THE WHISPERWOOD LEGACY

Inside a shuttered North Carolina theme park, one family is bound for a reckoning.

Since its inception, Whisperwood Park has been run by a member of the Strauss family: first German immigrant Sir Wilhelm and now Virginia, his great-granddaughter. The popular park featured rides and attractions based on Wilhelm’s tales, which brought to life his German heritage within the Appalachian setting. But 18 months ago, Virginia abruptly shuttered it. As potential heirs to the property, 17-year-old Francesca “Frankie” Montgomery-Strauss and the rest of her family return, hoping to uncover what happened and what it means for their futures. Frankie also seeks to understand the disappearance of her friend (and maybe something more) Zara Morales. And then Oma—Frankie’s grandmother Virginia—goes missing too. The answers lie in the park, with its stories and its quiet, attractive teenage groundskeeper, Jem. Magic, a family feud, and a dark deal coalesce in a whirlwind that complements rather than overshadows Frankie’s story of unraveling her past, her feelings, and her agency. The portrayal of Frankie’s bisexuality stands out as an understated yet clearly integral part of her characterization. Atmospheric and broody, the story brings together monsters and fairy tales even as it tackles teenage love and heartbreak and digs into the key role Frankie plays in the future of the park and her family. Most characters are cued white; Zara presents Latine.

A strong, compelling debut that shows that stories really do have power—and can hold danger.