The Girl in the Locked Room

Mary Downing Hahn

3/5 Keys

The girl in the locked room doesn't know why she's there. She doesn't remember her name. She doesn't remember her past. All she knows is she's afraid. There's someone out to get her... she just can't remember who it is and why she's so scared of him.

Jules Aldridge has moved more times than she can count. Her father is a well-sought after fixer upper. Each year, he lands a new project in a new city. Jules can't remember the last time she began school with a friend by her side.

Already exasperated by having to move in the middle of summer, Jules can't help but hate the new house upon sight. As she's complaining to her parents about the ghastly, decrepit sight, Jules spots movement in the window. No, not just movement, she spots a girl. What's more, the girl begins asking Jules for help. Will Jules be able to help this mysterious girl? Will she make friends while doing it? Can she survive a new place once again?

I had high hopes for The Girl in the Locked Room. I'm a huge fan of dark and creepy things, and I read them all the time as a child. I did keep in mind that this was a children's book, and I think that's where my criticism comes from. I feel like some of the content was a little too dark for elementary schoolers. Murder and domestic violence? I guess you can't shield children forever...

Aside from the content, I just wasn't that big of a fan of the storyline itself. I liked it up until the alternate universes were discussed and that's how Lily was saved. It's a cute ending, just a little weird to wrap your head around, in my opinion. Nevertheless, I do not regret reading this book. I would even recommend it to others, but after I've already recommended some books I liked a little better.

Suggested Pairing: Coraline - Neil Gaiman

Adult Pairing: The Shining - Stephen King