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Henry & Eva #1
Henry & Eva and the Castle on the Cliff
The Graveyard Book meets The Goonies in author Andrea Portes’s spooky, timeless middle grade debut.
Prominent Environmentalist and Oceanographer Die in Boating Accident
This is the headline that changes Henry’s and Eva’s lives. Their parents, prominent environmentalist William Billings (age 43) and his oceanographer wife, Margo Billings (age 39), disappear mysteriously at sea.
That day is a very, very bad day indeed.
But for Henry and Eva, things are about to go from bad to worse. Their jerk-face uncle (nickname Claude the Clod) and his awful girlfriend (Terri the Terrible) have moved into their big house on the cliff to “take care of them,” but Eva has her doubts about their intentions. All she wants is to put a smile back on Henry’s face, but with Claude skulking around, she can barely come up with a halfway decent joke or song to cheer Henry up (even though that’s her particular specialty).
What Henry and Eva don’t know yet is that they aren’t the only ones in their house who want Claude out of the picture—and when some spooky visitors appear with a message, they realize that their parents’ deaths might not have been as cut-and-dried as everyone thinks.
It’s up to Henry and Eva to discover the truth—but can they do it before the Clod catches them in the act?
Prominent Environmentalist and Oceanographer Die in Boating Accident
This is the headline that changes Henry’s and Eva’s lives. Their parents, prominent environmentalist William Billings (age 43) and his oceanographer wife, Margo Billings (age 39), disappear mysteriously at sea.
That day is a very, very bad day indeed.
But for Henry and Eva, things are about to go from bad to worse. Their jerk-face uncle (nickname Claude the Clod) and his awful girlfriend (Terri the Terrible) have moved into their big house on the cliff to “take care of them,” but Eva has her doubts about their intentions. All she wants is to put a smile back on Henry’s face, but with Claude skulking around, she can barely come up with a halfway decent joke or song to cheer Henry up (even though that’s her particular specialty).
What Henry and Eva don’t know yet is that they aren’t the only ones in their house who want Claude out of the picture—and when some spooky visitors appear with a message, they realize that their parents’ deaths might not have been as cut-and-dried as everyone thinks.
It’s up to Henry and Eva to discover the truth—but can they do it before the Clod catches them in the act?
288 pages, Hardcover
First published November 6, 2018
16 people are currently reading
2344 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Portes
10 books476 followersAndrea Portes is a bestselling American novelist.
Her novels include HICK, BURY THIS, ANATOMY OF A MISFIT, and THE FALL OF BUTTERFLIES. Portes is also the author of the upcoming LIBERTY book series and the upcoming HENRY & EVA book series. She also published the SUPER RAD graphic novel series for Dark Matter Comics.
Portes was raised in rural Nebraska, outside of Lincoln. She attended Bryn Mawr College on full scholarship and later received her MFA from University of California, San Diego. After graduation, Portes moved to the neighborhood of Echo Park in Los Angeles.
In 2007, Portes published her debut novel HICK that was an instant bestseller. After the book's huge success, the movie adaptation of HICK went into production in 2011. The film, starring Chloë Grace Moretz, Alec Baldwin, Eddie Redmayne, Juliette Lewis, and Blake Lively premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2011.
Portes's second novel, BURY THIS, was published in January 2014 by Counterpoint Press's imprint Soft Skull Press to critical acclaim.
In 2012, she wrote SUPER RAD, a sci-fi series for Dark Matter Press.
Portes' third novel, ANATOMY OF A MISFIT, was published in September 2014 by HarperCollins. In July 2014, the book was optioned in a pre-emptive deal by Paramount Pictures, with Allison Shearmur (THE HUNGER GAMES, CINDERELLA) producing.
In Winter 2015, Portes spy thriller series LIBERTY was bought in a three-book deal by HarperCollins. Twentieth Century Fox-Fox 2000 acquired the rights to LIBERTY and will be producing the series with Wyck Godfrey (TWILIGHT, THE FAULT IN OUR STARS).
Her fourth book, THE FALL OF BUTTERFLIES will be out in May 2016 published by HarperCollins.
Portes also chose HarperCollins to publish HENRY & EVA AND THE CASTLE ON THE CLIFF, the first in a middle reader series of HENRY & EVA books. The second release in the series will be HENRY & EVA AND THE FAMOUS PEOPLE GHOSTS.
Portes is currently working on THEY WERE LIKE WOLVES, a work of literary fiction.
Her novels include HICK, BURY THIS, ANATOMY OF A MISFIT, and THE FALL OF BUTTERFLIES. Portes is also the author of the upcoming LIBERTY book series and the upcoming HENRY & EVA book series. She also published the SUPER RAD graphic novel series for Dark Matter Comics.
Portes was raised in rural Nebraska, outside of Lincoln. She attended Bryn Mawr College on full scholarship and later received her MFA from University of California, San Diego. After graduation, Portes moved to the neighborhood of Echo Park in Los Angeles.
In 2007, Portes published her debut novel HICK that was an instant bestseller. After the book's huge success, the movie adaptation of HICK went into production in 2011. The film, starring Chloë Grace Moretz, Alec Baldwin, Eddie Redmayne, Juliette Lewis, and Blake Lively premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2011.
Portes's second novel, BURY THIS, was published in January 2014 by Counterpoint Press's imprint Soft Skull Press to critical acclaim.
In 2012, she wrote SUPER RAD, a sci-fi series for Dark Matter Press.
Portes' third novel, ANATOMY OF A MISFIT, was published in September 2014 by HarperCollins. In July 2014, the book was optioned in a pre-emptive deal by Paramount Pictures, with Allison Shearmur (THE HUNGER GAMES, CINDERELLA) producing.
In Winter 2015, Portes spy thriller series LIBERTY was bought in a three-book deal by HarperCollins. Twentieth Century Fox-Fox 2000 acquired the rights to LIBERTY and will be producing the series with Wyck Godfrey (TWILIGHT, THE FAULT IN OUR STARS).
Her fourth book, THE FALL OF BUTTERFLIES will be out in May 2016 published by HarperCollins.
Portes also chose HarperCollins to publish HENRY & EVA AND THE CASTLE ON THE CLIFF, the first in a middle reader series of HENRY & EVA books. The second release in the series will be HENRY & EVA AND THE FAMOUS PEOPLE GHOSTS.
Portes is currently working on THEY WERE LIKE WOLVES, a work of literary fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 13, 2020
I had a difficult time giving this an honest rating because I have not read a whole lot of middle grade. I wanted to start so i got this one. It is a really cute murder mystery about two siblings who want to solve the murder of their parents. The ending was great! The story involves ghosts as well which I appreciate.
I will have my 11 year old read this and see what he thinks. It truly is a good story for the younger audience.
I will have my 11 year old read this and see what he thinks. It truly is a good story for the younger audience.
May 12, 2022
This book started off good and then became less as the story went on.
Too many times it made leaps and jump over telling us, instead of showing us. Where I had to reread passages wondering how the characters got to that point in the story like there were sections missing.
And the mystery kinda fell flat.
Overall it was just ok.
Too many times it made leaps and jump over telling us, instead of showing us. Where I had to reread passages wondering how the characters got to that point in the story like there were sections missing.
And the mystery kinda fell flat.
Overall it was just ok.
June 6, 2020
Another Smart, Snarky, Precociously Sophisticated Tween from Portes
I enjoyed this book, but probably for the wrong reasons. Ostensibly, we have a tale of two kids who have been orphaned, observe uncanny phenomena, and then go off on a mystery solving quest. Themes of family, loss, grief, and sibling loyalty balance a purposefully weird paranormal adventure. And it's all pretty good. There's nothing especially new, but it's all put together very well, and I'd recommend this book to someone who likes that sort of story.
But here's the fun part. At the outset we are advised that the first person narrator, Eva, is twelve and her brother sidekick, Henry, is ten. Their parents were lost at sea two months before the book opens, and the kids are at home but under the care of a clueless, creepy Uncle and his odious girlfriend. At first I thought the narrator was opening with a flashback because she sounded a lot older than 12. As I read on I realized that the character age level, in terms of vocabulary, speaking style, sophistication, sense of humor and irony, and sarcastic world weariness varied for the two characters from page to page and almost paragraph to paragraph.
This came to a head when I finally realized who the author, Andrea Portes, is. Her first book, 2007's adult novel "Hick", was about a thirteen year old girl on a cross-country trek, and was described as "[p]art coming-of-age story and part raggedy picaresque"; I described it at the time as "Scout, if "To Kill a Mockingbird" had been set in a meth lab." Portes is funny, perceptive, edgy, and sarcastic, and so are her female characters. For some reason Portes switched to YA, and the result is books like this, that reflect and honor all of the conventions of middle grade and YA, but have an edgy, precocious vibe, and heroines who punch and talk way above their age class.
Eva has some stone cold funny lines, but they are the sorts of lines you usually get from a character who's somewhere between 16 and 21. It's snarky and smart stuff, with great timing and a nice throwaway feel. As to Henry, the author hedges her bets by making him a socially withdrawn super-genius. He's not really presented as autistic, because there's no attempt to put him on an authentic spectrum. He's brilliant, socially withdrawn, and quirky, which makes him a great sidekick, and actually sort of works, and makes him endearing. In fact, the snarky sister and the brilliant deadpan brother struck me as both fun main characters, but also as pretty withering jokes on similar sibling pairs. (Meg and Charles Wallace, from "A Wrinkle in Time" come to mind.)
The upshot is that this is a grand and wildly loosey-goosey take on a middle grade staple, but it's loaded with edgy little narrative treats. Who do you give this to? I have no idea, but whichever kid likes this book, I like too.
(Please note that I received a free ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
I enjoyed this book, but probably for the wrong reasons. Ostensibly, we have a tale of two kids who have been orphaned, observe uncanny phenomena, and then go off on a mystery solving quest. Themes of family, loss, grief, and sibling loyalty balance a purposefully weird paranormal adventure. And it's all pretty good. There's nothing especially new, but it's all put together very well, and I'd recommend this book to someone who likes that sort of story.
But here's the fun part. At the outset we are advised that the first person narrator, Eva, is twelve and her brother sidekick, Henry, is ten. Their parents were lost at sea two months before the book opens, and the kids are at home but under the care of a clueless, creepy Uncle and his odious girlfriend. At first I thought the narrator was opening with a flashback because she sounded a lot older than 12. As I read on I realized that the character age level, in terms of vocabulary, speaking style, sophistication, sense of humor and irony, and sarcastic world weariness varied for the two characters from page to page and almost paragraph to paragraph.
This came to a head when I finally realized who the author, Andrea Portes, is. Her first book, 2007's adult novel "Hick", was about a thirteen year old girl on a cross-country trek, and was described as "[p]art coming-of-age story and part raggedy picaresque"; I described it at the time as "Scout, if "To Kill a Mockingbird" had been set in a meth lab." Portes is funny, perceptive, edgy, and sarcastic, and so are her female characters. For some reason Portes switched to YA, and the result is books like this, that reflect and honor all of the conventions of middle grade and YA, but have an edgy, precocious vibe, and heroines who punch and talk way above their age class.
Eva has some stone cold funny lines, but they are the sorts of lines you usually get from a character who's somewhere between 16 and 21. It's snarky and smart stuff, with great timing and a nice throwaway feel. As to Henry, the author hedges her bets by making him a socially withdrawn super-genius. He's not really presented as autistic, because there's no attempt to put him on an authentic spectrum. He's brilliant, socially withdrawn, and quirky, which makes him a great sidekick, and actually sort of works, and makes him endearing. In fact, the snarky sister and the brilliant deadpan brother struck me as both fun main characters, but also as pretty withering jokes on similar sibling pairs. (Meg and Charles Wallace, from "A Wrinkle in Time" come to mind.)
The upshot is that this is a grand and wildly loosey-goosey take on a middle grade staple, but it's loaded with edgy little narrative treats. Who do you give this to? I have no idea, but whichever kid likes this book, I like too.
(Please note that I received a free ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
November 4, 2023
*Review from my 12 year old*
The book was certainly addicting, including the ending. So much so, that instead of the usual three chapters, I had to ready six in one sitting.
I do like how incriminating they made Claude seem making him the main antagonist, only to reveal that Uncle Finn is the real main villain.
I did question in my mind why they just introduced Uncle Finn out of the blue and what a minor part he played, but then I just thought he was a secondary character like Marisol.
The only bad thing I must say about the book is if the ancestors could in fact talk with Henry and Eva's parents, why would they not have just asked who killed them?
It does in fact seem weird to me that Marisol would just leave to go to Guatemala without saying bye to the children and we just have to take Claude's word for it that it's true, but I would assume that was just to make Claude more incriminating.
The book was certainly addicting, including the ending. So much so, that instead of the usual three chapters, I had to ready six in one sitting.
I do like how incriminating they made Claude seem making him the main antagonist, only to reveal that Uncle Finn is the real main villain.
I did question in my mind why they just introduced Uncle Finn out of the blue and what a minor part he played, but then I just thought he was a secondary character like Marisol.
The only bad thing I must say about the book is if the ancestors could in fact talk with Henry and Eva's parents, why would they not have just asked who killed them?
It does in fact seem weird to me that Marisol would just leave to go to Guatemala without saying bye to the children and we just have to take Claude's word for it that it's true, but I would assume that was just to make Claude more incriminating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2018
Grief is not an easy thing to write about, especially in a book meant for young folks. The first page is so moving that I had to read it twice, then to my partner. Henry and Eva are fully formed, really intelligent characters that you care about immediately. Henry is identified as being on the spectrum and this is mentioned with ease and respect. I had not read any of Andrea Portes' previous works, but I was so impressed with this book! The first third, admittedly, is much more carefully written than the last two, but for all that, I will be diving into her other writing as soon as possible.
This is a good book for young ones who like mysteries, who have experienced loss, and/or those who are more advanced than your average 12 year old.
This is a good book for young ones who like mysteries, who have experienced loss, and/or those who are more advanced than your average 12 year old.
April 13, 2019
The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew meets Casper.
There is so much to love about this book! First, it was a captivating first read. Told in the voice of Eva, she is witty, charming, and insightful....simply brilliant! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Her brother, although it is not directly stated, is on the Autism Spectrum....possibly Aspergers. The author did a tremendous job of capturing the OCD tendencies and the intellectual thinking of someone on the spectrum and used it to move the story. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For a Young Reader Book, the ending was unexpected, so high marks for keeping me guessing! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Definitely a book to be recommended over and over again to readers ages 8-12, grades 3-7.
Thanks to Harper Collins for an Advance Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review!
There is so much to love about this book! First, it was a captivating first read. Told in the voice of Eva, she is witty, charming, and insightful....simply brilliant! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Her brother, although it is not directly stated, is on the Autism Spectrum....possibly Aspergers. The author did a tremendous job of capturing the OCD tendencies and the intellectual thinking of someone on the spectrum and used it to move the story. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For a Young Reader Book, the ending was unexpected, so high marks for keeping me guessing! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Definitely a book to be recommended over and over again to readers ages 8-12, grades 3-7.
Thanks to Harper Collins for an Advance Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review!
November 10, 2018
Twelve year old Eva and Henry who is ten but has an IQ of 180 making him quite smart for his young age, are visited by some of their family ghosts in a attempt to solve the mystery of who killed Henry and Eva's parents. Who could the killer be? Is it Uncle Claude with his real estate scheming or his kooky shopaholic girlfriend? or someone else completely? This was sad tale because of Henry an Eva loosing their parents but with their parents many words of wisdom that they had been taught they were able to over come their grief to bring their parents killer to justice. Well done!
June 19, 2019
I read this book to Jamie and absolutely loved it. Eva is the narrator and her dialogue is humorous and witty. Henry is a genius and he and Eva, with the help of their ancestors from beyond, try to solve the mystery of their parent's deaths. Although the main theme is about their parents (we get to see how they deal with this tragedy at very young ages), it's also about their relationship with each other.
It's also very funny at times and I laughed out loud a lot. The ending is beautiful and I couldn't help shedding a tear or two.
It's also very funny at times and I laughed out loud a lot. The ending is beautiful and I couldn't help shedding a tear or two.
May 18, 2022
read this months ago (january) but just writing a short review now since i decided to finally download goodreads 😅
i found this book in a local shop. i read the short summary at the back and it really did make me buy it.
i loved how the author wrote this book! the writing is beautiful — and the way she wrote eva’s lines were funny 😄
i admire the two siblings, henry and eva because they were so smart and brave. they really did solve the mystery because of their determination. i couldn’t imagine moving on with my life if i were the one who lost my parents. they’re very admirable :)
i found this book in a local shop. i read the short summary at the back and it really did make me buy it.
i loved how the author wrote this book! the writing is beautiful — and the way she wrote eva’s lines were funny 😄
i admire the two siblings, henry and eva because they were so smart and brave. they really did solve the mystery because of their determination. i couldn’t imagine moving on with my life if i were the one who lost my parents. they’re very admirable :)
December 9, 2018
Mystery, adventure, ghosts, evil family member - this story has it all.
Henry and Eva, siblings, live with an uncle and his wife after their parents die in a boating accident. But, was it an accident? when the ghosts appear and try to get the kids to learn the truth - they learn a lot more in the process.
Henry and Eva, siblings, live with an uncle and his wife after their parents die in a boating accident. But, was it an accident? when the ghosts appear and try to get the kids to learn the truth - they learn a lot more in the process.
September 7, 2023
Set in the Big Sur, Monterey Bay Area, and narrated by twelve year old Eva. When their parents are killed in a boating accident, their Uncle Claud and his girlfriend: Terri move in.
The mystery has some paranormal elements and a melodramatic tone.
Similar to: Series of Unfortunate Events
The mystery has some paranormal elements and a melodramatic tone.
Similar to: Series of Unfortunate Events
August 21, 2018
Rich language. Beautiful friendship between siblings. Mystery and ghosts. Worthy read.
January 1, 2019
Such a lovely story!
March 27, 2019
This was fun and cute with couple twists I wasn't expecting. A bit of a dues ex machina ending, but I'm pretty tolerant of those in children's books. 3.5 stars.
October 31, 2021
4.5. Super cute middle grade mystery. Some supernatural characters and scenarios. Grades 3-6 would like this.
January 24, 2022
Loved this story! I always love a good mystery.
May 30, 2023
I think this book might be a little advanced in concept for the average 8-12 year-old. Now, I would've adored it when I was that age, but I was advanced for my age. As an adult, I found it smashing! Andrea Portes did a wonderful job straddling the fantastical elements with real human emotions and reactions. She's also written a strong contender in the best final lines category with Henry's "If we're love then we get to be infinite." I mean, that's tattoo-worthy, and I'm not kidding! If you loved Wait Till Helen Comes, then you need to meet Henry & Eva.
**Potential Spoiler Alert** As former residents of San Diego (La Jolla Colony), my husband and I giggled nonstop about the condo development overlooking Black's Beach. As long as it wouldn't threaten the Gliderport, hey, what you want to see out of your windows is your business!
I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways. It is an advance reader's edition.
**Potential Spoiler Alert** As former residents of San Diego (La Jolla Colony), my husband and I giggled nonstop about the condo development overlooking Black's Beach. As long as it wouldn't threaten the Gliderport, hey, what you want to see out of your windows is your business!
I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways. It is an advance reader's edition.
February 24, 2019
This was an intensifying, intricately plotted and mystical mystery for kids. The tone is a bit dark and may be disturbing to some kids, as the story involves the death of family members. Henry and Eva are courageous kids.
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May 12, 2018Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews