• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

Jane is terrified of the masks hanging along her grandmother's stairwell, and even more scared of the Spirit Man in her grandmother's bathroom.

After a week of avoiding him during a summer visit, she finally summons the courage to face him, minutes before leaving for the trip home. But her moment of triumph marks the beginning of a year of trouble for Jane and her family, trouble only Jane (and the Spirit Man) can fix.

Maureen Bush has written 4 books including the first two in the Veil of Magic series, The Nexus Ring and Crow Boy. Her books have been short listed for numerous awards including the Silver Birch and the Saskatchewan Diamond Willow. She has a Post-graduate Certificate of Creative Writing from Humber College. She also obtained a Bachelor’s degree in History and a Masters in Environmental Design (Environmental Science), both from the University of Calgary. Born in Edmonton, Maureen Bush now lives in Calgary.

Maureen Bush's profile page

• Commended, Resource Links, The Year's Best Books

"This book will appeal to young girls looking for ways to raise their confidence. Jane is a likeable and loving character. Her relationship with her younger brother is very sweet...A great book for struggling readers or those new to chapter books."

Puget Sound Council for Reviewing Children's Media

"Quite a good yarn with a clever premise, and it is spooky enough to entrance most young readers."

Canadian Literature

"Written in easy to read prose, the setting, timelines and development of the story can easily be discussed among the younger experienced readers, while challeng[ing] those just beginning."

Resource Links

"Bush's story offers readers the opportunity to live vicariously through Jane's journey to self-discovery and, further, experience a thrilling sense of obtaining confidence by overcoming obstacles...Highly Recommended."

CM Magazine