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Griffin's Castle by Jenny Nimmo


Desperate and neglected, Dinah is a girl who has been bounced around from place to place her whole life. When her young, irresponsible mother lands a job that allows them to temporarily live in a very old and decaying mansion, the fiercely independent Dinah is determined to transform it into the home she has always dreamed of. Unfortunately the house is owned by her motherā€™s current boyfriend, a cold man who doesnā€™t like Dinah. In her isolated loneliness, the girl finds herself forming a very real bond with several stone animals carved into a wall she passes each day on her way to school. One day she speaks to one of the statues inviting it to come with her. To her surpriseā€”it gets down off the wall and accompanies her home. Over time, more statues soon follow. But are these magical creatures really her friends?

Griffinā€™s Castle has the same chilling atmosphere as a good ghost story. Readers who are easily creeped out might want to steer clear of this slightly darker tale. Those who love a good thrill (like myself) will enjoy reading this thoroughly engrossing book. My only complaint was the ending. There were many things that are left unexplained and the ending was a bit too nice and neat to be realistic, especially after everything that had happened. Despite these flaws, I still liked the book and would recommend it to anyone who likes to be deliciously scared.

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