This was a fun and fast paced middle grade spooky mystery. I liked that there were some scientific explanations mixed in with the paranormal stuff happening. I didn't enjoy it as much as Scritch Scratch by the same author. Maybe because both take place in Chicago and have to do with Chicago history they felt too similar to me, and Scritch Scratch is just an all around better book. I did enjoy it though and will continue to read books by this author. ( )

Tessa's father has taken a job in Chicago, so their family moves from Florida into an old house on Shady Street. From the time they move in, Tessa is struggling to accept her new situation. To make matters worse, strange things begin happening in the house, and Tessa becomes convinced that their house is haunted. Surprisingly, Tessa makes some new friends at school and they seem willing to help her figure out what is happening in her house.

The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street is a very tame haunted house story with a little suspense. Clues are offered, but seem to almost come out of nowhere, and no reason is ever really given for why the kids in the story decide to help Tessa, except for Nina's unnatural interest in the occult. The character of Cassidy seems to serve no purpose in the story and we never really find out much about former friend, Rachel. Some of the interactions between the kids don't really ring true, and the parents seem to show very little concern for major issues occurring in their own household. With an ending that just seems to be too pat to be logical, this story doesn't live up to expectation. Overall, The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street includes some enjoyable scenes, but is basically a disappointment. ( )

Thoroughly enjoyed this book! A great read of mystery, new kid, and paranormal activity. It was like watching a episode of Ghost Adventures! ( )

I don't know about this one. I think maybe it was the inconsistencies that drove me crazy. Tessa, our main character, "yells back" even though her mom is talking quietly. There are no curtains in her room, but she can't see her hand in front of her face when the lights go out during the day. And “so tired...that I crawled into bed without even brushing my teeth," but the next morning the bathroom “looks darker than it did when I was brushing my teeth last night." Where were Currie's agent and editor in pointing out these things to her? (And we're only up to page 15.)

The first 65 pages are also printed crookedly, and I wonder why no one caught that.

It's for ages 8 to 12, but I think some of the scenes are much too scary for anyone under 10 or 11. And, yet, despite how terrified Tessa is about what's happening, not having her own phone is equally as pressing a problem as being haunted.

She starts out writing to her best friend (had to leave her behind when she moved), but those letters quickly drop out of the story, though Currie tries to incorporate the left-behind friend again here and there. Oh, and when writing to her friend in the beginning, she mentions JK as one of her new friends. Who's JK? Again, the inconsistencies get to me.

I'm not big on mysteries or ghost stories, but I would have felt it worth the read if the story had wrapped up with better explanations. Many questions were left unanswered.

Finally, in an incredibly short timespan, everything is wonderful and Tessa is happy. And (spoiler alert), she gets a phone! ( )