I’m a ghost-obsessed author who lives in New England with my husband, two daughters, a sweet dog, a murderous cat, and five chickens who defy description. I’m the author of THE PECULIAR HAUNTING OF THELMA BEE. Find me at erinpettibooks.com!
Praise for The Peculiar Haunting of Thelma Bee
“Petti steadily increases a sense of suspense and dread. The worlds she creates, especially the ones inside the box, are imaginative and fresh. It is rewarding to read about a scientifically minded female protagonist, and that should help attract an audience. VERDICT Those looking for a chilling but quick read should enjoy this one, as will reluctant readers. Recommended for most middle grade collections.” —School Library Journal
“Black-and-white illustrations add visual dimension to Thelma’s peculiar haunting, punctuated by secrets from the past, paranormal happenings, diverse and devoted friends, and a fiery finale. Such humorous details as a car named Gary Indiana and the bickering of Thelma’s friends in the Riverfish Valley Paranormal Society keep the tone light. An inventive debut ghost story starring a contemporary girl with ancient powers.” —Kirkus Reviews
The Peculiar Haunting of Thelma Bee is a delightfully scary story about a bright young girl with a curious mind and an adventurous spirit. When Thelma’s dad is kidnapped by a ghost, she must find a way to get him back. The book is filled with likeable characters and interesting settings, brought to life by simple black-and-white drawings scattered throughout the text. Children ages eight to twelve will be thrilled with an engaging story that is full of twists and surprises. —Foreword Reviews
“Thelma is a smart, independent character who quickly takes control of the situation and her dislike for the annoying popular girls will endear her to many readers. This supernatural thriller is a must for those who enjoy the similarly chilling books by Mary Downing Hahn and Dan Poblocki.” —San Fransisco Book Review
“The thing I like most about Thelma Bee is the way she views the world. Whether she’s planting exotic flowers or chasing ghosts through the kitchen, she sees things as a (proudly) smart, young scientist and as a hopeful, starry-eyed dreamer. Hypothesis: she’ll steal lots of hearts.” —Natalie Lloyd, New York Times bestselling author of A Snicker of Magic and The Key to Extraordinary
“A full-of-surprises heroine, her intrepid friends, ghosts and monsters, dark wizards and good witches, mad bulls and wild cats, a haunted jewelry box and spooky goo—there’s something for everyone in this rollicking fun read!” —Margi Preus, author of Newbery Honor winner Heart of a Samurai and Enchantment Lake
“Thelma Bee is the girl I always wanted to be friends with in school: a smart, funny, chatty little scientist who’d be endlessly entertaining even if she weren’t developing supernatural powers. Likewise, The Peculiar Haunting of Thelma Bee is a smart, fun, and inventive adventure down a fantastical rabbit-hole. Thelma’s world is brimming with wit, colorful characters, and unexpected thrills. (And magic, of course.) —Neil Reynolds, writer for The CW’s The Vampire Diaries
“Thelma Bee takes place at the intersection of science, magic, and mystery. It’s engaging, clever, and suspenseful. I only wish I could time travel and give it to myself at ten. This one is definitely going on my daughter’s bookshelf!” —Annie Mebane, writer for ABC’s The Goldbergs, NBC’s Community, and ABC’s Happy Endings
“A fast, engaging read, this book should entertain and charm readers everywhere. The Peculiar Haunting of Thelma Bee is a clever, imaginative book with wonderful characters that has the real potential to become a huge hit. …Young women should really relate to this magical book and be swept up into its enchanted, albeit slightly frightening, world… If you love Coraline, Matilda, Harry Potter, The Secret Circle, or Ghostbusters, then this is the book for you.” —The Silver Petticoat Review
Spooky Middle Grade 