The Seer of Shadows - by Avi (Paperback)

About the Book

Newbery Medalist Avi weaves one of his most suspenseful and scary tales--about a ghost in 1872 New York City who must be kept from carrying out a horrifying revenge. Rich in detail, full of the magic of early photography, here is a story about the shadows, visible and invisible, that are always lurking near.

From the Back Cover

Horace Carpetine does not believe in ghosts.

Raised to believe in science and reason, Horace Carpetine passes off spirits as superstition. Then he becomes an apprentice photographer and discovers an eerie--and even dangerous--supernatural power in his very own photographs.

When a wealthy lady orders a portrait to place by her daughter's gravesite, Horace's employer, Enoch Middleditch, schemes to sell her more pictures--by convincing her that her daughter's ghost has appeared in the ones he's already taken.

It's Horace's job to create images of the girl. Yet Horace somehow captures the girl's spirit along with her likeness. And when the spirit escapes the photographs, Horace discovers he's released a ghost bent on a deadly revenge. . . .

Review Quotes

"An intriguing ghost story. Details about photographic processes add authenticity, while the book's somber ending will leave spines tingling." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"This tale proves that the time-honored ghost story, capably researched, well-paced and fusing the Gothic elements of mystery, madness and romance, can still thrill in the hands of a skilled craftsman." - Kirkus Reviews
"An ideal recommendation for any child hoping for a ghost story that is both frightening and hauntingly mysterious." - School Library Journal (starred review)
"In perhaps his best work yet, Avi has created a truly chilling tale that will stay with the reader long after the last page is turned and the lights are turned out." - Children's Literature
"Avi's rich language evokes images and patterns of a bygone era, and his careful chronicling of early photography's art and science make this novel a pleasure to read. Strong male and female teen characters appeal to a broad readership from science fiction, suspense, and ghost story aficionados to photography and history buffs." - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) (starred review)