The House on the Gulf

Want a good mystery? One that leaves out the sex, drugs, and rock, and roll? Well, look no further! The House on the Gulf (2004) by Margaret Haddix is the book for you!

Britt’s brother, Bran, has scored them the deal of a lifetime. He has arranged for his family to stay at someone’s house over the summer… and get paid for it. It’s called house-sitting. They stay in the house for this family and keep thieves from breaking in while they are gone. Pretty sweet deal, right? Mom is going to get to finish school, they won’t have rent to pay, they will actually be making money. It couldn’t get any better.

Except, of course, that something doesn't seem quite right about the deal. Bran is very secretive about the whole thing and he won’t let either Brit or their mom talk to the owners of the house. Is there something strange about this situation, or is it just Brit’s imagination?