Kindle Edition Amazon Publisher's Website Fishpond Booktopia Category:  Children Publisher: Eloquent Books ISBN-10:  1609112032 Type: Fiction Pages: 89 Copyright: June 1, 2010 ISBN-13: 9781609112035 Price: $9.99 (eBook) DJ’s family has just inherited a mansion in Sydney courtesy of their relatively unknown and somewhat mysterious Uncle Clive. But moving from their country town to the lap of luxury proves to be easier said than done. Uncle Clive’s historic mansion already has other occupants—and these ghostly residents don’t want company! They aren’t the only ones who don’t want the Benson family in the mansion; a former employee wants to scare the Bensons away so he can use the building for his own purposes. Why are there ghosts in the manor? What is the criminal plotting? What really happened to Uncle Clive? Eleven-year-old DJ is the only one who can unravel the mystery of Markwell Manor in this spine-tingling adventure. Excerpt I was only eleven years old when the dead man spoke to me. Even now, years later, I can still recall those first words clearly, as if he was standing in front of me. ‘Do not be afraid. I am not here to harm you.’ ‘Are you ... who I ... think you are?’ I whimpered. ‘My name is Captain Thelonious Markwell, and I’m here to help you and your family.’ It was impossible! This was a dead man talking to me! Was I dreaming all this? Should I believe what I’d just heard? Was I in any danger? These thoughts raced through my head, which was still pounding like crazy, from the fall down the stairs. ‘That’s it – I’m still out cold,’ I thought aloud. ‘I must have hit my head hard enough to knock me out.’ I sat there, gently touching the tender swelling behind my left ear, dazed and confused by the events of the previous thirty-six hours. It seemed like a lifetime ago, but, it was only the previous morning when Dad got the letter. Then, we all went to Sydney, and that’s where I fell down the stairs in the dark and met the dead man. But, I’m a little ahead of myself so, I guess I should start at the beginning.

Readers Favorite
What could make a better plot than an eleven year old boy and ghosts! That's just what the author gives readers in the book The Markwell Manor.

When Daniel (DJ) Benson's dad inherits the Markwell Manor from his Uncle Clive, things seem to be a little suspicious. Tales of ghosts or unseen spirits rumored to inhabit the mansion was all it took for DJ's mom and sister to say they were not staying in the Manor. An unexpected new neighbor, strange tire tracks in their yard, and a small package at their back door seem odd to DJ. Things seem to get stranger by the minute. When they get to the mansion, they quickly discover that the ghosts do not want them around and are trying to chase them away. Are they real? Are there such things as Ghosts? DJ is very curious and adventurous. He is determined to discover the truth. Want to know what happens next? Read the book!

This is a well-written, highly adventurous story for ages 8 to 12. I loved the GROG (Get Rid Of Ghosts) team. They sent chills up the spine with their ghost haunting. This is a fun to read book with plenty of thrills, chills and humor that all youth will enjoy.

Goodreads
Twists and turns, ghosts and gangsters. When the Benson family inherit a fortune and a city mansion from mysterious Uncle Clive, twelve-year-old DJ is thrown into an adventure he didn't count on. DJ Benson is a boy with an incurable sense of curiosity which leads him on an adventure to find out what is really going on at Markwell Manor. Along the way, he solves the mystery of Uncle Clive's death and makes some friends with a few characters who are definitely from another world. This story is full of suspense, tempered with a great sense of humour.

Goodreads
This is a great book for pre-teens and up. Plenty of thrills, chills and humour. Looking forward to the next in the series of DJ's exploits!