The Ghosts of Westthorpe Academy by Joseph Lewis
Review:
This contemporary faith-based novel combines an intriguing mystery with speculative elements for Catholic teens and is the first book in the Westthorpe Academy Mysteries.
Joe is an ordinary kid. A good student who has an incredible opportunity to attend a prestigious private Catholic school—Westthorpe Academy. All seems to be going well—new friends, great teachers, lots of activities—until rumors start swirling that the historic Westthorpe Academy is in danger of closing. Soon Joe’s ordinary life is changed by unusual events. Could the supernatural visit be a vivid dream and strange coincidence, or a message from God?
There is a lot to enjoy in the book, a compelling mystery, strong elements faith, and interesting historical facts. I found it refreshing to read about a good kid with nice friends and a supporting family. But don’t worry, there is plenty of drama and excitement to keep you turning the pages.
Summary:
George Owen “Joe” Pryce is a newly arrived freshman at Westthorpe Academy, a small, private all-boys Catholic high school in the western suburbs of Philadelphia. Joe and the other new students quickly become acquainted with the stories of how the mansion, known as Moreau Hall, is haunted by the former mistress of the house, Madame Duchesne, who may also have hidden away a large fortune in the house. While Joe is hardly one to believe such stories, his best friend Pete is increasingly fascinated by them, especially when listening to some of the veteran teachers who delight in sharing tales of mysterious occurrences within the mansion.
But what may be more frightening is the news Joe receives that his beloved school is facing money problems and may soon be closing. While relying on his strong faith and prayer, Joe begins experiencing a series of dreams where he is visited by two heavenly beings who express a desire in helping him save his school. But is it too late?
Can Joe’s celestial visitors not only help him save his school, but help secure the hidden money from unscrupulous fortune hunters? Can the stories about Madame Duchesne lurking in the darkened halls of the mansion be true after all? And how is it possible that the President of the United States himself is somehow involved in helping Joe solve these compelling mysteries?
