THE WHISPERING HOUSE

An atmospheric and haunting story that will capture readers' imaginations until the very last pages.

"Maisie Holt. This is her book". It is a plain, old house, one fourteen-year-old Hannah's family plans to stay in only for a short while, but for Hannah, secrets soon come creeping out of every corner of Cowleigh Lodge. First there is the old and dusty book of children's fairy tales that belonged to a young girl named Maisie. Hannah learns that the girl died at age 11, under mysterious circumstances, in this very house nearly one-hundred-fifty years ago.

Then, when Hannah draws a portrait of Maisie, things begin to fall apart - quite literally. The house seems to be reverting to its nineteenth-century form, and Hannah is not sure whether it or Maisie herself is sending her messages. Hannah must solve the mystery of Maisie's death, because if she does not help her, Maisie may never leave Hannah alone.

Rebecca Wade was born in Worcestershire. The house in this story, Cowleigh Lodge, is based on her memory of the house where she grew up. Ms. Wade is a professional viola player, primarily with the Philharmonia Orchestra in England. She is also the author of THE THEFT AND THE MIRACLE. She has two grown children and lives in London.