Member Reviews
Thank you to Lorien and Abrams Kids/Amulet Books for sharing the ARC through NetGalley.
I absolutely loved this book! The Many Hauntings of the Manning Family by Lorien Lawrence is a captivating middle-grade supernatural tale that blends mystery, adventure, and a touch of spookiness. The story follows the Manning family, 13 year old twins Trent and Gabby, and their mother. The twins have inherited their grandparents' "gifts" to help ghosts find peace (or to send demons away). These teen paranormal investigators are trying to live up to their family name, pushed by their social media obsessed mother, while trying to balance middle school.
Gabby is over it! She just wants to be able to hang with her friends and play soccer. She is so annoyed that her mother won't support her playing on the soccer team and even more annoyed that her brother is just so passive about everything their mother wants to do for their social media channel.
Trent is trying to find his voice and where he fits into everything. While once Gabby shared everything with him, he feels her pulling away. He just wants to keep the peace with his mother, so he agrees to whatever she asks of him, to the annoyance of Gabby.
Gabby decides she wants to stop, but commits to one last haunt at the abandoned Majestic Theater. The Majestic infamy stems from the Manning's grandparents failed exorcism, which the twins mom is trying to prove the twins can succeed where her parents failed. But what really happened there? What exactly is haunting the Majestic? Can two teens really succeed in doing something that terrified their grandparents?
Lawrence skillfully creates a suspenseful atmosphere while grounding the story in family dynamics and personal growth. Gabby and Trent's journey's of courage, self-discovery, and trust adds an emotional depth to the supernatural elements, making the book more than just a ghost story. The pacing is engaging, and the characters are well-developed, with a strong sense of heart.
With its mix of eerie moments and relatable family struggles, The Many Hauntings of the Manning Family is a delightful and thrilling read for young readers, perfect for those who enjoy a good mystery with a supernatural twist. Perfect mix of RL Stine and Supernatural for middle grade readers.
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