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

Conor loves to climb.

So when the crusty old manager of a thrill ride based on Edgar Allan Poe's "The Pit and the Pendulum" challenges Conor to scale the ride in the dark of night and hide a package at the top, he foolishly accepts. But it isn't long before he realizes that he is now involved in something far more dangerous. What is in the package, and what does it have to do with Edgar Allan Poe? And why is the town bully so terrified of the old man? The more Conor learns, the deeper in trouble he gets.

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read!

Scottish-born and mystery-minded, Melanie Jackson is the author of Orca's Dinah Galloway Mystery Series for eight-to-11-year-olds, and young-adult suspensers such as The Big Dip and High Wire. Melanie, who lives in Vancouver with her husband Bart, is a business/advertising writer and editor. She's a member of the Vancouver Sun's Book Club, which reviews current novels in print and online. Melanie likes hiking, piano, English/Scottish history—and continually learning from the kids she works with as a writing mentor with the Vancouver School Board.

Melanie teaches a mystery unit to Grades 8 and 9 at two Vancouver secondary schools. She welcomes schools’ inquiries about her presentations for intermediate and secondary classes. For more information, e-mail Melanie or visit her blog.

Melanie Jackson's profile page

“Excitement and fear are the backbone of this story…The content will definitely hold the interest of teenagers…Perfect for reluctant readers or students reading below grade level.”

Must Read Literature

“Will allow a young reader to get through it rapidly. The Poe references are entertaining…its simplicity fits, and the exposure to a literary legend such as Poe should prove beneficial and spark important conversations.”

Resource Links

"Jackson’s gripping, first-person, plot-driven novel ask readers to consider self-confidence vs. over-active ego; right vs. wrong…A suspenseful addition to high-low collections. "

Booklist

"A short entertaining novel aimed at middle grade reluctant readers. It has a lot to recommend it…I quite enjoyed it."

The Haunted Reading Room

"Appeal to a variety of readers, including readers of human interest, mystery, adventure and realistic fiction…In addition to being an excellent class novel for individual reading or as a read-aloud for the intended audience, would be an excellent addition for personal, class, school and public libraries. Highly Recommended."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials