The Peculiar Haunting of Thelma Bee

Thelma is just trying to navigate middle school, avoid the rude popular girls and work on her research projects. She can often be found making notes in her scientific notebook about current studies, questions she has, observations she’s made, or ideas for future research. However, she is quickly distracted when her father takes in a rare antique at his antiques shop. Evidently, the rare antique jewelry box also houses a ghost who takes her father hostage in exchange for Thelma’s help with a particularly dark wizard. Even though Thelma is feeling overwhelmed – her mom is away on a scientific expedition and she has no other family – she assembles the local paranormal group, of which her best friend Alexander is a member, and sets off to save her father. Even though she is scared, her love for her family pushes her forward.

Thelma is a smart, independent character who quickly takes control of the situation and her dislike for the annoying popular girls will endear her to many readers. This supernatural thriller is a must for those who enjoy the similarly chilling books by Mary Downing Hahn and Dan Poblocki.