Ghosts in the Gallery

Jenny had tragically lost her parents by the time she turned eleven years old. Although American, Jenny had lived her whole life in China and had no one to take care of her once her parents were gone. Prior to her death, her mother made arrangements for Jenny to travel to America to live with her only remaining living relative, her paternal grandfather Graymark. Upon arrival at Graymark Manor, however, she was told that, in fact, no arrangements had been made, it was not believed that she was actually related to the family she found there, and the only way Jenny would be permitted to stay would be as a servant. As Jenny slowly met and learned more of each of the family members and fellow servants, the truth about what was going on in this dark, mysterious house became more and more elusive, and we are taught that things are not always as they seem! Wallace's wonderful imagery and array of characters make for an exciting adventure into the past. This is historical fiction and suspense at their best, keeping the reader guessing until the very end. Although recommended for ages 8 and up, I would personally think it more appropriate for ages 10 and up.

Growing up as one of the few Americans in China during the Victorian era, young Jenny never knew her real father, who died when she was just an infant. The only father she knows is the kindly man who married her mother when she was a young widow struggling to provide for herself and baby Jenny. The three of them lived a spare but comfortable life over the years. But sudden tragedy strikes Jenny when she is just eleven, when her stepfather and mother die within weeks of each other. On her deathbed, Jenny's mother provides her with the instructions and money neccesary to make the long voyage to the American east coast to live with her paternal grandfather. Along the miserable ocean crossing and railroad trip across the United States, the one thing comforting Jenny is the fact that she will soon be with her grandfather, safe and loved. Instead, she arrives to misery: her mother's letter never arrived, her grandfather is ailing, and her uncle does not believe that Jenny is his niece, but is trying to swindle the family fortune. So Jenny is sent to a dank room in the cellar to become a servant. With many mysterious people surrounding her, she begins to wonder just what is going on in gloomy Graymark House, and whether someone could possibly be plotting against her. Bringing to life a brave, resourceful young girl, this novel spins a dark tale of treachery and sinister plots set against a shadowy 19th-century backdrop.

Newly orphaned Jenny is sent from the only home she has ever known in China to her relatives on the Atlantic coast in America. The problem is this family has never been told of her existence. They do not believe her story, but allow her to stay as a servant. Well-described characters and an engrossing plot make this mystery set in Victorian times a satisfying read.