Peeled' by Joan Bauer is a fun
mystery novel with a quirky cast. The protagonist is Hildy Biddle, a high school journalist who's sharp, persistent, and full of curiosity. She runs her school paper, and when a local ghost story starts disrupting her town, she dives headfirst into uncovering the truth. Her friend Elizabeth is the voice of reason, while Minska, the eccentric older reporter, adds wisdom and humor. Then there's Baker, the skeptical but supportive editor, and a whole bunch of shady adults trying to keep secrets buried.
What I love about Hildy is how real she feels—she’s not some perfect hero, just a teen who won’t back down when something smells fishy. The dynamic between her and Minska is gold, like a weird but heartwarming mentor-student duo.
the villains, like Mr. Penry, give off this slimy, manipulative vibe that makes you wanna hiss at them. It’s not just about ghosts; it’s about corruption, rumors, and how journalism can shake things up.