Grief Cottage by Gail Godwin

Marcus and his single mom have always lived close to the edge.  When she dies, he is sent to live with a reclusive great aunt on an isolated island off the coast of South Carolina.  Aunt Charlotte is an artist of some note and many of her painting are of a tumble down structure referred to by the islanders as Grief Cottage.  The family that owned the cottage, including their young son, disappeared during a hurricane and the story intrigues lonely Marcus.  As he works up the courage to explore the cottage, he believes he sees someone there - a ghostly image of a young boy.  As Charlotte sorts out some of her life demons, Marcus uses what he learns about the cottage to find his own way forward.  A good mix of mystery, great characters and thoughtful ponderings.