Saying goodbye to her eighth-grade friends was bad enough. But moving into an abandoned house in a run-down town on the Maine seacoast? And the locals say it’s haunted? You’ve got to be kidding.Knowing nobody in her new surroundings, Nicole Kelly is befriended by another outcast, a classmate fiercely proud of her Native American heritage. Rejecting prejudice and superstition in favor of science and logic, the girls team up to search for a legendary treasure. They apply math and science lessons in centuries-old tunnels and on the Atlantic Ocean. But this is no game. Someone else, armed not with theorems but rather an assassin’s knife, is also searching, and watching their every move. The girls think they are hunters. In fact, they are the prey.
Book Content
Mystery and Intrigue
"The Weber House" promises readers an engaging mystery filled with spooky happenings, hidden tunnels, icy cliffs, and a treasure hunt. The intricate story weaves together elements of, pirates, legends, and hidden treasure, creating an atmosphere of suspense and excitement that will keep readers eagerly turning the pages.
Friendship as a Central Theme
At the heart of the story are the protagonists, Nicole and Alice, both 13 years old, forming a deep and resourceful friendship. The narrative explores their bond as they embark on a school assignment, facing challenges, and uncovering the history of the Weber House together. The theme of friendship adds a relatable and emotional layer to the mystery, making it not only about the hunt for treasure but also about the strength of their relationship.
Historical and Cultural Exploration in a Haunted House Setting
"The Weber House" goes beyond a typical mystery by incorporating elements of local and world history. The story delves into the 18th Century builder William Taggert, a pirate and slave trader, and explores the Abenaki heritage of Alice. The haunted house setting becomes a backdrop for a rich tapestry of historical and cultural exploration, providing readers with a learning experience as they follow the protagonists on their quest.
About the Author
For many years, Mark Lance was a labor reporter for socialist newspapers, filing highly partisan stories from picket lines across the country. The Weber House is his first book. He is currently working on a historical novel about the year 1877.
For decades, Lance was an autoworker in Detroit, refinery worker in Texas, and merchant seaman sailing from Great Lakes and East Coast Ports. In between were stints driving a cab in Boston, bartending in Greenwich Village, and as the world’s worst waiter in various cities. He retired from industry as an electrician in New Jersey and currently teaches math in a GED program in New York City. Click here to read more
“ . . . one of those stories that when you start reading, you don’t want to put down. Two young girls become close friends despite coming from different ways of life. I highly recommend this book . . .an excellent read . . . very enjoyable.”Chief Richard MenardMissisquoi Abenaki Nation “Mark Lance has breathed fresh life into the buried treasure yarn with two appealing girlfriends, a newbie in town and a Native American, dealing with a haunted house, school bullies and a dangerous modern pirate in a fast-paced thriller that leads to a cinematic conclusion. Great fun.”Robert LipsyteAuthor of many fiction and non-fiction books for adult and young readers. His numerous awards include the Meyer Berger Award for Distinguished Reporting (Columbia Journalism School), the ALAN Award for Contributions to Young Adult Literature and the Margaret A. Edwards Award for Lifetime Achievement (American Library Association).
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