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Description
Anna has been assigned to a popular Colorado landmark, the ancient cave dwellings of a vanished Native American civilization, and now she must find the very human source of the evil wind that is blowing through the ruins.
Quick Summary
If you're looking for a mystery that actually teaches you something without feeling like homework, this one's solid. Anna's assignment to investigate creepy goings-on at ancient cliff dwellings in Colorado hooks you right away the setting is unlike the typical school or suburban setting you see in a lot of books for this age group, and the way Barr weaves in actual Native American history and archaeology makes the whole thing feel a lot more real than a lot of supernatural thrillers. The mystery itself moves at a good pace, with enough clues and red herrings to keep you guessing without making you feel like you need a detective notebook. It strikes a nice balance between genuinely spooky and not-too-intense, which makes it perfect for readers who want a few chills without nightmares. Fans of R.L. Stine but who are ready for something slightly more substantial will probably love this, and it could even appeal to kids who usually roll their eyes at assigned reading because the protagonist actually feels like a real person dealing with normal teenage stuff alongside the mystery. Parents will appreciate that it sparks curiosity about history and different cultures while still being an exciting page-turner.