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I’ve been on the hunt for a spooky story for awhile. I had read Conversion not too long ago. I hoped that The Appearance of Annie van Sinderen by Katherine Howe would deliver on the spooky. It helped that my secret sister Ashley from The Quiet Concert had read it. I didn’t get the spooky I was looking for but i still enjoyed the story.

Without a doubt my favorite parts of the book were during Annie’s flashbacks. There aren’t many fictional books set in the historic United States and even fewer in young adult. The Appearance of Annie van Sinderen focuses on the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825 New York. That being said the pacing really dragged at times and I found it hard to stay engaged. I also felt that some of the characters’ reactions were too over the top and I found myself slightly annoyed by this.

If I had to choose a favorite character I would have to pick Annie. Just because she was the most interesting. If I’m being honest I didn’t really connect to any of the characters. I did enjoy the alternating points of view between Wes and Annie. The pacing in alternation was spot on. The ending was pretty abrupt and left me with a lot of questions.

The Appearance of Annie van Sinderen wasn’t exactly what I was looking for but it was still and enjoyable read.