Cynthia C. DeFelice Books in Order

Where to Start with Cynthia C. DeFelice

Cynthia C. DeFelice was a master storyteller who spent years working as an elementary school librarian before publishing her first book in 1988. Her deep understanding of what captivates young readers is evident in her fast-paced, emotionally resonant stories. While most of her books can be read independently, she wrote three distinct series that should be read in order to fully appreciate the character development and overarching plots.

Depending on your interest, there are two primary entry points into her work:

• For mystery and supernatural fans: Start with The Ghost of Fossil Glen, the first book in the Allie Nichols series. It introduces DeFelice's signature blend of spooky atmosphere, humor, and heart.
• For historical fiction fans: Start with Weasel, her highly acclaimed frontier novel. It is a powerful, morally complex story that remains a classroom staple for mid-nineteenth-century American history.

The Ghost Mysteries (Allie Nichols Series)

This four-book series follows Allie Nichols, an ordinary girl who unexpectedly becomes a "ghost magnet." Throughout the series, Allie is contacted by spirits seeking justice, peace, or help solving a mystery from their past. Because Allie's relationships with her family, her best friend Dub, and her classmates evolve over time, it is highly recommended to read these books in their exact publication order.

1. The Ghost of Fossil Glen (1998) - Allie is guided by the ghost of a murdered girl named Lucy, who needs Allie's help to expose her killer and protect Allie herself.
2. The Ghost and Mrs. Hobbs (2001) - Allie encounters the ghost of a young man who died in a fire, leading her to investigate the mysterious cafeteria worker, Mrs. Hobbs.
3. The Ghost of Cutler Creek (2004) - Allie tries to help the spirit of a dog, leading her and Dub to uncover a cruel puppy mill scheme in their town.
4. The Ghost of Poplar Point (2007) - Allie is chosen by the spirit of a Seneca Native American girl during a local historical pageant, bringing historical injustices to light.

The Nathan Fowler (Weasel) Series

Set in Ohio during the late 1830s, this duology deals with the harsh realities of frontier life, the treatment of Native Americans, and the complex nature of revenge and healing. The sequel was published sixteen years after the original, but the story continues Nathan's journey directly, making chronological reading essential.

1. Weasel (1990) - Eleven-year-old Nathan Fowler must rescue his father from a cabin in the woods, bringing him face-to-face with Weasel, a cruel former Indian hunter who has terrorized the local settlers.
2. Bringing Ezra Back (2006) - Set after the events of the first book, Nathan travels to Western Pennsylvania to rescue his mute friend Ezra, who has been forced to perform in a traveling show, forcing Nathan to confront his feelings about violence and compassion.

The Devil's Bridge Series

Set on Martha's Vineyard, this adventure-thriller duology follows twelve-year-old Ben O'Neal. It is best enjoyed in chronological order as Ben matures and faces increasingly dangerous situations involving the sea and local crimes.

1. Devil's Bridge (1992) - Ben plans to enter the local striped bass fishing derby to win money and prove himself after his father's death, but he uncovers a plot by two men to cheat in the contest.
2. Death at Devil's Bridge (2000) - Now thirteen, Ben takes a summer job on a crabbing boat, only to get caught up in a dark mystery involving a missing tourist, a series of thefts, and peer pressure from an older boy.

Key Standalone Novels

DeFelice wrote several acclaimed standalone novels that span historical settings and contemporary adventures. These can be read in any order:

• The Strange Night Writing of Jessamine Colter (1988) - DeFelice's debut novel, centering on an elderly woman who realizes she can write about future events.
• The Light on Hogback Hill (1993) - A spooky contemporary mystery about two friends investigating a local hill rumored to be haunted.
• Lostman's River (1994) - Set in the Florida Everglades in the early 1900s, this historical novel explores conservation, plume hunting, and environmental ethics.
• The Apprenticeship of Lucas Whitaker (1996) - Set during a 1849 consumption epidemic in New England, this story touches on historical vampire folklore as a young boy apprenticed to a doctor tries to find a cure.
• Nowhere to Call Home (1999) - A gripping historical novel set during the Great Depression, following a girl who disguises herself as a boy to ride the rails as a hobo.
• The Missing Manatee (2005) - A contemporary mystery set in Florida, where a boy finds a shot manatee and struggles with whether to report it, dealing with themes of family conflict and ecological preservation.
• Signal (2009) - A heartwarming story about a lonely boy who makes contact with a girl claiming to be from another planet, dealing with grief and friendship.
• Wild Life (2011) - A modern survival story where a boy runs away to live in the North Dakota wilderness with his bird dog.
• Fort (2015) - DeFelice's final novel, featuring two boys who build an elaborate fort for the summer and must stand up to a group of local bullies.

What to Know Before You Start

Cynthia C. DeFelice's writing style is noted for avoiding cheap sentimentality, opting instead for direct, honest narratives that respect the intelligence of young readers. Having passed away in May 2024, her body of work stands as a complete and beloved contribution to middle-grade literature. Her historical works, particularly Weasel and The Apprenticeship of Lucas Whitaker, are heavily researched and address dark historical realities (such as frontier violence and disease) in a way that is accessible but impactful for ages 9 to 12. Her contemporary mysteries are praised for their realistic dialogue, outdoor adventure themes, and deep respect for nature and wildlife conservation.