Spellbound!

Lynn Manuel, a writer of mystery novels for young adults, is the author
of Return to Cranberry Farm.

Wordsworth Doyle and Jessica Reid make two new friends; a young
immigrant from Nicaragua and a nine-year-old ghost. These new friends,
Angela and Sebastian, both want to be reunited with their fathers. In
true Nancy Drew style, Wordsy and Jess set out to help, even though
their task is anything but simple. Angela’s father is being held in
Nicaragua for his outspoken views on the government, and Sebastian is
bound to his earthly mansion by a magic spell. Wordsy and Jess manage to
solve these difficult problems with very little adult intervention.

Boyd’s story successfully avoids the stereotypes of adventurous boy
and sisterly helpmate, but it fails to offer any real insight into the
characters. The primary focus is on adventure, and the author
effectively builds tension until the exciting final scene. The two
problems are skillfully solved with one solution. This is a well-paced,
highly readable tale that will hold the interest of 10- to 14-year-olds.