Karma Moon—Ghost Hunter

November 15, 2020
Karma Moon, reluctant ghost hunter, discovers more than just the paranormal at a famously haunted hotel. When her dad's company gets a shot at filming a Netflix documentary series at the legendary Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, Karma Moon starts worrying about the "what-ifs" of possible ghostly terrors. Nevertheless, armed with her chunky pug, Alfred Hitchcock, and her boy-crazy best friend, Mags, superstitious Karma braves the trip, encountering a host of lively characters, including the ghost-hunting team, the on-site staff, a local boy named Nyx, and maybe a ghost or two. As far as scary stories go, Savage does well with setting the mood: There are chairs hanging from the ceiling, a piano that plays on its own, and creepy passageways. The ghosts themselves and the climactic reveal are less than thrilling, a safe bet for readers who prefer a spook to a terrifying scare. The real heart of the story is the "true-blue" friendship between Karma and Mags. There is a depth and ease to their relationship that feels just right, most notably when Mags comforts Karma over her mom, who's left her behind. Spot art, a nod to Karma's notes, adds little to the reading experience. Same goes for the bolded "WHAT-IFS" which inconsistently express both anxious Karma's true worries and less impactful random thoughts. Characters are presumed White. More engaging for the real-life characters than the paranormal ones. (Mystery. 9-12)

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November 30, 2020
Avid researcher Karma Moon Vallinari, 12, is accompanying her cinematographer father on the break of a lifetime: filming a Netflix docuseries focused on the haunted Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colo. The catch? The team, which includes Karma, her best friend Mags, and portly pug Alfred Hitchcock, must capture an actual ghost on film to satisfy the production company. Unfortunately, Karma’s “what-ifs” (a propensity to catastrophize) and her uncertainty over her mother’s abandonment join her on the trip. On-site, the team encounters personalities straight out of a Scooby-Doo caper, such as Nyx Brown, a local boy with a head full of paranormal knowledge, including about Harry Houdini’s connection to the area. Karma’s voice is front and center as readers are introduced to paranormal film classics such as The Shining, filmed at the Stanley, while being drawn into the world of a girl dealing with things beyond her control. Studded with occasional doodle-like illustrations by Savage (Nessie Quest), the mystery’s mix of unshakable friendship, spooky excitement, and life lessons pops with an empowering protagonist who’s full of promise. Ages 8–12. Agent: Laurie McLean, Fuse Literary.

December 1, 2020

Gr 3-7-The call from Netflix comes on a Tuesday, and by the end of the week it's settled: Karma Moon and her dad, along with the rest of the Totally Rad film crew, will be spending spring break at the haunted Stanley Hotel in Colorado. If there's one thing Karma-queen of the anxious what-ifs and believer in all-things paranormal-knows for sure, it's that this trip is a big mistake in the woo-woo department. But with her dad's dreams hanging on finding a ghost and securing a second season, Karma's all-in, no matter what her what-ifs have to say. Set mostly in Colorado at the famous Stanley Hotel, Savage's latest novel is one readers are sure to devour. Karma is fun, quirky, but also real; she's open about her anxieties, as well as her doubt that her mother will return if the Netflix show is a success. Other characters lack her depth, unfortunately, but a snappy, spooky plot makes up for their shortcomings. All characters present as white. VERDICT With a witty, authentic lead and a story line that's just spooky enough to keep readers on the edge of their seats, this is a perfect read for fans of Patti Kim, Ellen Oh, and Neil Gaiman alike.-Kaitlin Frick, Darien Lib., CT

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