THE INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF DERELICTION

Whether she's expressing the quandaries of Alice, a unique 10-year-old; her quirky parents; or the troubled ghosts who live next door, Suzanne Toren is remarkable at animating the vivid characters in this story. Toren excels also at pacing, beginning breezily as Alice uses the skills she learned from her father to remake the house next door and builds relationships with four ghosts. Toren captures the tension between the ghosts' deadlines for fulfilling their "unfinished business" and the looming date of the house's demolition. Toren's pace and intensity mount as Alice takes on a frightening specter and demolition crews. Family gifts, stories, and, finally, her father come to Alice's rescue. Mystery, Alice's resourcefulness and kindness, and a lively narration make this a great family listen. S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2023]