Spanelli

by Elle Alexander

Twelve Year old Spanelli McQuillen works at The Museum of Oddities, the family owned antiques shop. When her mother purchases Hamley House, an abandoned home that sits on a hill at the edge of their small neighborhood, Spanelli gets the feeling that something isn't right with the grand, old estate. After she discovers an eerie letter tucked between the pages of an old book, her fears are confirmed and she is taken on a wild adventure as she discovers the frightful mysteries of the old house.

Genres: Mystery

201 pages, Paperback

Published June 23, 2015

About the author

When Elle was little, she dreamed of falling down the rabbit hole. She lives in Michigan where she continues to dream strange things and pen lots of oddish tales.

Reviews

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

www.melissa413readsalot.blogspot.com

I totally love the cover of this book! It is just the cutest little picture.

This is a really great children's book. Spanelli and her mom Ann moved into a huge old creepy house called Hamley House. Spanelli works at their antique shop called The Museum of Oddities. How cool is that name. I want to go to a shop like that and see what I could find.

So Spanelli and her mom find some things in their new house they could sell at the shop or just keep. One of the things is an old painting with children in it. The painting is kinda creepy. Everything in the house is kinda creepy to Spanelli.

Spanelli's cousin Eugene comes to stay a week with her while his parents go out of town. Boy are they in for an adventure. You see, Spanelli's mom hires this woman to come and homeschool Spanelli and she is a weird lady. Eugene has to join in on the lessons as well since he's there for a week.

Then suddenly Spanelli's mom leaves for two days to go check out an old classic car. I mean who leaves their kids with a woman that they have known for like a day!

Anyway, there are some really spooky things that happen, ghosts come forward and it's up to Spanelli and Eugene to save them. And sweet Miss Crew, the teacher, is not so sweet after all!

I think this is just a wonderful little book and I would recommend to all parents with children that like creepy little ghost stories. And me being an adult I'm guessing you can read it too :)

[Tevin Hansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved Grimly Jane by Elle Alexander, but was a little disappointed in Spanelli. It had similar quirky characters and situations which I like, but the writing seemed a bit forced at times.

[Lisey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely liked this creepy little book with its odd characters!!

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Spanelli” by Elle Alexander, is the story of a young girl who moves with her mother to a new house. The house, called Hamley House, has a cursed history. Neither Spanelli, her good friend Eugene, or Spanelli’s mother are aware of its past, which includes a string of missing children. The children go exploring, but soon things don’t seem as they should. Spanelli hears voices, and finds odd paintings. Her mother hires a teacher, Miss Crew, who seems very professional at first, but Spanelli senses a sinister side to Miss Crew. Spanelli is right to worry. Not only for her own safety (and that of Eugene’s) but also about the mystery surrounding this house and its history.
This is the second book I’ve read by Elle Alexander. Like “Grimly Jane” this was a delightful read. Well-crafted and fun, with memorable characters. Alexander has a great talent of creating just the right amount of tension between children and wicked adults. It’s another page turner. I highly recommend this book for anyone. Adults or children.

[Michelle Ball · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the cover! The artwork is wonderful! Reminiscent of Coraline this story of a young girl in a new (to her) and spooky home might just drag you into a strange world with more than one important underlying message.
My 9 year old son read this with me and so far he says it's ok but it's more of a girlish book. :). If he changes his mind I'll update my comments.

[Poorhouse Publishing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spanelli is such a great read. I read it to my children before bed and they absolutely adored every minute of it. The illustrations are awesome as well. I can't wait to read the other books available by this wonderful author.