I really enjoy a good mystery and had heard good things about A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Hall. I was hesitant to read it as a ghost plays a promenade role in the story. I don't usually like ghost stories. However, this wasn't a scary, creepy, horror kind of ghost story, and I found I didn't mind the ghost at all. In fact, she was one of my favorite characters in the book. But . . . I'm getting ahead of myself.

This is a story filled with invisible people (and animals). Well, not truly invisible - aside from one, but I don't want to spoil too much. From Rami's mom, a cleaner at the local art museum, down to Agatha, a turtle who lives in the museum garden. Actually, most of the characters in this story feel unseen in some way or another. The thing that is most unseen, however, is the often overlooked painting, "Untitled," that has been stolen from the library. Now, all eyes are on the museum with Rami and his mom appearing to be top suspects. Rami has to clear his name and his mom's name and find the true thief. He can't achieve such a monumental task alone, but who can help him? He doesn't have any friends, and no one seems to notice him at all.

This is ultimately a story about being seen, about seeing others. As a middle grade novel, there were, of course, some things that were a pit far-fetched, but overall, I found A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Hall to be an enjoyable read. I feel like the ending won't be predictable for most people, but a few keen eyes might pick up on the culprit before they are revealed. While I do like Agatha, the turtle, I'm not sure the addition of her character was entirely necessary, but I know some people would disagree.

Overall I would recommend this book to middle grader who love a good caper and would be pleased with a friendly ghost thrown in the mix, especially if said reader often feels a bit unseen by those around them.

Jasmine Warga hits it out of the park again with a fantastical mystery. I am excited to add this to my library collection and recommend it to my students who love mysteries and all things spooky.

Fast read that was super enjoyable! Full of mystery, excitement, and a bit of spooky mixed in- perfect read for middle grade kids. I think many of them will identify with Rami and his struggles with friends, and hopefully strive to be more like Veda! Another heart filled book by Jasmine Warga! Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for this ARC!

The unique characters and setting of this story drew me in, and the plot kept me reading! We first meet Agatha, a turtle, who is a witness to the theft that is at the center of the story. Then Rami meets a ghost, who he knows he has seen before. Rami and his classmate, Vada, attempt to solve the mystery of the stolen painting. In doing so, Rami seeks answers of his own. He wants to know about his dad, and about how his mom used to be happy. As I read, I found myself cheering for Rami and Vada, and trying to solve the mystery right alongside them. The mystery will draw readers in, but they also will learn about the importance of belonging, and wanting to feel seen. This book will have a place on my library shelves, and I am excited to recommend it to kids!

This was such a lovely middle grade mystery! The narrative voice was very engaging and I enjoyed reading about a not-quite-alive-but-not-a-ghost character. The big reveal of the art thief was surprising but not out of nowhere. I look forward to recommending this to patrons.

This was a charming, heartwarming story for middle grade lovers of mystery and ghosts.

A missing painting. A floating girl. A turtle who knows the whole story. What a fun mix of concepts.

Rami feels unseen until he finds Veda who is brave enough to confront not only the clues to solve the mystery but also to have the courage to be who you are.