A Tale of Mystery and Suspense Woven With Historical Lore and Local Legend
Marcy and Phil Dunlap come with their parents from the North to Aiken, where
their father is doing historical research. The family stays at Telfair Inn (patterned
after the
Willcox), which is in a
state of dilapidation. In fact, one part of the sprawling old inn has been
targeted for demolition. The antagonist, eccentric old Mr. Crowe, frightens
young Marcy. It is obvious he does not want the Dunlaps, because of the
children, to stay in the inn. When he chases Marcy and Phil with his cane,
they decide he is trying to hide something. Mysterious things start to take
place, giving Phil the idea to explore the unused part of the old inn. What
they find out not only surprises them but teaches a lesson in compassion.
Ages 10 & up. 126 pages. Illustrations.
(1971) 2001. Sandlapper.
"The author...takes a child's love of mystery and weaves a tale of
suspense around the history and legends of the Savannah River area..."
The State
"This is a book that will make mystery-story buffs like history....It
also performs the difficult feat of combining suspense with
believability."...Georgia Magazine
"The history connected has been researched and is authentic but the
mystery is intriguing, parts are shivery, and the end is satisfying with all
loose ends tied neatly."...Spartanburg Herald-Journal
NOMINATED FOR A SOUTH CAROLINA
CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD
