Although only a freshman in high school, Jack Perdu is a classics whiz who is helping a Yale University scholar with her new translation of Ovid's Metamorphoses. Since the death of his mother, the boy has become increasingly withdrawn and friendless. When he's accidentally struck by a car, his life changes dramatically. Sent to New York for a medical consultation, Jack finds himself exploring an unknown underworld beneath the city alongside a fascinating girl who calls herself Euri. Is it coincidental that Jack's favorite Greek myth is the story of Orpheus and Eurydice? And are those dead people he's seeing? Some of the ensuing plot twists seem more manufactured than imagined, but this first children's book by the managing editor of The New Republic has an interesting premise, rooted in mythology, and a nicely realized underworld setting. And who can complain about encounters with the shades of  Brooks Atkinson, Tennessee Williams, and Dylan Thomas?--Cart, Michael Copyright 2007 Booklist

"It was just after dusk when the accident happened." This alluring first sentence grabs readers' attention, and the compelling story line will hold that interest. Marsh's story focuses on ninth-grader Jack Perdu, a prodigy of classic mythology. Absorbed in a book, Jack fails to see the car that knocks him down. He's physically okay, but after the accident he sees ghostly beings. In New York City's subway, he meets Euri, a spectral girl who leads him eight stories below Grand Central Station, and together they enter the residence of hundreds of ghosts. The spirits, several dead for more than 200 years, are suspicious of Jack, because to them he appears to be alive. Is Jack actually dead? If so, will he be able to locate his mother who disappeared years before? Both Jack and readers will simultaneously unravel the mystery surrounding the author's surreal setting as he learns how to enter and exit this supernatural world. Teenagers knowledgeable about mythology and appreciative of sophisticated wordplay will especially enjoy this intricate read. (Fiction. 12-15) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

This audio retelling doesn't soar quite as high as the ghosts that haunt Manhattan by night in Marsh's children's book debut, starring a boy in search of his late mother's spirit. Based on elements of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, the story is steeped in New York City history and atmosphere, and shot through with a hefty dose of humor. Unfortunately, the voices of the two protagonists, Jack and Euri, are afflicted with a somewhat nagging, nervous quality, making them seem younger than their 14 years. Worse, that tone swallows much of the wit in Marsh's language. Still, there are many high points: Rannels has a gift for tough-guy Brooklynese, and although his narratorial voice is almost identical to Jack's, that same insistent quality, when applied to the general narration, helps drive the story forward and lends a level of tension that should keep listeners' attention. Ages 9-up. Simultaneous release with the Hyperion release (Reviews, Oct. 8). (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Gr 7 Up-Jack Perdue, a prodigy, lives with his father on the Yale campus where he buries himself in classical literature. When an accident leaves Jack with a head injury, his father sends him to a very strange doctor in New York. Jack has not been to New York since his mother died and he and his dad moved to New Haven. In Grand Central Station, Jack takes a tour and meets a girl named Euri who suggests that he might want to see the underground station-places that the public never get to see. So begins the adventure into the underworld of ghosts as he searches for his mother and learns about her mysterious life and death. Adventure abounds as Jack and Euri visit with deceased authors and constantly avoid the ghost police with a three-headed dog looking for anyone who might be "living." Along the way, Jack discovers some truths about Euri, himself, and his father. Actor Andrew Rannels narrates and provides a realistic voice for each character. Harry Potter fans will enjoy this fantasy (Hyperion, 2007) by Katherine Marsh.-Jeana Actkinson, Bridgeport High School, TX (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.