Book Review: Deep and Dark and Dangerous

On September 4, 2009, I asked Stacks users in the post Get ready, get set and RECOMMEND! to recommend books for Ink Splot 26 reviews and to get into the festive Halloween mood of October, one of the books I chose to read and review this month is Deep and Dark and Dangerous: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn. As suggested by Springlilly17, Hahn's book was definitely eerie. However, did it earn five stars? You'll have to keep reading to find out.

I don't know about any of you, but cabins and camp sites have always freaked me out a little. They're usually in the middle of nowhere with only a small town as the nearest outlet and are often surrounded by wooded areas. Not to mention the fact that every time I've been to a camp site or cabin, telling ghost stories is generally on the night's agenda. So if you like ghost stories and mysteries, then you'll like Deep and Dark and Dangerous.

Set in a small and quaint town in the northern East Coast, Ali travels with her aunt and younger cousin to their long-deserted family cabin. Ali often wonders why her mother rarely mentions the cabin and why the family has not been back in so long. But against her mother's orders, Ali decides to go, mainly just to get away from her controlling mom.

The cabin and lake seem pleasant at first and Ali is having a great time playing with her younger cousin, until a new girl, Sissy, shows up at the beach one day and claims Ali's cousin for herself. Despite Ali's happiness that her cousin has a new friend, Ali finds Sissy extremely cruel and disrespectful, not to mention strange as she just seems to appear out of nowhere.

The plot begins to take a strange and eerie turn as we find out more about Ali, her family and Sissy. Once you're finished reading story, you'll definitely want to stay away from cabins and nearby lakes for a little while.

Thank you to Springlilly17 for recommending this book! It's perfect for this time of year.

I give it 4.2 out of 5 stars.

—Carly M., STACKS Staffer

Comments

[Comment #1]

Sounds creepy... and interesting! As long as it has a happy ending (I hope)....

[Comment #2]

who that sounds to cool

[Comment #3]

this is my favorite book i just wish i could get another copy my life would my better then ever thats how much i love it

[Comment #4]

please may you please give me a copy of deep dark and dangeroes oh please mary its my favorite book

[Comment #5]

Mary Downing Hahn is the best author ever!!! I highly recomend her books.

[Comment #6]

I have read the book and it it way awesome!!!!! :)

[Comment #7]

I have read that book, it is freaking awesome! It isn't too scary and it's really interesting. I love it!

[Comment #8]

eh eh theres nothing else i can say....................

[Comment #9]

I think my friend told me about this book. I don't want to say what happens in it, if you haven't read it yet, but let me just say this about it: YOU WILL NOT EXPECT THE TWISTEDNESS OF THE ENDING!!!

[Comment #10]

P.S.--Is "twistedness" even a word?

[Comment #11]

I read this book, and it's really good, but it's not as scary as the blog makes it seem. I mean, it was really captivating and spooky, but these people make it sound as if it is horrific! I mean, I'm really easily spooked, but this book didn't freak me out THAT bad! Oh well, I like the book, but if you want a really spine tingling book, try Wait till Helen comes, by the same author(ess) and no, Abby, twistedness is not a word, I looked it up.

[Comment #12]

My sister read this book. well she didnt finish it because she lost it she like LOVES it

[Comment #13]

It sounds interesting and spooky. I've been looking for a good read for Halloween time too! I think I might read it!

[Comment #14]

My friend let me borrow this book so i can read it. i read and it was awesome. i wonder if there is other books like this one and if there is i want to read them.

[Comment #15]

that actually looks like a good book maybe I'll check it out from my library

[Comment #16]

I loved this story. I felt really attached to the characters in the book. I agree with an earlier post -- I don't think this story was as scary as they made it seem. But an excellent read, nonetheless. It has inspired me to continue reading action/mystery books!

[Comment #17]

This is 1 of my most favorite books :]

[Comment #18]

I have read this book and I loved it! Great story and it will holds your attention the entire time. Very interesting and well written.

[Comment #19]

I read this book when I was in 6th grade.We also had the author come and visit that day.I give it 4.9 out of 5 stars

[Comment #20]

This book will leave you in your bedroom shivering.It is a great scary book that takes a twist and the suspense is incredible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Comment #21]

oh my i read your books before they are so cool! i read the old willis place,all the lovely bad ones, doll in the garden,and the book DEEP DARK AND DANGEROUS!

[Comment #22]

i love your books i love the one all the lovely bad ones i rread that one and i read wait till helen comes its so spooky you know you are a good ole writer yah know very very good writer

[Comment #23]

love your books read the whole series not that scary exept all the lovely bad ones .

[Comment #24]

oh please give my the book i read all the lovely bad ones and wait till helen comes oh please! mam.

[Comment #25]

I've read that book! It is really good, but I do agree that it shouldn't be the full 5 stars. 4.5 for me. I'm glad you read it, even though I didn't recommend it.