THE HOUSE ON THE GULF
by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 0689854226
Ages 8-12
208 pages

When 12-year-old Britt's older brother, Bran, gets a housesitting job for the summer, it seems perfect. Bran, Britt and their mother will get paid to live there for three months. Their mom will be able to quit waitressing and go to college full-time, thereby qualifying her for a badly needed scholarship.

But things don't seem quite right when Britt and Bran accidentally meet up with the owner of the house, Mr. Marquis. In fact, Bran cuts off Britt's attempts to introduce herself and sends her away so he can speak with Mr. Marquis in private. Bran even sweats, which is totally unlike her cool brother.

Britt can't help but noticing more and more ominous signs after the family moves into the house. Bran instantly puts away the Marquises' plates after Britt comments on how old they are. He asks them not to use the air-conditioning (in scorching Florida summer heat) or the washer and dryer. A neighbor comments that Bran had secretly moved boxes into the Marquises' shed before they moved into the house, which explains why there are no pictures or knick-knacks inside. When Bran says he wants to be sure nothing is broken or stolen, Britt notes that a VCR is still in the house. Strangely, Bran seems to have only put away older possessions.

Bran's personality changes, too. He appears panicked much of the time. His normally sweet temperament is mostly missing in action, leaving an unusually mean attitude. What could be going on with him? Britt's attempts to speak with her mother are unsuccessful, since Mom is overwhelmed with her college load. Britt is sick with worry because obviously something is seriously wrong. When she does solve the mystery, Britt's world is rocked. And it will never be the same.

THE HOUSE ON THE GULF is truly suspenseful and is paired with a sensitive exploration of some major issues --- family, loyalty, and forgiveness --- making for an excellent read.

   --- Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon (terryms2001@yahoo.com)

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