Simple Nice Story

When I picked this one up, I expected a frightful event to take place; after all, the title speaks to "Murders". But this story aims on the side of a tale about Amy, a 12-year-old girl who needs a break from her family, particularly her 11-year-old sister, Louann who is mentally handicapped, the sister she is expected to care for all the time and her curiosity about a dollhouse. So, when her Aunt Clare invites her to stay at the mansion she is getting ready to sell, Amy is thrilled.

The mansion is where Amy's great-grandparents lived. And, where they died mysteriously. Plus, it isn't long before Amy discovers a dollhouse in the attic, an exact replica of the real home.

When the dolls didn't stay in the same position, it made me--and Amy--curious and a bit scared. Had Aunt Clare moved them? Was a ghost involved? Amy, too afraid to say anything at first, is a relatable character. When a person first confronts an uncanny event, processing the reality of it proves difficult. You find yourself, regardless of your age, going through all the emotions Amy does.

The strain between Amy and her sister is another place where the reader feels the irritation yet compassion as Amy struggles to do what is right while dealing with her resentment. Louann is written realistically, so we are able to easily connect to her character as well.

Combining the tension of Amy's home life with the wonder and fear toward the unraveling of the dollhouse reality creates a fun lighthearted mystery.