Other Worlds

March 1, 1999
In an unusual blend of mystery, suspense and the occult, veteran suspense novelist Michaels (The Dancing Floor, etc.) recounts two classic American ghost stories: the Bell Witch of Tennessee and the Phelps haunting of Connecticut. A unique mix of historical and fictitious crime experts with an avid interest in spiritualism (and fakery)--among them Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Harry Houdini, Frank Podmore of the Society for Psychical Research and a mysterious woman who may be the author herself--gathers over the course of two evenings to hear of the two legends, sift evidence and render judgment. As retold here, both hauntings boasted various manifestations, from frivolous to life threatening, over a period of many years--the Bell Witch in the early 19th century and the Phelps case in the 1850s. Both were observed and investigated by a number of persons outside the families that played host to the unwelcome poltergeists, and both had disastrous consequences for those families. This novel isn't a mystery by any strict standard, but Michaels's fans won't care, as the telling is adept, suspenseful and appropriately spooky. Most readers are likely to echo Houdini's opinion that the replay of the hauntings, though still shrouded in ambiguity, makes for "an entertaining evening."

January 1, 1999
Using a plot device introduced by other mystery greats, including Agatha Christie, veteran novelist Michaels assembles a group of specialists to review unsolved puzzles of history in this supernatural mystery. Participants such as Harry Houdini, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and a practicing psychiatrist from Vienna named Dr. Fodor expound on their solutions. The first case, "The Bell Witch," is an American ghost story involving an actual haunting. Michaels recounts the story of a poltergeist and its effects on the Bell family in early 19th-century Tennessee. Afterwards, the experts present their specialized interpretation of the causes behind the haunting. In "The Stratford Haunting," Michaels describes the 1850 haunting of the family of the Reverend Dr. Phelps in Stratford, CT. The puzzles are fascinating, the conclusions less so. Buy where there is demand for Michaels's work.--Jill M. Tempest, Ocean Springs Municipal Lib., MS

July 1, 1999
YA-Crossing the boundaries of time, Michaels gathers together a group of experts to listen to two different stories dealing with poltergeists and paranormal experience. The participants include Sir Arthur Conan Doyle; Harry Houdini; Frank Podmore, member of the Society of Psychical Research; Nandor Fodor, of the International Institute for Psychical Research; and the Reverend Montague Summers, author of books on witchcraft and magic. First, they listen as Houdini recounts the early 19th-century haunting of the Bell family of Tennessee by what came to be known as the "Bell Witch." At the conclusion of the story, the experts put forth their own theories as to what really happened. The next night, an unnamed woman narrates the story of a family's encounter with poltergeists in Stratford, CT, in 1850. Again, each person offers a possible explanation of what might have occurred. Both of these tales can be found in many collections of U.S. folklore. Michaels imbues the retellings with atmosphere and details that give the supernatural events additional chill and portent. The characters are succinctly drawn, yet the story lines remain the focus of the novel. While this book does not exhibit Michaels's writing at its best, teens will enjoy reading about the odd occurrences and the thoughtful theories brought forth to explain them.-Pam Johnson, Fairfax County Public Library, VA

Copyright 1999 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.