Book Review - Whispering Pines by Heidi Lang and Kati Bartkowski

Title: Whispering Pines
Series: Whispering Pines # 1
Author: Heidi Lang, Kati Bartkowski
 
Description: Rae’s father vanished without a trace and she knows what happened to him. But no one believes her when she says that her father didn’t run off, that he was actually taken. Now, a year of therapy later, Rae’s mother decides they need a fresh start and so they move to a new town that life can return to normal.
 
The problem is, there is nothing normal about the town of Whispering Pines.
 
No one knows this better than Caden. He’s lived in Whispering Pines his entire life, and he’s seen more than his fair share of weird. Starting with his own family, as the town is the perfect home base for his mother’s ghost hunting business.
 
When several kids go missing and then show up like zombies with their eyes removed, many locals brush it off. Just another day in Whispering Pines. But Caden has a dark secret, one that may explain why someone is stealing eyes. And Rae, who knows how it feels to not be believed, may just be the person Caden needs to help him put things right.
 
Review: I read this book for the “Upside Down Readathon” which is a “Stranger Things”-themed readathon. This book was the buddy read for one of the hosts, Liv. Otherwise I would’ve never picked this up. It’s a spooky middle grade and I’m glad Liv choose this as her buddy read.
 
Spooky middle grades are definitely a subgenre that I really enjoy. I’m definitely not the age demographic, but I just love getting lost in these books. And it was the perfect pick for a “Stranger Things”-themed readathon. It had all the vibes, lots of similarities and has elements that I also love about the series. It’s set in a small town, unexplainable things keep happening, missing kids, a secret lab, the supernatural and people with certain powers.
 
When I think about middle grade, I think of 8 to 12 year old kids. This book is definitely on the dark and more scarier side. So if you want your kid to read this, or you are that kid that wants to read it, be aware it has some very bloody and creepy moments.
 
The book has a great, spooky atmosphere, also die to the small town setting. The two main characters, Rae and Caden, are both well-developed and interesting characters. They both deal with the loss of someone dear and find a connection. The mystery is strong and kept me guessing until the end, with a great reveal right at the very end. “Whispering Pines” is also very fast paced and easy to read. The first book in a series that I will definitely be continuing.  
 
Rating: 5/ 5