellington Cottage
From the author of Peril at Price Manor comes a new spooky and bighearted stand-alone novel about two girls trying to figure out if they’re still friends who discover their vacation rental home is haunted.
It was the perfect winter break getaway . . . until the ghost showed up.
The last time Iris's and Violet’s families went on a trip together, the girls turned their rental home into an epic haunted house—and Iris has brought all her spookiest supplies to the cottage they’re calling home for the next week, ready to re-create the magic they’d shared. But in the years since, Vee (don’t call her Violet) has become closed off and short-tempered and wants nothing to do with anyone, especially not her mom’s new boyfriend.
Vee’s bad mood feels inescapable in the cottage. And soon strange things are happening that make it seem like the house itself is angry, too—doors are slamming, rooms that were perfectly neat a second ago are suddenly a disaster, and Iris hears pacing footsteps long after everyone’s gone to sleep. Iris and Vee soon discover that the cottage has a secret history and that there’s no need to stage a haunted house after all . . . because they’re already in one.
It was the perfect winter break getaway . . . until the ghost showed up.
The last time Iris's and Violet’s families went on a trip together, the girls turned their rental home into an epic haunted house—and Iris has brought all her spookiest supplies to the cottage they’re calling home for the next week, ready to re-create the magic they’d shared. But in the years since, Vee (don’t call her Violet) has become closed off and short-tempered and wants nothing to do with anyone, especially not her mom’s new boyfriend.
Vee’s bad mood feels inescapable in the cottage. And soon strange things are happening that make it seem like the house itself is angry, too—doors are slamming, rooms that were perfectly neat a second ago are suddenly a disaster, and Iris hears pacing footsteps long after everyone’s gone to sleep. Iris and Vee soon discover that the cottage has a secret history and that there’s no need to stage a haunted house after all . . . because they’re already in one.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published July 29, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 30, 2025
**My thanks to HarperCollins Children’s Books for providing me with an advanced review copy via NetGalley**
4 stars
A delightful spooky story for middle-grade readers with a relatable protagonist and an intriguing mystery.
Iris is hoping that a ski trip with distant family friends and their daughter Violet, who she befriended on a previous vacation, will be an opportunity to reconnect—especially as Iris’s hometown best friend recently moved away. But Violet’s not eager to renew their old easy relationship, and Iris’s love for all things spooky (so long as they’re fictional) makes the adults in their lives reluctant to believe her when she starts to suspect that there might be an Actual Real Life Ghost in their creepy winter rental cottage.
The best part of the book is definitely Iris’s personal growth, as over the course of the story she is forced to consider outside perspectives and re-evaluate her own actions, especially her treatment of her friends. This self-reflection is sometimes uncomfortable for her, but is ultimately good for Iris’s social development and sense of self.
While investigating possible ghosts, Iris and her friend Violet find the diary of a girl from the early 1900s, which unfortunately sometimes slips in the accuracy of its period writing. This probably makes the diary easier for a modern middle schooler to read but does stick out as a weakness in the writing.
I would 100% recommend this title to young readers with an interest in ghost stories. It’s a mysterious and character-focused tale that doesn’t get too frightening, and an excellent choice for young people struggling with change and with long-distance friendships.
4 stars
A delightful spooky story for middle-grade readers with a relatable protagonist and an intriguing mystery.
Iris is hoping that a ski trip with distant family friends and their daughter Violet, who she befriended on a previous vacation, will be an opportunity to reconnect—especially as Iris’s hometown best friend recently moved away. But Violet’s not eager to renew their old easy relationship, and Iris’s love for all things spooky (so long as they’re fictional) makes the adults in their lives reluctant to believe her when she starts to suspect that there might be an Actual Real Life Ghost in their creepy winter rental cottage.
The best part of the book is definitely Iris’s personal growth, as over the course of the story she is forced to consider outside perspectives and re-evaluate her own actions, especially her treatment of her friends. This self-reflection is sometimes uncomfortable for her, but is ultimately good for Iris’s social development and sense of self.
While investigating possible ghosts, Iris and her friend Violet find the diary of a girl from the early 1900s, which unfortunately sometimes slips in the accuracy of its period writing. This probably makes the diary easier for a modern middle schooler to read but does stick out as a weakness in the writing.
I would 100% recommend this title to young readers with an interest in ghost stories. It’s a mysterious and character-focused tale that doesn’t get too frightening, and an excellent choice for young people struggling with change and with long-distance friendships.
August 9, 2025
One of the spookier middle grade books I've had the pleasure of reading. Although, it's a compelling friendship story at its heart, wrapped in a two-tailed taxidermized squirrel skin in a hidden room full of creepy dolls.
October 29, 2025
Disclosure Statement: I received an e-galley of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. My opinions are entirely my own and have not been influenced by either publisher or author.
I love a book about growing up. Oftentimes, I see middle grade fiction dealing with big issues that face the life of a kid, but those stories are typically structured around a very specific coming-of-age ritual, a cycle of story that deals a lot with the issue of coming into maturity and reflection on the transition period from one point of life to the next. There's a reason this sort of bildungsroman remains so popular in youth and young adult fiction; it's useful and impactful.
But those books often feel like they are written by adults narrativizing a specific lens for experience that doesn't necessarily reflect the living moments a kid is processing new maturity. They're mirrors of our past, places for active reflection but not necessarily active meaning-making.
What I love about The Haunting of Bellington Cottage is that it is a book about being in the thick of growing up. It's about how things change around us and about how we reflect on who we are in relation to those changes around us. Iris and Vee, as growing teenagers, are in the very middle of their transition from who they were to who they will become, and the book lingers on the strain of that transformation. The test of their friendship is that they're growing up, and having to reconnect takes a lot more as each of them find themselves and find each other. I love this book for its silliness, its spooky elements and its central mystery, but what makes Bellington Cottage stand out in a crowded market full of richly imagined middle grade fiction is that it really is a book about how bittersweet growing up really is. It's messy, and annoying, and devastating in tiny ways, in the moments when you realize that the people around you are going through an active transformation.
I really enjoyed Peril at Price Manor, Laura Parnum's first book. But The Haunting of Bellington Cottage is almost a total evolution in her storycraft. This book is everything I come to middle grade fiction to explore, and Parnum delivers one of my favorite middle grade reads ever in the way she constructs the story of two girls moving through a very specific turning point in their lives. Its ideas about growing up and about friendship are beautiful. I cannot wait for whatever Parnum has next in store.
I love a book about growing up. Oftentimes, I see middle grade fiction dealing with big issues that face the life of a kid, but those stories are typically structured around a very specific coming-of-age ritual, a cycle of story that deals a lot with the issue of coming into maturity and reflection on the transition period from one point of life to the next. There's a reason this sort of bildungsroman remains so popular in youth and young adult fiction; it's useful and impactful.
But those books often feel like they are written by adults narrativizing a specific lens for experience that doesn't necessarily reflect the living moments a kid is processing new maturity. They're mirrors of our past, places for active reflection but not necessarily active meaning-making.
What I love about The Haunting of Bellington Cottage is that it is a book about being in the thick of growing up. It's about how things change around us and about how we reflect on who we are in relation to those changes around us. Iris and Vee, as growing teenagers, are in the very middle of their transition from who they were to who they will become, and the book lingers on the strain of that transformation. The test of their friendship is that they're growing up, and having to reconnect takes a lot more as each of them find themselves and find each other. I love this book for its silliness, its spooky elements and its central mystery, but what makes Bellington Cottage stand out in a crowded market full of richly imagined middle grade fiction is that it really is a book about how bittersweet growing up really is. It's messy, and annoying, and devastating in tiny ways, in the moments when you realize that the people around you are going through an active transformation.
I really enjoyed Peril at Price Manor, Laura Parnum's first book. But The Haunting of Bellington Cottage is almost a total evolution in her storycraft. This book is everything I come to middle grade fiction to explore, and Parnum delivers one of my favorite middle grade reads ever in the way she constructs the story of two girls moving through a very specific turning point in their lives. Its ideas about growing up and about friendship are beautiful. I cannot wait for whatever Parnum has next in store.
June 18, 2025
A fun and spooky-lite read. There were ghosts- but nothing TOO scary. Well, aside from the annoying parents that won't listen to their children trope. Which is a trope that always drove me nuts as a young reader and continues to do so to this day, however I can see how this would be particularly relatable for some readers.
Overall I really liked this one, the characters were fun as was the setting. One of the creepiest parts of this story was the bizarre taxidermy animals. I think Stewart, the stepfather, was particularly delightful dad jokes for the win. This was more than just a ghost story there were many different layers of interpersonal conflicts and I think they were handled wonderfully.
(Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the copy in exchange for an honest review)
Overall I really liked this one, the characters were fun as was the setting. One of the creepiest parts of this story was the bizarre taxidermy animals. I think Stewart, the stepfather, was particularly delightful dad jokes for the win. This was more than just a ghost story there were many different layers of interpersonal conflicts and I think they were handled wonderfully.
(Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the copy in exchange for an honest review)
March 3, 2025
If you’re a mom or a MG librarian or even just a MG book lover, you’ll want this one! This was the perfect ghost story. Parnum did an excellent job setting the scene and keeping the spooky ambiance going. The side story about friendships & how things can change only added to my love for this book! Can’t wait to grab a copy when it comes out. Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!
April 4, 2025
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Iris is looking forward to spending time with her parents and her mother's friend, who has a daughter her age. Three years ago, Iris and Violet had a great time playing together, constructing "haunted houses" and even buying a creepy doll. Iris is all set to continue these activities, and Bellington Cottage is deliciously creepy. The home of the "toaster tycoon" Bellingtons, who experienced a family tragedy, the house had been abandoned since the 1920s but reopened in the 200s as a Rent-a-Bode. It features the Bellington's odd and eerie taxidermy, as well as antiques, which is perfect for all of Iris' plans. When Violet arrives with her mother and her mother's new boyfriend, however, she is in a foul mood and irritated by any and all of Iris' overtures. Iris admits that creating a haunted house might not have been the best idea, given Iris' mood, but things start to happen around the house that neither she nor Violet have done. The girls' get warned, and told not to continue to mess up the taxidermy, but they slowly start to realize that there are supernatural forces at work. They find a hundred year old diary, and after some cursory research, learn about the family tragedy that involved Anna Bellington and her younger sister, Ruth. Their parents, of course, don't believe that the house is haunted, even though online reviews indicate that it is. Will they be able to discover why Ruth's ghost is haunting the property, and mend their friendship at the same time.
Strengths: While it is a well known fact that the chances of MOVING to a haunted house in middle school are very high, the dangers of RENTING houses for vacation that are haunted has been underexplored. It's fun to have friends that you only see occasionally, and Iris' best friend has moved to New York, so she craves spending time with Violet. It makes perfect sense that Violet, whose parents have divorced in the intervening three years, is not as glad to be on vacation; she would rather be with her father. I did enjoy that the mother's boyfriend seemed like a genuinely good guy. The parents aren't around much, so there is plenty of time for the girls to explore and uncover secrets. The cottage itself is really the star of the show; old houses filled with antiques are always intriguing!
Weaknesses: My students still like ghosts to be murderous, so there was not enough blood and gore for this one to circulate well in my library, although the friend drama would definitely help sell it.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like lightly creepy ghost mysteries like Parris' Field of Screams or Ford's The Lonely Ghost.
Iris is looking forward to spending time with her parents and her mother's friend, who has a daughter her age. Three years ago, Iris and Violet had a great time playing together, constructing "haunted houses" and even buying a creepy doll. Iris is all set to continue these activities, and Bellington Cottage is deliciously creepy. The home of the "toaster tycoon" Bellingtons, who experienced a family tragedy, the house had been abandoned since the 1920s but reopened in the 200s as a Rent-a-Bode. It features the Bellington's odd and eerie taxidermy, as well as antiques, which is perfect for all of Iris' plans. When Violet arrives with her mother and her mother's new boyfriend, however, she is in a foul mood and irritated by any and all of Iris' overtures. Iris admits that creating a haunted house might not have been the best idea, given Iris' mood, but things start to happen around the house that neither she nor Violet have done. The girls' get warned, and told not to continue to mess up the taxidermy, but they slowly start to realize that there are supernatural forces at work. They find a hundred year old diary, and after some cursory research, learn about the family tragedy that involved Anna Bellington and her younger sister, Ruth. Their parents, of course, don't believe that the house is haunted, even though online reviews indicate that it is. Will they be able to discover why Ruth's ghost is haunting the property, and mend their friendship at the same time.
Strengths: While it is a well known fact that the chances of MOVING to a haunted house in middle school are very high, the dangers of RENTING houses for vacation that are haunted has been underexplored. It's fun to have friends that you only see occasionally, and Iris' best friend has moved to New York, so she craves spending time with Violet. It makes perfect sense that Violet, whose parents have divorced in the intervening three years, is not as glad to be on vacation; she would rather be with her father. I did enjoy that the mother's boyfriend seemed like a genuinely good guy. The parents aren't around much, so there is plenty of time for the girls to explore and uncover secrets. The cottage itself is really the star of the show; old houses filled with antiques are always intriguing!
Weaknesses: My students still like ghosts to be murderous, so there was not enough blood and gore for this one to circulate well in my library, although the friend drama would definitely help sell it.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like lightly creepy ghost mysteries like Parris' Field of Screams or Ford's The Lonely Ghost.
September 5, 2025
I received a copy from Storytide through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Iris has been looking forward to finally seeing Violet again after years because it’s sure to be even better than the last time their families took a trip together. She’s ready to repeat the fun they had giving their previous rental a spoopy makeover, but when Violet arrives, nothing is the same. She now goes by Vee, and not only does she not want to be there, but also doesn’t want to do much with Iris. Things only get worse when it turns out that their current rental is haunted and everyone thinks Iris and Vee are behind the ghost’s activities. It’s up to them to figure out who is haunting the house and help put them to rest!
If you’re looking for a paranormal coming of age story, then you can’t possibly go wrong with this book! We follow Iris as she’s finally reunited with her old friend Vee. Unfortunately for her, Vee isn’t excited to be on this trip, and she’s changed a lot since the last time they saw each other. Between getting the blame for the ghost’s activities and the struggles Iris and Vee are silently going through, it’s hard for the two to get on the same page. Thankfully, teaming up to help the restless ghost does them and the ghost a lot of good.
I love that this is a paranormal mystery that helps these former friends reconnect and discover the power of communication. It’s a great message for middle school readers who may relate to Iris and Violet. It’s also a story about change, and I think a lot of the target audience will relate to this, especially because it also involves navigating friendships that are changing due to various reasons. I like that it’s not afraid to touch on jealousy and loneliness as well as figuring out how to deal with it.
All in all, this was an excellent read. It’s also something I would’ve especially loved when I was in middle school. Plus, there’s a paranormal mystery that is sure to draw readers in. I think it’s an excellent read and that you really can’t go wrong with picking this up.
Iris has been looking forward to finally seeing Violet again after years because it’s sure to be even better than the last time their families took a trip together. She’s ready to repeat the fun they had giving their previous rental a spoopy makeover, but when Violet arrives, nothing is the same. She now goes by Vee, and not only does she not want to be there, but also doesn’t want to do much with Iris. Things only get worse when it turns out that their current rental is haunted and everyone thinks Iris and Vee are behind the ghost’s activities. It’s up to them to figure out who is haunting the house and help put them to rest!
If you’re looking for a paranormal coming of age story, then you can’t possibly go wrong with this book! We follow Iris as she’s finally reunited with her old friend Vee. Unfortunately for her, Vee isn’t excited to be on this trip, and she’s changed a lot since the last time they saw each other. Between getting the blame for the ghost’s activities and the struggles Iris and Vee are silently going through, it’s hard for the two to get on the same page. Thankfully, teaming up to help the restless ghost does them and the ghost a lot of good.
I love that this is a paranormal mystery that helps these former friends reconnect and discover the power of communication. It’s a great message for middle school readers who may relate to Iris and Violet. It’s also a story about change, and I think a lot of the target audience will relate to this, especially because it also involves navigating friendships that are changing due to various reasons. I like that it’s not afraid to touch on jealousy and loneliness as well as figuring out how to deal with it.
All in all, this was an excellent read. It’s also something I would’ve especially loved when I was in middle school. Plus, there’s a paranormal mystery that is sure to draw readers in. I think it’s an excellent read and that you really can’t go wrong with picking this up.
January 21, 2025
4 1/2 stars
Many thanks to Harper Collins Children's Books for the e-ARC on Netgalley.
Main character's Iris and Violet's families are embarking on ski vacation. The girls last vacation together saw them turn their rental property into an epic haunted house. Iris typically brings her stash of spooky props and Violet supplies all the spooky sounds and some added props. It's been years since the girls have been together but Iris knows when they get together they will be able to recreate the scary fun from their last trip.
As fate would have it, a lot has changed over the years. Violet, now known as Vee, is both sullen and short-tempered leaving Iris to figure out if their friendship as survived both distance and time. Vee's simmering anger seems to have permeated the whole cottage because strange things such as doors slamming on their own, furniture rearranging, and late night footsteps soon become daily occurences. The girls determine that the house has a secret to tell and it is up to them to figure out what it is and who exactly is sending them messages. A secret diary guides them on their journey.
I very much enjoyed this book and look forward to sharing it with my students who lean towards spooky mysteries. It has a spooky yet cozy vibe. I liked how the author wove together the evolution of the haunting with the girl's changing friendship and growth as characters. The writing style is engaging and will hold the interest of readers between the ages of 8 and 12. I look forward to reading more from Laura Parnum.
Many thanks to Harper Collins Children's Books for the e-ARC on Netgalley.
Main character's Iris and Violet's families are embarking on ski vacation. The girls last vacation together saw them turn their rental property into an epic haunted house. Iris typically brings her stash of spooky props and Violet supplies all the spooky sounds and some added props. It's been years since the girls have been together but Iris knows when they get together they will be able to recreate the scary fun from their last trip.
As fate would have it, a lot has changed over the years. Violet, now known as Vee, is both sullen and short-tempered leaving Iris to figure out if their friendship as survived both distance and time. Vee's simmering anger seems to have permeated the whole cottage because strange things such as doors slamming on their own, furniture rearranging, and late night footsteps soon become daily occurences. The girls determine that the house has a secret to tell and it is up to them to figure out what it is and who exactly is sending them messages. A secret diary guides them on their journey.
I very much enjoyed this book and look forward to sharing it with my students who lean towards spooky mysteries. It has a spooky yet cozy vibe. I liked how the author wove together the evolution of the haunting with the girl's changing friendship and growth as characters. The writing style is engaging and will hold the interest of readers between the ages of 8 and 12. I look forward to reading more from Laura Parnum.
April 7, 2025
Thank you to Harper Collins Children's and NetGalley for providing the e-arc for my honest review.
Despite having her arm in a cast, Iris is looking forward to the ski trip vacation. It’s her first chance to see her friend, Violet, in three years. After bonding over a love of haunted houses and all things spooky on their previous vacation together, Iris came prepared to create the scariest haunted house their rental home – the Bellington Cottage – has ever seen. The cottage is plenty spooky on its own, with strange taxidermy animals, creepy noises and slamming doors. Iris can’t wait to get started. But when Violet, things are different. She now goes by Vee, stomps around the cottage in a grump, and wants nothing to do with Iris or her childish scares. Before Iris can set up her own haunted house, the cottage starts haunting them.
While the haunting escalates, Iris discovers that she hasn’t been such a good friend to Vee in the past. As a blizzard closes in, Iris must search for Vee in the woods, apologize, then together they must find a way to help the frightened ghost haunting Bellington Cottage.
The Haunting of Bellington Cottage is a quick, cute read, perfect for the younger range of middle grade readers. Author Laura Parnum excels at conveying the worries and uncertainties of young friendships. The book’s emotional component really shines, especially in Iris’s two important friendships. However, I found myself wanting more from the mild scares and a bit let down by the sheer cluelessness of the adults.
Despite having her arm in a cast, Iris is looking forward to the ski trip vacation. It’s her first chance to see her friend, Violet, in three years. After bonding over a love of haunted houses and all things spooky on their previous vacation together, Iris came prepared to create the scariest haunted house their rental home – the Bellington Cottage – has ever seen. The cottage is plenty spooky on its own, with strange taxidermy animals, creepy noises and slamming doors. Iris can’t wait to get started. But when Violet, things are different. She now goes by Vee, stomps around the cottage in a grump, and wants nothing to do with Iris or her childish scares. Before Iris can set up her own haunted house, the cottage starts haunting them.
While the haunting escalates, Iris discovers that she hasn’t been such a good friend to Vee in the past. As a blizzard closes in, Iris must search for Vee in the woods, apologize, then together they must find a way to help the frightened ghost haunting Bellington Cottage.
The Haunting of Bellington Cottage is a quick, cute read, perfect for the younger range of middle grade readers. Author Laura Parnum excels at conveying the worries and uncertainties of young friendships. The book’s emotional component really shines, especially in Iris’s two important friendships. However, I found myself wanting more from the mild scares and a bit let down by the sheer cluelessness of the adults.
September 24, 2025
Bellington Cottage is the perfect place for a winter getaway. To twelve year old Iris and her parents are surprised to find a lot of creepy taxidermy animals. Iris is looking forward to reconnecting and constructing the ultimate haunted Rent-A-Bode with Violet, an old family friend she last saw three years ago. Only Violet, who now goes by “Vee” and embraces goth fashion, appears to want nothing to do with Iris on this vacation, or her mom’s new boyfriend. When strange things start happening—pacing footsteps late at night, the outdoor wooden swing slamming against a tree, rooms becoming messy all by themselves—Iris and Vee think they might be staying in an actual haunted house. With the help of a journal written in the 1900s, whose journal does it belong to? Iris and Vee put aside their differences to uncover the mystery of what is going on. Is there a ghost?
Iris and Vee inhabit a described world in this thoughtful ghost story. Solving the mystery requires Iris and Vee to unravel multiple threads of conflict, from the Bellington family’s tragedy. The author writes the girls own tangled web of jealousy, family strife, and how friendship can fail. A powerful theme of positive communication weaves throughout the storylines. I enjoyed the real shivers that Iris and Vee experienced.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own
Iris and Vee inhabit a described world in this thoughtful ghost story. Solving the mystery requires Iris and Vee to unravel multiple threads of conflict, from the Bellington family’s tragedy. The author writes the girls own tangled web of jealousy, family strife, and how friendship can fail. A powerful theme of positive communication weaves throughout the storylines. I enjoyed the real shivers that Iris and Vee experienced.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own
January 10, 2025
🕯️┊ “ some sunny day with a smile on my face, i'll go back to that place far away. ”
The Haunting of Bellington Cottage is a short, middle-grade novel (around 150 pages) about two middle schoolers and their respective families going on vacation and renting an eerie house in the middle of the woods. As their stay progresses, more and more bizarre events unfold. The girls discover a diary from one of the daughters of the house’s original owners, filled with cryptic entries that hint at a tragic accident. Their fracturing relationship needs to hold together enough for them to work together to solve the mystery within the house's shadowy walls.
I thought the story was the perfect amount of chilling and heartwarming, and I adored the relationship between Vee and Iris. It starts out very strained but grows into a healthy friendship by the end of the novel! The warm moments between them were definitely my favorite parts of the book, though the mystery of the ghost haunting the house was a close second!
The only aspect of the story I didn't like was the parents. While I thought Stewart, Vee's stepdad, was swee, the mothers felt like they were only really there to scold the girls. Other than that, though, I thought this was an amazing book and recommend it (especially to readers on the younger side).
The Haunting of Bellington Cottage is a short, middle-grade novel (around 150 pages) about two middle schoolers and their respective families going on vacation and renting an eerie house in the middle of the woods. As their stay progresses, more and more bizarre events unfold. The girls discover a diary from one of the daughters of the house’s original owners, filled with cryptic entries that hint at a tragic accident. Their fracturing relationship needs to hold together enough for them to work together to solve the mystery within the house's shadowy walls.
I thought the story was the perfect amount of chilling and heartwarming, and I adored the relationship between Vee and Iris. It starts out very strained but grows into a healthy friendship by the end of the novel! The warm moments between them were definitely my favorite parts of the book, though the mystery of the ghost haunting the house was a close second!
The only aspect of the story I didn't like was the parents. While I thought Stewart, Vee's stepdad, was swee, the mothers felt like they were only really there to scold the girls. Other than that, though, I thought this was an amazing book and recommend it (especially to readers on the younger side).
February 11, 2025
Iris and Violet live far away from each other, but they have enjoyed going on joint family vacations for years. They both love all things spooky, and they have had lots of fun in the past creating epic haunted houses at their various vacation rentals. But a lot of time has gone by since their last trip, and things have changed. Iris is excited to see her old friend, but Violet, who now goes by Vee, is sullen and withdrawn. Iris wants to try to fix things between them, but Vee doesn't seem interested. Then the house begins to have a mind of its own when furniture and other objects rearrange themselves, a swing in the yard mysteriously bangs against a tree over and over, doors slam, and there's a sound of footsteps with no one there. The girls begin to work together to solve the mystery. With the help of an intriguing old diary from a previous inhabitant of the house, they realize that they can not only mend their friendship, but also help the victim of a tragic accident from long ago. This exceptionally well-written book is a true page-turner. It is the perfect mix of eerie and poignant, with relatable friendship challenges and just the right touch of spookiness. Sure to be a hit!
November 19, 2025
Iris is feeling lonely and left out after her best friend moves away, but she's eager to reunite with Violet, another only child, as their families meet up in Vermont for a winter vacation. Unable to ski because of a broken arm, Iris is looking forward to creating a haunted house with Violet, as they did on their last joint vacation. Unfortunately Violet, now Vee, arrives in a terrible mood and Iris' hopes of a joyful reunion are dashed. Turns out, the girls don't need to create a haunted house because their vacation rental is already haunted. Creepiness abounds in the form of taxidermied animals that move around the house, strange sounds in the night, scribbles on the walls, and a 100 year old journal. Solving the mystery of the family that used to live in the house ultimately draws the girls together. The narrative touches on loneliness and social transitions, as well as shifting family relationships. Readers interested in dipping a toe into horror will find this supernatural tale to be a good place to start.
Recommended for readers in grades 4-7.
Recommended for readers in grades 4-7.
February 26, 2025
The Haunting of Bellington Cottage is the story of two "vacation friends," Iris and Violet whose mothers were college friends and who get together every couple of years for a week's reunion. Both girls previously shared a love of the macabre and bonded over an antique doll and putting together a haunted house in their vacation rental house. Now, three years later, their lives have changed and they don't know if they can still be friends until they realize that the new "rent-a-bode" house they are staying in might just be haunted for real. Laying aside the differences that time and distance have made in their friendship, they band together to solve the mystery of the noises, footsteps and moving objects in their 100 year old cottage.
I would recommend this book for middle school on up. The book is squeaky clean, but deals with parental divorce and death.
I received a free advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
I would recommend this book for middle school on up. The book is squeaky clean, but deals with parental divorce and death.
I received a free advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
August 29, 2025
The last time Iris's and Violet’s families went on a trip together, the girls turned their rental home into an epic haunted house--and Iris has brought all her spookiest supplies to the cottage they’re calling home for the next week, ready to re-create the magic they’d shared. But in the years since, Vee (don’t call her Violet) has become closed off and short-tempered and wants nothing to do with anyone, especially not her mom’s new boyfriend. Vee’s bad mood feels inescapable in the cottage. And soon strange things are happening that make it seem like the house itself is angry, too--doors are slamming, rooms that were perfectly neat a second ago are suddenly a disaster, and Iris hears pacing footsteps long after everyone’s gone to sleep. Iris and Vee soon discover that the cottage has a secret history and that there’s no need to stage a haunted house after all...because they’re already in one."--
February 9, 2025
ARC read - What a fantastic middle grade ghost story!! With bestie moms, Iris and Vee have spent vacations together even though they live states apart. A love of all things spooky binds them so much that they turn their vacation rentals into decorated haunted houses! Until they end up at a ski cottage that is actually haunted. Eek!! This is a thrilling story full of creepy taxidermy animals, creepy dolls, and restless spirits that will keep young readers guessing at every turn. It is also very much a story of fractured friendships at an age when relationships change with distance and time, and we're sometimes confronted with the fact that we're not as caring as we could have been. I absolutely loved Laura Parnum's debut PERIL AT PRICE MANOR and think that fans will find all the same spooky, comedic vibes in this book too. Highly recommend!!!
December 4, 2025
Iris and Vee, the purple-flower “twins,” are at it again—a little older, facing middle-school friend issues, andXX.These two girls find hope and redemption after a rocky start getting reacquainted. It all starts with footprints by a fallen branch in the snow, footsteps in the night, messed-up bedrooms, misplaced taxidermy animals, leading to secrets of the century-old Bellington family and the untimely death of their younger daughter. Although this is a paranormal mystery, the story is ultimately about two girls who rejuvenate an earlier collaboration/friendship to fulfill the long-ago girls’ desire to finally rest in peace and strengthen the contemporary ties of the protagonist. Parnum has once again demonstrated a mastery of weaving a contemporary mystery throughout a complicated family’s life and bringing closure to the two.
February 6, 2025
Thank you to Harper Collins Children's Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review:
Fans of Are You Afraid of the Dark will enjoy this middle grades horror book. Two friends who haven't seen each other in years reunite with their families for a ski vacation at a vacation rental home. What the families don't realize is that this is a historic home with a dark history of a family in pain and a child who died.
There are plenty of creepy, spooky moments, but nothing gory, and the girls work together to solve the supernatural problems. This is also a good reflection on friendship, honesty, and communication that isn't told in a preachy way.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a ghost story set at a haunted house that won't give them nightmares.
Fans of Are You Afraid of the Dark will enjoy this middle grades horror book. Two friends who haven't seen each other in years reunite with their families for a ski vacation at a vacation rental home. What the families don't realize is that this is a historic home with a dark history of a family in pain and a child who died.
There are plenty of creepy, spooky moments, but nothing gory, and the girls work together to solve the supernatural problems. This is also a good reflection on friendship, honesty, and communication that isn't told in a preachy way.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a ghost story set at a haunted house that won't give them nightmares.
March 27, 2025
This was a super cute middle school grade read. Ghosts, a spooky house filled with taxidermied animals and two girls trying to renew a friendship made for a light-hearted and fun read. The parents were all annoying b/c they never listened to the girls, but I’ve noticed the pattern with middle school books, lol. I love that this story has a warm, fuzzy ending b/c you worry that things might not work out well for everyone. Including the ghost. The author really pulled it together nicely and the ending was great. It’s a fun read and I would love to see these characters again. They are so different, but so likeable. I received an advance readers copy and all opinions are my own.
October 20, 2025
Iris is looking forward to reuniting with Violet so they can re-create the haunted house they made when they first met. But things do not go as expected. “Vee” has changed – her name, her fashion choices, her personality – and tensions rise between them. To complicate matters, the rental house where they are staying is actually haunted! I loved how the book’s themes of growing up, change, and navigating conflict within friendships were wrapped in mysterious ghost story. Laura Parnum’s story is engaging, entertaining, and will have you on the edge of your seat. If you’re looking for a spooky friendship book for 8–12-year-olds (or older), this is the perfect choice!
January 17, 2026
4.5 stars
A spooky MG story that will surely spark interest in many of my students. Parnum does an excellent job of choosing a great setting where paranormal intrigue creates some truly creepy moments. The theme of friendships old and new will be one that students are able to relate to; by MG most will have had a relationship with a childhood chum shift with distance or time. It was gratifying to see Iris grow and understand how her actions (or non-actions rather) caused a rupture and to own up to it. I knew I would enjoy this book as soon as the bizarre menagerie of taxidermy was described... who wouldn't want a three-eyed owl?
A spooky MG story that will surely spark interest in many of my students. Parnum does an excellent job of choosing a great setting where paranormal intrigue creates some truly creepy moments. The theme of friendships old and new will be one that students are able to relate to; by MG most will have had a relationship with a childhood chum shift with distance or time. It was gratifying to see Iris grow and understand how her actions (or non-actions rather) caused a rupture and to own up to it. I knew I would enjoy this book as soon as the bizarre menagerie of taxidermy was described... who wouldn't want a three-eyed owl?
April 2, 2025
Thank you to Harper Collins Children's and Netgalley for the e-arc.
This was such a fun and spooky book. The haunting was done better than some adult mystery/horror books I've read.
Vee and Iris are your typical 12 yr olds who love all things spooky and mysterious. I think aside from the ghost haunting, the really great part of the story was the relationship between Vee and Iris. You see a real, raw preteen relationship building even more and budding into something stronger.
This is a great book for middle grade for any reader who likes a good haunting and mystery.
This was such a fun and spooky book. The haunting was done better than some adult mystery/horror books I've read.
Vee and Iris are your typical 12 yr olds who love all things spooky and mysterious. I think aside from the ghost haunting, the really great part of the story was the relationship between Vee and Iris. You see a real, raw preteen relationship building even more and budding into something stronger.
This is a great book for middle grade for any reader who likes a good haunting and mystery.
August 11, 2025
Loved this creepy, spooky, fun, ghost story. Lots of chills and thrills, but also heartwarming moments of friendship and family. Laura Parnum is very talented at setting the scene and atmosphere. Her characters are flawed and relatable. This is a fun, adventurous read. We join Iris and Vee as they try to solve the mystery of the weird noises, plunging temperatures, and mystifying rearrangement of objects and furniture, in their vacation cottage. The story is suspenseful, fast-paced, and a little shuddery in place - my favorite kind of read!
November 6, 2025
Iris is looking forward to her winter break at a rental house withe her mom and dad and their family friend. The last time they all got together like this, Iris and Violet (the girl her age) put together a spook house. Iris is thrilled when she enters their rental. The place has some creepy vibes already with strange taxidermy animals with two heads or multiple tails. Strange noises and unusual happenings lead Iris to wonder if maybe no pretend haunted house is needed- they just may have found a genuine one. Get ready to be creeped out
January 23, 2026
Iris can't wait to reenact a wonderful vacation and haunted house from three years ago, but when Violet arrives, their friendship is strained. Meanwhile, spooky things start happening around the house, and the girls must figure out why before their parents blame them for the vandalism.
Wow, does it hit me hard when parents don't believe their kids, leaving the kids helpless and alone in the face of danger. Glad that Iris and Vee work this one out, though.
Wow, does it hit me hard when parents don't believe their kids, leaving the kids helpless and alone in the face of danger. Glad that Iris and Vee work this one out, though.
February 1, 2025
Iris loves spooky things--as long as they're pretend. When she and her friend Vee suspect their vacation rental might actually be haunted by a real ghost, that changes everything! This suspenseful story will have you on the edge of your seat right up to the very end. In addition to being a tingling ghost story, it's also about friendship, family, and forgiveness. Highly recommended!
July 16, 2025
This was a really fun book to read. It's definitely something I would've liked when I was in middle. The story of two tweens trying to figure out what's causing all the mysterious happenings in their vacation cottage. Along with how to deal with all the big changes that life throws their way. Traversing the challenges of friendship. It even gave me chills a few times!
November 28, 2025
Not only is Laura Parnum a master at hauntings, she’s a master at friendships. There is so much to love in this story. Scary, spooky things that knock about the rooms. A broken friendship that longs to be fixed. I loved the intricacies of the haunted house, and its ghost, and the friendship that has unraveled. This is a fantastic read.
June 22, 2025
thank you, netgalley, for the arc.
this book was so amazing. we are following two girls who are friends who lose touch with each other, and they help a little girl Ghost be at peace. They work though there differences while helping little Ruth. It a spooky book perfect for and time of the year.
this book was so amazing. we are following two girls who are friends who lose touch with each other, and they help a little girl Ghost be at peace. They work though there differences while helping little Ruth. It a spooky book perfect for and time of the year.
August 4, 2025
A brilliantly haunting book! I have often been creeped out by various dolls so Bellington Cottage with its dolls, weird taxidermied creatures and ghost in an old house was the perfect spooky setting. The friendships and developing self-awareness themes were nicely woven into the chilling pages.
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