Rialto

Rialto by Kate Milford

Uncover a hauntingly magical mystery in Rialto by Kate Milford, a standalone middle grade novel that blends contemporary fantasy, atmospheric storytelling, and heartfelt family themes. Perfect for fans of Greenglass House, The Swifts, and mysterious, slightly magical small-town adventures, this Edgar Award-winning author delivers a richly layered tale of sisterhood, secrets, and the strange beauty of the unknown.

When Ivy and Dahlia Vicar arrive in the quiet town of Rialto, Missouri, they expect an ordinary summer vacation. But nothing about Rialto is ordinary. The town sits in the middle of an impossible forest, and nearby lies an abandoned amusement park surrounded by unsettling local legends. Twelve-year-old Dahlia, an anxious but creative artist, is eager to explore, while her older sister Ivy struggles with how their relationship has changed over time.

As the sisters settle in, they meet Remy, a local boy with a mysterious family history tied to the town’s past. When he asks for help delivering strange bequests left behind by a relative, Ivy and Dahlia are drawn into a growing mystery connected to the long-closed Rialto Park. Along the way, they encounter impossible sightings, whispered legends, and hints that the town itself may be hiding something extraordinary.

Blending emotional depth with whimsical magic and eerie atmosphere, Rialto is a captivating story about family bonds, mental health, courage, and the power of believing in what can’t easily be explained. Perfect for readers who love thoughtful mysteries with a touch of the surreal.