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The Old Willis Place: A Ghost Story

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2004

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Book Brief

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Mary Downing Hahn

The Old Willis Place

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2004
Book Details
Pages

199

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Maryland Countryside • Contemporary

Publication Year

2004

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

630L

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Super Short Summary

The Old Willis Place by Mary Downing Hahn follows siblings Diana and Georgie, who secretly live on the grounds of an old, abandoned mansion. When new caretakers move in nearby, Diana yearns for friendship and interacts with the landlord's daughter, Lissa, leading to a series of events that uncover tragic pasts, ghostly hauntings, and themes of forgiveness and healing.

Mysterious

Unnerving

Dark

Melancholic

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.4

11,350 ratings

77%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Mary Downing Hahn's The Old Willis Place is praised for its engaging atmosphere and gripping mystery, which effectively blend elements of horror and historical fiction. Readers appreciate the well-developed characters and suspenseful plot. However, some critique the pacing and desire more complex resolutions. Overall, it's a compelling read for young audiences.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Old Willis Place?

Readers who enjoy the eerie mysteries of The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman or the haunting elements of Coraline will be captivated by Mary Downing Hahn's The Old Willis Place. This book is perfect for young adults who love ghost stories intertwined with themes of friendship and overcoming past traumas.

4.4

11,350 ratings

77%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

199

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Maryland Countryside • Contemporary

Publication Year

2004

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

630L

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