The story is all too familiar: a young English woman ventures to a dark, mysterious English manor to take on the role of governess to two bewildering, almost too-precocious children...and mysteries and strange happenings abound. But John Boyne is such a master storyteller that you can't help but be swept up by the ride, even if you've trodden these paths before as a reader. Definitely one of his earlier works and not as strong as his recent books, but a fun read. Would be great to read in the fall, during Halloween.