Jake Weir, while on the set of his parents ghost hunting TV show, agrees to help a ghost investigate a 61 year-old murder.Jake Weir is not like the other kids in Dusk, North Carolina. Then again, Dusk, North Carolina is not like other cities. Known as one of the most haunted cities in America, behind Salem, Massachusetts and New Orleans, Louisiana, Dusk is ground zero for Jake's ghost hunting parents.The Weir family has arrived in Dusk eager to scope out some of the town's 127 reported "paranormal properties," which just happens to be the name of their own ghost hunting show: Paranormal Properties. What Jake doesn't know, and what his parents could never imagine, is that Jake can see ghosts! And hear them. And talk back to them! This talent comes in handy when he runs into Dusk's oldest, most famous ghost: one Frank Barrone, a one-time lounge singer made famous by his booze-soaked ballad, "Barroom Eyes."Frank was gunned down by a local mobster in 1951 and has been searching for his killer ever since. When he learns that Jake can see and hear him, Frank makes young Jake a deal: if Jake will help Frank find his killer, Frank will help his parents find a ghost to film for their upcoming Halloween Special on Public Access Channel #319. Jake enlists the only friend he's made in Dusk, an overweight tomboy nicknamed "Tank," to help him track down Frank's killer. As clues emerge and old leads heat up, Frank and Jake learn they make quite a team. But will Jake find Frank's killer? And will Frank find a real haunted house in time for Halloween?
Release Date: February 27th 2013
Author Website
Buy the book
I’ve had a real good mix of books to read recently and I’ll admit I wasn’t really expecting to enjoy this YA book.
I was SO wrong! The book is aimed for 11+ year olds and yes the book is totally suitable for those ages but I found myself also totally compelled into each page. Jake I immediately warmed to and felt a bit sorry for him as he is a teenager who is constantly moving around with his parents as they try to prove that ghosts exists. His life is totally at their mercy but also he doesn’t really believe in ghosts until he meets one!
I absolutely loved Frank and he was probably my favourite character in the book. His charming personality almost fell out of the pages and I found myself smiling every time his name was mentioned. With Jake helping Frank find out who killed him they have a great deal of banter which is fun to read and also makes this book more fun for the intended audience to read I think. I also really found Jake’s friend Tank very fun, she has her share of problems but she’s someone who girls reading this will relate to.
The ending is almost a cliffhanger but it is left open for another book and I really hope there is one. After being very sceptical I would really like to read a second book from this author carrying on this story. This book is perfect for teenagers and there is enough for adults too to keep you engaged, the story flows well and has good engaging characters. Also I’m very interested to see what else Tracy Lane will write next if it’s not another in this series, definitely an author to watch.
About the Tracy Lane:
I was fascinated with the paranormal when I was very young. I always felt
like someone was around me even when I was alone. It caused me to be inspired to write a paranormal book where a teenager can see and hear ghosts and actually makes friends with one.
I use to love to write short stories in school and always wanted to be a writer. But raising children and working jobs I just could not find the time to indulge my passion. Then my children grew up and I ended up having two teenagers at home who did not need as much attention from me. I started toying with the idea of writing once again. So setting aside 5 to 10 minutes per day to write at least one page I could end up with a book a year. Now Paranormal Properties is published and I have a list of 8 more books to write. I don't think I"ll be slowing down anytime soon.
Tour Wide Giveaway
4 signed print books and sets of 2 trading cards
6 sets of two trading cards
Open to US shipping
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I love ghost mysteries.. add in a teenage ghost whisperer and you have a story that will not only entertain me, but I can share it with my older grandchildren.
I would love to win this book for my home library (2000 books and growing).
Congrats to Tracey on the new release! Thanks for sharing ; )
This sounds like a great read .Hope you have a fantastic day.
Ohh, mobsters? I love the paranormal. and tank sounds like someone I could really get behind, not a flaky girl just along for the ride.