The Proof that Ghosts Exist: The Ghosthunters 1    by Carol Matas & Perry Nodelman Order:  USA  Can Key Porter, 2008 (2008) Paperback     Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Barnett males have long had a history of dropping dead the day before their thirty-fifth birthday. Tim Barnett will be thirty-five tomorrow and his wife has a plan to head off disaster. They're about to head to the family cottage - with children Molly and Adam, as well as Charlie the dog - where it will be easy to keep an eye on Dad. But at the last minute, a work emergency forces Mom to stay behind. It's up to Molly and Adam to keep their father safe from the family curse! On arrival, Molly is unhappy to find her usual bedroom crammed full of her grandfather's possessions and desk - stored there by her parents after her grandmother's recent death. She and Adam are even less happy to find that a ghost is tied to the desk - that of their grandfather Ernest. Then their dad is injured rushing to Molly's rescue while she's swimming - she's certain she didn't sceam for help, even though the others all heard her. Next Reggie Crankshaft, the six foot four male nurse who rented a neighbor's cottage, rushes over and takes charge. He makes both siblings and their dog very uneasy. Certain that their father is already under attack, brother and sister consult Granddad's ghost in order to better understand how to help. This leads to supernatural attacks as all and sundry face their worst fears, but eventually they understand better what led to the family curse and bargain for a truce with its source, giving them time to track down a missing ring and calm a vengeful spirit. The Proof that Ghosts Exist, first in a series, offers a historical mystery, adventure interspersed with sibling banter, and a strong dose of the supernatural. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews