The Secret of Goldenrod by Jane O’Reilly

Carolrhoda Books, October 2016

ISBN-13: 978-1512401356

Available: Preorder (hardback, Kindle edition)

Goldenrod is an isolated mansion from the turn of the century, abandoned for many years. 11 year old Trina is temporarily living in the house as her father, an itinerant master carpenter, restores it so that it can be sold. Goldenrod’s original owner was also the founder of New Royal, the tiny town nearby. The residents are certain that Goldenrod is haunted, and has cursed them with bad luck, and Trina is nearly convinced, herself, by the strange sounds and slamming doors.

When Trina discovers a hidden playroom, with a talking doll, she becomes curious about Annie, the little girl who lived, and died, in the house, when it was occupied. Trina decides to explore the mystery of the family that lived in the house, and ends up discovering that there is much more to Goldenrod, and New Royal, than meets the eye.

The Secret of Goldenrod is atmospheric and character-driven. O’Reilly does her best to portray the residents of New Royal as discrete individuals, and for the most part, she succeeds. Despite the talking doll, Trina is not a stereotypical girly girl– she helps her father with the restoration, takes initiative in challenging situations, and is both independent and creative. The story’s slow pace may frustrate readers who are looking for rapid action. While it takes place over a relatively short period of time (surprisingly short, since the story takes place over a period of no more than two months, and the house is almost completely restored by the end) the book is long, and the story feels very drawn out, with one small event following another, and many conversations with the doll, although the pace picks up significantly near the end. While it didn’t bother me, there are an astonishing number of coincidences, as well– items and people found at just the right time to nudge Trina closer to the answers she’s seeking.

The house is certainly a character, although it’s not clear whether it actually is haunted, and a talking doll definitely provides a touch of the supernatural, but this is not really a scary book. While there are some scary moments, it is not O’Reilly’s intent to evoke fear. Rather, she explores what it means to reunite a family and community, and to really find a home. O’Reilly writes beautifully, and it is a pleasure to read the story of Trina, her father, and Goldenrod, as they find a comfortable place in the community, but the kid looking for a fast-paced, thrilling adventure will need to look elsewhere. Recommended for general children’s collections for grades 4-8.