Jane Haltmaier is a retired economist and author of young adult mystery/fantasy fiction.
The Secret of Spirit Lake
In a haunted Victorian home, two girls from different eras uncover a chilling mystery. As Amy navigates her new life and Penny fights for survival, their paths intertwine through a ghostly nanny, leading to friendship, courage, and the truth behind a tragic past.
Set against the backdrop of a picturesque North Carolina lake, The Secret of Spirit Lake weaves the tales of Amy and Penny, two young girls separated by time yet connected by fate. In 2023, Amy moves into the old Victorian house with her family, feeling lost and resentful of her new life. The transition is daunting, especially with her parents uprooting her from her childhood home and friends. As she grapples with her feelings of isolation, Amy discovers the tower bedroom, where whispers of the past linger.
Eighty-five years earlier, Penny faces her own challenges as a young nanny after losing her parents in a devastating fire. Orphaned and placed with distant relatives, she suspects their intentions are less than noble. Struggling to protect the children in her care, Penny's resilience shines through as she navigates her new reality.
The connection between Amy and Penny deepens when they encounter Sally, the ghostly nanny who haunts the tower. Sally's tragic story unfolds, revealing dark secrets and a shared history of loss. As Amy and her friends delve into the mystery surrounding Sally's past, they uncover the truth about Penny's fate and the injustices she faced.
Through courage and friendship, both girls embark on a journey of self-discovery, ultimately finding strength in their shared experiences. The Secret of Spirit Lake is a haunting tale of resilience, love, and the bonds that transcend time.
5-star rating on Reader Views
Review
The Secret of Spirit Lake by Jane Haltmaier is a coming-of-age mystery that offers teen and young adult readers exciting secrets and chilling revelations. Through the alternating perspective, this novel highlights the challenges that the girls face—Amy’s difficulties of being the new girl in Spirit Lake and Penny’s fight for survival as she finds herself in a dire situation. The addition of a ghostly form adds another layer of intrigue as it becomes the proverbial glue that bonds the girls. Calling all amateur investigators! Readers who adore digging for information and piecing together clues will be immersed in this thrilling novel, from ghostly encounters to uncovering lost letters to DNA results. Haltmaier leaves no stone unturned in revealing the mystery of Spirit Lake. Amy and her new friends are determined to help Sally uncover what happened to Penny and the children she nannied, and they go to great depths to connect all the dots. I was rooting for them every step of the way! Readers will be impressed by the level of character evolution. Penny, in particular, goes through an earth-shattering transition when she is plucked from her comfortable life, suffers a tragedy, and then fights for survival in horrific conditions. The author masterfully illustrates the tremendous role hope plays in self-preservation, and readers will be inspired by the young woman’s strength and resourcefulness when all the odds are stacked against her. As we get closer to spooky season, Jane Haltmaier’s The Secret of Spirit Lake is the perfect teen/YA mystery to cozy up with. Expertly paced with an intriguing premise, you may find it difficult to tear yourself away from this novel!
