BLACK CREEK CROSSING

Thirteen-year-old Angel Sullivan learns her family has just moved into a house where two witches once lived before they were hanged in 1693. But their spirits don't rest easy in their graves. They show themselves to Angel and her new friend, Seth, and begin to shape the children's lives for both good and evil. This is a book for kids in middle or high school. Experienced readers may find the material a bit flat. The magical parts aren't particularly magical. Lee Meriwether's performance, on the other hand, is enchanting. She evokes terror and other emotions well. Her pacing, delivery, and character portraits are consistent and confident. She gives the book better treatment than it deserves. R.G.M. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 04]