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Carol Fisher Saller
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Maddie's Ghost Paperback – August 10, 2023

by Carol Fisher Saller (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 53 ratings
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Winner, 2024 Midland Authors Award for Children's Fiction

“Irresistible. . . . Rich with exciting clues”!—EDITOR’S PICK, Publishers Weekly Booklife

Twelve-year-old Madeleine "Lainie" Stanton is about to make headlines. She was the first baby born at the new millennium, and a local TV station wants an interview. But when the reporter uncovers the dark history of Lainie's great-grandmother Maddie, who was executed for murder, the interview takes a dangerous turn.

Determined to clear her ancestor's name, Lainie and her two best friends embark on a thrilling race against time. Following clues left by Madeleine herself, they unravel a shocking mystery that has been buried for decades.

Set in a twisty old house, "Maddie's Ghost" is heartwarming upper-middle-grade fiction. With themes of family, friendship, and a touch of humor, this story will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

A must-read for fans of "The Parker Inheritance" and "The Dollhouse Murders."

“A fine mystery with winsome characters and a complicated old house.” —Kirkus Reviews
“An exciting exploration of history, justice, and the long-lasting impact of the past.” —Readers’ Favorite
“A great read with a touch of paranormal for the designated age group and beyond.” —Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Carol Fisher Saller is also the author of Eddie's War and The Bridge Dancers. Honors for her books include Bankstreet Best Books of the Year, Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year, Horn Book Recommended Verse, the Carl Sandburg Award for Children’s Literature, the Midland Authors Award for Children's Fiction, and Chicago Public Library’s Best Teen Fiction.
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  1. Reading age
    11+ years, from customers
  2. Print length
    242 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Dimensions
    5.25 x 0.61 x 8 inches
  5. Publication date
    August 10, 2023
  6. ISBN-13
    979-8853125674
  7. See all details
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From the Publisher

middle-school hard dead ancestor visits

Lainie’s great-grandmother was hanged for murder decades ago. Is she really begging for help from beyond the grave?

Carol Fisher Saller

Carol Fisher Saller lives in Chicago. Honors for her children's books include Bankstreet Best Books, Kirkus Best, Horn Book Recommended Verse, the Carl Sandburg Award for Children’s Literature, and Chicago Public Library’s Best Teen Fiction.

Carol is a contributing editor to The Chicago Manual of Style. Her book The Subversive Copy Editor is a celebrated reference in the publishing world.

More books from Carol:

  • Eddie’s War, young adult historical novel set in rural Illinois during World War II. “A quick, excellent read” (Kirkus Reviews). “Beautifully written prose vignettes” (Bankstreet Best Books).
  • The Bridge Dancers, picture book, illus. Gerald Talifero. “A complex picture book for readers young and old” (School Library Journal). “A good choice for reading aloud” (Booklist). Winner of the Carl Sandburg Award for Children's Literature.
  • George Washington Carver, early reader, coauthor Andy Carter, illus. by Lance Paladino. National Council for Social Studies Notable Trade Book.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This expertly plotted middle-grade thriller will enthrall readers... Saller skillfully weaves history and present-day hints to create an irresistible narrative, rich with exciting clues that readers will eagerly devour... Saller also doesn't shy away from tough subjects, such as unethical drug companies, unjust execution after defending one's own life, and unnecessary commitment to mental hospitals. Lainie and her friends are thoroughly believable and appealing, leading readers to follow them on this multi-decade-old mystery trail. This tantalizing tale will engage readers from the first page to the last." — Editor's Pick, Publishers Weekly Booklife

"A fine mystery with winsome characters and a complicated old house." — Kirkus Reviews

"An exciting exploration of history, justice, and the long-lasting impact of the past on the present... A beautiful literary experience that effortlessly bridges the gap between multiple generations and timelines... Targeted at younger audiences but appeals to all ages." — 5 stars, Readers' Favorite reviews

"A great read with a touch of paranormal for the designated age group and beyond." — Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

"Spooky history meets bone-chilling mystery in this tightly written ghost story—meant for only the bravest readers." — Kate Hannigan, author of the historical fantasy series Cape, Mask, and Boots

"Intricate plotting and convincing characterization... Lainie herself comes to life on the pages, a strong, flawed, believable girl." — Paula Morrow, children's book editor and librarian

"I would have loved this as a kid. Mystery, ghosts, crushes, secret staircases, believable friendships, and librarians. A page-turner." — Louise Brueggemann, librarian

"A well-written book with a strong storyline. We never lose sight of what Lainie wants and how she goes about getting it." — Barbara Gregorich, author of Guide to Writing the Mystery Novel

From the Author

Dear Reader,

Thank you for your interest in Maddie's Ghost! Since you're here, I'm guessing you like a spooky tale. I do too - but different people have different ideas of what exactly "spooky" means. Some readers are looking for a little shiver of fear, while others are practically begging "SCARE ME!"

Maddie's Ghost is somewhere in between. It definitely has some chills, but most of the book is a tightly plotted mystery that a regular kid named Lainie is trying to solve for two big reasons:
 
  1. She made a terrible mistake that will shatter her beloved great-uncles when a local TV show tells the world that their mom was a murderer back in 1935.
  2. If she doesn't solve it, everyone on the planet will know Lainie's a liar.

My goal in writing Maddie's Ghost was to create a true mystery story where a young person follows clues like a real detective. No cackling villains will chase Lainie to the edge of a cliff. No solutions will appear out of nowhere at the end. You won't be left thinking "Hey, wait a minute . . . but what about that [plot hole the size of a Buick]??"

I didn't want Lainie to be a genius or have superpowers. I wanted her to mess up and fail and start over like we all do when faced with a difficult challenge. I wanted her to have a loyal friend - or two or three - and no cartoon-type mean kids bullying her.

And I wanted readers to laugh! Not yuck-yuck laughing at fart jokes, but more like that snort-through-your-nose laughing at those embarrassing middle-grade situations everyone gets themselves into now and then.

Finally, I wanted Lainie to be scared. That's when I thought up the ghostly vision of the condemned ancestor Madelaine who haunts her great-granddaughter. Maddie, who was hanged for murder. You have to help me, she whispers. Find the book!

Will she find it before it's too late?

Chills!
Carol

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CFCWVY6M
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (August 10, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 242 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8853125674
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 11+ years, from customers
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 0.61 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 53 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Carol Fisher Saller

Carol Fisher Saller

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Carol Fisher Saller is the author of Maddie's Ghost, Eddie’s War and The Bridge Dancers. Honors for her children’s books include Bank Street Best Book of the Year, Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year, Horn Book Recommended Verse, the Midland Authors Award for Children’s Fiction, the Carl Sandburg Award for Children’s Literature, and Chicago Public Library’s Best Teen Fiction.

As a professional manuscript editor, Carol is the author of the book and blog The Subversive Copy Editor and contributing editor to The Chicago Manual of Style. She lives in Chicago.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
53 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Clifford Garstang
5.0 out of 5 stars Great characters, fun story
Reviewed in the United States on February 29, 2024
Verified Purchase
As an adult, I'm not this book's intended audience, but I still appreciated the story and the depiction of the main characters (including the house with all of its nooks and hiding places). Lainie is a girl with spunk, and, despite her family's traumatic past, a healthy dose of optimism (tempered by standard age-appropriate angst). I think young readers will definitely enjoy going along for the ride as Lainie attempts to solve a family mystery with the help of her best friend and a crush-worthy boy.
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Dragonwell
5.0 out of 5 stars Maddie’s Ghost is a book for adults young and old!
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2024
Verified Purchase
This masterwork of emotional depth shouldn’t be left to 12-15 year olds. I am a mother old enough to know how precious the links are between generations. How can we acknowledge and appreciate our parents and grandparents and how they raised us without understanding their lives? Ms Saller leads us on a challenging, problem-solving search through time with a kind and responsible girl. The protagonist grows into her adult self as she helps reconstruct her emotionally fraught multigenerational family history through solid research with the help of friends, a CEO, and a excellent librarian.
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SAM ME
4.0 out of 5 stars A sweet story for young readers
Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2024
Maddie's Ghost
By, Carol Fisher Saller

Maddie's Ghost is a captivating tale aimed at young readers, family secrets, and the importance of relationships. The protagonist, a young girl named Lainie, embarks on a journey to uncover the hidden truths of her family's past. As she goes deeper into the mystery, she not only discovers shocking truths but also learns valuable lessons about the significance of family bonds and the support of friends.

Overall, "Maddie's Ghost" is a wonderful read that will resonate with young readers, offering not only an engaging story but also valuable life lessons. It shows the significance of the enduring power of family and friendship, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys a blend of mystery, adventure, and heartfelt storytelling.
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J. Shacter
5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling Read
Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2023
Verified Purchase
The mystery behind Maddie's great-grandmother was riveting. The historical context and characters were so well fleshed out that I had a hard time putting down the book -- I had to discover the truth!

I also loved Maddie's intergenerational relationships with her grandfather and great-uncles. So sweet and charmingly funny.
One person found this helpful
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dayzee
5.0 out of 5 stars A smart, page turner mystery for middle grade readers!
Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2023
Verified Purchase
I loved the intergenerational relationships in Maddie's Ghost. This is not only a creepy mystery for young readers, but also a depiction of a loving family with problems and a difficult past to deal with. Maddie has to figure out how to navigate these relationships when her choices (already opposed by the family) hurt those she loves. Much of the humor in the book rests with the grandfather and uncles, but Maddie's respect and love for them is always present. In a similar way, when a gentle romance develops, Maddie's concern about a friend who likes the same boy, is very believable and very Middle School. This is a smart mystery and so much more.
2 people found this helpful
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Ann G
5.0 out of 5 stars Mystery, intrigue
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2023
Verified Purchase
Maddie's Ghost is more than a mystery for middle schoolers. It is a compelling story of determination, conviction, the supernatural and human relationships. The author gives us endearing characters and has an attention to detail that makes the story come to life. A great book to give as a gift or to read again!
One person found this helpful
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J Moore
4.0 out of 5 stars A Gripping Middle-Grade Mystery with Heart
Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2023
"Maddie's Ghost" by Carol Fisher Saller is a captivating middle-grade mystery that seamlessly blends elements of family, friendship, and history into a suspenseful narrative. Madeleine "Lainie" Stanton is about to celebrate her 12th birthday, a milestone that turns her into a local sensation due to her unique birth timing at the stroke of midnight during the millennium. However, what should be a joyous occasion takes a startling turn when a TV reporter discovers a dark family secret - Lainie's great-grandmother, Madeleine, was hanged for murder.
One person found this helpful
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Sandra K. Stiles
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Read
Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2024
When Lainie Stanton receives a call from a TV reporter inviting her to be interviewed as Ohio’s first millennium baby she is flattered. Her Uncs and father are not as thrilled. They see this as possible issue, especially if the reporter’s intentions are not true. Their worst fears come true. During the taping of the interview Lainie is faced with pictures of her great-grandmother’s hanging. Seventy-five years before her great-grandmother was tried and convicted of murder. Lainie blindsided by this reporter claims she has proof of her grandmother’s innocent. Now she has only a few weeks to make her lie a truth.
I loved the complexity of this book. The flipping back and forth between historical documents and present time kept me reading. This is definitely a book I will read again in the future. It was just that good. Definitely need a copy for my classroom shelves.
One person found this helpful
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