Shadows on Society Hill: An Addy Mystery

I really loved this book! It is exciting,historical,fun,and interesting(as all mysteries should be). I was slightly disopointed with a few of the other mysteries, but this one was very enjoyable. I recommend girls 8-13 should read this book.

My daughter and I read this book together. We loved it. And she loved seeing the outcome of this story! Would love to see more books like this one on the market.

The year is 1866. Eleven-year-old Addy, along with the rest of her family, are absolutely thrilled to learn that Poppa's new boss, Mr. Radisson, has invited her family to live in a beautiful little house on his property, in Philadelphia's exclusive Society Hill. The neighborhood is elegant and breathtaking, and Addy is ecstatic to have the chance to occupy such a beautiful home. However, before Addy's family has even settled into their new place, they are accosted by a vicious policeman who accuses them of being thieves, and having no right to trek through the private community. The encounter leaves Addy, along with Momma, her younger sister, Esther, her older brother, Sam, and Poppa, upset at the way the world works, but does not make them forget where they are headed. The home is absolutely beautiful, and, for the first time in her life, Addy is able to occupy a lovely feather bed that is warm and comfortable, and Momma is able to find work along with Poppa. Addy hopes that her family will be able to stay on Mr. Radisson's property for a long time. But within just a few hours, Addy begins to realize that her new home holds some very dark, dangerous secrets. Secrets that could certainly turn Addy's family into the cold night, and leave Mr. Radisson's jaw hanging open. Addy is determined to discover just what is going on in Mr. Radisson's house. The mysterious lights she sees through the window, the strange colored woman she has seen walking around the property in the dead of night, the piece of paper she found with her name scrawled in large letters upon it. All of these things leave Addy frightened, yet curious. However, when her curiosity lands her in deep trouble, and she learns that one of the dangerous secrets at Mr. Radisson's place leads directly back to the plantation her family escaped two-years ago, back in North Carolina, where they were slaves, Addy realizes that maybe coming to Mr. Radisson's place wasn't the best thing for her family. In fact, with a little more searching, Addy soon begins to come to the conclusion that, perhaps, Mr. Radisson's home is the worst place for Addy and her family. While I have read many AMERICAN GIRL books, I have never once read anything about Addy. Which is why I was so excited to learn that an Addy mystery, SHADOWS ON SOCIETY HILL, was being published. From the very first page, I found Addy to be a brave, heroic character, whose ability to toss her cares away, and put her life on the line for someone else - be it her family, her friends, or a stranger - is admirable. However, it's her sleuthing skills, and her determination to find civil rights for the colored people of the world that truly make her an appealing character. Addy's tale is engrossing, and full of suspense at every turn that truly keeps the reader hooked. Oddly enough, I usually am able to figure out mysteries before the end of the book. However, with SHADOWS ON SOCIETY HILL, Evelyn Coleman has woven such a tightly-knit mystery, that i