It is the summer after fourth grade and ten-year-old Dylan and his family have been in the car for hours traveling from New York City to Salvation Point, Maine. Dylan’s father has inherited an old cabin from his uncle that is situated at the base of a lighthouse, and the cabin comes with more than just some old cobwebs and dusty knickknacks. The cabin is said to be haunted, and Dylan and his family discover the truth behind that rumor first-hand. As they navigate the mysterious events taking place around them, the family must simultaneously protect their land from villains who would choose to destroy it for their own personal gains. This fast-paced middle grade novel appears as a ghost story at first glance, but it is truly more of a human tale of redemption and self-discovery. Unlike a typical ghost story, there are few moments of shock or horror within the book; instead, Matthias is a fixture of the narrative almost from the very beginning. Dylan and his family do not have the same interactions with Matthias, but he is an important element in the transformation Dylan undergoes that summer. Because the chapters are long and the text is small and close together, this book is best suited to more confident middle grade readers. Scenes of action and a compelling relationship between Matthias and Dylan keep readers engaged throughout the book, and the well-rounded nature of the story is satisfying for all. Middle grade readers with an interest in human-centered tales that incorporate ghosts, pirate treasure, and more than a little excitement will appreciate getting to know Dylan and his adventures through this charming book.                                                

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