The Murk

Gr 4–7—Fans of "Goosebumps" looking for something with a little bit more substance will enjoy this action-packed adventure filled with plenty of fun and a few scares. Fourteen-year-old Piper is very close with her baby sister Grace until something horrible happens during an RV camping trip. One year later, Grace is terribly sick and Piper is desperate to find the cure. Her best friend Tad tells her about a legendary flower that can cure any illness. The flower grows in the middle of the Okefenokee swamp. Piper, her brother Creeper, Tad, and two tour guides set out to find the flower that might save Grace's life. But there is something mysterious in the swamp which has kept people out for the past few centuries. The Murk is an excellent action adventure that will have readers burning the midnight oil to finish. Piper is a believable character dealing with guilt and trying to save her sister. Tad is immensely likable; he will do anything to help Piper. The Okefenokee swamp setting is so well written that it becomes an additional character—a dangerous character with something up its sleeve at all times. The plot moves fast enough to keep pages turning while leaving just enough room to develop character.