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Summary
Summary
Possessed dogs, missing livestock, cloaked figures . . . CJ Delaney's summer vacation just got really weird.
When a boring old skatepark opening becomes the scene of a something truly strange, CJ Delaney can't believe her luck. This is just the kind of big story she's dreamed of breaking for the town's local paper.
With best friend Parker in tow, CJ is determined to get to the bottom of everything and save the town from evil. Isn't this what summer vacation is for? But when all answers point to someone close, CJ stands not only to lose her byline but the scariest thing of all--the people and pet she loves.
With a strong, snappy voice and a warm sense of humor, The Supernatural Files of CJ Delaney is a fast-paced middle grade mystery (with just the right amount of hair-raising thrills) that begs to be read cover-to-cover in one sitting. This debut from Carol Williams shines with love for its characters, college-town setting, and belief in the power of the written word.
Reviews: (2)
Publisher's Weekly Review
Sixth grader Countess Jewel Delaney, an inquisitive aspiring journalist living in the small fictional college town of Galahad, Ohio, secures a summer opportunity to be a community citizen reporter at the Galahad Guardian, where her grandmother serves as editor. While reporting on the grand opening of a skate park, a howling shriek from the Galahad Grove woods prompts CJ to investigate with hopes of breaking a big story. After gathering clues from the scene, CJ notices that animals have vanished all over town. When her best friend Parker shows her some "weird pix" depicting ritualistic-looking items such as bones and miniature altars set up in the Grove, CJ sets out to uncover what's really happening in the woods. With a handful of clues, a trail of missing animals, and photographs of unidentified "cult" paintings, CJ determines to prove that she has the passion and wits to be taken seriously as a journalist. Via an endearing and quirky cast embarking on an adventurous, unearthly mystery, debut author Williams presents a new world of thrills and mystique for young readers. CJ and Parker are Black. Ages 8--12. (May)
Kirkus Review
A tween journalist in Ohio has a summer that's full of unexpected intrigue. Lively 11-year-old Countess Jewel Delaney II aspires to become an ace reporter and follow in the footsteps of her grandmother Conti, who was one of the first Black women in America to own a newspaper. After snagging an official role at her grandmother's newspaper, the Galahad Guardian, she's determined to find the perfect story before the summer ends. After a dull news story about the opening of a skate park leads to a perplexing case, CJ is determined to be the one to uncover the truth. She struggles with being reminded that she's "just a kid" and is determined to prove everyone wrong, no matter what it takes. With the help of her best friend, Parker, who's also Black, CJ explores Galahad and finds clues that could point to cult activities, which would be major news in her small college town. In a race against the clock, she must try to solve the mystery before it's too late. CJ's voice is engaging and natural, and debut author Williams emphasizes learning to rely on and work with others as her protagonist wrestles with wanting to be the one to always get the scoop--even at the risk of losing friendships. Despite mentions of the occult, the story never gets too scary but instead provides just the right amount of thrills to keep readers hooked. Suspenseful and emotionally intelligent. (Mystery. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.