56 Water Street

It is the close of the school year and summer break is about to begin in a small Ontario town. For 10-year-old best friends Derek and Ravine, the summer holds an adventure they could never have imagined. Melissa Strangway’s “56 Water Street” (published by iUniverse - http://www.iuniverse.com) depicts a tale of trust, friendship and love intertwined with a 100-year-old mystery.

The old house on Water Street has never drawn much attention. No one lives there and no one goes there. Derek and Ravine have certainly never paid much attention to number 56. That is until the day they notice something strange about the house; the kitchen lights keep flickering on and off. As if in a trance, the two young friends venture closer and closer to the house until they can see inside the house and the figure standing in the kitchen. The specter jolts them out of their trance and the two sprint for the safety of the sidewalk and the people bustling on the neighborhood street. Thus begins a summer that will change the two friends forever.

As the story of “56 Water Street” unfolds for the two young protagonists, fear gives way to curiosity and ultimately, determination. Derek and Ravine befriend the spirit that inhabits the old house and vow to uncover the riddle that surrounds the house and the fate that brought their new friend to her current predicament:

There it was. Number 56 Water Street. The house loomed over all the others on the block. It seemed darker and gloomier than the rest of the street and, whether the sky was cloudy or sunny, the house always had its own shadow. As she watched the weeping willow in the front yard swaying gently, she noticed that the breeze didn’t affect any other trees or flowers. A darkness fell over her, sending a chill up her spine. It made her shiver, and she turned away from the window, quickly shutting the curtains. As she leaned against her pillow, she thought about phoning Derek. But it was close to ten and, although the school year was almost over, he’d probably be getting ready for bed. Even if he wasn’t, his mom would lecture her about phoning so late. Better not, she thought.

“56 Water Street” is a charming and expertly crafted story that will appeal to readers of all ages. Strangway’s inaugural novel masterfully combines a heartwarming story of adolescent friendship with a paranormal mystery reminiscent of the works of C.S. Adler and Katherine Paterson.

About the Author: Melissa Strangway was raised in the prairie region of Canada, but now resides in southern Ontario. She divides her time between raising her children, writing and designing an exclusive line of one-of-a-kind party clothing for children.