Beautifully written, just not quite my cup of tea. Within the mystery is a perfect story about family and about growing up. Some children will probably love it, but not those with short attention spans. It's not difficult, it's just quiet; more subtle than 'in your face' like so much popular children's fiction. The ending, the loose ends beyond the big climax, is handled brilliantly and unexpectedly.

I actually highly recommend it to anyone interested, and will probably be thinking about it for a while - but I just can't give it the same rating as all my other 4 star books. Sorry. ( )

Kate, a sensitive ten-year-old, lives with her mother, brother and grandmother in a peaceful home. Then a letter is delivered that changes all their lives. The story is told through Kate's eyes combining everyday events with more exciting and mysterious ones. Well-written and very readable. ( )