This book was actually really good! I've never heard of this novel or author, but I now find myself wanting to read more of Australian author, Elsbeth Edgar's, work. This mystery novels main character is 14-year-old Laura who just recently moved to an old mansion in Australia that is known as The Visconti House. After Leon Murphy, the boy next door, moves in, Laura soon discovers from his grandmother, Mrs. Murphy, that an Italian man named Mr.Visconti used to live there. Suddenly interested by the houses history, and Mr. Visconti's background, Laura finds herself on an adventure to search and discover the mystery of The Visconti House. So I read this back to back with the Tilting House, this one first. Although they shared similar plot elements, the Tilting House was much more original. I had a hard time really loving the main character in this book, and I felt that her reactions and emotions were not really true to life. I also felt like I was pushed around as a reader. The author was trying to manipulate how I should feel about certain people and their actions, instead of just telling it like it is and leaving the reader to make a decision. Overall, forgettable.
What do You think about Visconti House, The (2013)?
It was very good. I have to say this is better than most realistic fiction books that I read.
—Zach
Great mystery book for middle school readers.
—Sonny
