Hector and Hannah have grown up at Strange Manor, which happens to be haunted by the original owner. So they are both a bit more used to haunting's and things that go bump in the night than your average person. Strange things have been going on in the lives of the Crowe children, but since that is fairly ‘normal’ they aren’t given the focus they deserve. It does not mean that others are so blase, Hector’s best friend still doesn’t like going into the main house, for a whole host of reasons.

While showing off to his friend, in a room they didn’t belong in, somethings gets broke. It isn’t until later that the importance comes to light. Someone had made a Faustian deal with the devil, but has managed to stay out of his clutches for a long time. Things are about to change.

The Devil’s come to Oregon, looking for a soul to steal, or lay claim too. The soul in question happens to be trying to break into Strange Manor which doesn’t bode well for the Crowe household. Especially since Mr. and Mrs. Crowe have to leave to deal with an emergency caused by a different broken item in the cellar. Leaving the children home with a babysitter.

I found this to be a very good young adult book. The kids treated each other like siblings do, and also showed intelligence and initiative. The two are talented in their own ways and when they decide to work together make a very good team. They each learned a grudging respect of each other's abilities, strengthening the family bonds. They were fun to get to know and I think I’ll be looking for further adventures of these two. Good writing, fun story, Great Young Adult series. It’s fairly fast paced too, so readers shouldn’t get bored! Recommended! ( )