Portraits of Celina
Age 13+
General Fiction
A haunting and page-turning classic from an award-winning author.
It’s as if the wooden chest is luring me, urging me to open it – daring me almost. Open me up. Look inside. Come on, just for a second; it won’t hurt.
Celina O’Malley was sixteen years old when she disappeared. Now, almost forty years later, Bayley is living in Celina’s old house, sleeping in the same room, wearing her clothes and, most strangely, hearing her voice. What does Celina want with Bayley?
But Bailey has her own problems, she’s dealing with her father’s death, the move to a new town and her family falling to pieces around her. Bayley needs to solve the mystery of Celina before it’s all too late.
A ghost story. A love story. A story of revenge.
Resources
Creators
Sue Whiting is an award-winning children’s and YA author, editor and former primary school teacher. Sue writes for many age groups, from picture books through to YA, including the bestselling Missing, the acclaimed The Book of Chance and several CBCA Notable Books. Sue’s latest books are Tilda a historical novel for readers 10+ and the second book in her middle grade fiction series, Pearly and Pig and the Lost City of Mu Savan. As a storyteller and schools’ performer, Sue has informed, inspired and entertained thousands of kids across the country. Sue is passionate about the power of story and is an advocate for reading and writing for pleasure.
Reviews
Once again Whiting has captured the angst of being a teenager and finding one’s place in the world. She has wrapped it up in the terrifying sweetness of first love and the intrigue of a murder mystery. Whiting writes seriously good stories that draw you in and keep you hooked until the end. 4 ½ stars (Highly Recommended).
Good Reading Magazine
Thirteen to seventeen-year-old girls will be absorbed by Bayley and Celina’s stories. The narrative moves quickly and relationships drive much of the interest. The lake and bush setting create a powerful, atmospheric backdrop to the action, and the natural elements enhance this gothic Australian mystery.
Magpies Magazine
Engaging and authentic characters … Recommended for older supernatural fans.
Books+Publishing
Portraits of Celina is a creepy, tense story of revenge that readers will want to enjoy with the lights on.
YA Books Central
If you are looking for a ghastly horror story that has ghosts, some characters that are very cold-hearted, as well as some teenagers who just want to live a life as normal as possible, Portraits of Celina is exactly the book you need.
Unconventional Book Reviews
