Ghosts of Rockville: Search for the Dominion Glass

Seven Footer cofounder Heimberg opens a five-book series with the story of four quirky friends trying to decipher the spirit world, with the added hook of a patented “MagicView” decoder that reveals words and images hidden within the book’s illustrations. Twelve-year-old Jay runs an after-school ghosthunting business, along with friends Danni, a forensic expert; Pam, an uncertain psychic; and Brian, a nerd who pretends to be a jock. Normally they only help fellow kids, but when they receive blank pieces of paper in the mail, and four fusty librarians contact them about their haunted rare book room, the group makes an exception. The ensuing mystery involves ghosts, riddles, spirit boards, crop circles, and a stolen book. Readers should get a kick out of uncovering clues alongside the characters—the MagicView technology, which can reveal multiple images depending on the decoder’s orientation, is a far cry from the decoder rings of yesteryear. But Heimberg’s story stands on its own with authentic friendships, a varied structure (including paranormal encyclopedia entries, dream sequences, and IM conversations), humor, and solid storytelling. Ages 9–up. (Sept.)