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Cover of The Ghost of Ballyhooly by Betty Cavanna

Book · Middle Grade

The Ghost of Ballyhooly

by Betty Cavanna

1971

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About the book

"A Christmas vacation at a seventeenth century castle is the entrancing prospect for the heroine of this atmospheric mystery. The castle has the romantic name of Ballyhooly, and it comes with the history of a ghost attached to it. Sixteen-year-old Kristy, her immediate family, grandparents, and uncle's family-making a party of nine- feel they have selected the perfect place for a holiday reunion. But Kristy does not reckon on finding the gardener Fergus O'Malley dead in the crumbling graveyard, under strange circumstances. Though her grandmother is determined that their stay shall not be spoiled by this unfortunate event, Kristy cannot resist playing amateur detective. With the help of an Irish student friend, she pursues the pieces of a bizarre puzzle involving night prowlers, gypsies, and the sickening of the local salmon. How the ghost is laid to rest at last makes a rousing adventure. Miss Cavanna, who has stayed at Ballyhooly Castle herself, captures the somber grandeur of this ancient setting in an unusual story sure to appeal to her fans."

For parents

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