An Old-Fashioned Mystery

The Hermitage House Miracle by Malcolm Ater

Adolescent Mystery

Jamie has always felt as if his life were a little odd.  His mother doesn't seem to like him very much; his family moves every few months; he isn't allowed to have friends and even when he manages to make some, they never return his letters; he doesn't even know his father; and, strangest of all, he can't remember anything that happened to him before he was six years old.

When Jamie's mother dies unexpectedly, he has no other family and must go to an orphanage, Hermitage House, that is on its last legs and about to close its doors.  Once there, Jamies starts having strange out-of-body dreams and experiences that point him towards solving the mystery of his own past.

Adolescent boys will like this book.  While I knew the mystery right away, I think the pacing of clues is perfect for young readers and the video game subplot was a neat addition.  It is a very clean book, so parents don't have to wonder about anything inappropriate.  A good read.