Greenglass House: A National Book Award Nominee

Kate Milford

Aug 2014 · Sold by HarperCollins

About this ebook

New York Times Bestseller * National Book Award Nominee * Winner of the Edgar Award for Best Juvenile Mystery

It’s wintertime at Greenglass House. The creaky smuggler’s inn is always quiet during this season, and twelve-year-old Milo, the innkeepers’ adopted son, plans to spend his holidays relaxing.

But on the first icy night of vacation, out of nowhere, the guest bell rings. Then rings again. And again...

Soon Milo’s home is bursting with odd, secretive guests, each one bearing a strange story that is somehow connected to the rambling old house. As objects go missing and tempers flare, Milo and Meddy, the cook’s daughter, must decipher clues and untangle the web of deepening mysteries to discover the truth about Greenglass House—and themselves.

Ratings and reviews

I have been holding onto this one because I wanted to read it in the wintertime, when it is snowy everywhere (except for in my part of the woods, le sigh). Given my friends and people who I respect flooded it with 5 stars, I thought this would be one of my favorites this year. I guessed the main twist right upon the character it involved. As you guys know, sometimes it delights me. Sometimes it aggravates me. In this case, it was the latter. Especially because I was bashed on the head throughout the book with hints. I started to think, this has to be a red herring because it is too obvious. Sadly, no. Maybe I’ve just read too many books and have watched too many shows and movies where this was the twist? Also, was not a fan of the role-playing aspect. I was expecting a cozy, polar mystery. Perhaps if this was in the synopsis, I could have prepared myself for it? I also couldn’t connect to the two young MCs until it was too late. That being said, the author did a great job with the adult characters and the scenery. The illustrations (especially the cover) are to die for!! Milo is ready for Christmas vacation. He has his parents (his adoptive parents, as he constantly reminds himself) to himself, as this is usually the slow season for his parents’ BnB. Then, on the first night, the sound of a guest arriving. Then more. And more. Milo’s parents call on the chef to return by to help out, and she brings her daughters. Milo and his new friend begin to role play when they make a discovery in the attic—and then, real-life heists begin to occur and there is mystery afoot! But this for yourself or someone who doesn’t mind obvious plot twists. If you’re twisted, buy it for someone who hates it, just for their reaction.

It was quite slow paced but once it got intense I had a hard time putting the book down, it is a total page turner. If it was a little bit more fast paced I would rate it five stars.

I had to read it as a mystery book for school and since I had to get a good grade on reading every second of free time I had I read this book.I would rate this book 5 stars because it was a little kick in the end that I dis not see coming.I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!

About the author

Kate Milford is the New York Times best-selling author of the Edgar Award–winning, National Book Award nominee Greenglass House, as well as Ghosts of Greenglass House, Bluecrowne, The Thief Knot, and many more. She lives with her family in Brooklyn, New York. www.greenglasshousebooks.com and www.katemilfordwritesbooks.com, Twitter: @KateMilford

JAIME ZOLLARS has illustrated children’s books, magazines, newspapers, and ad campaigns for clients that include United Airlines, Random House, The American Red Cross, Scholastic, and the L.A. Weekly. Jaime is inspired by fairy tales and Flemish painters, non-fiction books, forgotten paper, found textures, and flea market photographs. She lives and works in Baltimore, Maryland, with her husband and son. To find out more, visit www.jaimezollars.com.