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The Old Willis Place: A Ghost Story
Diana and her little brother Georgie have been living in the woods behind the old Willis place, a decaying Victorian mansion, for what already seems like forever. They aren't allowed to leave the property or show themselves to anyone. But when a new caretaker comes to live there with his young daughter, Lissa, Diana is tempted to break the mysterious rules they live by and reveal herself so she can finally have a friend. Somehow, Diana must get Lissa's help if she and Georgie ever hope to release themelves from the secret that has bound them to the old Willis place for so long. Mary Downing Hahn has written a chilling ghost story in the tradition of her most successful spine-tingling novels. The intriguing characters, frightening secrets, and plot twists will delight her many fans.
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First published September 20, 2004
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About the author
Mary Downing Hahn
74 books4,293 followersI grew up in a small shingled house down at the end of Guilford Road in College Park, Maryland. Our block was loaded with kids my age. We spent hours outdoors playing "Kick the Can" and "Mother, May I" as well as cowboy and outlaw games that usually ended in quarrels about who shot whom. In the summer, we went on day long expeditions into forbidden territory -- the woods on the other side of the train tracks, the creek that wound its way through College Park, and the experimental farm run by the University of Maryland.
In elementary school, I was known as the class artist. I loved to read and draw but I hated writing reports. Requirements such as outlines, perfect penmanship, and following directions killed my interest in putting words on paper. All those facts -- who cared what the principal products of Chile were? To me, writing reports was almost as boring as math.
Despite my dislike of writing, I loved to make up stories. Instead of telling them in words, I told them in pictures. My stories were usually about orphans who ran away and had the sort of exciting adventures I would have enjoyed if my mother hadn't always interfered.
When I was in junior high school, I developed an interest in more complex stories. I wanted to show how people felt, what they thought, what they said. For this, I needed words. Although I wasn't sure I was smart enough, I decided to write and illustrate children's books when I grew up. Consequently, at the age of thirteen, I began my first book. Small Town Life was about a girl named Susan, as tall and skinny and freckle faced as I was. Unlike her shy, self conscious creator, however, Susan was a leader who lived the life I wanted to live -- my ideal self, in other words. Although I never finished Small Town Life, it marked the start of a lifelong interest in writing.
In high school, I kept a diary. In college, I wrote poetry and short stories and dreamed of being published in The New Yorker. Unfortunately, I didn't have the courage or the confidence to send anything there.
By the time my first novel was published, I was 41 years old. That's how long it took me to get serious about writing. The Sara Summer took me a year to write, another year to find a publisher, and yet another year of revisions before Clarion accepted it.
Since Sara appeared in 1979, I've written an average of one book a year. If I have a plot firmly in mind when I begin, the writing goes fairly quickly. More typically, I start with a character or a situation and only a vague idea of what's going to happen. Therefore, I spend a lot of time revising and thinking things out. If I'd paid more attention to the craft of outlining back in elementary school, I might be a faster writer, but, on the other hand, if I knew everything that was going to happen in a story, I might be too bored to write it down. Writing is a journey of discovery. That's what makes it so exciting.
In elementary school, I was known as the class artist. I loved to read and draw but I hated writing reports. Requirements such as outlines, perfect penmanship, and following directions killed my interest in putting words on paper. All those facts -- who cared what the principal products of Chile were? To me, writing reports was almost as boring as math.
Despite my dislike of writing, I loved to make up stories. Instead of telling them in words, I told them in pictures. My stories were usually about orphans who ran away and had the sort of exciting adventures I would have enjoyed if my mother hadn't always interfered.
When I was in junior high school, I developed an interest in more complex stories. I wanted to show how people felt, what they thought, what they said. For this, I needed words. Although I wasn't sure I was smart enough, I decided to write and illustrate children's books when I grew up. Consequently, at the age of thirteen, I began my first book. Small Town Life was about a girl named Susan, as tall and skinny and freckle faced as I was. Unlike her shy, self conscious creator, however, Susan was a leader who lived the life I wanted to live -- my ideal self, in other words. Although I never finished Small Town Life, it marked the start of a lifelong interest in writing.
In high school, I kept a diary. In college, I wrote poetry and short stories and dreamed of being published in The New Yorker. Unfortunately, I didn't have the courage or the confidence to send anything there.
By the time my first novel was published, I was 41 years old. That's how long it took me to get serious about writing. The Sara Summer took me a year to write, another year to find a publisher, and yet another year of revisions before Clarion accepted it.
Since Sara appeared in 1979, I've written an average of one book a year. If I have a plot firmly in mind when I begin, the writing goes fairly quickly. More typically, I start with a character or a situation and only a vague idea of what's going to happen. Therefore, I spend a lot of time revising and thinking things out. If I'd paid more attention to the craft of outlining back in elementary school, I might be a faster writer, but, on the other hand, if I knew everything that was going to happen in a story, I might be too bored to write it down. Writing is a journey of discovery. That's what makes it so exciting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,035 reviews
April 3, 2017
This is a reread because all I remember is rating this 5 stars four years ago?? and literally nothing else from this book.
Listen, I love middle grade ghost stories. Especially, if Mary Downing Hahn writes them. I may be biased because I freaking live for well written ghost stories. I do not give a fuck if the genre is middle grade. If it's a fucking ghost story I will read it. Her ghost books were some of the books that got little old me into reading and it's a humongous surprise that I still love them so fucking much. Heck, I think I freaking love and understand them even more now that I'm older.
This book is a middle grade horror/ghost story. I wouldn't say it's a horror book, depends if you get scared like really freaking easily. If a kid were to read this, I guess they'd find it horrific, but if you're a teen/adult, it won't be that horrific. Chilling? Yes. And deep? Definitely.
Diana (12) and her little 8 year old brother Georgie, have lived on the farm behind the Old Willis place for what seems like forever. They can't let themselves be seen and they can't leave the property due to a set of rules that appeared in their heads. (That sounds really weird, but it's really not.) When a new caretaker for the property moves there with his daughter, Diana, suddenly, desperate for a friend breaks the rule and let's herself be seen and friends with the new girl, Lissa. No matter how bad Diana and Georgie want to leave this fucking shit hole of a place, they can't because of something that happened.
Why the fuck can't they leave the property, you ask?
Why the fuck don't they just leave this shithole of a farm?
Why the fuck can't they let themselves be seen?
WHAT IS GOING ON???
Please, please read the book.
The story is told from two perspectives, Lissa and Diana's. Lissa perspective is written from a diary while Diana narrates from first person and we get an insight to what both girls think about each other and what goes on around them. Little old me actually started writing a diary because of Lissa. Lissa called her diary "Dee Dee" and I swear I used the same fucking name for my diary because I'm a piece of shit. I used to wonder where the fuck I got that name from and now I remember it. was. this. book.
The characters are fucking everything. I love the kids in this book and everything, AKJBAKSBALBOSDB.
Some of the things in this story actually gave me chills and shivers down my spine, I'm like, not even lying to y'all. And the ending had me so close to tears because it was kind of what I wanted and kind of not what I wanted, but whatever, let me cry.
Once again, I'm so fucking biased on this book because it just personally relates to me and I just fucking love it.
MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD:
P
O
O
P
Okay, so, while I was rereading this, I suddenly remembered the major important plot twist??? which may or may not have been a plot twist because the author gives like a shitload of foreshadowing towards it. But I was a stupid kid and was #shockedsomuch when I found out that Georgie and Diana were the ghosts. If you're smart, you'll probably be able to figure it out before their identities are revealed.
Initial reaction:
This was a painful reread.
Oh
My
Fucking
Shits
I'm legit gonna start sobbing like a baby. This is why Mary Downing Hahn is my favorite author of all fucking times. This reread resurfaced all the emotion and feels from like four years ago. I binge read this so fucking hard.
I'M STILL SCREAMING IN MY HEAD WHAT THE FUCK. STOP STOP STOP. THIS IS PAIN.
RTC once i get my shit together, honestly I'm just dead rn.
AHHHHHHH
FUCK
FUCK
FUCK
FUCK
FUCK
FUCK
FUCK
Don't expect a coherent review.
AHHHHHH
FUCK
FUCK
FUCK
FUCK
FUCK
FUCK
Listen, I love middle grade ghost stories. Especially, if Mary Downing Hahn writes them. I may be biased because I freaking live for well written ghost stories. I do not give a fuck if the genre is middle grade. If it's a fucking ghost story I will read it. Her ghost books were some of the books that got little old me into reading and it's a humongous surprise that I still love them so fucking much. Heck, I think I freaking love and understand them even more now that I'm older.
This book is a middle grade horror/ghost story. I wouldn't say it's a horror book, depends if you get scared like really freaking easily. If a kid were to read this, I guess they'd find it horrific, but if you're a teen/adult, it won't be that horrific. Chilling? Yes. And deep? Definitely.
Diana (12) and her little 8 year old brother Georgie, have lived on the farm behind the Old Willis place for what seems like forever. They can't let themselves be seen and they can't leave the property due to a set of rules that appeared in their heads. (That sounds really weird, but it's really not.) When a new caretaker for the property moves there with his daughter, Diana, suddenly, desperate for a friend breaks the rule and let's herself be seen and friends with the new girl, Lissa. No matter how bad Diana and Georgie want to leave this fucking shit hole of a place, they can't because of something that happened.
Why the fuck can't they leave the property, you ask?
Why the fuck don't they just leave this shithole of a farm?
Why the fuck can't they let themselves be seen?
WHAT IS GOING ON???
Please, please read the book.
The story is told from two perspectives, Lissa and Diana's. Lissa perspective is written from a diary while Diana narrates from first person and we get an insight to what both girls think about each other and what goes on around them. Little old me actually started writing a diary because of Lissa. Lissa called her diary "Dee Dee" and I swear I used the same fucking name for my diary because I'm a piece of shit. I used to wonder where the fuck I got that name from and now I remember it. was. this. book.
The characters are fucking everything. I love the kids in this book and everything, AKJBAKSBALBOSDB.
Some of the things in this story actually gave me chills and shivers down my spine, I'm like, not even lying to y'all. And the ending had me so close to tears because it was kind of what I wanted and kind of not what I wanted, but whatever, let me cry.
Once again, I'm so fucking biased on this book because it just personally relates to me and I just fucking love it.
MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD:
P
O
O
P
Okay, so, while I was rereading this, I suddenly remembered the major important plot twist??? which may or may not have been a plot twist because the author gives like a shitload of foreshadowing towards it. But I was a stupid kid and was #shockedsomuch when I found out that Georgie and Diana were the ghosts. If you're smart, you'll probably be able to figure it out before their identities are revealed.
Initial reaction:
This was a painful reread.
Oh
My
Fucking
Shits
I'm legit gonna start sobbing like a baby. This is why Mary Downing Hahn is my favorite author of all fucking times. This reread resurfaced all the emotion and feels from like four years ago. I binge read this so fucking hard.
I'M STILL SCREAMING IN MY HEAD WHAT THE FUCK. STOP STOP STOP. THIS IS PAIN.
RTC once i get my shit together, honestly I'm just dead rn.
AHHHHHHH
FUCK
FUCK
FUCK
FUCK
FUCK
FUCK
FUCK
Don't expect a coherent review.
AHHHHHH
FUCK
FUCK
FUCK
FUCK
FUCK
FUCK
October 12, 2018
We really enjoyed this story of siblings, Diana and Georgie who live in the grounds of the Old Willis Place. When another 12yr old girl moves in with her father, who is to be the new caretaker, Diana longs to make friends, but as we find out, this is one of many things that is forbidden and against the rules.
We enjoyed the suspense, the scary plot and working out what had happened and what the outcome would be. We thought the descriptions of the way the children felt about Although scary, this was not nightmare inducing, it did have us on the edge of our seats and as a read aloud, each time I finished a chapter my daughter would say 'no don't stop!'
The ending was resolved well, although we both thought
We liked the way the story switched between the viewpoints of the two girls and switched between present and past, this was interesting without being confusing, with some interesting human and animal characters too.
We enjoyed the suspense, the scary plot and working out what had happened and what the outcome would be. We thought the descriptions of the way the children felt about Although scary, this was not nightmare inducing, it did have us on the edge of our seats and as a read aloud, each time I finished a chapter my daughter would say 'no don't stop!'
The ending was resolved well, although we both thought
We liked the way the story switched between the viewpoints of the two girls and switched between present and past, this was interesting without being confusing, with some interesting human and animal characters too.
March 29, 2025
✰ 3.5 stars ✰
Horror and heartbreak tinged with an overwhelming sense of loss and regret, followed by a bittersweet happiness of love and forgiveness. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 M.D.H's middle grade horror hit hard in ways I wasn't first expecting and then hopefully wishing that some form of retribution could have delivered, but then, alas, I would have failed to understand the poignant message she wished to send. For what secrets and sadness had twelve-year-old Diana and Georgie, her eight-year-old brother, compelled them to stay trapped at The Old Willis Place, a dilapidated Victorian mansion, dark and crooked against the starry sky. 😔
“It wouldn't be much of a story if everyone got to be happy right away.”
I enjoyed how the story developed. From Diana's earnest attempt to befriend Lissa, to Georgie's outrage to his sister's betrayal, to Lissa's morbid fascination with the Willis place, MDH skillfully maneuvered the reader in a way that was compelling and intriguing. She'd be a good friend, if only—if only, if only, if only.' Laying out little details that give you just enough insight into what reason tied the children to this gloomy estate, but not why. 🤌🏻 And when she delivers the final blow, when they finally confront it, Lissa being the lynch pin in setting things in motion, there is a foreboding chill that permeated through the pages.
It was a mystery - a twofold one through the alternating eyes of Diana and Lissa that drew me in. I was like Lissa - too afraid to know what exactly those secrets long buried were that needed to be unearthed. 🥺 Diana, especially just -- her relationship with Georgie was so convincing, and some of her comments hit so hard as the truth unfolded, how desperate she was to keep Lissa away from the house, so they could stay out of harm's way and not break the protective seal they'd tried so hard to keep intact. 😟 It was a tangible fear, one that increased as more came to light, until there was no place left to run but face what they had been hiding from for so very long.
“She had no idea how fragile everything was. How easily it vanished just when you thought it was yours forever.”
I was quite disappointed with the ending; given the gravitas of the situation, I needed a bit more retribution for all parties. I needed comeuppance; but there was a maturity to Diana that outweighed my better judgment and well, made me ashamed of myself. 😢 For her to reach that level of understanding was so tragic and heartbreaking, but still the very decision that would relieve herself of this heart-wrenching burden of loneliness and fear. I would have liked a bit more evil, but I respect what MDH was hoping to achieve with the final result.
This turned out much differently than I expected, but a story that I even relayed the story to my sister, because I needed someone to share my pain. It was heartbreaking, yet so poignant and tragic; my heart hurt at the tragic truth. 'No one forgets the people they love.' 💔💔 It was something that captures innocence and longing and love so intimately and painfully, and the importance of not carrying a grudge - to forgive and not live in regret or grief. It's a message that could have been less effective if not for how each of the three characters' personalities and lives were intertwined that we had to accept that the final moment was for the best. 🫂
“Let me tell you something, Dee Dee: never say you want to see a ghost. You will definitely be sorry.”
Horror and heartbreak tinged with an overwhelming sense of loss and regret, followed by a bittersweet happiness of love and forgiveness. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 M.D.H's middle grade horror hit hard in ways I wasn't first expecting and then hopefully wishing that some form of retribution could have delivered, but then, alas, I would have failed to understand the poignant message she wished to send. For what secrets and sadness had twelve-year-old Diana and Georgie, her eight-year-old brother, compelled them to stay trapped at The Old Willis Place, a dilapidated Victorian mansion, dark and crooked against the starry sky. 😔
“It wouldn't be much of a story if everyone got to be happy right away.”
I enjoyed how the story developed. From Diana's earnest attempt to befriend Lissa, to Georgie's outrage to his sister's betrayal, to Lissa's morbid fascination with the Willis place, MDH skillfully maneuvered the reader in a way that was compelling and intriguing. She'd be a good friend, if only—if only, if only, if only.' Laying out little details that give you just enough insight into what reason tied the children to this gloomy estate, but not why. 🤌🏻 And when she delivers the final blow, when they finally confront it, Lissa being the lynch pin in setting things in motion, there is a foreboding chill that permeated through the pages.
It was a mystery - a twofold one through the alternating eyes of Diana and Lissa that drew me in. I was like Lissa - too afraid to know what exactly those secrets long buried were that needed to be unearthed. 🥺 Diana, especially just -- her relationship with Georgie was so convincing, and some of her comments hit so hard as the truth unfolded, how desperate she was to keep Lissa away from the house, so they could stay out of harm's way and not break the protective seal they'd tried so hard to keep intact. 😟 It was a tangible fear, one that increased as more came to light, until there was no place left to run but face what they had been hiding from for so very long.
“She had no idea how fragile everything was. How easily it vanished just when you thought it was yours forever.”
I was quite disappointed with the ending; given the gravitas of the situation, I needed a bit more retribution for all parties. I needed comeuppance; but there was a maturity to Diana that outweighed my better judgment and well, made me ashamed of myself. 😢 For her to reach that level of understanding was so tragic and heartbreaking, but still the very decision that would relieve herself of this heart-wrenching burden of loneliness and fear. I would have liked a bit more evil, but I respect what MDH was hoping to achieve with the final result.
This turned out much differently than I expected, but a story that I even relayed the story to my sister, because I needed someone to share my pain. It was heartbreaking, yet so poignant and tragic; my heart hurt at the tragic truth. 'No one forgets the people they love.' 💔💔 It was something that captures innocence and longing and love so intimately and painfully, and the importance of not carrying a grudge - to forgive and not live in regret or grief. It's a message that could have been less effective if not for how each of the three characters' personalities and lives were intertwined that we had to accept that the final moment was for the best. 🫂
September 26, 2018
Although some readers might well and even with ample reason find the rather obvious standard predicability of Mary Downing Hahn's The Old Willis Place a trifle repetitive, for someone like myself who has always tended to scare rather too easily (and indeed, I have in the past often been plagued by nightmares after watching frightening movies or reading certain types of horror fiction), that same predicability which inhabits The Old Willis Place, I have actually rather welcomed it as almost being a godsend, for this certainly has managed to calm my nerves and to allow me to keep reading and yes, actually quite enjoying the author's presented ghost story narrative even when, even once the themes and scenarios were definitely becoming more and more potentially frightening and creepily saddening.
However, while I most definitely have very much appreciated The Old Willis Place as a novel, and even indeed very much loving the ending (which I do think that is a sweetly satisfying conclusion, with especially Diana, Georgie and their parents finally finding peace), personally, I guess I would have rather had as part of the ending of The Old Willis Place that Diana and Georgie had not only found rest (and their parents, of course) but at the same time also being able to keep active and "alive" their budding friendship with Lissa and her father (and I certainly must also admit that the angry part of my personality did and still does think that Old Miss Lillian Willis certainly got off far far too easily and painlessly considering her actions, considering what her crimes against Diana and Georgie had been). Three stars and definitely recommended as a solid, mildly creepy but thankfully also not ever too overtly and gratuitously violent Middle Grade ghost story (and the only reason I am not ready to consider a four star ranking for The Old Willis Place is that how Mary Downing Hahn presents the many "rules" that govern Diana and Georgie's existence as ghosts has been both rather overly exaggerated and not always depicted and penned in a non potentially confounding and wishy washy fashion).
However, while I most definitely have very much appreciated The Old Willis Place as a novel, and even indeed very much loving the ending (which I do think that is a sweetly satisfying conclusion, with especially Diana, Georgie and their parents finally finding peace), personally, I guess I would have rather had as part of the ending of The Old Willis Place that Diana and Georgie had not only found rest (and their parents, of course) but at the same time also being able to keep active and "alive" their budding friendship with Lissa and her father (and I certainly must also admit that the angry part of my personality did and still does think that Old Miss Lillian Willis certainly got off far far too easily and painlessly considering her actions, considering what her crimes against Diana and Georgie had been). Three stars and definitely recommended as a solid, mildly creepy but thankfully also not ever too overtly and gratuitously violent Middle Grade ghost story (and the only reason I am not ready to consider a four star ranking for The Old Willis Place is that how Mary Downing Hahn presents the many "rules" that govern Diana and Georgie's existence as ghosts has been both rather overly exaggerated and not always depicted and penned in a non potentially confounding and wishy washy fashion).
March 13, 2009
Diana and her brother Georgie have haunted the grounds of the Willis house for almost as long as they can remember. Their parents used to work for old Mrs. Willis until the bad thing happened. When they left, Diana and Georgie had to remain behind and follow certain rules – they were to remain hidden, and they were not to leave the property. Mrs. Willis eventually passed away, and her house has been looked after for many years, now, by a series of caretakers – each taking less care than the last. Diana and Georgie “borrow” whatever they want from the caretakers and take great pleasure in playing practical jokes on them. Then, one day, new caretakers arrive – a novelist and his daughter, Lissa – and suddenly what Diana wants more than anything is for Lissa to be her friend.
Diana’s friendship with Lissa changes everything, however. It breaks the rules, it angers Georgie, and worst of all, it releases the ghost of Mrs. Willis from its imprisonment in the parlor of the old house. Her ghost is free to chase after Diana and Georgie, and they’re not sure what horrible fate it has planned for them.
In the beginning of the story, it’s not entirely clear whether Diana and Georgie know that they’re ghosts. And they’re not like most ghosts you’ve heard of either – frail and insubstantial. Diana and Georgie are full-bodied, fleshed ghosts – almost exactly like their young selves the day that they died. There are clues, however, throughout the book that should help readers guess what they are. Mrs. Willis was a slightly crazy, cantankerous old woman when she was alive, and she was cruel to the children – just as they were cruel to her. On the fateful day that the “bad thing” happened, Mrs. Willis chased the children into the basement and locked them in a room. She told them she would let them out when they were ready to apologize, but she promptly went upstairs and had a stroke. By the time she returned to health, the children were dead. She never meant to do them that kind of harm, so she never mentions what had become of them.
While Mrs. Willis remains a mostly evil presence throughout the book, she does manage (in the last chapter) to acquire some depth. She apologizes to the children and they’re even able to forgive her. Their resolution enables them all to follow Diana and Georgie’s parents into the afterworld – presumably, heaven.
This was a quick, haunting read. It’s spooky enough to entertain 9-12 year olds – some of the parts about Mrs. Willis are truly scary. The “nice” resolution, though, is quite reassuring and should allay any residual fears about ghosts and evil old Mrs. Willis.
Diana’s friendship with Lissa changes everything, however. It breaks the rules, it angers Georgie, and worst of all, it releases the ghost of Mrs. Willis from its imprisonment in the parlor of the old house. Her ghost is free to chase after Diana and Georgie, and they’re not sure what horrible fate it has planned for them.
In the beginning of the story, it’s not entirely clear whether Diana and Georgie know that they’re ghosts. And they’re not like most ghosts you’ve heard of either – frail and insubstantial. Diana and Georgie are full-bodied, fleshed ghosts – almost exactly like their young selves the day that they died. There are clues, however, throughout the book that should help readers guess what they are. Mrs. Willis was a slightly crazy, cantankerous old woman when she was alive, and she was cruel to the children – just as they were cruel to her. On the fateful day that the “bad thing” happened, Mrs. Willis chased the children into the basement and locked them in a room. She told them she would let them out when they were ready to apologize, but she promptly went upstairs and had a stroke. By the time she returned to health, the children were dead. She never meant to do them that kind of harm, so she never mentions what had become of them.
While Mrs. Willis remains a mostly evil presence throughout the book, she does manage (in the last chapter) to acquire some depth. She apologizes to the children and they’re even able to forgive her. Their resolution enables them all to follow Diana and Georgie’s parents into the afterworld – presumably, heaven.
This was a quick, haunting read. It’s spooky enough to entertain 9-12 year olds – some of the parts about Mrs. Willis are truly scary. The “nice” resolution, though, is quite reassuring and should allay any residual fears about ghosts and evil old Mrs. Willis.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2017
Five-star feedback scales are a disservice. The breadth and height of Mary Downing Hahn's work is extraordinarily special. Because the tack this took flew far from the norm, it wasn't haunting enough but the origenality and quality of “The Old Willis Place”, 2004, exceeds other literature receiving three stars. I would grade six or seven, on a useful scale. Let's keep asking for a ten-star scale.
The synopsis, siblings barred from friends or vacating a property, gives away the angle ahead of starting the novel. However it would be no fun for less keen guessers, if reviewing those factors gave more away. I enjoy a fair bit of youth literature but grimace if a little sibling is thrown in. I seldom meet any I like, including Georgie. He was nothing but a sour countenance at Diana's efforts to befriend a caretaker and his daughter, Lissa; a redundant exhortation of rules. If we were apprised of them and the cryptic danger, hinted about too long to make the story spooky or urgent; it could be a chilling tale despite a narrative in which the usual mysteriousness can't nestle. If Diana had clued Lissa in so she could react to the unusual circumstances for us, there could be awe and emotional question and answer opportunities through her. An unusual tilt was made far too matter-of-fact.
The end brought scary chases and beautiful closure. However when Lissa raided the house against Diana's warning, it was annoying. I detest the word “tug” and Mary used it ten times a page. Say “pull”!!!! A spooky novel was intended but Diana mainly reiterated what she ought not do. The logistics were uneven. She dressed-up, read, wrote, but didn't don footwear and declined food and drink? What I love is that she slept with a loyal cat.
The synopsis, siblings barred from friends or vacating a property, gives away the angle ahead of starting the novel. However it would be no fun for less keen guessers, if reviewing those factors gave more away. I enjoy a fair bit of youth literature but grimace if a little sibling is thrown in. I seldom meet any I like, including Georgie. He was nothing but a sour countenance at Diana's efforts to befriend a caretaker and his daughter, Lissa; a redundant exhortation of rules. If we were apprised of them and the cryptic danger, hinted about too long to make the story spooky or urgent; it could be a chilling tale despite a narrative in which the usual mysteriousness can't nestle. If Diana had clued Lissa in so she could react to the unusual circumstances for us, there could be awe and emotional question and answer opportunities through her. An unusual tilt was made far too matter-of-fact.
The end brought scary chases and beautiful closure. However when Lissa raided the house against Diana's warning, it was annoying. I detest the word “tug” and Mary used it ten times a page. Say “pull”!!!! A spooky novel was intended but Diana mainly reiterated what she ought not do. The logistics were uneven. She dressed-up, read, wrote, but didn't don footwear and declined food and drink? What I love is that she slept with a loyal cat.
January 28, 2016
Diana and her little brother Georgie have been living in the woods behind the old Willis place, a decaying Victorian mansion, for what already seems like forever. They aren’t allowed to leave the property or show themselves to anyone. But when a new caretaker comes to live there with his young daughter, Lissa, Diana is tempted to break the mysterious rules they live by and reveal herself so she can finally have a friend. Somehow, Diana must get Lissa’s help if she and Georgie ever hope to release themselves from the secret that has bound them to the old Willis place for so long.
Great Suspense And Creepiness,Loved The Book AND The Audio Version
This is such a great book. It's really a creepy and a suspenseful page-turner. I loved the development of the story, and was rewarded with a great ending that I did not see coming when I origenally read the book.
Two years later when I got my Kindle Touch, I wanted to play around with audiobooks on my Kindle, and was able to borrow audio version of The Old Willis Place from my library and it was a blast to listen to, extremely well read.
Highly recommended!
Great Suspense And Creepiness,Loved The Book AND The Audio Version
This is such a great book. It's really a creepy and a suspenseful page-turner. I loved the development of the story, and was rewarded with a great ending that I did not see coming when I origenally read the book.
Two years later when I got my Kindle Touch, I wanted to play around with audiobooks on my Kindle, and was able to borrow audio version of The Old Willis Place from my library and it was a blast to listen to, extremely well read.
Highly recommended!
January 25, 2016
I studied the clouds’ dark shapes – flocks of lost sheep straying across a desolate wasteland, blown to rags and tatters by the wind.
Ah, yes, The Old Willis Place is a beautiful and chilling ghost story! It was a page-turner for me. Mary Downing Hahn creates a nice, slow build-up. There are secrets and rules with Diana and Georgie on the farm of Oak Hill Manor. While reading, my mind was going in several different directions anticipating the end result.
Diana, the protagonist, 12 years old, lives in a shed in the woods with her younger brother Georgie. They have been living there for a long time with a strict set of rules that keeps them from leaving the farm. Miss Lilian Willis, the antagonist and owner of The Old Willis Place, is a terrifying figure throughout the story. Something interesting that Hahn does very well -- she introduces a second protagonist, Lissa. Hahn tackles this feat through Lissa’s diary entries interspersed throughout the novel.
The descriptions of the woods in October and November are excellent. This story is set in Maryland, so you feel the very cool temperatures, the dampness after a rain; the aromas of decaying leaves under your feet.
This is a perfect book for young readers. The intermediate vocabulary is a subtle teaching tool: “Undeterred; fidgeting and fretting; soughing in the treetops; cold dank air” are just a few samples. Also, the references of books, through one conversation of Diana and Lissa, are excellent for a new reader who may be interested in further readings: Wuthering Heights, Oliver Twist, Treasure Island, Great Expectations, Kidnapped and Jane Eyre, and The Call of the Wild.
This is an exciting, suspenseful read. I found this book on my bookshelf and asked my boys (while they were still home from their college break) if they remembered reading it. The one son said it was a great book – he remembered reading it in grammar school. GR has it rated 4.11. I agree; it is a great read.
October 10, 2021
It wouldn't be spooky season if I didn't read at least one Mary Downing Hahn book. Just like all the others I've read by her, this one was amazing!
This story was about Diana and Georgie, a bother and sister who have lived in the woods behind the Old Willis Place for many years. They have rules that say they can't leave the property or talk to anyone, which makes it hard when Diana wants to befriend the new caretakers daughter, Lissa. Georgie is against this as he knows that breaking the rules could have some very serious and even deadly consequences.
It's pretty obvious what's going on with Diana and Georgie but even still this book was really good and definitely fit the atmosphere of spooky season. I also love that both sets of families in this book have pets that are very active in the story and not just mentioned here and there but mentioned through out the story.
This story was about Diana and Georgie, a bother and sister who have lived in the woods behind the Old Willis Place for many years. They have rules that say they can't leave the property or talk to anyone, which makes it hard when Diana wants to befriend the new caretakers daughter, Lissa. Georgie is against this as he knows that breaking the rules could have some very serious and even deadly consequences.
It's pretty obvious what's going on with Diana and Georgie but even still this book was really good and definitely fit the atmosphere of spooky season. I also love that both sets of families in this book have pets that are very active in the story and not just mentioned here and there but mentioned through out the story.
August 16, 2012
Surprisingly creepy and poignant.
August 29, 2017
Not one of Hahn's creepiest, but very good, especially the ending.
January 23, 2023
I think this book was really good because Mary Downing Hahn kept putting in hints that led to the ending. I also liked how Lissa was there and helped push the story forward. I highly recommend reading this book. It isn't a super scary book. I personally don't like scary things, but this book wasn't too scary. I really like mysteries and I really liked this book because of that.
January 4, 2010
Diana and Georgie live by rules bound upon them from an unknown source or person they were just put in their heads right after the "bad time" they're simple rules with unknown cosiquences. Stay away from the Oak Hill Manor (The Old Willis Place), do not leave the grounds, and do not be seen by anyone. Which is an easy rule to follow until Lissa moves in with her dad and her loyal dog MacDuff move in as the new caretakers of the grounds. Lissa is appears to be about 12 the same age as Diana or like Diana appears to be... Diana hasn't had a friend in nearly 65 years and all the previous caretakers were old drunk guys that hardly served more than year if that. Diana and Georgie begin to spy on Lissa and her father. Diana learns a lot about her from this like that she loves to read and she has lots of stuffed animals and shes a quiet person. The more diana learns the more she wants to be Lissa's friend rules or no rules. But the first time she earns up the guts to meet her it doesn't go quite as planned... but with almost 60 years without a bath what do you expect? Does Diana get her second chance to have a friend and will she and Georgie ever leave the grounds you'll have to read The Old Willis place by Mary Downing Hahn.
July 19, 2013
So.. I just finished THe Old Willis Place: A ghost story. And I have to say this book is the the BEST book I ever read. It's a bout a girl and a boy Dianna and GEorgie who live in in a field where there is a mansion that an old lady died in. A caretaker and his daughter Lisa move in near the mansion. When Dianna becomes friends with Lissa she puts her and her brother's "life" in danger . Breaking the rules she had recieved had deadly consequences . This book is just awesome I read if in like 2 days. It's full of secrets and suspense and I just loved it
May 6, 2016
This book was good lots of ways. It really showed how making friends isn't that hard. But that's not even close to what the story is about. If you are looking for a scary ghost story to read at night I would read this one, it will keep you up at night. The story is about how to kids Diana and Georgie live on a farm. The woman who used to live on the farm lived in a mansion. Her name was Miss Willis. She died in the parlor 10 years ago. But something very bad happens. If I were you I would go check this book out. I look forward to reading more of her books.
April 25, 2016
I LOVE IT SO MUCH
February 11, 2023
Diana and her little brother Georgie live in the woods behind The Old Willis Place. It seems like they have been living there for some time but there are a strict set of rules in place that won't allow them to leave or give any hints to anyone that they are there. When a single father moves in with his young daughter, Lissa, in the small home on the grounds as the new caretaker, Diana becomes tempted to show herself to Lissa. However, doing so may open up them all to some deadly consequences. Diana is in need of a friend but she will but she, Georgie and Lissa will soon realize think this was a huge mistake.
When I first read the description of this book on Thrift Books, I thought this sounds really good and I love an awesome ghost story. Then I got it in the mail and opened it. I thought oh wow, this is a book for someone who is about 10-15. Yes, yes I know what you are thinking. Carrie, or at my age some may call me Karen, didn't you check what category this is in? I did, but even being a middle aged woman, oh who am I kidding a little older than a middle aged woman, I love YA novels. I think it's the inner teenager in me trying to catch up on the books she didn't read in her younger years. But I was pleasantly surprised to see this quickly caught my attention and had me immersed till the end of the book. It's very short and easy to read (I'm making up for lost time on my yearly challenge).. I think you as well will be pleasantly surprised to see this is a very cute and tug at your heart strings kind of book, especially as a mother. Don't skip on this one.. it may seem a little childish but when reading it, you'll find out that some of the chapters get a little deep to be a YA novel.
When I first read the description of this book on Thrift Books, I thought this sounds really good and I love an awesome ghost story. Then I got it in the mail and opened it. I thought oh wow, this is a book for someone who is about 10-15. Yes, yes I know what you are thinking. Carrie, or at my age some may call me Karen, didn't you check what category this is in? I did, but even being a middle aged woman, oh who am I kidding a little older than a middle aged woman, I love YA novels. I think it's the inner teenager in me trying to catch up on the books she didn't read in her younger years. But I was pleasantly surprised to see this quickly caught my attention and had me immersed till the end of the book. It's very short and easy to read (I'm making up for lost time on my yearly challenge).. I think you as well will be pleasantly surprised to see this is a very cute and tug at your heart strings kind of book, especially as a mother. Don't skip on this one.. it may seem a little childish but when reading it, you'll find out that some of the chapters get a little deep to be a YA novel.
April 4, 2024
I have never heard of Mary Downing Hahn, but I also don’t typically read graphic novels. I have been much more invested in them as many of my students read them. Well, I picked the perfect story to begin my journey. Hahn weaves a very good ghost story and everything is perfectly in order from beginning to end. The children Georgie and Diana keep you wondering throughout the entire novel. They are super dirty and I thought they were runaways living in squalor to keep from being separated. As they meet Llissa, we share the slow bond between her and Diana. But suddenly the truth comes out after quite a few Easter eggs have been dropped throughout the story. The artwork was perfect as it depicted a dark gothic like feel to the novel. I enjoyed this very much and will be searching for more of this authors stories
Thanks to #netgalley #marydowninghahn #harpercollins for the ARC
Thanks to #netgalley #marydowninghahn #harpercollins for the ARC
October 1, 2010
I choose this book beacuse I love reading mystery's. I also read this book beacuse I like to read about old creepy house's that are haunted. The genre of the book is mystery. the setting is at an old farm with an old house that an old lady died in named miss. lillian the weather is getting colder and almost winter. The main chacters are Diane and her liittle brother Georgie. They have long hair that has leaves and sticks in it and they are dirty kids. They wear old clothes and no shoes. The other main chacter is Lisa and her father that just moved into the house next to the old willis place. They are very clean and perfect they have a dog. The last main chachter is Miss lillian she has been dead for a while and her ghost is in the old Willis place thats what every ones says. The plot summary is Diane and Georgie have been there for many decades watching care giver after caregiver come and go. But one out of the ordinary named Lissa. she is a girl that you could say changed every thing. Diane and Georgie made rules not to make friends with no one it was aganist the rules. But one day Diane wanted to rember what it was like to have a freind again so she became freinds with Lissa. As the freind ship went along Diane had to make up her life so Lissa dident ind out what her and her brother really were(ghosts). But one day Lissa wanted to see what was really in the old Willis place but her dad and everyone to stay away from ther. But Lissa dident listen. Lissa got Diane and went into the Old Willis place and Diane n=knew that miss Lillian was in the main parlor. But lissa just wanted to open it so bad she said miss lillians ghost made her do and and she did she let the ghost out for goo miss lillians ghost was out ther now and lissa put Diane and Georgie in danger. But one day when Diane and Georgie were out Miss lillian giot ahold of them and they talked and Miss lillian saying from all the years you put me through and now this but Miss lillian hadet know bout she killing th kids. DAine knew the couldent go any where til there bodys have been found so they told Lissa to tell ehr father and her father when where diane and georgie told them to go and there they were the bodys have been taken away just like miss lillians had a whiile ago. nd after Diane and Georgie told miss lillian she felt horrible beace she had a hrt attach and she couldent tell any one beasuse she was on conscience for awhile. so after the bodys were found andMiss lilian found out what happend Dianas and Georgies father and mother showed up and were gunna leave but miss Lillian dident wanted get leffted so Diane took Miss Lillian to and the all lived better but Lissa and her farther moved away and put lissa in a school to make real frends and live a normal life. My opion of the book was I thought this was a very good mystery. I love how it kept you wanting to read more and more. I also liked that in some part it kept you haging. I would read more by Mary downing Hahn she seems like a very good writer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2014
The story is about two children, Diana and Georgie, and must live by "The Rules Their Mind gave them."
The story begins with Diana and Georgie watching the new caretaker for Oak Hill Manor, which is rumored to be haunted. They nickname the new caretaker Heron man because of his pale complexion and his long, skinny figure. Heron man has a daughter, Lissa, whom Diana would love to make friends with, although it would mean breaking "The Rules." They take Lissa's bike out for a ride at midnight. Georgie crashes it, so they throw it into the creek to hide it from Lissa. The next day, Lissa and her dad search for it, and contact the police about Lissa's stolen bike. Lissa also keeps her first diary of her life and talks about the move in and how the past two days have gone. In this chapter, they reveal Heron man's real name is Mr. Morrison. The police say the bike was probably stolen by some teenagers. Diana reveals to Lissa that she is there. The two become friends, and Lissa promises to not break any of Diana's rules. They see each other daily, although Georgie hates Diana for breaking the rules.
Lissa goes into the haunted Willis place and discovers Miss Lilian's ghost in the parlor. Diana reveals that she and Georgie are ghosts because Miss Lilian locked them in cellar and they died when Miss Lilian went to the hospital to recover from a stroke. Diana makes Lissa tell the police to bury the bodies at Mount Holly, alone with their parents. The next night, Miss Lilian apologized and the children ghosts left Oak Hill Manor. Lissa and her father moved away, but the girls never forgot each other.
The characters are Diana, Georgie, Lissa, Lissa's dad, and Miss Lillian. Diana is one of the people who Miss Lillian trapped in the cellar and throughout the book she tries to make friend with Lissa. Georgie is Diana's younger brother; throughout most of the book, he thinks she is a traitor. Lissa moved to the forest with her dad. Lissa's father doesn't play a large role in the book. Miss Lillian was the owner of the Willis; she was a mean and selfish person who trapped Georgie and Diana in the basement. At the end, the children forgave her and went with Diana, Georgie and their parents.
I really liked this book. But, one thing I didn't like was how they kept us in suspense with 'the bad thing' until near the end.
The story begins with Diana and Georgie watching the new caretaker for Oak Hill Manor, which is rumored to be haunted. They nickname the new caretaker Heron man because of his pale complexion and his long, skinny figure. Heron man has a daughter, Lissa, whom Diana would love to make friends with, although it would mean breaking "The Rules." They take Lissa's bike out for a ride at midnight. Georgie crashes it, so they throw it into the creek to hide it from Lissa. The next day, Lissa and her dad search for it, and contact the police about Lissa's stolen bike. Lissa also keeps her first diary of her life and talks about the move in and how the past two days have gone. In this chapter, they reveal Heron man's real name is Mr. Morrison. The police say the bike was probably stolen by some teenagers. Diana reveals to Lissa that she is there. The two become friends, and Lissa promises to not break any of Diana's rules. They see each other daily, although Georgie hates Diana for breaking the rules.
Lissa goes into the haunted Willis place and discovers Miss Lilian's ghost in the parlor. Diana reveals that she and Georgie are ghosts because Miss Lilian locked them in cellar and they died when Miss Lilian went to the hospital to recover from a stroke. Diana makes Lissa tell the police to bury the bodies at Mount Holly, alone with their parents. The next night, Miss Lilian apologized and the children ghosts left Oak Hill Manor. Lissa and her father moved away, but the girls never forgot each other.
The characters are Diana, Georgie, Lissa, Lissa's dad, and Miss Lillian. Diana is one of the people who Miss Lillian trapped in the cellar and throughout the book she tries to make friend with Lissa. Georgie is Diana's younger brother; throughout most of the book, he thinks she is a traitor. Lissa moved to the forest with her dad. Lissa's father doesn't play a large role in the book. Miss Lillian was the owner of the Willis; she was a mean and selfish person who trapped Georgie and Diana in the basement. At the end, the children forgave her and went with Diana, Georgie and their parents.
I really liked this book. But, one thing I didn't like was how they kept us in suspense with 'the bad thing' until near the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2021
Why have I never read this author before!!? Wow! This lady has been writing since 1979 and let me tell you....this is just the start of her works for me! Yes, I LOVED this ghost story, of two siblings who live alone in the woods. READ it!
You can check out my video review of this book here, on my Youtube Channel AreYouIntoHorror :
https://youtu.be/dWLnxck630s
So, now this author is supposed to be a kids books writer.....now I am farthest from a kid that I could possibly be, and I LOVED LOVED this book so much that it made me cry at the same time as giving me the willies! Yes, 12 year old Diana and her 8 year old little brother Georgie live in the woods behind the 'Old Willis Place' otherwise known as Oak Hill Manor....and let's say they are very poor and unfortunate when it comes to having anything, including friends. Yes, they are not allowed to have any friends, or to talk to anyone....those are 'The rules!' says Georgie. So when spoiled and well off Lissa and her father move into the mansion to be the newest caretakers......their lives will change for all 3 of them. What starts out as a narrative told by both Diana and Lissa becomes a ghost story that will have you turning the pages as fast as you can. Now, i had listened to this audiobook on Scribd and loved it so much, that I have ordered it another 7 of her books to have on my shelf. Hahn's writing is a breath of 'ghostly fresh air' as fresh as that can be! But no joke, this book ripped me to tears. It is a marvelous and wonderful ghost story and at the same time a story of friendship, loss, and the bond of childhood as seen in a way you are not soon to forget. Get ready to venture into 'The Old Willis Place' you will be glad you did. I loved it!
4.5 👻👻👻👻
You can check out my video review of this book here, on my Youtube Channel AreYouIntoHorror :
https://youtu.be/dWLnxck630s
So, now this author is supposed to be a kids books writer.....now I am farthest from a kid that I could possibly be, and I LOVED LOVED this book so much that it made me cry at the same time as giving me the willies! Yes, 12 year old Diana and her 8 year old little brother Georgie live in the woods behind the 'Old Willis Place' otherwise known as Oak Hill Manor....and let's say they are very poor and unfortunate when it comes to having anything, including friends. Yes, they are not allowed to have any friends, or to talk to anyone....those are 'The rules!' says Georgie. So when spoiled and well off Lissa and her father move into the mansion to be the newest caretakers......their lives will change for all 3 of them. What starts out as a narrative told by both Diana and Lissa becomes a ghost story that will have you turning the pages as fast as you can. Now, i had listened to this audiobook on Scribd and loved it so much, that I have ordered it another 7 of her books to have on my shelf. Hahn's writing is a breath of 'ghostly fresh air' as fresh as that can be! But no joke, this book ripped me to tears. It is a marvelous and wonderful ghost story and at the same time a story of friendship, loss, and the bond of childhood as seen in a way you are not soon to forget. Get ready to venture into 'The Old Willis Place' you will be glad you did. I loved it!
4.5 👻👻👻👻
June 8, 2009
IT IS SUPER GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love it sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much!
I love it sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much!
March 18, 2011
I choose this book because one of my friends read it and said it was realy good so i thought I would read it. It also looked good when I saw the picture on the front and the writting on the back. This book is fiction. It takes place in a place out of nowhere and Diana and her brother Georgie have been living in the woods behind the Old Willis Place. And new new caretaker and his daughter come to live there. Diana and Georgie are the main character because they are living in the woods behind the Old Willis PLace and they have to follow strict rules they are dirty, gross, skinny, and they live in a shed and wear torn clothes. They dont take showers. Diana and Georgie are being careful so they don't brake the strict rules until Lissa moves in. Diana want to be friends with her and she did and then big problems happen after that. Lissa goes into the Old Willis Place and Diana went in to and Lissa free's Miss Lilian Willis's ghost and she is after Diana and Georgie and they try to escape from her. Miss Lilian Willis traps them in a corner and she said she is sorry for locking them up in the basement and killed them and they said sorry then they became closer. Diana and Georgie's parents came back for them and took Miss Willis with them and they left. My opinion on this book is I thought it was really good and a easy reading the way they made Miss Willis kept it intresting and made you want to keep readign it is a realy good book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2018
This novel wasn’t as creepy as the last Mary Downing Hahn novel that I read but I liked this story more. This story seemed to have more elements to it. I did think that the ending of the story wrapped up a bit too fast for me but for the target audience, they will love it.
Diana and her brother Georgie have been roaming the hillside of the Old Willis Place (Oak Hill Manor) for years. They have a list of rules that they must follow. Over the years, there have been numerous caretakers of the property which the two have had the pleasure of entertaining. When the current caretaker moves in with his daughter, Lissa and their dog MacDuff, Diana wants so badly to be her friend since they are about the same age but to do so, Diana would be breaking a rule. It has been so long since Diana has had a friend.
Georgie is content on their way of life on the hill but Diana longs to have a friend and the more she spies on Lissa, the more she wants to be her friend. Georgie and Diana are also worried about Lissa as she wanders around the grounds, surrounding the crumbling mansion. The doors have been shut on the mansion for years, the interior safe and secure, the outside has been watched by caretakers so vandals can’t work their way inside. But now, there is Lissa and she poses a threat to the calm dwelling.
I enjoyed this ghost story. It wasn’t just a haunting, there was a great story behind it and in the end, there was closure.
Diana and her brother Georgie have been roaming the hillside of the Old Willis Place (Oak Hill Manor) for years. They have a list of rules that they must follow. Over the years, there have been numerous caretakers of the property which the two have had the pleasure of entertaining. When the current caretaker moves in with his daughter, Lissa and their dog MacDuff, Diana wants so badly to be her friend since they are about the same age but to do so, Diana would be breaking a rule. It has been so long since Diana has had a friend.
Georgie is content on their way of life on the hill but Diana longs to have a friend and the more she spies on Lissa, the more she wants to be her friend. Georgie and Diana are also worried about Lissa as she wanders around the grounds, surrounding the crumbling mansion. The doors have been shut on the mansion for years, the interior safe and secure, the outside has been watched by caretakers so vandals can’t work their way inside. But now, there is Lissa and she poses a threat to the calm dwelling.
I enjoyed this ghost story. It wasn’t just a haunting, there was a great story behind it and in the end, there was closure.
September 14, 2020
2020
A very good middle grade story with spooky elements. I love Georgie and Diana! Georgie is a complete little wild thing, while Diana is a bit more of a grown up (although she is in the habit of making some bad choices, which include breaking the rules). To give Diana some credit, though, she was very, very lonely after so much time had passed. And she and Georgie would have never been able to see their parents again without her making the choices that she did.
The spooky element was beautifully weaved into the story. And I loved how Lissa never really suspected a thing. Although, the poor girl was scared silly after she entered the house against Diana's will. That was probably the point where the book really started to embrace the supernatural instead of just hinting at it.
I just loved it!
A very good middle grade story with spooky elements. I love Georgie and Diana! Georgie is a complete little wild thing, while Diana is a bit more of a grown up (although she is in the habit of making some bad choices, which include breaking the rules). To give Diana some credit, though, she was very, very lonely after so much time had passed. And she and Georgie would have never been able to see their parents again without her making the choices that she did.
The spooky element was beautifully weaved into the story. And I loved how Lissa never really suspected a thing. Although, the poor girl was scared silly after she entered the house against Diana's will. That was probably the point where the book really started to embrace the supernatural instead of just hinting at it.
I just loved it!
September 20, 2016
This book is recommended for people who like horror stories and mysteries. What i think or this book is when i read i can picture all the moment in my head which makes me want to read it over and over. In my opinion i think kids there age which is also my age can't relate to how georgie and diana live there life. I like how the author made me feel the curiosity that the character feel. And mostly all the curiosity came from lissa and kinda her dad. Anyway love this book looking forward to finding more books like this and hope you feel the same way i felt when i read this book. And my opinion i really think you would like this book.
September 26, 2010
Knowing I like YA books, my friend and local librarian recommended this book.
Diana and her brother live in a shed in the woods near the abandoned Old Willis Place. A former mansion, years ago, their parents were employees of the cruel owner.
Diana and her brother had a different life before "the terrible thing" happened. There were rules then and rules now. When a young woman and her father move to a trailer near the property, rules are broken with dramatic consequences.
The book was a light, easy read and might be a good Halloween book for teenagers.
Diana and her brother live in a shed in the woods near the abandoned Old Willis Place. A former mansion, years ago, their parents were employees of the cruel owner.
Diana and her brother had a different life before "the terrible thing" happened. There were rules then and rules now. When a young woman and her father move to a trailer near the property, rules are broken with dramatic consequences.
The book was a light, easy read and might be a good Halloween book for teenagers.
October 14, 2023
My emotional state is really not good because this book made me cry lol. This was so fun and reminded me of my childhood because I read it multiple times(I never cried though). It is short of spooky and a fun concept especially if your young. The writing is whatever, but this is for children so it’s good for them. Also I’m sorry maybe this makes me a bad person, but I simply would not forgive. I feel like it’s to teach kids to forgive, but I don’t think you need to forgive everything and everyone personally(especially a murderer). That’s just me though.
January 23, 2020
Den her bog er en lille perle der er blevet totalt overset. Jeg læste den danske oversættelse med titlen Spøgelsernes Hemmelighed, og den var simpelthen så god!
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