The Christmas Killer

Rose, like all of her neighbors, is horrified when a local girl is found murdered. Still more disturbing for Rose are the messages and nocturnal visits she receives from the dead girl. When Rose is shown the location of another murder victim, she reports what she knows to the police. Though skeptical at first, the authorities eventually seek Rose's help in their investigation--thus making the psychic teen the killer's next target. Though the book's stylish packaging is a treat for the eye, the story within is not quite as enticing. Windsor ( The Hero ; The Sandman's Eyes ) seems not to have decided whether she was writing a detective novel or a ghost story; mystery fans and thriller devotees alike may find this vagueness frustrating. Still, readers are likely to enjoy the appealing characters, spooky atmosphere and aptly evoked small-town setting. Ages 12-up. (Oct.)