Reviews of The Dollhouse Murders by Betty Ren Wright highlight engaging suspense and a well-crafted mystery that appeals to young readers. Positive feedback often mentions the atmospheric writing and believable characters. Negative insights point to plot predictability and occasional slow pacing. Overall, the book is regarded as a solid middle-grade horror choice.

Fans of spine-tingling middle-grade mysteries like Mary Downing Hahn's Wait Till Helen Comes or R.L. Stine's Goosebumps series will relish The Dollhouse Murders by Betty Ren Wright. Readers who enjoy atmospheric, suspenseful tales with a touch of the supernatural and relatable young protagonists will find this book captivating.

The Dollhouse Murders by Betty Ren Wright follows Amy Treloar, who while staying with her Aunt Clare, discovers a dollhouse that is a replica of her great-grandparents' home. As the dolls begin to move on their own, Amy uncovers clues about her great-grandparents' unsolved murders from 30 years ago, leading her and Aunt Clare to confront their pasts and the haunting events tied to the house. Explicit details of family murders and supernatural elements are present.

Mysterious / Unnerving / Suspenseful / Dark

- The Dollhouse Murders was awarded the Texas Bluebonnet Award in 1985, reflecting its popularity and appeal among young readers.
- The small dollhouse in the story is based on a real dollhouse that author Betty Ren Wright received as a gift in her childhood.
- Betty Ren Wright often draws inspiration from her rural Wisconsin surroundings, a setting that heavily influences the atmospheric elements in her works, including The Dollhouse Murders.

**Amy Treloar**  
A 12-year-old protagonist who navigates the challenges of growing up while dealing with the emotional complexities of her family and a mysterious dollhouse.

**Aunt Clare**  
A role model for Amy who, like her niece, grapples with the past and the mysteries surrounding their family, especially those related to the dollhouse.

**Louann Treloar**  
Amy’s younger sister with a developmental disability, who offers both challenges and insights as they confront family mysteries together.

**Ellen Kramer**  
Amy’s closest friend who represents the normal teenage life Amy desires and provides support amidst the chaos of her family life.

**Amy’s Mother**  
A figure of responsibility and pressure for Amy, she embodies the expectations and guilt associated with caring for Louann.

Betty Ren Wright

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Dollhouse Murders and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Dollhouse Murders Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

The Dollhouse Murders Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

The Dollhouse Murders Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-9

The Dollhouse Murders Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-12

The Dollhouse Murders Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-15

The Dollhouse Murders Chapters 13-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-19

The Dollhouse Murders Chapters 16-19 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Dollhouse Murders Character Analysis

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Themes

The Dollhouse Murders Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Dollhouse Murders Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Dollhouse Murders Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Dollhouse Murders Essay Topics

The Dollhouse Murders Teaching Unit

Introduction

The Dollhouse Murders Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

The Dollhouse Murders Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

The Dollhouse Murders Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

The Dollhouse Murders Reading Questions Answer Key

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

The Dollhouse Murders Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Activity

The Dollhouse Murders Activity

Essay Questions

The Dollhouse Murders Essay Questions

Exam Questions

The Dollhouse Murders Cumulative Exam Questions

Exam Answer Key

The Dollhouse Murders Exam Answer Key

The Dollhouse Murders

Before You Read

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Who Should Read The Dollhouse Murders?

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