Wait Till Helen Comes: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn

Wait Till Helen Comes: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn

Published by HMH Books for Young Readers

Published on April 21, 2008 (reissue edition)

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal, Horror
Page Count: 192

Source: Purchased

Format: Paperback

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Description: Twelve-year-old Molly and her ten-year-old brother, Michael, have never liked their seven-year-old stepsister, Heather. Ever since their parents got married, she's made Molly and Michael's life miserable. Now their parents have moved them all to the country to live in a house that used to be a church, with a cemetery in the backyard. If that's not bad enough, Heather starts talking to a ghost named Helen and warning Molly and Michael that Helen is coming for them. Molly feels certain Heather is in some kind of danger, but every time she tried to help, Heather twists things around to get her into trouble. It seems as if things can't get any worse.

But they do---when Helen comes.

Hello.

Tonight, I am reviewing Wait Till Helen Comes: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn. It is written more towards children in grades 5-7. I stumbled upon this book and thought that I would give it a shot. It looked interesting. What did I have to lose?

I was pleasantly surprised with this one. It may have been written for the younger crowd but it doesn't always feel that way. It deals with very serious issues such as adapting to blended families, severe guilt, communication, fear of abandonment, and forgiveness. Add in the ghost of a child hellbent on finding a new playmate and you have a creepy read.

I find myself intrigued by this author. The style of this book was quite refreshing. I wonder if her other works leave the reader with the great sense of contentment that I experienced with this book. Yes, it read like a book written for children but it felt like more. It was full of moments that left me shuddering a little. Hahn definitely has this grasp on the human mind and fear.

I am giving this book the rating of Four Red Books because it did feel rushed. Hahn wanted to get as much story in there as possible which is tricky for a book of this length (192 pages). She is definitely a true master of the ghost story. Overall, very enjoyable read.

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