43 Old Cemetery Road: Dying to Meet You by Kate Klise, illustrated by M. Sarah Klise

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2009

ISBN-13: 9780547398488

Available:  Hardcover, Paperback

The first book in the 43 Old Cemetery Road series, Dying to Meet You focuses on three main characters: Eleven-year-old Seymour Hope, living on his own at the Spence mansion; Ignatius B. Grumply (I. B. Grumply), a famous author of ghost stories for children; and Olive C. Spence, a ghost living in the Spence mansion. The premise of the story is that I.B. Grumply has rented the Spence mansion from Les and Diane Hope for the summer, hoping that a change of location will help him overcome a case of writer’s block. Unbeknownst to him, they have abandoned their eleven year old son Seymour and his cat, leaving them in the care of Mr. Grumply. Also unbeknownst to Mr. Grumply, the home’s former owner, Olive, still inhabits the old house as its resident ghost.

The story is cleverly told entirely as a series of correspondence between the three main characters and a handful of acquaintances. Through typed letters, handwritten notes, and local newspapers, we get to know each of these characters and watch as their relationships evolve. The story is not overly complex and is easy for young readers to follow, but is also very witty and includes quite a bit of humor. The illustrations, presented to the reader as drawings by 11-year-old Seymour, are well-suited to the book’s structure. Every character has a cleverly scripted name that is perfectly matched to the character’s personality and the general storyline. For instance, I. B. Grumply begins the story as a very grumpy loner represented by a literary agent named Paige Turner. The local real estate agent is appropriately named Anita Sale. Other minor characters include local librarian M. Balm, pet store owner Barry A. Lyve, and grocer Kay Daver. Humorous quips are also worked into each article (and ad) that is included in the newspaper pages scattered throughout the book. Readers who take the time to read each snippet in the papers are rewarded with a few extra chuckles.

The structure of the book makes it a quick read as the notes and letters between characters are generally not lengthy. Throughout the book, we are able to see the relationships of the characters grow and watch them form a unique family as they learn how to care for one another.

The book targets young readers 9-12 years of age. Readers who enjoy a tame ghost story would find this book a very entertaining read. The seventh and final installment in the series will be released April 2015.

Reviewed by Heather Hurley