Meg Pickel’s older brother, Orion, has disappeared. One sleepless night, she steals out onto her rooftop and makes two surprising discoveries: She stumbles upon a séance that she suspects involves Orion, and she meets the author Charles Dickens, also unable to sleep, and roaming the London streets. He is a customer and friend of Meg’s father, who owns a print shop. Mr. Dickens offers to help Meg and while searching for her brother, they uncover the kidnapping and enslavement of children working for a wealthy businessman constructing rail tracks. With stunning black-and-white illustrations by Greg Ruth, here is a literary mystery that celebrates the power of books, and brings to life one of the world’s best-loved authors. Sly references to other unnamed children's classics (Alice in Wonderland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, etc.)

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Twelve-year-old Meg travels the rooftops and streets of 1862 London, England, in search of her missing brother, Orion, accompanied by a family friend, the famed author Charles Dickens, whose quest is to find his next novel.

The Pickel family owns a print shop and has customers/friends with the likes of Charles Dickens. The daughter of the house, Meg, is adventurous and daring. She is strong willed and tries to find her missing older brother. While traveling at night through London she unexpectedly meets Charles Dickens. They make a pact that they will save Meg’s brother.

I felt different enjoyment from this book then Buzbee’s Steinbeck Ghost. Instead of flowing into each book Steinbeck wrote this one was a whole new mystery featuring Dickens and mentions of his stories. Meg and Dickens are interesting partners. Dickens comes across very fun loving which if you have seen real photos of Dickens you would not think that of him because I have not seen one where he smiles.

This book tells about the dark side of the times for children who worked in labor houses like Dickens did once as a child. So book has a little grittiness to it that makes some it hard to enjoy even though it may be based on facts. Dickens does make it laughable at times by dress in odd suits and meeting odd souls. Good read for Dickens lovers. ( )

Reviewed by Kira M for TeensReadToo.com

19th-century London is not a safe place for children, especially a girl like Meg Pickel. Boys and girls are going missing all over. Meg's family has been torn apart by the disappearance of her own brother, Orion, six months ago.

Now that her brother is gone, Meg is plagued with insomnia. While wandering the streets late one night, she runs into the family's friend, Charles Dickens, who is also suffering from lack of sleep. When an insomnia-ridden conversation leads them to a place where a group is having a séance, the two begin to believe that Orion was there, in the flesh.

Unable to let the strange circumstances go, the two try and solve the mystery of Orion's disappearance. Meg's father, however, isn't too thrilled with her being on the case, and danger is lurking around every corner. Can Meg solve the mystery of her missing brother, or will she wind up disappearing, as well?

A great historical mystery filled with adventure. The book seems to accurately portray the time period. The characters seem well-developed, and the plot is intriguing and does a good job of holding the reader's interest. Those who like mysteries, adventure, and a bit of paranormal activity will enjoy reading THE HAUNTING OF CHARLES DICKENS. ( )