I really enjoyed this book, it was a nice change from werewolves and vampires and even love-struck teenagers. The Screaming Stone was full of mystery and adventure with some pretty unique characters. I loved that when I was reading this story, I felt like a child again embarking on a big crazy escapade with endless possibilities. 

...I think The Screaming Stone is perfect for middle grade readers. Or anyone that loves the thrill of a great adventure! --I never knew what to expect next and was happily surprised page after page. So make sure to check it out!

4 Stars ****

Read the entire review HERE.

Read the full review HERE.

The Screaming Stone starts right off with that sense of adventure that you get only when you're a kid, reliving your childhood, or reading a good book. I love Marcie and her cousin Robbie's characters, they are well written and enjoyable to read. This is a book filled with family secrets, and a family torn apart by secrets and lies. By the title you would think that this is a fantasy book, but it's not, even so, this is a really good read.

4 Stars ****

Book Trends is a book review site that focuses on Young Adult and Children's book reviews.

The review is written by Margo Nauert, also a 6th grade teacher.

Ms. Nauert states in her review: "The Screaming Stone is an entertaining read for middle school children. Osterman uses Irish folklore well in helping to create a fascinating treasure hunt. Certainly the primary storyline is suspenseful as Marcie and Robbie hunt for hidden treasure. But, the supplemental storylines are equally compelling."  Nauert goes on to say;   "...the mystery, family dynamics - particularly with the grandfather, and lore make The Screaming Stone a solid book for kids to enjoy."   Check out the full review here:  Book Trends

4 Stars ****

"I have finished reviewing your newest book [The Screaming Stone]. In my opinion, it does a great job of showing the ingenuity of people with Asperger's Syndrome … this is a great book. Thank you for honoring me with the privilege of reviewing it.”

5 Stars *****

I found the writing style to be quite different from the breezy style of J K Rowling but J P Osterman has a long history as an English and writing teacher. She seems to have pitched the book at the early teen and older readers. At about 300 pages, the book isn't overly long and a lot happens within its pages.

While this is a mystery/adventure novel, it's a long way from the formula fiction one usually finds in young adult books on this subject such as The Three Investigators, Trixie Beldon, The Hardy Boys and Encyclopedia Brown. This is good because although I'm not against formula fiction which is great for fledgling readers, it does tend to restrict the learning of older readers. The events in The Screaming Stone are far less predictable and the characters are "multi-dimensional and real. It's an obvious choice for reading development in kids who enjoy mystery fiction.

… At the end of the day, its hard to say what makes the screaming stone so fascinating. Is it the mystery itself or the background and behaviour of the characters? I guess the appeal will depend upon your age and experience. Younger readers will be drawn to the mystery while older readers will find the character study more fascinating.

I'd recommend the screaming stone to the more competent readers in your family (aged 13 and upwards). It's not just a young adult book, there's a great deal in there for us "older" adults too.

The screaming stone is a great addition to the mystery genre for young adults and should effectively bridge the gap between formula fiction and adult novels.

You can read the entire review at: Life with Aspergers

5 Stars *****

A Treasure in Itself:   If you’ve just picked up The Screaming Stone, you are in for a fun and intriguing ride! Teenage Marcie her cousin Robbie stumble across a mysterious key in the family’s cemetery plot. Along with the key comes a cryptic poem with instructions to find a treasure. Together with Marcie’s younger brother Frankie, the kids embark on a hunt not only for the treasure, but also to gain some answers to family secrets and an understanding of why their family members act the way they do. When their beloved grandfather steps in to help with the search, he sheds some light on questions and problems that have plagued the family for years. J.P. Osterman tells an engaging story, full of Irish folklore and family secrets, that has you turning pages and staying up into the night eager to find out what happens next!

5 Stars *****

Read the review on Amazon Books - HERE.

...man I'm glad I sat down and read this book.

Thoughts On The Book: The Screaming Stone starts right off with that sense of adventure that you get only when you're a kid, reliving your childhood, or reading a good book. I love Marcie and her cousin Robbie's characters, they are well written and enjoyable to read. This is a book filled with family secrets, and a family torn apart by secrets and lies. By the title you would think that this is a fantasy book, but it's not, even so, this is a really good read.

Would you Recommend the book?: Yes

4 Stars ****

See the original Canadian Review Here

I won the Rupert Hughes award for literary fiction at the seminal Maui Writer's Conference for my SciFi novel, The Matter Stream, the first - and - only SciFi novel to receive this prestigious literary prize.

I won the Outstanding Teacher award from the El Monte Union High School district for the work I did with my writing students.  They won first through fourth place awards - 4 years in a row in the Los Angeles County Fair. (I sure am proud of all of them).