The Inn Between

Gr 5-8--Eleven-year-old best friends Quinn and Kara are taking one last trip together before Kara and her family move away. The whole family are shaken after their car spins off the road when a blinding light appears out of nowhere. They decide they need to stop for the night, and, luckily, a hotel, the Inn Between, is close by. Staffed by a friendly receptionist, Persephone; an elevator operator named Sharon; and a forceful doorman, Aides, this eerie inn is conveniently located in the Mojave Desert. Quinn gets an ominous feeling as soon as she crosses the threshold. Her apprehensions are justified when Kara's parents and brother go missing. Stuck in a labyrinthlike hotel hallway, the two friends are desperate to reunite with Kara's family and find a way out. Situated directly on the border of California, the Inn Between represents the challenging transitions Quinn is facing. She is so resistant to change that she physically binds herself to Kara using a friendship bracelet. Many readers will relate to losing a friend, but here the pain of letting go is more acute because of Quinn's past. This book is a fast-paced mystery that uses frequent flashbacks to heighten tension. Glimpses into her backstory reveal Quinn's terrible mistake and its repercussions. Several black-and-white illustrations are included; however, the pictures appeal to a much younger audience and belie the dark themes that are present. VERDICT A suspenseful mystery with darker themes making it suitable for an upper elementary to middle school audience.--Jocelyn Charpentier, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

"Cohen's emotionally gripping tale perfectly captures the essences of friendship and sibling love. Readers looking for a mystery with heart, humor, and hairy moments will be captivated."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"The well-placed narrative balances emotion and plot, and the strong underlying mysteries offer up plenty of clues for attentive readers to piece together. Quinn is a likable, authentically muddled young character, and occasional flashbacks to events surrounding her sister's loss flesh out her guilt-ridden motivations without overtaking the story. Ultimately offering a happy resolution, this middle-grade supernatural story functions well as horror for beginners and a clever concept for fans of imaginative fiction. "—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"For readers who enjoy being scared silly, this will fit the bill while also providing them with a thought-provoking ending."—Booklist