THE REVENGE OF JEREMIAH PLUM

by Elizabeth Muskopf ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1987

Another story about children who encounter a ghost that they take for granted--but take pains to conceal from adults. Darcy and her brother Gordon are left with an elderly, disabled relative in her vast rooming house while their parents go to Antarctica. The ghost of Jeremiah Plum then enlists Darcy and friend Leila, also resident, in solving his alleged murder 50 years earlier so that he can retire to eternal rest; a Christie-like array of characters, past and present, is involved. Plot details include a network of underground plumbing in aid of an elaborate garden, poisonous plants, the language of flowers as clues, buried treasure, and counterfeiters--as well as the rather staid ghost, who was an accountant. In the hands of a more skillful writer, this might have been an entertaining yarn; unfortunately, it is full of unlikely detail and labored dialogue. The kids behave and are treated as if they were 10-year-olds, although the author says they're 14; they had never met Aunt Prue because she didn't like children; and several weeks after arriving, they think of her as cross and unapproachable--yet when she finally comes on stage, she is sympathetic and sensible. Worse, there are too many explanations, too many awkward phrases or descriptions that miss their marks; the book is too long; and the conclusion, that there was no murder, is more of a letdown than a surprise. Muskopf may have a flair for plot, but a more careful approach to style and detail would set it off to better advantage. Meanwhile, this first effort for young readers is too clumsy to afford much pleasure.

Pub Date: April 1, 1987

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 212

Publisher: Henry Holt

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1987

Categories: CHILDREN'S