Book Review: "Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children"

Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children
by Ransom Riggs, 2011

 This book was one of those impulse buys - you know, how when you go to the bookstore for a particular book, but it's not out yet, then you spot something interesting on the display table on your way out? It's one of those. It's got this vintage photo on the cover (early 1900s), of a truly creepy little girl who appears to be hovering several inches above the ground. That's the kind of cover that will get my attention.

 After the violent and mysterious death of his grandfather, teenager Jacob goes to Wales to find the truth behind his grandfather's bizarre stories of growing up in an orphanage - an orphanage for children with strange talents.

 This is a great adventure story, full of conspiracies, secret organizations, and strange children who somehow live outside of linear time. Inserted in the book are some of the most wonderfully strange vintage photographs I've ever seen - the photos alone are worth the price of the book!

 It's hard to believe this is Riggs' first novel. The characters are believable and compelling - you truly care what happens to them. The story is well-paced, moving the action along so naturally that you just can't put it down. (I think I finished it in about two days - and two late nights!)

 "Peculiar Children" is the author's third book, and first fiction novel. On his blog, the author promised a sequel, which according to Amazon is due out June of 2013. Can't wait!