LitPick Review
Jared Millhouse is spending the summer in Lone Jack, Missouri when he encounters the ghost of a long-dead innkeeper in the woods behind right field. Soon other ghosts and groups of ghosts begin to make their presence felt. First comes the innkeeper. Next, a gang of ball-and- chain wielding slaves appear. Hot on their heels are two- headed Indian ghosts. And then, there are the soldiers, reliving the battle of Lone Jack, exactly as it happened in 1862. They all demand "the key". Now, it's up to Jared, his friends, and two whacky ghost hunters to find this key and save Lone Jack - from itself. This book is based on a real Civil War battle so it's mostly adventure, but also part mystery.
Opinion:
The author achieved his purpose, which was to write an entertaining book in a way that was both effective and easy to understand. Although there is a large amount of detail (which you sometimes need to understand the story- line)in some places it is a bit too much. My overall response to the book was one of complete fascination. I would not recommend taking it to school to read. Once you start, you can't stop! It's addictive. The characters feel like your friends and neighbors, the action feels like its taking place all around you. I liked the ending but it left me wondering what happened to Jared and Lone Jack - it cries out for a sequel.(Lance Lee Noel, if you're reading this, write one!) You don't have to know much about the Civil War to understand and enjoy this book. I recommend it to anyone wanting to read an exciting, true life adventure story.
