The Legend of Ghost Dog Island by Rita Monette

Behind every legend lies the truth.

Moving is nothing new for ten-year-old Nikki Landry. Her fisherman father relocates their raggedy old houseboat several times a year in search of better crabbing spots. However, their latest move has brought her to a mysterious bayou where she feels something is watching her from a nearby island.

Nikki learns of a local legend about something sinister inhabiting those swamps, stealing the souls of dogs…which would explain the strange howling sounds. Papa reassures her there’s nothing on the island but gators and snakes. He would know. He’s spent his whole life trapping and fishing those bayous and swamps. But Nikki and her new friends uncover strange happenings from years ago that may have started the old legend, and town folks aren’t talking. Then her beloved beagle goes missing.

Join Nikki as she seeks to discover the real truth behind the legend of Ghost Dog Island…before it’s too late.

The Legend of Ghost Dog Island is geared toward middle grade but is also a quick, entertaining read for adults.  The characters are well developed and Nikki drives the story with her wit, determination and her quest for the truth.

Less than two hundred pages, it has easy enough words to understand for a middle grader, yet the suspense and the addition of Nikki's dog will keep young readers enthralled as the story unfolds.  While I was expecting the ending, there were a few unexpected twists and surprises that I enjoyed.  The Bayou is richly detailed and gives authenticity to the setting.  Recommend!

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.