The Finchley House Mystery

Delores Gapanowicz
Nightengale Press (2005)
ISBN 1933449063
Reviewed by Cindy Lynn Jacobs for Reader Views (5/06)

Paul and Tom notice strange lights at the old, deserted Finchley house and decide to investigate along with their sisters. Each step they take that brings them closer to finding answers is filled with thrill and excitement. Despite potential dangers, their curiosity continually drives them to each new clue. However, while playing detective, they soon find themselves face-to-face with danger.

Delores Gapanowicz presents an all-American mystery full of page-turning adventure. “The Finchley House Mystery” includes an old dilapidated house, a secret passageway, a stake-out, the police, and four incredibly brave youngsters. This book is an easy read with paragraphs averaging one to two sentences. Gapanowicz selects her words well while unfolding the adventure and peaking reader interest throughout the book. 

“The Finchley House Mystery” is written for elementary to high school students. The back of the book includes a chapter-by-chapter study guide and a glossary as a teacher’s resource or to help students learning of English as a Second language. The questions presented in the study guide are thought-provoking, such as “Why did shivers run up and down people’s spines whenever anyone mentioned Mr. Finchley’s House?” and “What did Harry and Gus decide to do with the children?”

Gapanowicz’s book makes a great addition to a teacher’s library. The book caters to the interest of both boys and girls and could easily become a class project.

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