Forbidden

September 28, 2015
No stranger to ghost stories or historical tales, Bunting (The Pirate Captain’s Daughter) returns with an eerie novel set in 1807 along the northern coast of Scotland. It centers on orphaned 16-year-old Josie Ferguson, who leaves her Edinburgh home to live for two years with her newly met, but unwelcoming and insensitive uncle and aunt. She befriends “brooding” Eli Stuart and his grandmother, only to learn that she cannot associate with or become attached to Eli, as he is mysteriously “forbidden.” The town’s inhabitants appear to be hiding a secret, and over the course of three days Josie seeks answers about Eli and the townspeople. Bunting skillfully drops clues about the cruel truth Josie will discover and cleverly incorporates supernatural elements into the historical aspects of the story about the intentional “wrecking” of ships for their bounty. Josie’s whirlwind crush on Eli, her strict adherence to propriety, and lack of backbone when confronting the cagey townsfolk can wear thin. But keeping Josie naively unaware allows Bunting to strategically build suspense, and Josie’s unstoppable curiosity will endear her to mystery-lovers. Ages 12–up.

October 1, 2015
In this fast-paced mystery set in early-19th-century Scotland, 16-year-old Josie Ferguson is sent to live with estranged relatives after losing both of her parents to influenza. When Josie arrives at her new home, she finds little solace in the company of her cold and indifferent Uncle Caleb and Aunt Minnie. The house is drab and run-down, their ferocious dog]Lamb]watches Josie's every move, and sections of the house are off-limits. Josie eventually stumbles into Eli Stuart, a handsome local boy, but she soon learns that he too is forbidden. The book's title suggests a tale of verboten love, but the romance between Josie and Eli is underwhelming and comes off as an afterthought. Readers may actually find more enjoyment in the mystery surrounding Uncle Caleb and Aunt Minnie and their sinister intentions for Josie. Similarly, while the book's marketing suggests a frightening read, its gloomy backdrop is perhaps the scariest element of the story and not likely to induce nightmares for readers above the age of 10. Although Bunting skillfully establishes an ominous setting and tone within the first chapter to quickly engage and unnerve readers, what follows does not live up to its promise. While this will probably not suffice for those wanting a dark and eerie love story, readers interested in historical fiction or a mildly creepy mystery (or both) will enjoy it. (historical note) (Historical fiction. 10-14)

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September 1, 2015

Gr 6-8-Orphaned at the age of 16, Josie Ferguson is sent to live with a mysterious aunt and uncle in accordance with her parents' wishes. Upon her arrival at her relatives' home on the coast of Scotland, she is plagued with an unease that only intensifies as she learns more about her family's dark secrets and the town they inhabit. Bunting's latest is written in the tradition of the classic gothic novel, featuring a charming heroine thrust into a stormy, foreboding setting. The gloomy mood, established from the very moment Josie arrives at the estate, is sustained throughout, infusing each scene with a creeping dread. The appearance of a mysteriously forbidden local boy transcends cliche and provides a wonderfully eerie twist ending to the tale. Fans of Gary Blackwood's Curiosity (Dial, 2014) and Laura Amy Schlitz's A Drowned Maiden's Hair (Candlewick, 2006) will enjoy this atmospheric work. VERDICT An excellent introduction to the gothic genre and a satisfyingly eerie read.-Erinn Black Salge, Saint Peter's Prep, Jersey City, NJ

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2015
Grades 7-10 On a cold, stormy night in northern Scotland, 16-year-old Josie arrives at her aunt and uncle's home, where she is to live for the next two years. It looks none too inviting. Having just lost her parents to influenza (not uncommon in 1807), her relatives' curt manner and the hostile looks from the townsfolk do nothing to assuage her grief. It is immediately apparent that something is off in Brindle. Though she is forbidden from asking questions, Josie's curious nature leads her into danger as she seeks to discover what dark, mysterious business her aunt and uncle are a part of. Then there is the handsome and enigmatic Eli, who repeatedly assists Josie, only to leave her with more questions and discomfited emotions. The only thing she knows for certain is that he is forbidden. Bunting has written a taut page-turner full of an eeriness that would be at home in any piece of gothic literature. The result is an atmospheric, otherworldly mystery best absorbed in one sitting.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)