I just wanted to share this review I just wrote for amazon. The book is aimed at grades 4-8.
A Drowned Maiden's Hair
Maud Flynn is too old and ornery to be adopted, or at least that's how it appears. She's not known as pretty or "good", though she is clever. A petite eleven year old with an attitude, Maud yearns for nothing more than a family to love her. When Hyacinth Hawthorne arrives and chooses to take Maud home, it appear that her dearest wish has come true. Hyacinth and her sister are elderly, yet Hyacinth has charm and charisma and stylish clothing. Maud loves her instantly.
The Hawthorne sisters live in a large, respectable house with a third sister, Victoria, and a deaf servant woman known as "Muffet". Maud is delighted with the indoor facilities, new clothing, and abundant food at her new home. She marvels over the wallpaper in her room, and the luxury of having things all to herself. Curiously, the sisters have instructed Maud to keep out of view, and she must hide in her bedroom if callers come to the door. After some time, they share the reason for this, and Maud becomes and active part of the nefarious "family business".
The remainder of the novel deals with Maud's growing disillusionment and the choices she must make. The heartbreaking climax will stay with readers for a long time. A key hint at Maud's potential for a mutually beneficial and positive relationship is her friendship with Muffet, who eventually shares her real name with Maud.
This story would make an excellent book club choice. The characters are unique and wonderfully alive. I am searching for books to compare it to, and The Secret Garden is probably the best reference point. Readers who enjoyed the classic tale should adore A Drowned Maiden's Hair. Highly recommended!
