Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty

This book is part historical fiction, fantasy, mystery and horror.  It covers many bases!   It is 1899 and Serafina lives in the basement of the Biltmore Estate secretly with her father.  He works as a maintenance man but the Biltmore family does not know he lives in their home.  Serafina has become quite the explorer and can search the entire home undetected. She also has given herself the job as official rat catcher for the estate.  One day she follows a man in a black cloak and narrowly escapes with her life.  The girl he was chasing does disappear. In fact, many children have been disappearing.  Serafina joins forces with Braeden Vanderbilt, nephew of the Vanderbilts and they try to figure out the mysterious vanishings. 

The book can be quite spooky at times.  There is also a story-line where Serafina is trying to figure out where she came from. Her father never mentions a mother and she does have some unique physical features.  As you uncover the answers you will find more magic and fantasy features. 

The next book in this series comes out this summer! I think the cover art is beautiful.  Also, make sure you check out the great book trailer below.  I smell a movie in the works!

I rate this book 4 out of 4.  The reading level is 5.9.  I think it would be a Division 2 book. 

·         Age Range: 9 - 12 years

·         Grade Level: 3 - 7

·         Series: Serafina

·         Hardcover: 384 pages

·         Publisher: Disney-Hyperion (July 12, 2016)

·         Language: English

·         ISBN-10: 1484775031

ISBN-13: 978-1484775035

Serafina and the Black Cloak Book Trailer