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The Ghost Road
Ghosts, a family curse, buried secrets -- and two girls who have to figure it all out. A new book from an acclaimed author, for fans of Coraline, Doll Bones and The Night Gardener.
For the first time, Ruth is heading to Newfoundland to stay with family she's never met instead of spending the summer traveling with her dad. When she arrives, she finds Newfoundland is very different from her life in Toronto--people there are much more friendly, but also superstitious, believing in ghosts and The Sight and family curses. Ruth's cousin Ruby is also staying for the summer, and the two discover they have a lot in common: they both lost their moms when they were two years old, they're the same age and they even like the same food. But while Ruby believes in spirits and fairies, Ruth believes in science and cold, hard facts.
When they find ominous information on some tombstones in the local cemetery, Ruth and Ruby start investigating their family's past and discover that twin girls are born in every generation, and every set of twins dies young, leaving their children without mothers. What's more, one of the twins always has The Sight and can see the Ghost Road that leads to the mysterious lost settlement of Slippers Cove. What happened there? What does it have to do with their family? And who is the ghostly presence that keeps visiting Ruth late at night?
The answers lie somewhere along the Ghost Road . . . if they can only find it.
For the first time, Ruth is heading to Newfoundland to stay with family she's never met instead of spending the summer traveling with her dad. When she arrives, she finds Newfoundland is very different from her life in Toronto--people there are much more friendly, but also superstitious, believing in ghosts and The Sight and family curses. Ruth's cousin Ruby is also staying for the summer, and the two discover they have a lot in common: they both lost their moms when they were two years old, they're the same age and they even like the same food. But while Ruby believes in spirits and fairies, Ruth believes in science and cold, hard facts.
When they find ominous information on some tombstones in the local cemetery, Ruth and Ruby start investigating their family's past and discover that twin girls are born in every generation, and every set of twins dies young, leaving their children without mothers. What's more, one of the twins always has The Sight and can see the Ghost Road that leads to the mysterious lost settlement of Slippers Cove. What happened there? What does it have to do with their family? And who is the ghostly presence that keeps visiting Ruth late at night?
The answers lie somewhere along the Ghost Road . . . if they can only find it.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published September 4, 2018
14 people are currently reading
550 people want to read
About the author
Charis Cotter
14 books147 followersCharis Cotter is a writer, editor and storyteller living in Newfoundland. She grew up in Cabbagetown and Parkdale in downtown Toronto. After taking a degree in English at Glendon College, York University, she went on to study acting at The Drama Studio in London, England. After several years as an actor, she moved into publishing, where she has been working as a freelance editor and writer for more than 20 years.
In 2005 Charis won the Heritage Toronto Award of Excellence for her book, Toronto Between the Wars: Life in the City 1919–1939. Since then she has written several critically acclaimed children’s books, including a series of biographies about extraordinary children and an illustrated book about international ghosts. Born to Write: The Remarkable Lives of Six Famous Authors was a finalist for the 2010 Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-fiction.
Charis first toured schools as an actor in a Young People’s Theatre production of W. O. Mitchell’s "Jake and the Kid." Her favourite part of the show was interacting with the students during the question period after the play. Today Charis is known for her lively school presentations, based on her books. She has toured Canada from coast to coast, entertaining children with her alter egos: Queen Elizabeth II (complete with gown, crown and royal attitude) and the Scottish Silky Ghost, who dusts everything in sight, including children. Her fascination with ghosts has led her to many far corners of Newfoundland, looking for ghost stories.
In 2013 Charis founded her own publishing company, Baccalieu Books, to publish The Ghosts of Baccalieu. She created this book with the students from Tricon Elementary School in Bay de Verde, with funding from ArtsSmarts.* Students contributed drawings and traditional ghost stories collected from the community. Charis has sold The Ghosts of Baccalieu to libraries, bookstores and the general public, with a portion of the revenue going back to Tricon Elementary.
Charis continues to do ghost storytelling workshops at schools, community centres and book festivals. She reviews children’s books for the National Reading Campaign, Quill and Quire and The Canadian Children’s Book News.
The Swallow: A Ghost Story, was published by Tundra Books (Random House) in September 2014. This spooky gothic novel, set in Cabbagetown, Toronto, in the 1960s, is partially based on Charis’s childhood experiences living behind a cemetery. The German translation rights have been purchased by cbjVerlag/Random House Germany, who will publish it as Das Unsichtbare Mädchen (The Invisible Girl). The school presentation for The Swallow features a theatrical performance of an excerpt from the book and a ghost-story writing workshop.
*ArtsSmarts is sponsored by the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council and the Department of Education through the Cultural Connections Strategy.
In 2005 Charis won the Heritage Toronto Award of Excellence for her book, Toronto Between the Wars: Life in the City 1919–1939. Since then she has written several critically acclaimed children’s books, including a series of biographies about extraordinary children and an illustrated book about international ghosts. Born to Write: The Remarkable Lives of Six Famous Authors was a finalist for the 2010 Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-fiction.
Charis first toured schools as an actor in a Young People’s Theatre production of W. O. Mitchell’s "Jake and the Kid." Her favourite part of the show was interacting with the students during the question period after the play. Today Charis is known for her lively school presentations, based on her books. She has toured Canada from coast to coast, entertaining children with her alter egos: Queen Elizabeth II (complete with gown, crown and royal attitude) and the Scottish Silky Ghost, who dusts everything in sight, including children. Her fascination with ghosts has led her to many far corners of Newfoundland, looking for ghost stories.
In 2013 Charis founded her own publishing company, Baccalieu Books, to publish The Ghosts of Baccalieu. She created this book with the students from Tricon Elementary School in Bay de Verde, with funding from ArtsSmarts.* Students contributed drawings and traditional ghost stories collected from the community. Charis has sold The Ghosts of Baccalieu to libraries, bookstores and the general public, with a portion of the revenue going back to Tricon Elementary.
Charis continues to do ghost storytelling workshops at schools, community centres and book festivals. She reviews children’s books for the National Reading Campaign, Quill and Quire and The Canadian Children’s Book News.
The Swallow: A Ghost Story, was published by Tundra Books (Random House) in September 2014. This spooky gothic novel, set in Cabbagetown, Toronto, in the 1960s, is partially based on Charis’s childhood experiences living behind a cemetery. The German translation rights have been purchased by cbjVerlag/Random House Germany, who will publish it as Das Unsichtbare Mädchen (The Invisible Girl). The school presentation for The Swallow features a theatrical performance of an excerpt from the book and a ghost-story writing workshop.
*ArtsSmarts is sponsored by the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council and the Department of Education through the Cultural Connections Strategy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
May 7, 2020
3.5 stars. Ruth goes to stay with her Aunt for the summer. After her mother died Ruth would spend the summer with her father whose job as a botanist would take them to other countries. This year her dad is taking his new wife. Ruth's summer begins by making new friends, exploring the countryside and learning about family secrets. When the girls uncover evidence of what appears to be a family curse on twin girls dying young, they seek to find answers.
The 3/4 of the book were very enjoyable, we enjoyed the mystery, the girls adventures, and their relationship with each other. The last part of the book dragged a bit for us, in particular On the whole we did enjoy this family story and the descriptions of Canadian countryside.
The 3/4 of the book were very enjoyable, we enjoyed the mystery, the girls adventures, and their relationship with each other. The last part of the book dragged a bit for us, in particular On the whole we did enjoy this family story and the descriptions of Canadian countryside.
November 7, 2018
When Ruth spends her summer in Newfoundland visiting her deceased mother's family (as her father has recently remarried and is on his honeymoon with his new wife), this represents not only the first time Ruth has had the opportunity to meet her mother's side of the family, no, she also encounters her cousin Ruby (who is both exactly the same age and the total physical mirror image of Ruth, except that while Ruby strongly believes in the existence of ghosts, fairies and the like, Ruth has been raised by her father to only consider and credit science and hard core facts).
However, soon after Ruth's arrival in Newfoundland, her science and technology based worldview is challenged, put to the test and even rather ruptured when it is she who starts having ghostly visions of her mother and eerie premonitions regarding both her family's past (and possible future). And after discovering they are actually not cousins but sisters (identical twins), Ruby and Ruth begin to actively investigate their family history and unearth the sad truth of an all encompassing curse that has stalked their kin for seven generations, from when their ancestors still lived in Ireland until now (namely that in every generation, twin girls are born who always die young, that Ruby and Ruth's mother and twin sister were the latest victims of said curse and that unless the latter can be broken, unless the curse can be stopped, Ruby and Ruth will be next in line).
Although the plot of Charis Cotter's The Ghost Road is at times perhaps a bit predictable, I have indeed massively enjoyed this tale of family and family (as well as societal) dysfunction, of how long held and cherished hatreds and secrets can fester and destroy, how domestic violence is often, is generally a raging and roaring curse that can easily straddle generations, that can continue to decimate over and over again unless one is willing and able to confront hatred and animosity with love and even forgiveness. But while The Ghost Road is suspenseful and uncanny enough (with its emphasis on curses, ghosts and so-called second sight) to mildly frighten, actually I for one was much more horrified at and by the violence and viciousness displayed by the instigator of the family curse, by Robert Barrett, and how subsequent generations of Barretts and Finns had then kept that hatred alive and kicking (how the original family curse was in many ways taking nourishment from and being sustained by the decedents, by them buying into the original animosity, and thus in a vicious circle of anger, shame and horror keeping Robert Barrett's angry death curse productive and pulsating more than one hundred years after his demise). And indeed, what I have most appreciated regarding The Ghost Road is that the breaking, that the dissolution of the Finn family curse is achieved not really by Ruth (and Ruby) performing any type of magic spells and the like, but yes, mostly by simply breaking the cycle of violence and anger that had defined both the Barrett and the Finn family since the early 19th century (by uniting both families in and with love and affection and thus giving Robert Barrett's beyond the grave rage and hatred no longer such a fertile soil to take root and fester). Four stars for The Ghost Road, for a both engaging and at times also heartbreakingly thought provoking family story that with main protagonists Ruby and Ruth also presents two delightfully portrayed and above all well rounded characters, with both positive and negative traits, with both lovable and annoying, frustrating characteristics, as like most children, Ruby and Ruth are neither angels nor are they devils (but actually and indeed, ALL of the characters both primary and secondary who appear int The Ghost Road are absolutely three-dimensional as fortunately and appreciatively, Charis Cotter never falls into the trap of portraying the non main protagonists as in any manner one-sided, as flat and/or cardboard like, except perhaps Robert Barrett). And yes, the only reason I am not considering five stars for The Ghost Road is that I personally just cannot all that readily believe that Ruth and Ruby would and should be so accepting and nonchalant about the fact that they were twins separated at birth, that they were not a bit annoyed and angry at their birth mothers regarding the fact they were not told they were siblings, they were twins and not cousins.
However, soon after Ruth's arrival in Newfoundland, her science and technology based worldview is challenged, put to the test and even rather ruptured when it is she who starts having ghostly visions of her mother and eerie premonitions regarding both her family's past (and possible future). And after discovering they are actually not cousins but sisters (identical twins), Ruby and Ruth begin to actively investigate their family history and unearth the sad truth of an all encompassing curse that has stalked their kin for seven generations, from when their ancestors still lived in Ireland until now (namely that in every generation, twin girls are born who always die young, that Ruby and Ruth's mother and twin sister were the latest victims of said curse and that unless the latter can be broken, unless the curse can be stopped, Ruby and Ruth will be next in line).
Although the plot of Charis Cotter's The Ghost Road is at times perhaps a bit predictable, I have indeed massively enjoyed this tale of family and family (as well as societal) dysfunction, of how long held and cherished hatreds and secrets can fester and destroy, how domestic violence is often, is generally a raging and roaring curse that can easily straddle generations, that can continue to decimate over and over again unless one is willing and able to confront hatred and animosity with love and even forgiveness. But while The Ghost Road is suspenseful and uncanny enough (with its emphasis on curses, ghosts and so-called second sight) to mildly frighten, actually I for one was much more horrified at and by the violence and viciousness displayed by the instigator of the family curse, by Robert Barrett, and how subsequent generations of Barretts and Finns had then kept that hatred alive and kicking (how the original family curse was in many ways taking nourishment from and being sustained by the decedents, by them buying into the original animosity, and thus in a vicious circle of anger, shame and horror keeping Robert Barrett's angry death curse productive and pulsating more than one hundred years after his demise). And indeed, what I have most appreciated regarding The Ghost Road is that the breaking, that the dissolution of the Finn family curse is achieved not really by Ruth (and Ruby) performing any type of magic spells and the like, but yes, mostly by simply breaking the cycle of violence and anger that had defined both the Barrett and the Finn family since the early 19th century (by uniting both families in and with love and affection and thus giving Robert Barrett's beyond the grave rage and hatred no longer such a fertile soil to take root and fester). Four stars for The Ghost Road, for a both engaging and at times also heartbreakingly thought provoking family story that with main protagonists Ruby and Ruth also presents two delightfully portrayed and above all well rounded characters, with both positive and negative traits, with both lovable and annoying, frustrating characteristics, as like most children, Ruby and Ruth are neither angels nor are they devils (but actually and indeed, ALL of the characters both primary and secondary who appear int The Ghost Road are absolutely three-dimensional as fortunately and appreciatively, Charis Cotter never falls into the trap of portraying the non main protagonists as in any manner one-sided, as flat and/or cardboard like, except perhaps Robert Barrett). And yes, the only reason I am not considering five stars for The Ghost Road is that I personally just cannot all that readily believe that Ruth and Ruby would and should be so accepting and nonchalant about the fact that they were twins separated at birth, that they were not a bit annoyed and angry at their birth mothers regarding the fact they were not told they were siblings, they were twins and not cousins.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2019
Canadian writer Charis Cotter starts out The Ghost Road with a strong description of the Maritimes in Canada. She describes a lovely setting that includes the natural area, cute lighthouses, cottage-type housing and the coastal shore. One of the best lines in the book is:
"You’re walking on a fairy path, my love, and just because you don’t believe in them, doesn’t mean they won’t come after you."
We start to get a sense of the magic that might lie just beyond or within the coastal area. Unfortunately the first few chapters are easily the best part of this one.
Boring Mystery
I hate to say it but this was just a boring book. I know it's written for middle aged kids and all; but that doesn't mean that things have to happen so slow or be obvious. I pegged the outcome very early on and was about 85% correct in the end. There's just no fun in a book that sets up a mystery but doesn't really churn the intrigue throughout. I want to feel the mystery, have theories, experience the characters theories, etc. Instead in The Ghost Road I just knew how it would eventually end up and was barely along for the ride.
Childish Writing
Again I come back to the idea that middle aged kids do not need to have their books written as though they are lesser readers. I like middle aged books that are moderate to read with some larger words thrown in that the kids can learn. I was a voracious reader as a child (and as an adult, lol), at 12 was into Lord of the Rings and The Eye of the World; yet I still think the average 12-year-old reader can be given more credit than Cotter hands out. My 15-year-old nephew complained to me for years about how boring the books were in the middle-grade genre. He's a good reader but not more advanced per say than the average kid. I know he would have asked me when something exciting was going to happen for 90% of The Ghost Road.
Additionally I had a moment while reading Cotter's Canadian story that made me feel like I had written pieces of this book when I was a pre-teen. At 13 I had an idea about a hill that held magic and secrets. Mine wasn't in the Maritimes but in my home area that includes foothills, prairies and the Rocky Mountains. The general premise was very similar to that of The Ghost Road. This is telling to me. If this book isn't smarter than 13-year-old me then it could definitely be improved!
Overall
While our lead girl characters are fairly well developed, and there are some interesting moments in The Ghost Road, overall it's just too dull. A bit more magic is needed to really bring the story alive and off the page. The biggest improvements that need to be made are to make the mystery more complex; and to really add some juicy information into the book. Were Cotter to make the historical mystery more interesting and add some complexity to the writing and characters; then I think she could really have something here. As it is I'm probably being generous at 3 stars. However I did finish reading The Ghost Road and didn't hate it; I just found it very lack luster by the end.
To read this and more of my reviews visit my blog at Epic Reading
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
"You’re walking on a fairy path, my love, and just because you don’t believe in them, doesn’t mean they won’t come after you."
We start to get a sense of the magic that might lie just beyond or within the coastal area. Unfortunately the first few chapters are easily the best part of this one.
Boring Mystery
I hate to say it but this was just a boring book. I know it's written for middle aged kids and all; but that doesn't mean that things have to happen so slow or be obvious. I pegged the outcome very early on and was about 85% correct in the end. There's just no fun in a book that sets up a mystery but doesn't really churn the intrigue throughout. I want to feel the mystery, have theories, experience the characters theories, etc. Instead in The Ghost Road I just knew how it would eventually end up and was barely along for the ride.
Childish Writing
Again I come back to the idea that middle aged kids do not need to have their books written as though they are lesser readers. I like middle aged books that are moderate to read with some larger words thrown in that the kids can learn. I was a voracious reader as a child (and as an adult, lol), at 12 was into Lord of the Rings and The Eye of the World; yet I still think the average 12-year-old reader can be given more credit than Cotter hands out. My 15-year-old nephew complained to me for years about how boring the books were in the middle-grade genre. He's a good reader but not more advanced per say than the average kid. I know he would have asked me when something exciting was going to happen for 90% of The Ghost Road.
Additionally I had a moment while reading Cotter's Canadian story that made me feel like I had written pieces of this book when I was a pre-teen. At 13 I had an idea about a hill that held magic and secrets. Mine wasn't in the Maritimes but in my home area that includes foothills, prairies and the Rocky Mountains. The general premise was very similar to that of The Ghost Road. This is telling to me. If this book isn't smarter than 13-year-old me then it could definitely be improved!
Overall
While our lead girl characters are fairly well developed, and there are some interesting moments in The Ghost Road, overall it's just too dull. A bit more magic is needed to really bring the story alive and off the page. The biggest improvements that need to be made are to make the mystery more complex; and to really add some juicy information into the book. Were Cotter to make the historical mystery more interesting and add some complexity to the writing and characters; then I think she could really have something here. As it is I'm probably being generous at 3 stars. However I did finish reading The Ghost Road and didn't hate it; I just found it very lack luster by the end.
To read this and more of my reviews visit my blog at Epic Reading
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
September 29, 2018
I was kindly provided with a review copy from the publisher thanks to LibraryThing.
Review can also be found on my blog.
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, it was well written and fairly interesting. On the other hand, I didn't love it.
Right away I was sucked into the story and immediately intrigued by the mystery surrounding Ruth and all the twins in her family. I was getting Parent Trap vibes at first, if The Parent Trap was having some kind of Halloween special or something. Anyway, the first 100 pages or so were a breeze. The chapters were some of the shortest I've ever seen, averaging only about 4 pages each. The story was fast-paced and it would probably be possible to read this in one sitting.
However, life got in the way for me. I inevitably had to put the book down. A day later when I picked it back up, I found myself getting lost left and right. A lot of the character's names are extremely similar. The two main characters are called Ruth and Ruby. I kept playing the which one is which game for a bit. Be also prepared to keep track of Meg and Molly, Lily and Lucy, Daphne and Dolly and Ed, Edd and Eddy... You get the point.
I liked the main character Ruth even though she felt very "self-insert" protag to me. She didn't have a ton of personality but what she did have was vague enough for you to see yourself in her. I liked the other MC Ruby at first, but she quickly got annoying. She was much more bubbly and spirited but all her dramatic exclamations got irritating after a while. By the end I was rolling my eyes at her dialogue.
Like I said, I do think this book was very well written. The written was borderline beautiful at times. Here are a few passages of prose from the book that I found particularly pleasing to the ear.
"Nothing can hurt you," said Ruby in a low voice. "You are the flame and the flame is you. You are filled with light, and you are protected."
The rain was still falling. If you could call it falling. More like siting motionless in the air, brushing against my face and hair like a damp curtain.
When I came across those lines in the book, I had to stop and reread them, they were so pretty. But I think this book could have been edited down 100 pages less and it would have had even more impact. The story felt needlessly long at times, especially for a Middle Grade story. For instance, there was an entire chapter devoted to picking flowers. That's not really vital to the story or interesting (at least to me) in any way. There were a lot of things in the book that just felt like filler to me and could have been left out.
To give you an idea of what I'm talking about here, at one point in the story, the girls decided to have lunch. Okay, that's fine. You can totally put that in your book. I'm not gonna complain. However, did you really need to go into such monotonous detail about what you're having?
"Half a chicken sandwich, one muffin and an apple," she said. "And some water. What have you got?"
I had a whole sandwich and a muffin and an apple.
"We can save the muffins and apples for breakfast," said Ruby.
Really?
Don't be wasting the trees on that boring exposition.
On a more positive note, I did appreciate learning about Newfoundland traditions and their way of life. I can't say that I've ever had the chance to read about that culture before and it was interesting.
My next point is kind of a small one and you may even consider it nitpicking but I'm a reader and a reviewer and it's just kind of what we do. I was confused as to why the author decided to set her story in the 1970s since there is literally no other references to the seventies as a time period in the story other than flat out saying what year it is. I feel like she could have added so much more atmosphere by incorporating some of the cool things from that time period into the book. I'm not saying the MC should burn her training bra or become a flower child or anything but something other than "Hey, it's 1973!" would have been more enjoyable for me since I don't get to read a lot about that particularly interesting period of time.
Another complaint that I have is that a lot of the events that took place in this book happen so quickly, you aren't really given any time to let that sink in before it flashes to the next thing that happens. The super short chapters didn't really help in this regard.
Lastly, the ending, to me, was very unsatisfying and kind of made the whole things seem kind of pointless. Kind of like when a story ends with AND IT WAS ALL A DREAM and I die inside a little.
I recommend to Middle Grade readers only. Even though it was actually kind of dark at times for the intended audience. It's a little too shallow for most adult readers to appreciate fully.
Review can also be found on my blog.
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, it was well written and fairly interesting. On the other hand, I didn't love it.
Right away I was sucked into the story and immediately intrigued by the mystery surrounding Ruth and all the twins in her family. I was getting Parent Trap vibes at first, if The Parent Trap was having some kind of Halloween special or something. Anyway, the first 100 pages or so were a breeze. The chapters were some of the shortest I've ever seen, averaging only about 4 pages each. The story was fast-paced and it would probably be possible to read this in one sitting.
However, life got in the way for me. I inevitably had to put the book down. A day later when I picked it back up, I found myself getting lost left and right. A lot of the character's names are extremely similar. The two main characters are called Ruth and Ruby. I kept playing the which one is which game for a bit. Be also prepared to keep track of Meg and Molly, Lily and Lucy, Daphne and Dolly and Ed, Edd and Eddy... You get the point.
I liked the main character Ruth even though she felt very "self-insert" protag to me. She didn't have a ton of personality but what she did have was vague enough for you to see yourself in her. I liked the other MC Ruby at first, but she quickly got annoying. She was much more bubbly and spirited but all her dramatic exclamations got irritating after a while. By the end I was rolling my eyes at her dialogue.
Like I said, I do think this book was very well written. The written was borderline beautiful at times. Here are a few passages of prose from the book that I found particularly pleasing to the ear.
"Nothing can hurt you," said Ruby in a low voice. "You are the flame and the flame is you. You are filled with light, and you are protected."
The rain was still falling. If you could call it falling. More like siting motionless in the air, brushing against my face and hair like a damp curtain.
When I came across those lines in the book, I had to stop and reread them, they were so pretty. But I think this book could have been edited down 100 pages less and it would have had even more impact. The story felt needlessly long at times, especially for a Middle Grade story. For instance, there was an entire chapter devoted to picking flowers. That's not really vital to the story or interesting (at least to me) in any way. There were a lot of things in the book that just felt like filler to me and could have been left out.
To give you an idea of what I'm talking about here, at one point in the story, the girls decided to have lunch. Okay, that's fine. You can totally put that in your book. I'm not gonna complain. However, did you really need to go into such monotonous detail about what you're having?
"Half a chicken sandwich, one muffin and an apple," she said. "And some water. What have you got?"
I had a whole sandwich and a muffin and an apple.
"We can save the muffins and apples for breakfast," said Ruby.
Really?
Don't be wasting the trees on that boring exposition.
On a more positive note, I did appreciate learning about Newfoundland traditions and their way of life. I can't say that I've ever had the chance to read about that culture before and it was interesting.
My next point is kind of a small one and you may even consider it nitpicking but I'm a reader and a reviewer and it's just kind of what we do. I was confused as to why the author decided to set her story in the 1970s since there is literally no other references to the seventies as a time period in the story other than flat out saying what year it is. I feel like she could have added so much more atmosphere by incorporating some of the cool things from that time period into the book. I'm not saying the MC should burn her training bra or become a flower child or anything but something other than "Hey, it's 1973!" would have been more enjoyable for me since I don't get to read a lot about that particularly interesting period of time.
Another complaint that I have is that a lot of the events that took place in this book happen so quickly, you aren't really given any time to let that sink in before it flashes to the next thing that happens. The super short chapters didn't really help in this regard.
Lastly, the ending, to me, was very unsatisfying and kind of made the whole things seem kind of pointless. Kind of like when a story ends with AND IT WAS ALL A DREAM and I die inside a little.
I recommend to Middle Grade readers only. Even though it was actually kind of dark at times for the intended audience. It's a little too shallow for most adult readers to appreciate fully.
August 27, 2018
MY REVIEW: 4/5 STARS
I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review from Penguin Random House Canada!
Do not judge a book by it's cover nor should you ever judge a book by it's direct audience age. I must admit when I first received the copy of The Ghost Road, I was very skeptical. I wondered if I would actually enjoy it because young readers or middle school age novels weren't really my thing. I find the writing to be too simplistic at times but Charis Cotter has a way with words that made it a perfect blend of middle grade and young adult level of writing. The cover may not be the most attractive thing you've seen but it's really the inside that counts! I'm serious.
The Ghost Road follows the tale of Ruth. Her mother has passed away since she was very young so she has little to no memory of her. Ruth lives in Toronto but during the summer, when her father decides to travel overseas to study flowers with his new wife, she's sent to Newfoundland and Labrador to meet an aunt and cousin she knows nothing about. There's mystery surrounding Ruth's mother. Although Ruth's mother grew up in NFL, she hardly mentions it to Ruth. Ruth knew nothing about the province on the east coast of Canada. She didn't know any of the folklore, her identical looking cousin, Ruby, knows so much about and she doesn't know anything about the family history. Apparently, Ruby's mother was a twin sister of Ruth's sister. What was strange was that they both happened to die at the same time and same day. Meanwhile, Ruth and Ruby look exactly alike and I forget, but I think their birthday was significant as well.
This all built up to the idea that in the family line, one twin will be gifted the sight. The Sight allows them to see the infamous Ghost Road. Meanwhile others can't see it for the life of them. It was definitely some spooky and scary stuff that left me turning the pages and wondering what in the world was actually going on!!
I found this book to be so entertaining. The chapters were short so it kept me intrigued and wanting to sit through and binge ten chapters at a time. And Charis did an amazing job at leaving each chapter on a hook that made you want to read more. As more chapters went on, more secrets and clues were revealed that allowed readers to piece together an idea of what was going on. Of course, I didn't! And I couldn't pin down the exact answer to things.
MY RECOMMENDATION
Definitely pick this one up for Halloween. It's spooky!!!
I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review from Penguin Random House Canada!
Do not judge a book by it's cover nor should you ever judge a book by it's direct audience age. I must admit when I first received the copy of The Ghost Road, I was very skeptical. I wondered if I would actually enjoy it because young readers or middle school age novels weren't really my thing. I find the writing to be too simplistic at times but Charis Cotter has a way with words that made it a perfect blend of middle grade and young adult level of writing. The cover may not be the most attractive thing you've seen but it's really the inside that counts! I'm serious.
The Ghost Road follows the tale of Ruth. Her mother has passed away since she was very young so she has little to no memory of her. Ruth lives in Toronto but during the summer, when her father decides to travel overseas to study flowers with his new wife, she's sent to Newfoundland and Labrador to meet an aunt and cousin she knows nothing about. There's mystery surrounding Ruth's mother. Although Ruth's mother grew up in NFL, she hardly mentions it to Ruth. Ruth knew nothing about the province on the east coast of Canada. She didn't know any of the folklore, her identical looking cousin, Ruby, knows so much about and she doesn't know anything about the family history. Apparently, Ruby's mother was a twin sister of Ruth's sister. What was strange was that they both happened to die at the same time and same day. Meanwhile, Ruth and Ruby look exactly alike and I forget, but I think their birthday was significant as well.
This all built up to the idea that in the family line, one twin will be gifted the sight. The Sight allows them to see the infamous Ghost Road. Meanwhile others can't see it for the life of them. It was definitely some spooky and scary stuff that left me turning the pages and wondering what in the world was actually going on!!
I found this book to be so entertaining. The chapters were short so it kept me intrigued and wanting to sit through and binge ten chapters at a time. And Charis did an amazing job at leaving each chapter on a hook that made you want to read more. As more chapters went on, more secrets and clues were revealed that allowed readers to piece together an idea of what was going on. Of course, I didn't! And I couldn't pin down the exact answer to things.
MY RECOMMENDATION
Definitely pick this one up for Halloween. It's spooky!!!
August 11, 2020
Oh goodness. Second but far from last book by Cotter. I don't even really like ghost stories, either. Now you my followers know that I reserve five star ratings for books I recommend to just about everybody, those books that are of the most universal appeal. This may not be quite that perfect & special... but... young me would have read it over and over and over again. So I'm letting her tack on a full star right there, onto current me's strong four stars.
The thing is, though, I'm having trouble saying *why* it's so appealing. It's muchly a mystery... and I'm not any more interested in mysteries than I am in the paranormal. I guess it's more of a puzzle than a whodunit, though, and I do like puzzles. Things I really like are the details of life in rural Newfoundland, and all the sensory writing that makes me feel like I'm right there with the girls sharing the scents and textures and tastes of their adventures, and the love & joy in almost all the characters' souls.
I've not much more to say about it that wouldn't be spoilery. Like The Swallow: A Ghost Story. it's best if you go in not knowing too much ahead of time. If you trust my recommendations, try to make time for one or the other... I bet you read the other, too!
The thing is, though, I'm having trouble saying *why* it's so appealing. It's muchly a mystery... and I'm not any more interested in mysteries than I am in the paranormal. I guess it's more of a puzzle than a whodunit, though, and I do like puzzles. Things I really like are the details of life in rural Newfoundland, and all the sensory writing that makes me feel like I'm right there with the girls sharing the scents and textures and tastes of their adventures, and the love & joy in almost all the characters' souls.
I've not much more to say about it that wouldn't be spoilery. Like The Swallow: A Ghost Story. it's best if you go in not knowing too much ahead of time. If you trust my recommendations, try to make time for one or the other... I bet you read the other, too!
July 28, 2018
Another fantastic, atmospheric ghost story from Charis Cotter. Satisfies that family curse, twins are creepy, Irish ghost stories are the best ghost stories kind of itch. Also doubles as a love letter to Newfoundland, complete with partridgeberry desserts!
January 24, 2025
“The Ghost Road” 2018, achieved an original atmosphere I enjoyed. Newfoundland had a nifty, superstitious air, by Canadian Charis Cotter.
I gave three stars for a shaky legend of doomed twins; not only perishing young but simultaneously, even cities apart. Everything about that tanked credulity; the stretch of pushing something to fit and warping the story vessel carrying it.
I was entranced by the mystery, history, family bonding, and action. There was creative paranormal content. I was moved by realistically heartfelt compassion. Heart is what stories about spirits, mourned loved-ones after all, should depict kindly!
The title describes a drowned village and for some reason, you need extrasensory sight to see the road. A star was reduced because tantalizing ideas only shine if the author works out an explanation. How is a road only visible to the sensitive? As a paranormal studier, a tragic site replaying a nightmare was familiar. Mothers wanting to tell their Daughters how to prevent tragedy was also realistic.
The twin curse was so shaky, its outcome is unclear. Did Grandma’s forgiveness of assumed animosity break it? A letter from a founding relative urged that there was no curse unless you believed it. Shouldn’t the non cursed deaths have not occurred, without needing that nullifying fact? If the message would save lives, why didn’t Grandpa get early generations to read it?! It took about four wasted generations to bring it out; a very contrived saving grace.
I NEVER believe in Fathers not telling kids all about beloved, missed Mothers. I docked another star for that. If he thought it saved his Daughter to hide those relatives, he wouldn’t ask them to babysit during his Honeymoon. This was a flawed but intriguing mystery. Girl Cousins searching for clues and noticing secrets in paintings, were my favourite parts!
I gave three stars for a shaky legend of doomed twins; not only perishing young but simultaneously, even cities apart. Everything about that tanked credulity; the stretch of pushing something to fit and warping the story vessel carrying it.
I was entranced by the mystery, history, family bonding, and action. There was creative paranormal content. I was moved by realistically heartfelt compassion. Heart is what stories about spirits, mourned loved-ones after all, should depict kindly!
The title describes a drowned village and for some reason, you need extrasensory sight to see the road. A star was reduced because tantalizing ideas only shine if the author works out an explanation. How is a road only visible to the sensitive? As a paranormal studier, a tragic site replaying a nightmare was familiar. Mothers wanting to tell their Daughters how to prevent tragedy was also realistic.
The twin curse was so shaky, its outcome is unclear. Did Grandma’s forgiveness of assumed animosity break it? A letter from a founding relative urged that there was no curse unless you believed it. Shouldn’t the non cursed deaths have not occurred, without needing that nullifying fact? If the message would save lives, why didn’t Grandpa get early generations to read it?! It took about four wasted generations to bring it out; a very contrived saving grace.
I NEVER believe in Fathers not telling kids all about beloved, missed Mothers. I docked another star for that. If he thought it saved his Daughter to hide those relatives, he wouldn’t ask them to babysit during his Honeymoon. This was a flawed but intriguing mystery. Girl Cousins searching for clues and noticing secrets in paintings, were my favourite parts!
July 3, 2019
THE GHOST ROAD tells the tale with engaging text and beautiful illustrations of two girls desperately trying to uncover a secret that has haunted their family for generations. Atmospheric and highly suspenseful. 5/5
Thank you to the author, Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
#TheGhostRoad #NetGalley
Thank you to the author, Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
#TheGhostRoad #NetGalley
June 30, 2018
Why do ghosts haunt? Because they have unfinished business. Because there is something that keeps them on earth until they have completed their mission.
Ruth has gone to Newfoundland for the Summer to visit her cousin Ruby, who she discovers looks very much like her. It is almost as though they are twins. But that is not the weirdest thing. Because although Ruth doesn't believe in ghosts and visions and having the Sight, she starts experiencing the moment she gets to her Aunt Dolly's house, starting with a ghost that comes to visit her the first night.
With Ruby's help, the two girls learn what the ghost is trying to tell them, despite the fact that Ruth keeps saying she doesn't believe in ghosts or curses or any of this stuff.
An interesting take on a middle grade ghost story. Both Ruth and Ruby seem like very real children, set in the 1980s Newfoundland. Good descriptions of the landscape, and the flowers.
#TheGhostRoad #NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
Ruth has gone to Newfoundland for the Summer to visit her cousin Ruby, who she discovers looks very much like her. It is almost as though they are twins. But that is not the weirdest thing. Because although Ruth doesn't believe in ghosts and visions and having the Sight, she starts experiencing the moment she gets to her Aunt Dolly's house, starting with a ghost that comes to visit her the first night.
With Ruby's help, the two girls learn what the ghost is trying to tell them, despite the fact that Ruth keeps saying she doesn't believe in ghosts or curses or any of this stuff.
An interesting take on a middle grade ghost story. Both Ruth and Ruby seem like very real children, set in the 1980s Newfoundland. Good descriptions of the landscape, and the flowers.
#TheGhostRoad #NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
July 24, 2023
There are a lot of things I could say about this book, many of which I've said about Charis Cotter's other novels - it's well-written and beautifully captures the sadness inherent in ghost stories while still managing to be deliciously chilling. But the main point of the book is what truly stands out: that nothing is as powerful a curse as hatred.
October 31, 2018
I got a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review from Penguin Random House.
I actually enjoyed reading this book from the very beginning. I was hooked up the moment I met bought Ruby and Ruth. I was also intrigued with Eldred. The pacing and plot twist of this book was good. I was able to guess part of it but overall it was nice read. It’s definitely a good book for middle-graders
I actually enjoyed reading this book from the very beginning. I was hooked up the moment I met bought Ruby and Ruth. I was also intrigued with Eldred. The pacing and plot twist of this book was good. I was able to guess part of it but overall it was nice read. It’s definitely a good book for middle-graders
September 6, 2018
* received ARC from publisher in exchange for an honest review *
ACTUAL: 4.75/5
Set in 1970’s Newfoundland, Ghost Road is a spooky middle grade tale by Canadian author Charis Cotter. Ruth’s first adventure to the east coast is full of dark secrets, ghost stories, and a curse threatening her family.
Despite being a middle grade novel, it had a well developed complex plot and was full of suspense. I loved the detailed family history, and the villainous curse that followed the members for generations was a great mystery. Readers will be engaged throughout the story as Ruth works to handle the mysterious occurrences around the town, and piece together what truly causes the set of twins every generation to die young. The author also writes at a quality middle grade level, that will appeal to older readers. The dialogue was simplified a bit due to the target audience and historical time period, but it flowed well and the plot twists were excellent.
Ruth’s character is well written, and it’s heartwarming to see her grow throughout the book. Her structured city girl character is tested in the rural outskirts of town, she learns how to live like the rest of family - on the farm, helping in the house, and other activities.
Overall I adored Ghost Road. The concept was unique and it was to easy to read. I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of mysterious middle grade reads!
ACTUAL: 4.75/5
Set in 1970’s Newfoundland, Ghost Road is a spooky middle grade tale by Canadian author Charis Cotter. Ruth’s first adventure to the east coast is full of dark secrets, ghost stories, and a curse threatening her family.
Despite being a middle grade novel, it had a well developed complex plot and was full of suspense. I loved the detailed family history, and the villainous curse that followed the members for generations was a great mystery. Readers will be engaged throughout the story as Ruth works to handle the mysterious occurrences around the town, and piece together what truly causes the set of twins every generation to die young. The author also writes at a quality middle grade level, that will appeal to older readers. The dialogue was simplified a bit due to the target audience and historical time period, but it flowed well and the plot twists were excellent.
Ruth’s character is well written, and it’s heartwarming to see her grow throughout the book. Her structured city girl character is tested in the rural outskirts of town, she learns how to live like the rest of family - on the farm, helping in the house, and other activities.
Overall I adored Ghost Road. The concept was unique and it was to easy to read. I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of mysterious middle grade reads!
August 9, 2018
**I received an eARC from NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review.**
I just love Charis Cotter's storytelling. Whenever I read her books I am so happy that I am living here in Newfoundland and immediately want to find out where these ghost stories took place. Her stories are so atmospheric and just pull me in every time. Her descriptions of Newfoundland landscape are impeccable. Even though her books are geared to middle graders, I think any ages can read them. I personally love them. (My younger daughter and I have previously read The Swallow and The Painting. I will be picking up a copy of this one for her when it comes out.)
The Ghost Road is a story about ghosts, a family curse, buried secrets -- and two girls who have to figure it all out. The answers lie somewhere along the Ghost Road . . . if they can only find it. I won't bother to include the whole synopsis of the book. You can read that under the description. The whole story; you'll just have to read it to find out.
I just love Charis Cotter's storytelling. Whenever I read her books I am so happy that I am living here in Newfoundland and immediately want to find out where these ghost stories took place. Her stories are so atmospheric and just pull me in every time. Her descriptions of Newfoundland landscape are impeccable. Even though her books are geared to middle graders, I think any ages can read them. I personally love them. (My younger daughter and I have previously read The Swallow and The Painting. I will be picking up a copy of this one for her when it comes out.)
The Ghost Road is a story about ghosts, a family curse, buried secrets -- and two girls who have to figure it all out. The answers lie somewhere along the Ghost Road . . . if they can only find it. I won't bother to include the whole synopsis of the book. You can read that under the description. The whole story; you'll just have to read it to find out.
October 7, 2018
Cousins, twin mothers, the Sight, a curse, wildflowers, partridgeberry muffins, the sea, gannets, a ghost road, storytellers, a witch, step mothers, fairies, visions, storms, secrets, family and Newfoundland. The twelve year old in me loved this book.
The short chapters make it a page turner and the relationship between Ruth and Ruby deepens as the story progresses. I could imagine myself in the story. The setting is vivid and the language evocative. The story is told in a gentle way that keeps it from being overly scary or melodramatic while maintaining tension in twists and turns that drives it forward. It’s a beautiful balance of adventure, discovery, awakening and growing friendship. Each girl has a strong role and balances the other in personality, beliefs and experience.
Reading The Ghost Road was like discovering a new friend.
The short chapters make it a page turner and the relationship between Ruth and Ruby deepens as the story progresses. I could imagine myself in the story. The setting is vivid and the language evocative. The story is told in a gentle way that keeps it from being overly scary or melodramatic while maintaining tension in twists and turns that drives it forward. It’s a beautiful balance of adventure, discovery, awakening and growing friendship. Each girl has a strong role and balances the other in personality, beliefs and experience.
Reading The Ghost Road was like discovering a new friend.
July 20, 2018
This is the perfect ghost story for youngsters who are beginning to broaden their literary experiences to include the darker side of the human condition. The ghosts in this story are presented to Ruth, the young protagonist, as benevolent and helpful apparitions who want to help Ruth overcome a family curse and lay a Dar past to rest.
The story is compelling with a smooth narrative from Ruth's point of view. The author gently reminds the reader that children are both stronger, smarter and braver than most adults admit it realize.
The story is compelling with a smooth narrative from Ruth's point of view. The author gently reminds the reader that children are both stronger, smarter and braver than most adults admit it realize.
July 30, 2018
This was an amazing ghost story. The story has so many plot twists and exciting moments, it will keep any reader engaged. The characters in the book are brought to life by Charis Cotter, even the ones gone long ago. I suggest this for anyone that enjoys a great mystery and ghost story.
I received the ebook from NetGalley for my honest review.
I received the ebook from NetGalley for my honest review.
May 14, 2018
Great Newfoundland ghost story full of family secrets. A little spooky, but with lots of heart.
May 14, 2020
I bought this book thanks to the beautiful artwork for the cover. It was a risky move because I didn’t know anything about the author, and to be honest The ghost road could easily have been a disappointment but it wasn’t... until it was.
I loved the atmosphere, the descriptions of Newfoundland were enchanting. I also enjoyed the overall mood of this book. Unfortunately, the more I read of the story the more flaws I found.
The middle part of the novel was slow. There were too many generations of Finns to account for, and at the end all those names didn’t matter. This was annoying because there were chapters dedicated only to Ruth drawing a family three so the reader could understand who was who in the family.
Many times the information that we needed to advance the plot was not given to the main characters because the other characters just “didn’t want to”, or were going to... until something interrupted them (there was a letter in the book were the writer says: “but I will not talk about this [relevant information] now, maybe tomorrow...”, and then guess what, they die).
A big part of the Finn’s backstory was unnecessary in my opinion. With less pages about them, the reveal and the resolution of the conflict would have been more powerful, because I would not have been waiting for a grand finale based of the big amount of time that we spent learning about 7 generations in Ruth and Ruby’s family.
3.5 stars for the great beginning and the writing.
I loved the atmosphere, the descriptions of Newfoundland were enchanting. I also enjoyed the overall mood of this book. Unfortunately, the more I read of the story the more flaws I found.
The middle part of the novel was slow. There were too many generations of Finns to account for, and at the end all those names didn’t matter. This was annoying because there were chapters dedicated only to Ruth drawing a family three so the reader could understand who was who in the family.
Many times the information that we needed to advance the plot was not given to the main characters because the other characters just “didn’t want to”, or were going to... until something interrupted them (there was a letter in the book were the writer says: “but I will not talk about this [relevant information] now, maybe tomorrow...”, and then guess what, they die).
A big part of the Finn’s backstory was unnecessary in my opinion. With less pages about them, the reveal and the resolution of the conflict would have been more powerful, because I would not have been waiting for a grand finale based of the big amount of time that we spent learning about 7 generations in Ruth and Ruby’s family.
3.5 stars for the great beginning and the writing.
October 17, 2018
This book tells the story of two young girls who are trying to uncover a secret that has existed for years and years and which could impact negatively on each one of them. For the first time in her life Ruth goes to Newfoundland one summer to stay with a relative. Once there, Ruth discovers she has a whole history she was never told about. Throughout her life, Ruth has always traveled all over with her father looking for and taking samples of plants they discover. This year, however, her father is off to a distant land with his new wife, leaving Ruth to go to her deceased mother’s family in Newfoundland. Almost as soon as she arrives in Buckle Newfoundland, Ruth finds that things there are way different from what she has known in Toronto. There is an element of superstition and the paranormal that lies just below the surface, and which comes up to show its face regularly. Ruth also learns she has a look-alike cousin Ruby, who is the very same age as she is. That is not the only similarity. Their mothers were twins, who spent most of their early life together in Buckle. Their mothers died almost at the same time on the same day. Their mothers were both involved in figuring out some sort of secret that bound them together when they died. In fact, the whole culture and history of Buckle is intertwined in this strange, secretive tale, which few want to even discuss with the girls, and which will impact their lives and futures. However, Ruby already knows quite a bit, as she has spent several years visiting Aunt Doll during summers and spent several years living with Aunt Doll. Once they get started, the mysteries and secrets totally envelop the two young girls, as they search for answers.
This is a well-done mystery. When I began the book, I thought it would turn out to be a teen story and might not interest me. However, I almost immediately was pulled right into the tale, which held my attention thereafter. There are numerous twists and turns presented, as the girls turn over clue after clue to understand and solve the secret and mystery. I had some inkling about what was going to happen almost from the start, but that never kept me from not eagerly reading page after page, chapter after chapter to see what was going to happen next. There was suspense, but it definitely did not overpower the story of Ruth and Ruby. Reading the book, I also got a good sense and appreciation of the Newfoundland area, its people, history and culture, about which I previously knew almost nothing. This is a bit different book from the many that are out there today. I think any reader who enjoys a good mystery will probably enjoy this one. I am very happy I received this from Library Thing to read and review.
This is a well-done mystery. When I began the book, I thought it would turn out to be a teen story and might not interest me. However, I almost immediately was pulled right into the tale, which held my attention thereafter. There are numerous twists and turns presented, as the girls turn over clue after clue to understand and solve the secret and mystery. I had some inkling about what was going to happen almost from the start, but that never kept me from not eagerly reading page after page, chapter after chapter to see what was going to happen next. There was suspense, but it definitely did not overpower the story of Ruth and Ruby. Reading the book, I also got a good sense and appreciation of the Newfoundland area, its people, history and culture, about which I previously knew almost nothing. This is a bit different book from the many that are out there today. I think any reader who enjoys a good mystery will probably enjoy this one. I am very happy I received this from Library Thing to read and review.
November 18, 2018
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
I am such a HUGE Charis Cotter fan! I’ve read everything she’s written. The fact that she’s a Canadian author who centers her work around Newfoundland is a hidden bonus! My mother is from Newfoundland and I’ve been and loved it! My extended family is from there too!
If you want to see what else she’s written go here: http://www.chariscotter.ca/
She wrote: The Painting and The Swallow too
You’ll discover a mystery surrounding twins and enjoy the atmospheric feel to the story. Cotter has a voice that transitions well from one plot point to another in such a way that both middle-graders and adults alike will enjoy reading her story. There are lots of plot twists and turns and fun to be had and a spookiness that will keep you turning pages! I finished it in one sitting, then re-read it again just for fun!
I love this book! Another Cotter sensation!
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
I am such a HUGE Charis Cotter fan! I’ve read everything she’s written. The fact that she’s a Canadian author who centers her work around Newfoundland is a hidden bonus! My mother is from Newfoundland and I’ve been and loved it! My extended family is from there too!
If you want to see what else she’s written go here: http://www.chariscotter.ca/
She wrote: The Painting and The Swallow too
You’ll discover a mystery surrounding twins and enjoy the atmospheric feel to the story. Cotter has a voice that transitions well from one plot point to another in such a way that both middle-graders and adults alike will enjoy reading her story. There are lots of plot twists and turns and fun to be had and a spookiness that will keep you turning pages! I finished it in one sitting, then re-read it again just for fun!
I love this book! Another Cotter sensation!
September 15, 2023
as a girl from toronto who spent her summers in newfoundland collecting wildflowers- this was wonderful. i did feel very connected to certain parts of the story, especially talking about the mysterious beauty of newfoundland.
unfortunately the writing didn’t do it for me, felt a little too beginner. would be a great book for a younger audience or a beginner reader.
unfortunately the writing didn’t do it for me, felt a little too beginner. would be a great book for a younger audience or a beginner reader.
May 30, 2023
I grew up in Atlantic Canada - not Newfoundland, but New Brunswick, with its own small towns and strange stories. The Ghost Road perfectly captures the nostalgia and eeriness of Maritime lore; a summer's tale that felt like the stories my grandfather used to tell. Absolutely wonderful.
November 18, 2021
The writing in this book is so beautiful. It's a haunting story of curses and feuds and how we have fight to overcome them, even if part of that battle is with ourselves.
May 29, 2019
Great ghost story. Great setting on the Newfoundland coast. Appropriate for a middle-grade scare.
March 15, 2024
Good story!
October 7, 2018
I received this book from Random House Canada (Tundra Books) in exchange for an honest review, which is what they will get.
The Ghost Road synopsis reads:
For the first time, Ruth is heading to Newfoundland to stay with family she's never met instead of spending the summer traveling with her dad. When she arrives, she finds Newfoundland is very different from her life in Toronto--people there are much more friendly, but also superstitious, believing in ghosts and The Sight and family curses. Ruth's cousin Ruby is also staying for the summer, and the two discover they have a lot in common: they both lost their moms when they were two years old, they're the same age and they even like the same food. But while Ruby believes in spirits and fairies, Ruth believes in science and cold, hard facts.
When they find ominous information on some tombstones in the local cemetery, Ruth and Ruby start investigating their family's past and discover that twin girls are born in every generation, and every set of twins dies young, leaving their children without mothers. What's more, one of the twins always has The Sight and can see the Ghost Road that leads to the mysterious lost settlement of Slippers Cove. What happened there? What does it have to do with their family? And who is the ghostly presence that keeps visiting Ruth late at night?
The answers lie somewhere along the Ghost Road . . . if they can only find it.
Simply put, I was hooked from the opening chapter. The story takes place in Newfoundland where the author lived. She has captured the essence of the island well. Ms Cotter has also created characters you want to see succeed.
What happened in Slippers Cove?
What does it have to do with Ruth and Ruby?
Who is the ghostly presence haunting Ruth?
You'll have to read this well-crafted book to find out. I read it as quick as I could as I hated to put it down.
The Ghost Road synopsis reads:
For the first time, Ruth is heading to Newfoundland to stay with family she's never met instead of spending the summer traveling with her dad. When she arrives, she finds Newfoundland is very different from her life in Toronto--people there are much more friendly, but also superstitious, believing in ghosts and The Sight and family curses. Ruth's cousin Ruby is also staying for the summer, and the two discover they have a lot in common: they both lost their moms when they were two years old, they're the same age and they even like the same food. But while Ruby believes in spirits and fairies, Ruth believes in science and cold, hard facts.
When they find ominous information on some tombstones in the local cemetery, Ruth and Ruby start investigating their family's past and discover that twin girls are born in every generation, and every set of twins dies young, leaving their children without mothers. What's more, one of the twins always has The Sight and can see the Ghost Road that leads to the mysterious lost settlement of Slippers Cove. What happened there? What does it have to do with their family? And who is the ghostly presence that keeps visiting Ruth late at night?
The answers lie somewhere along the Ghost Road . . . if they can only find it.
Simply put, I was hooked from the opening chapter. The story takes place in Newfoundland where the author lived. She has captured the essence of the island well. Ms Cotter has also created characters you want to see succeed.
What happened in Slippers Cove?
What does it have to do with Ruth and Ruby?
Who is the ghostly presence haunting Ruth?
You'll have to read this well-crafted book to find out. I read it as quick as I could as I hated to put it down.
April 1, 2024
Read w 8yo and we both loved this book. Compelling family mystery, strong female characters tackling challenges on their own, and a lush, moody setting of 1970s Newfoundland. Some parts were frightening, but these scenes felt meaningful and important to the story. Ultimately a story about healing, compassion, and love.
September 27, 2018
A ghostly presence in the night, a family curse, and a road only a select few can see, make this the type of delightfully spooky book that will keep you up at night, no matter what age you are.
Ruth has had the same nightmare for as long as she can remember. She is on a sinking ship and her late mother is shouting her name. She thinks it's just a dream until she visits her mother's hometown for the summer. She realizes there's more to the dream than she thought, and that it may not be a dream at all. Together with her cousin Ruby, she investigates an ancient family curse that has plagued her relatives for centuries. Will she break the curse before time runs out for her too?
The publisher sent me a copy of this book to review, and it couldn't have come at a better time. I adore books like this. It tells a great, spooky story, and it also highlights the importance of family and loving each other despite past mistakes. This would be a great read for elementary and middle grade children.
Ruth has had the same nightmare for as long as she can remember. She is on a sinking ship and her late mother is shouting her name. She thinks it's just a dream until she visits her mother's hometown for the summer. She realizes there's more to the dream than she thought, and that it may not be a dream at all. Together with her cousin Ruby, she investigates an ancient family curse that has plagued her relatives for centuries. Will she break the curse before time runs out for her too?
The publisher sent me a copy of this book to review, and it couldn't have come at a better time. I adore books like this. It tells a great, spooky story, and it also highlights the importance of family and loving each other despite past mistakes. This would be a great read for elementary and middle grade children.
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