Peppermints in the Parlor
by Barbara Brooks wallace

Synopsis

A young girl unravels the secret hidden within an old San Francisco mansion in this gothic-style mystery, Peppermints in the Parlor. Emily, newly orphaned, travels to San Francisco to live with her beloved aunt and uncle. Her wonderful childhood memories of times spent with them in their beautiful mansion soon turn to horror. Emily wonders what is real and whom she can trust.

Description

Mysterious, almost a bit creepy, this might be a good Halloween book. The setting is early 20th century; the place--- a mansion once grand, now decaying, dark and foreboding. Aunt Twice, once Emily's fun-loving, wealthy aunt has become a servant to the new owners. The home itself has become a prison-like existence for the "old ones". The title of the book refers to the tempting peppermints placed in the parlor, only for show. If any of the residents takes a peppermint, she or he will spend a night in the "remembrance room" (solitary confinement.)

As the story unravels one mystery after another unfolds. Emily has to discover who can be trusted, and she has to summon up all of her courage to survive her nightmare existence.- a junior reader mystery with girl interest

Why I chose this book

Peppermints in the Parlor was on the list of books recommended by my 5th-grade-teacher-sister as one her class enjoyed. As the creepy mystery unfolds, so does the redeeming value unfold. Emily with her courage and creativity is able to bring life and enjoyment to the "old ones." Her friendliness and trust of Tilly finally changes Tilly's life as well. The main character, Emily, refuses to be overcome by the dreary, horror-filled environment in which she finds herself. She determines to create a new environment. This is a value well worth claiming.