Diana and her little brother Georgie have been living in the woods behind the old Willis place, a decaying Victorian mansion, for what already seems like forever. They aren't allowed to leave the property or show themselves to anyone. But when a new caretaker comes to live there with his young daughter, Lissa, Diana is tempted to break the mysterious rules they live by and reveal herself so she can finally have a friend. Somehow, Diana must get Lissa's help if she and Georgie ever hope to release themelves from the secret that has bound them to the old Willis place for so long. Mary Downing Hahn has written a chilling ghost story in the tradition of her most successful spine-tingling novels. The intriguing characters, frightening secrets, and plot twists will delight her many fans.
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"This book was a mix of things for me. I did like the book a lot, although at times, I would feel like this was too chilling a ghost story for me to read and I would want to set the book down. Or, I would feel saddened and wish I had never even heard of the book. I didn't ever put the book down, though, and that's why it was such a good book. It made me feel such deep emotions and I could never stop reading. I was fascinated most, though, by how Mary Downing Hahn could write about such an ordinary seeming girl with such an ordinary seeming story line, and turn it into a thrilling read with a kinda, sorta, depends-on-how-you-look-at-it, happy ending. If you are in the mood for an awesome ghost story right before bed a couple of nights in a row, then this is definitely the book for you!!" — Libby (5 out of 5 stars)
"This book was a mix of things for me. I did like the book a lot, although at times, I would feel like this was too chilling a ghost story for me to read and I would want to set the book down. Or, I would feel saddened and wish I had never even heard of the book. I didn't ever put the book down, though, and that's why it was such a good book. It made me feel such deep emotions and I could never stop reading. I was fascinated most, though, by how Mary Downing Hahn could write about such an ordinary seeming girl with such an ordinary seeming story line, and turn it into a thrilling read with a kinda, sorta, depends-on-how-you-look-at-it, happy ending. If you are in the mood for an awesome ghost story right before bed a couple of nights in a row, then this is definitely the book for you!!"
" i thought that this book was really intresting since i luv ghost stories :D "
" I have returned to MDH as an adult after being a major fan as young person. I am having a hard time deciding whether I read the works differently as an adult or maybe "The Old Willis Place" isn't enough to make a conclusion out of. I think I should read more MDH. Getting to it: the first part included DRAMATIC foreshadow that is borderline insulting to the adult reader (note: I ate it up as a a kid). The middle part dragged, but I still enjoyed the "solving" of the mystery part of the climax and the resolution wasn't so predictable. So, I liked it....even as a grown up she still gave me the chills. "
" i loved this book it brought me suspence!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "
" It said it was scary but it wasnt that scary. "
" She's done way better. I'm just glad she's a good author aside from this book. "
" I think this book was beautifully written. The whole book was flawlessly beautiful. "
" A good little ghost story for intermediate students. My students really like Mary Downing Hahn's writing. "
" I'm just not a fan of Mary Downing Hahn's books. I've read two and both deserved only 2 stars. This one was slightly better than the first but still don't love them. The book went into the importance of forgiveness but by the time the story reached the moral point I was ready to shut it. I'm not one to walk away from a ghost story but Hahn's books bother me. I think its because they are written for children and I just don't think children are the best audience for this genre. My son's teacher read this one to his class last year. Definitely think there were/are better books out there for a teacher to read out loud to her students. "
" EXCELLENT mystery. Well written, engaging page-turner. My sixth grade daughter recommended it (though I'm not sure she loved it as much as I did) and I couldn't put it down. "
" Not as great as her classic "Wait Till Helen Comes", but this is a fun, spooky read, too. A predictable read for adults, but the use of narrator is original and I think kids will love the build-up and discovery at the end. "
" The idea was a good one, but I never really connected with any of the characters. The ending seemed rushed. But for a children's book, it was acceptable. "
" This is a ghost story with a twist. I enjoyed the story, but I found the end a bit cheesy. This would be a good story to use as a compare/contrast with the movie The Others. "
" Typical YA book. Not recommended for adult use :) "
" Awesome! Just like all Mary Downing Hahn's other books "
" I suggest this book to anyone who likes adventure and ghost stories. GREAT BOOK! "
" Thanks Anna! This was a quick read with an entertaining ghost story. Spooky enough for me! "
" I found this book really good because I am a huge fan of paranormal books, especially ones with ghosts in them. "
" As Diana and her little brother Georgie carefully stalk about the woods by the old willis place a girl about dianas age named Lissa moves in near by so diana wants to meet her. things about Diana and Georgies past start to unravel as diana and Lissa get closer.... "
" REALLY good book. I got kinda conufused in some parts but i did read it like a year or two ago so... yeah but it's a good book. You MUST read it. "
" this was a great book!!! the mystery that went on through this story was amazing!!!!! i have to say i think the genre could thearetically be scary AND mystery! this is to all the people who havent read this book- READ IT!!!! IT WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE INCREDIOUSLY AND AMAZINGLY BETTER!!!!!! "
" This was really good. It was a sunshine state young reader's selection a couple of years ago, so it is probably a 5th grade level book. At first you really don't know what is going on. Though I truly enjoyed it, I didn't give it 5 stars since I was able to put it down at times :o) "
" Really good book, with a a great twist at the end. "
" i think that is sort of scary "
" My brother had this book and he was going to read it...he never did. I decided to read it and found it very interesting. If I was a little kid and not a person who has read lots of books I would say it's my favorite. My brother should really read this. "
" I really enjoyed this book. It's a new twist on the haunted house genre, a look from the other side if you will. The realy mystery surrounds the two children who are trapped in the woods around the old house. "
" This is also a really good book. I think that Mary Downing Hahn is a good author. "
" it was good! great ending! "
" this is mary at her best!you dont realize who is talking till the end.it is very sad though. "
" werid book good summer book idk why but it is .... :P "
" One of her best! Love it! "
" I wanna read this book, but how can I but? I am here in Bangkok Thailand.. "
" This is a very good children's mystery. "
Mary Downing Hahn, a former children’s librarian, is the award-winning author of many popular ghost stories, including Deep and Dark and Dangerous and The Old Willis Place. An avid reader, traveler, and all-around arts lover, Ms. Hahn lives in Columbia, Maryland, with her two cats, Oscar and Rufus.
Ellen Grafton has narrated numerous audiobooks, many in the kids and young adult categories. She can be heard on such titles as Duff, Girls Acting Catty, New Beginnings, and several of the Chicken Soup for the Soul Teens Talk series.
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