Ruby and Olivia

When Olivia takes the fall for her twin sister, Emma’s, shoplifting, she’s sent to Camp Chrysalis for the summer–the camp for “bad” kids. Making things worse is the presence of Ruby, who was once Emma’s best friend and–Olivia believes–played a big role in driving the sisters apart. Forced by circumstances to interact, Ruby and Olivia get to work on the summer’s project: documenting the contents of a creepy historic mansion. Right away, the girls discover that this house holds more than just ancient taxidermy specimens and terrifying dolls. Someone–or something–is trying to communicate with them. As Ruby and Olivia sink deeper into the mystery, they come to understand the dark secrets of Live Oak House and the Wrexhall family–and their own role in bringing the secrets into the light.

Hawkins doesn’t get too dark with the haunted elements of this story, but the ghostly incidents are creepy enough to keep readers interested. All bets are off for the conclusion, and readers will be glad Hawkins doesn’t back away from letting the eerier elements play out. Though one might wish for more of this all-in feeling throughout, there’s still reason enough to keep turning the pages.