Book Pick of the Week - Teen Review

Anna Dressed in Blood by   Kendare Blake

       Anna Dressed in Blood  is a spooky novel about a seventeen year old ghosthunter by the name of Theseus Cassio Lowood. Cas is determined to carry on the family legacy of killing the dead with a mystifying athame, just like his father did before him. But ever since the murder of Cas's father, he, his mother, and his cat have been traveling the country in search of more ghosts to kill.

When Cas hears of a ghost that the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, he doesn't expect anything unusual of her. But on the night of what is supposed to be Anna's second death, Cas realizes that she is not like any other ghost. Entangled in a curse that was put upon her as she died, she has killed every last person who has set foot in her haunted Victorian house--except for Cas.

         Unexpectedly, Cas and Anna grow to be (maybe a little more than just) friends. Finally, Cas starts to live what seems to be a somewhat normal life, with friends and plans for the future. But just as things start to settle down, Cas's life takes a devastating turn. After years of killing ghosts, at last will it be time for Cas to prove himself worthy? In the few moments that matter the most, will he be strong enough to avenge his beloved father's death?

          Anna Dressed in Blood, by Kendare Blake, is a novel that may be disturbing to some readers. The book is of mature language, and includes numerous gory scenes that may not be suitable for young readers under the age of 14. Reader discretion is advised.

          This book would appeal greatly to teens in search of a novel that is haunting and blood-curdling. Prepare to sleep with the lights on; this is one unforgettable novel!