The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux – 270 p. 
This is the book on which the famous Andrew Lloyd Weber musical was based, and countless other companion books. Set in late 19th century Paris, Leroux weaves a web of intrigue and mystery surrounding the young Christine Daae, the Vicomte de Chagny, and a reclusive masked man who lives beneath the opera house. This man has fallen deeply in love with Christine, and begins to try all manner of things to seduce Christine into falling in love with him, ranging from innocent music to cold-blooded murder. This book, though written nearly a century ago, will grab hold of you and keep you turning pages until the breathless and heartbreaking finish. I recommend this to every teen who can read.
Review by Miss Daae, age 12, West Seattle Library
Thank you very much for writing that review! I absolutely loved the movie, but now, thanks to you, I will shortly be reading the book. I’m sure I’ll be even more amazed by the novel version than the movie (I usually am).