The Aviary by Kathleen O'Dell

This is unusual story with a touch of paranormal, magic, Gothic mystery and murder all twirled together in an intriguing tale.  The author does a good job of melding it together and making you care about Clara. 

Random House Kids sent me a copy of this book for review (thank you).  It has been published, so check at your local bookstore for a copy.

Clara has spent her whole life in the old run-down Victorian house that belongs to a magician's widow.  She loves the old woman and enjoys living her with her mother and one other servant.  Life is good.  The birds in the aviary are noisy and bother her a bit, but she can ignore them.  At least she can until the Myna bird keeps calling the name Elliot as she walks by.  What might the Myna bird be trying to tell her?

It's true, the birds have a message.  But before they can disclose it, the old woman dies, someone tries to buy the house and it looks like Clara is all on her own if she wants to solve this mystery.  She does have a girlfriend to help and that's a very good thing.

This is a fantasy with a touch of paranormal and ghosts.  It's a good read for both young and old.  A bit scary but so interesting it carries you by it.  Why not travel back in time and see how a kidnapping turned deadly and why it took so many years to solve the crime? 

Happy reading.