Ghosts of Greenglass House Kate Milford – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Ghosts of Greenglass House Kate Milford

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2018

89%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

A whimsical winter mystery where ghosts, smugglers, and secret maps collide at a cozy inn—think Clue meets Howl's Moving Castle.

Ghosts of Greenglass House Kate Milford

book

2018

89%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

A whimsical winter mystery where ghosts, smugglers, and secret maps collide at a cozy inn—think Clue meets Howl's Moving Castle.

4.7

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Screenwise Verdict

This is exactly what middle-grade mystery should be: smart, atmospheric, and genuinely engaging without talking down to kids. Kate Milford has created a world that feels both cozy and intriguing, where the mystery matters and the characters are more than cardboard cutouts.

The ghost element might give some parents pause, but this is firmly in the 'whimsical fantasy' category rather than anything remotely scary. Think more Studio Ghibli than Goosebumps.

The real question is whether your kid has the patience and reading stamina for it. This is a book that rewards careful attention and slow savoring—not a page-turner in the thriller sense, but a puzzle-box that unfolds gradually. If your kid devours mysteries and loves figuring things out, this is gold. If they need explosions every chapter, maybe not.

Solid pick for the right reader, and a worthy sequel to a beloved first book.

Age Fit

Best for ages 9-14, particularly kids who love mysteries, puzzles, and atmospheric settings. Strong independent reading skills required—this isn't a quick read, but patient readers who enjoy Lemony Snicket or Blue Balliett will be rewarded.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A cozy mystery with themes of friendship, belonging, and cooperation. The story centers on 13-year-old Milo solving puzzles with friends during winter holidays at an inn. The tone is warm and emotionally healthy, with relationships built on trust and teamwork. No concerning content around meanness, cruelty, or inappropriate behavior. The pacing is deliberate rather than frenetic, allowing readers to think alongside the characters.

Imaginative

This is a richly atmospheric mystery with ghosts, secret maps, smugglers, and layers of puzzles to unravel. The Greenglass House setting itself is whimsical and invites curiosity. Web reviews emphasize the 'fantastical' elements and 'whimsical fantasy atmosphere' that Kate Milford creates. The structure encourages readers to piece together clues and think creatively about solutions. It's the kind of book that makes kids want to create their own mysteries and treasure hunts.

Safe

This is a middle-grade mystery with ghosts that are part of the story's charm rather than horror elements. Common Sense Media notes it's 'great for reading aloud' and suitable for tweens who are strong independent readers. No content warnings, no violence, no inappropriate material. The ghost element is fantasy-based and not scary in a traumatizing way. One character being revealed as a ghost is handled within the whimsical tone of the story. Amazon rating of 4.7/5 with no parent concerns flagged.

Enriching

A well-crafted mystery that requires critical thinking, pattern recognition, and deductive reasoning. Themes of identity (Milo navigating his place in the world), friendship, and problem-solving are woven throughout. The puzzle-solving aspect builds cognitive skills, and the 'satisfying' ending (per Common Sense Media) provides closure and rewards careful reading. It's entertaining while also encouraging readers to think deeply about clues and character motivations. Strong writing quality noted across reviews.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Intricate puzzle-box mystery that rewards careful readers who love piecing together clues
Warm, atmospheric setting perfect for winter reading—feels like curling up with hot cocoa
Strong themes of friendship, belonging, and identity woven into an engaging plot
Kate Milford's writing is sophisticated without being stuffy; great for kids ready to level up from chapter books
The ghost elements add whimsy rather than scares—this is cozy fantasy, not horror

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What to Watch For

This is a sequel—kids will get more out of it if they've read the first Greenglass House book
Requires sustained attention and strong reading skills; not for reluctant readers or kids who need constant action
The pacing is deliberate and thoughtful, which some kids might find slow if they're used to faster-paced stories
Some fantasy elements (ghosts, unrealistic scenarios) that are integral to the plot

Conversation Starters

"If you could solve a mystery at a mysterious inn, what would you want to find?"
"Milo has to figure out who people really are when they're not being honest. How do you tell when someone is trustworthy?"
"The book has lots of puzzles and hidden clues. What was the hardest one to figure out?"
"If you found a secret map, would you follow it alone or bring friends? Why?"

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