The Drifter by Richie Tankersley Cusick

 

After reading and loving BLOOD ROOTS by this author, I immediately decided that I had to binge all of her books. Never mind that BLOOD ROOTS is adult and most of her other stuff is YA. When I love an author, it's a ride-or-die sitch. I will read literally anything they write.

THE DRIFTER is an old Point Horror-esque novel from the 90s. It's about Carolyn and her mother, and their move to an old house by the New England sea. Everyone around them, from the housekeeper to the librarian, swear it's haunted. The house is called Glanton House and it used to be the home of a sea captain and his wife. But when he was off on a mission, she had an affair, and, as the legend goes, when Michael Glanton returned, he murdered his wife and her lover, after the lover first tried to murder HIM by cutting off his hand in the middle of a storm.

Right away, creepy things start happening. There are accidents and strange footsteps and mysterious lights. Also there are two shady hot guys and one or both of them might be up to no good. Basically, this was everything that would have been total catnip for middle grade me. Even adult me was pretty impressed at the 90s thirst traps and some of the sensual passages that were age appropriate but still exciting in a non-threatening way. I stanned.

For anyone who loves old skool YA pulp, this basically checks all the boxes. Strong heroine, creepy house, ghosts, town legends, mysterious hot guys, and a solid ending.

3 to 3.5 out of 5 stars