cover image The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing

The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing

Sheila Turnage, read by Lauren Fortgang. Dreamscape Media, , library edition, unabridged, seven CDs, 8 hrs., $59.99 ISBN 978-1-62923-515-8

In this sequel to Newbery Honor–winning Three Times Lucky, Mo and Dale of the Desperado Detective Agency find themselves in the midst of another mystery involving their hometown of Tupelo Landing, N.C. But rather than bank robberies and dead bodies, this time around their investigation involves a supernatural twist. The sale of the Tupelo Inn sets off a chain of events that lead young detectives on a quest to find the origin of the ghosts that apparently haunt the inn. They must solve the case for the endearing Miss Lana, Mo’s guardian, now the owner of the inn, as well as for the ghosts themselves. Told through the eyes of Mo, the narration calls for a mixture of wide-eyed innocence, inquisitive gumption, and Southern charm. Fortgang sets the tone perfectly and is an absolutely charming narrator. Listeners will think that they’re listening to Mo tell her story directly. Her delivery is smooth and natural. The Southern twang, coupled with a shifting tempo of narration dependent upon the story’s need, produces a perfect mix for listening enjoyment. Ages 10–up. A Dial hardcover. (Feb.)