When Rusty turns 13, he is told the family secret. All males are werewolves. He is given the explanation about the Y chromosome but he is not buying into it. He does not want to be a werewolf. Could it have possibly missed him? When he discovers it has not, he decides to find a cure. But is there a cure? Can he bring one to his family? Do they want one?

I loved this book! I loved Rusty. He is so uncertain and he goes against everything for which his grandfather stands. It is a battle of David and Goliath. I loved Rusty's underdog position and watching him overcome it. When the climax of the story happens I could not put the book down. I wanted to know who would win. I can see it as a movie.

The secondary characters are eclectic. They include his cousins and uncles. Most of them I booed. His parents were interesting. In one way his father supported him but in another his father seemed to be afraid of Rusty's grandfather. His mother, while not a big part of the story, seemed less than supportive of Rusty. I enjoyed Rusty's scenes with Jade, a girl he meets on the ski lift. She is a very interesting character. The interactions between them make the story. They complement each other very well.

Leader of the Pack brings in a new element to the series. It is not about a myth where the hero helps or protects it but it is about being the myth. This is not a scary story but a story where the hero has to decide to follow the crowd or choose a different path. It is about doing the easy thing or the right thing. This is my favorite book of the series (so far.) I eagerly await more.

I was given this book by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Nate Dunning had been suspended from school for fighting and, since he lost, his parents thought it would be a good idea for his father to teach him survival skills. Once he is taught his skills his father will send him out for a 24-hour on-your-own camping trip to use those skills. Nate is not so sure those skills will help him especially since he feels he is being watched as he makes an escape to the nearest outpost of civilization, the country store owned by Big Bob. There Nate learns about Bigfoot and that Big Bob is their friend. When Nate leaves Big Bob asks him to deliver the daily food to Bigfoot. Can Bigfoot be in Arkansas? If so, how have they not been seen and captured? Are they watching Nate? Will they attack him or let him pass in peace?

Bringing Home Bigfoot is the second story in E. G. Foley's 50 States of Fear series. It is done from Nate's point of view. I felt that I was in Nate's shoes as he tries to be what his parents want but he is a nerd, not an athlete. As he does his camping trip, I feel for him. When troubles come to him, he copes as best he can but he is no outdoorsman. He needs help--BIG TIME. Where will he find it in the wilderness?

When he gets back home he still has the school bullies to deal with. The camping trip did not turn him into The Hulk. He is still a bullied nerd. I liked his determination to stand up to Jordan and Toby, the bullies. He may not win but he does fight to save his skin. I loved that Nate learned that he could do things he did not believe he could. He learned to take his fear and use it to learn and try new things. He learns the value of friendship and then when to let go.

The secondary characters are an eclectic mix. Big Bob is a hoot. I can picture who Nate is describing. His brothers are true-to-life in their teasing and ignoring of him. His parents--well, let's just say I am glad they are not my parents. His mother is over-the-top. Watching him with his best friend Sam is fun. They are similar in many ways but there are a few minor (OK, at least in one way, major) differences.

As in The Haunted Plantation the scary level is at creepy with a resolution of the story by the end. Your children should have no problems thinking Bigfoot is running around your neighborhood waiting to attack you. Bringing Home Bigfoot is fun.

I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Colin, his sister Nadine, and their mother go to visit their Alabama grandmother who has moved into an apartment in Sycamore Hall, family home of the Randall family during the Civil War. Colin feels that something is not right but it is not until he sees a ghost that he realizes what it is. Because his parents have decided to separate for a while, Colin does not want his mother to freak that he is a nutcase so he does not tell anyone about seeing the ghost. When he realizes that the ghost's picture hangs in the dining room he knows he must do what he can to protect his grandmother. But will he be able to protect her? Who is the ghost and why is the ghost hanging around Sycamore Hall? Better yet, can Colin get rid of the ghost or will it get rid of him?

I enjoyed The Haunted Plantation. I love first person POV in a story and this is all Colin's story. His asides are wicked. Loved them! I like the creepy, sinister mood that is set with the short sentences and paragraphs. Colin's unease comes through them. Watching Colin face the ghost alone and deal with his fear of it and worry that his mother and grandmother will think he is crazy if he mentions it is wonderful. When he finally does tell, I liked how his sister responded (well, at least, at first.) The interaction between family members is realistic. The interaction between Colin and the ghost is creepy but he does what he must to help.   I also liked that history is woven into the story and that state facts are given before the story begins.

If the rest of the series is like this first book, I will have a hard time waiting for them to come out. This is perfect for those 8 and up. Just enough creepiness but parents will not have to worry that their children will not be able to sleep after reading it.

I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.