Title: Ghost of the Moaning Mansion
Author: Lee Roddy
Series: D. J. Dillon Adventure Series
Major Themes: Mystery, Ghosts, Railroad Building, California
Synopsis: D. J. and his friends are trying to locate Grandpa, who has suddenly and mysteriously disappeared.
I don’t normally read books like Ghost of the Moaning Mansion, but when I saw it on a friend’s shelf I decided I’d check it out so I can give you a review of it. It does have some positive attributes. If you need an exciting adventure that is simple to read, maybe to encourage a boy to read, this might be a good choice for you. If you simply want a Christian-based mystery, this isn’t bad. The message focuses around 2 Timothy 1:7, “God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” To be honest, however, I don’t consider it to be great literature. I think I’m spoiled by years of reading Sonlight selections!
The story opens with D. J. and his teacher visiting D. J.’s grandfather, and the teacher, Mrs. Keene, tells them about the “haunted” mansion she has just bought. As Christians, they know there is no such thing as a house being haunted, so Grandpa heads out to investigate—and disappears. When D. J. and two of his friends end up in the house overnight, strange things begin to happen. Will they be scared off by the threats and mysterious noises?
Ghost of the Moaning Mansion is an easy read, and will suck children in to the plot. There was nothing objectionable about it. I just can’t recommend it as highly as many of the other books I’ve read!
No warnings!
Age levels:
Listening Level—Ages 5 – 8, 8 – 12
Reading Independently—Ages 8 – 12
Links to buy this book:
Amazon: Paperback
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com
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