LOST ON DOLL ISLAND by Cassandra Ramos-Gomez
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I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher in order to write this review.
The publisher’s summary
Rick Riordan meets R. L. Stine in this fast-paced debut middle grade horror packed with adventure about a Mexican American boy who starts hearing the voice of a haunted doll while visiting family in Mexico City.
Diego feels trapped. He’s confined in an arm cast, stuck with his tía and tío for a week in Mexico City, and smothered with the sickening fear that he’s the one who really caused his parents’ divorce. But most of all, he’s trapped in his own secret. Because ever since he got to Mexico City, he’s started having strange dreams of a doll calling his name.
Then Diego learns of La Isla de Muñecas, an island full of legendary magic that can make children’s wishes come true. If Diego can harness the power there, maybe he could fix everything that has gone wrong in his life.
So, with the help of two new friends, Diego takes a boat to the legendary island. From the moment the kids step ashore, nothing is as it seems—with dolls disappearing and reappearing in the blink of an eye. Suddenly, Diego is more trapped than ever before, and as the night goes on, he’s not sure he can escape.
My recommendation
With its delightful blend of humor and spine-tingling horror vibes, this book was a page-turner from beginning to end. The eerie atmosphere stayed with me long after I closed the book while the rich setting and grounded cultural environment added depth. This book is an essential addition to middle grade horror collections. Congratulations to Cassandra Ramos-Gomez on her thrilling debut!
Susan the Librarian 