We Hear the Dead

We Hear the Dead
By Dianne K. Salerni
Sourcebooks Fire, 2010. 422 pgs. Young Adult

Annoyed by their niece’s intrusion in their home and bed, Kate and Maggie Fox make up a ghost to scare her. Instead the sisters attract attention from the neighbors and elaborate on their prank, creating a spirit who speaks to them. As the story spreads, the sisters gain fame as “spirit rappers” and are part of the beginning of the spiritualism movement. As their notoriety spreads, Maggie feels guilt about their deceitfulness, but Kate truly believes that she can hear the spirits. Maggie and Kate move beyond their small New York town and Maggie meets Elisha Kane, a doctor and explorer, who wins her heart, but wants her to stop her rapping.

The summary for this book (and the title), based on a true story in nineteenth century New York, leads the reader to believe this is solely about the Fox Sisters and their spirit rapping. However, the book takes a turn in the second half and focuses on Maggie’s relationship with Kane. While I didn’t mind this turn, it was a bit misleading and jarring. While not a must-read, it was interesting to see how the sisters fooled their patrons.

MN