Review of The Girl in Black by CJ Loughty
As someone who’s always had an insatiable curiosity for magic and mystery, The Girl in Black by CJ Loughty immediately captivated my attention. The intriguing idea of a young girl wielding real magic in an eerie, unfamiliar neighborhood took me back to the whispers of hidden worlds I discovered in my own childhood reads. As I flipped through the pages, I was transported back to the imaginative realm of my younger self—a mix of spine-tingling excitement and a hint of fear, akin to when I first peeled back the covers of a spooky fairytale.
At the heart of this tale is twelve-year-old Archie Wiggins, who finds himself spellbound (pun intended!) by the enigmatic family that moves into the shadowy mansion next door. Archie’s determination to unveil the secrets surrounding the Girl in Black is relatable and instantly draws readers into his adventurous spirit. Loughty crafts a vivid world where the ordinary meets the extraordinary, deftly blending elements of horror and magic that cater to the tastes of mid-grade readers. Throughout the story, Archie’s journey is both thrilling and eye-opening, embodying the classic theme of curiosity leading to unforeseen consequences—a narrative thread that resonates strongly with anyone who has ever dared to tread where they shouldn’t.
One of the standout elements of Loughty’s writing is the pacing. The mysterious revelations are coupled with light-hearted humor, complemented beautifully by the characterization of Archie and his colorful sidekick friends. Much like in life, the dialogue flows naturally, evoking genuine laughter while still hinting at the underlying fears that coil around Archie’s soul. A particular scene where Archie witnesses the Girl in Black effortlessly perform a magic trick had me on the edge of my seat, eagerly wondering how far Loughty would take us into the realm of the supernatural.
The seamless weaving of whimsy and spine-chilling moments kept me eagerly flipping through pages, and I found myself laughing out loud while heartily embracing the goosebumps that crept up my spine. The author’s skillful use of language captured the vividness of Archie’s surroundings, enveloping me in the enchanting darkness of his world. Phrases like “the shadows seemed to dance to the eerie tune of the moonlight” lingered in my mind long after I’d closed the book.
The Girl in Black is brimming with adventure, and it is well-suited for readers aged 9 and up, though I believe it carries a timeless appeal. It’s a compelling read for anyone who cherishes tales of magic combined with elements of suspense. Whether you’re a young reader stepping into a mystical world or an adult reminiscing about your own brush with the unsettling wonders of childhood imagination, this book has something for everyone.
Ultimately, this first part of a series left me hungry for more, a magical cliffhanger that lingers deliciously. If you find yourself smiling at the prospect of adventures alongside chilling mysteries—and if your heart beats a little faster at the thought of magic—you might just want to dive into the world of The Girl in Black. I know I’ll be counting the days until the next installment!
You can find The Girl in Black: a scary mystery book for kids 11-14 here >>