Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Lexie

Anyone who has grown up in a small town will understand the
frustrations and limitations that Iris and her friend Collette feel.
For a teen its not fun to see the same people do the same things day
after day. And a graveyard is a strong temptation (one that I found
irresistible at their age and in their situation). I could, despite
being a decade older then either Iris or Collette, easily identify with
them. Mitchell writes their reactions believably and with honesty--who
hasnt gotten tired of their friend who is constantly flirting and
dragging you into their busy couples life only to make you feel like
an outsider? Or anxiety that what you had with that friend is
disappearing as you grow older and have less in common?

Mitchells
history with screenwriting is especially apparent in her attention to
detail with the characters responses and the surroundings. The use of
Where yat?, a common local phrase from New Orleans (according to my
handy dandy slang dictionary) is perhaps the most chilling part of the
book for me. Each time Iris would hear it, I just got a chill down my
spine and goose bumps on my arms.

An important motivating factor
for the book is the friendship between Iris and Collette and how
turning fourteen changed things for them. Collette was on the verge of
wanting to be treated like a young woman--she wanted to primp and preen
herself on the off chance a cute boy would happen by. Iris was content
to keep things as they were--making up magical stories, talking to
spirits and throwing stones at the boys. As the two of them dig deeper
into Elijah Landrys disappearance--with the help from Ben, Collettes
new boyfriend--theyre both forced to confront the truth of their
friendship and its future.

Shadowed Summer
is sure to keep your attention from start to finish and keep you
guessing as to what really happened to Elijah. In fact the resolution
to the mystery forces a series of events that changes Iris perception
of not only herself, but also of her town.

((reprinted with author's permission))