Devin Drake and the Roller Ghoster by R.M. Clark

Anyone whose ears perk towards the kidlit industry might have heard the increasing arguement for shorter middle grade reads on the market. Other voices, of course, are waving this off and support the heavier end. I'm a bit in the middle on this discussion and always hope publishers and authors keep their gazes on middle graders and what their wants and needs are (not always the adults who surround them). I know true readers love the longer novels, since it really lets them dive into the world and adventures (I was one of those), but on the other hand, these readers only represent a small portion of middle graders. Most aren't really into reading (unless I know the wrong bunch). And since I'm an advocate of opening the world of words up to this later group, I definitely see why shorter reads are beneficial, too. But length isn't the only factor in all of this...like so many other things in the world.

Today's read slides more along the shorter book thoughts. I've visited works from this author before and find them to be a fresh breeze in style and story, since the author tends to be more independent. This one heads into the paranormal direction with a sleuth, who can see and interact (?) with ghosts. Knowing this author, I'm expecting a fast-paced adventure on the lighter read side of things.

Now, let's snuggle into those seats and see if this will be an exciting ride.

DEVIN DRAKE AND THE ROLLER GHOSTER

by R.M. Clark

Solstice Publishing

Middle Grade Mystery  /  Paranormal

149 pages

ages 8 to 12

Devin Drake, a twelve-year-old paranormal ghost detective, is asked by Cassie Waite, the smartest, most athletic girl at their middle school, to help with a ghost problem. It seems her family's house, built on the site of a former amusement park, is haunted by two roller coaster-riding ghosts from a century ago.

While trying to figure out who they are and what they want, Devin realizes the amusement park spirits are in danger and he'll need all his paranormal powers to find them a new hangout in the afterlife.
But when the ghosts trick Cassie into getting on the haunted coaster, Devin enlists the help of an offbeat, local historian to rescue Cassie from their world before she is trapped in it forever.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON   /    MAGERS & QUINN

MY TIDBITS

With ghostly moments, mystery, and enough quirkiness to draw smiles,  this tale flies along in surprising and spooky ways.

Devin won a free golf lesson...not that he's sure how since he didn't enter a contest, but he could improve his game and decides to try it out. At the golf course, he finds a girl from his school, who happens to know about his ghost-communicating abilities. And she needs his help. A ghost is haunting her family's new house, and he's the only one who can help her figure out why and, maybe, get rid of it. The ghost (or rather, ghosts) has other plans. Soon, Cassie is in danger, and Devin is going to have to find a way to save her.

Devin receives the letter about his win the moment the story starts, and the adventure races along the entire way through from there. There are descriptions, and these build the world just enough to create the foundation for the quick-paced plot. Something is always happening, and every moment feeds into into the mystery and tale. So, it's a quick read and hard to put down.

Still, there is enough character depth and small side-plots to add to the mystery and make Devin and others sympathetic. Devin is easy to understand, holds a tiny amount of awkwardness to make him likeable, and yet, shows determination and assurance to make him easy to stand behind and root for. His special talent gives a nice edge, which also adds the same balance of sureness with a teeny touch of uncertainty. Even the forming friendship with Cassie isn't perfect but grows stronger with every page. 

This is part of a series, but each book is written to stand on its own. Fans of mystery and paranormal, who enjoy going from one moment to the next, will want to take a peek at this one.