Module 9: The Dollhouse Murders Review

What's It All About?

12-year-old Amy is always having to look after her sister, Louann, who is brain-damaged. THis costs her friendships and the joy of being a kid with no responsibilities. When Aunt Clare lets Amy stay with her for a while she discovers an exact replica of the family home in dollhouse form. THis isn't just any dollhouse though, it is haunted by a past family mystery and won't stop until someone hears what the dolls within have to say. With the help of her sister, they'll dig up the past and solve the mystery once and for all.

What'd I Think?

I'm not typically into paranormal-type mysteries as I am what one might call a "Pansy." THis one had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out just what had happened in that old house. Wright does a great job of keeping the suspense up and illustrating the ups and downs that come with being the sister that is always counted on.

I give it 4 out of 5 stars!

What'd They Think?

School Library Journal

(August 01, 1999; 9780874995206)

Gr 3-7-When she witnesses peculiar events surrounding her aunt's old dollhouse in the attic, 12-year-old Amy unravels a mystery that involves a deadly family secret. By Betty R. Wright. (c) Copyright 2010.

Publishers Weekly

(May 10, 1999; 9780874995237)

Wright's taut, suspenseful novel proves a solid choice to kick off the Live Oak Mysteries audio series. The attic is always a great place to look for nuggets of one's family history, but when 12-year-old Amy explores her great-grandparents' attic, she uncovers clues to a chilling family secret. As Amy and her Aunt Claire sift through clothes, trinkets and other memorabilia, Amy comes across Aunt Claire's long-forgotten dollhouse, a finely crafted replica of the house they are in. Aunt Claire seems unusually distressed about the dollhouse and Amy is determined to find out why. The real fun begins when Amy learns that the dolls in the dollhouse move of their own willÄand that they seem to be trying to tell her something. After a little sleuthing at the local library, Amy learns that her great-grandparents were murdered years ago and that Aunt Claire's fianc‚ (who died in a car accident that same night) was the prime suspect in the unsolved case. Before long, Amy unravels the mystery, helping Aunt Claire to resolve her feelings about the past. A subplot about Amy's relationships with her parents, younger sister and best friend adds depth and warmth to this crisply paced tale. Stewart handles the narration with aplomb, using her voice to give listeners a hint of each character's personality. Her portrayal of Aunt Claire, who delivers a few chillingly snappish retorts to Amy, is particularly strong. Ages 8-up. (Mar.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

What Do I Do With It?

Using a shoebox, students could create a diorama/dollhouse of any type they choose. It could be based on a house from a story, real life, or even just their imagination. They will create objects such as tables, and couches using recycled materials.