Witch's Fire: 9

Two years ago a car accident killed Kirsty's mother and older sister, and left Kirsty confined to a wheelchair. After recuperating in Florida with her grandmother, the 13-year-old is in Wisconsin, where her father has a new job--and a new family. His wife, Rita, a divorcee, seems pleasant enough, but her nine-year-old daughter, Pam, irritates Kirsty with her chirpy manner and boundless energy. Worse, Pam has ingratiated herself with Kirsty's father, who takes the younger girl's side during altercations. The house they've all moved into is reputedly haunted, and one stormy night, Kirsty and Pam share a terrifying experience that just may be attributed to forces stronger than both of them. However worthy its attentions to step-families and the many adjustments their members must make, Butler's ( My Sister's Keeper ) novel never quite ignites. The wordy narrative fails to clarify the supernatural plot elements, and while the climax is tense, there's not much excitement until then. More confusing than suspenseful. Ages 10-up. (Sept.)