Haunted Waters

 I fought to stay focused. There was no way I could afford a seizure now. Bryce said the green car was behind us, but I forced myself not to glance back. It was like monsters in your closet or under your bed- you knew they were in there but you didn't want to look.

Book: Haunted Waters by Jerry B. Jenkins and Chris Fabry, Tyndale House Publishers, 2005

 

Genre: Mystery/Adventure/Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 13-18

Subjects: Remarriage, Bullying, Relationships with family, faith in God, death

Summary: Bryce and Ashley, twin teenagers are adjusting to life in a new town, new school and new family. Their dad was killed, their mom moved, remarried and became a Christian. So did Bryce and Ashley. As they go on a trip with their new step-dad, Ashley takes a picture of something that turns out to be dangerous and bad guys are willing to do anything it takes to get their hands on that photo. They aren't sure who the bad guys are. They could possibly be connected to the threats made to Bryce by a bully at school but they just don't know anything for sure - except that they are in great danger.

Notes: This book is an interesting mix of action and realistic fiction type issues. Bryce and Ashley take turns narrating chapters and sharing their thoughts and feelings. Bryce is dealing with a bully at school he is afraid of and isn't sure how to respond to it. Ashley is trying to be a witness to a friend from school, but finds herself too afraid to speak up when put in a compromising situation. Both are trying to adjust to their new stepfather and stepsister while still honoring the memory of their father. There are a few interesting discussions of spiritual issues in this book - Ashley's attempt to witness to her friend and their new stepfather's spiritual state - he is angry at God for taking his wife and child. It's not an all consuming theme running through the book, but it is there.

Recommendation Scale: 3/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

1 Peter 2:12 – Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.