Gilda Joyce, Psychic Investigator

Today’s post is from Erik at Schimelpfenig Library:

Gilda Joyce, Psychic Investigator by Jennifer Allison

There seem to be several series lately that feature plucky young girls who try their luck at solving mysteries; the Gilda Joyce series has become one of my favorites and I look forward to new ones when they come out.  Psychic Investigator is the first and lays the groundwork for Gilda’s story.  After her father’s death two years aearlier, thirteen year old Gilda is convinced she has gained psychic abilities and decided “psychic investigator” is the career for her.  So she does what any girl would do; she invites herself to her spooky Uncle’s house for a summer visit to track down the ghost of her Aunt who committed suicide. 

This story is good and the subsequent stories seem to just get better.  Gilda is full of energy and resourcefullness as well as bearing a deep sense of grief over the loss of her father; whose typewriter she uses to compose letters to him and ask for advice.  This may sound maudlin but thats far from the case.  The stories are light, funny, whimsical and sometimes a little over the top but Gilda is such an engaging character it seems just fine.

These books are perfect for fans of Harriet the Spy or just anyone looking for a good middle-school book.  AND, if you want something a little meatier when you are done I would suggest Down the Rabbit Hole by Peter Abrahams, it’s not quite as light but a very good mystery and an equally enjoyable heroine.  There you go internet people, two good books (and both of them series at that!) in one post!  SHA-BAM!!