Review: Till Death Do Us Bark by Kate Klise

Till Death Do Us Bark by Kate Klise. A 43 Old Cemetery Road Mystery.

Sandpiper
Publication Date: August 2012
List Price: $5.99
ISBN-13: 9780547850818

Review: Are you the type who likes mystery, adventure, and suspense? Do you like to read books that you can't put down? If so, read Till Death Do Us Bark, the third book in the 43 Old Cemetery Road series by Kate Klise. A puzzling page turner with twists about main character Seymour and his adventures to keep the late Noah Breth's dog after following him home all while Kitty and Kanine Breth, children of late Noah Breth try to hunt for their father's secret stash of money.

Seymour is a boy who now lives in Spense mansion on 43 Old Cemetery Road with ghost Olive C. Spense and Mr. Grumply after his biological parents went to jail. After Secret, the late Noah Breth's old dog follows Seymour home. He falls in love with him and is determined to keep him forever. Meanwhile, bratty Kitty and selfish Kanine Breth go on a scavenger hunt to find the hidden coins that their father left that were worth millions. While talking through letters and messages, Seymour, Mr.Grumply, Olive, Kitty and Kanine uncover secrets to lead to the truth. Will Seymour get to keep Secret? Will Kitty or Kanine find the jackpot? What mysteries will be revealed?

Unlike in some books you can relate to these characters. Aside from the fact that there are ghosts, I can connect to Seymour, feeling stuck or confused. The characters in the book are fascinating and full of feeling. Kate Klise (author) did a great job of describing the characters, feelings and actions. I could actually hear their voices, different voices for each as I read them back to back. I think that this book could appeal to wide range of audiences. It's not just for kids. It's a different short book that will keep anyone's attention with its out of the ordinary thrilling plot, cliff hangers and many secrets. Till Death Do Us Bark is also full of engaging language that helps keep your attention. Like for example, in the story in a letter to Sheriff Mike Ondolences, Kitty says, ÒNothing gets up my danger like injustice. That is why I am writing to you that I have proof my stupid brother is trying to swindle me out of my share of my father's money.Ó Not only does it have alluring vocabulary, but after almost all the lines I read, I got chills. Do not get me wrong; this gripping story is full of mystery, but has many jokes and humor that makes you crack up. After reading, I got an important message to face your problems and don't run away, and to not keep secrets but to talk to people about them. Kate Klise, author, deserves five of five stars for her tempting, suspenseful dialogue, original characters, memorable theme, and action packed writing style. As if you did not want to from the first line, go out and buy or borrow your own copy today! Enjoy your soon to be favorite book ever!

Review written by Megan (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Till Death Do Us Bark for this review.

Have you read Till Death Do Us Bark? How would you rate it?