Thirteen-year-old Melissa’s mom remarries, and their house isn’t big enough for Melissa’s new stepdad and his daughter, Becky. Melissa doesn’t mind moving, really. She and her mom have moved plenty of times. What is different for Melissa is that this time they are sharing the ancient farmhouse. And it’s not just Dad and Becky that she’s got to get used to. She’s certain there is something, someone, in the attic.

Melissa bonds with her new stepsister as they try to unravel and amend the secrets that the home has held for centuries. The haunting only occurs when the girls are alone, so they are forced to fight the evil without help from their skeptical parents. However, the spirit of a kind young man comes to their aid, in the hope that by righting past wrongs he will be released to, at long last, rest in peace.

Reminiscent of Nancy Drew or The Hardy Boys, MYSTERY OF THE ATTIC will captivate young readers and their parents alike. This book gives validation to every child whose Mom has ever uttered, "Nobody’s on the roof, honey, it’s just the wind blowing in the trees." And although this novel has a gratifying conclusion, I anxiously await its sequel. T.J. Perkins is an author to watch.