Spindlewood - Freddie Kölsch

 

When Lilac accidentally discovers that she can her family are all Seers, her world changes forever.  From being a non-believer, she learns that ghosts are everywhere, and her family can see them.  A misunderstanding leads her uncles to believe that she has developed the sight and before she can build up the courage to tell them otherwise, she is whisked off too Spindlewood School of Seeing.  She is the first student ever to attend who cannot see ghosts, but if she reveals her secret now, the consequences will be dire.  How long will she be able to keep such a big secret and what on earth is happening at the school? It quickly becomes clear that there is something ancient hidden in the library and it looks as though it might be down to Lilac to discover what it is.

A couple of weeks ago, a child in my class brought her copy of Spindlewood to me, declaring that I should read it immediately as she knew I would enjoy it! And she was right!  The plot is engaging and tempting, with a host of brilliant characters (I loved getting to know Lilac but I particularly like Em and her resilience).

The atmosphere that builds is just spooky enough and perfect for this time of year as the dark nights start to draw in and Halloween approaches.  The idea of something lurking beneath the library is intriguing and keeps readers guessing, and I love the connections to Lilac's family.

The school and its grounds are well developed throughout the book and are somewhere I'd love to explore (if I was feeling brave enough!) and give definite Wednesday vibes which I loved!  

Spindlewood is a temptingly delightful mystery with just the right amount of dark humour woven through it and I'm so pleased the student in my class thought to lend it to me!

Hawk's Justice - Jim Ross

When Judge William Ryland is found dead during a case between two Russian billionaires, Judge Tom Hawk takes over the case.  However, he begins to think that there is more to Ryland's death than a simple accident.  As the police begin to investigate, Hawk becomes more involved and the body count begins to rise.  Are there links to the case with the Russians?

I am a big fan of LJ Ross's books so when I heard that her husband, Jim, had written a book, I was intrigued.  Although both involve murder, that is where the similarities end and Jim proves himself to be a skilful writer in his own right.

This is a fast-paced, thrilling book that I read in under 2 days as I couldn't put it down.  Set in the heart of London's justice system, the book weaves a legal thriller with adventure and relationships seamlessly.  It is clear from the outset that Jim has used his years of experience as a barrister to create a novel with an authentic feel to it. 

Hawk, at first, feels aloof and focussed only on his career, but the more I read, the more I began to like him.  He's a well-crafted character who commands authority and is decisive in the court room; however he was warm and caring outside it.

With chapters that leave you wanting more and the end of the book definitely demanding a sequel, Hawk's Justice is guaranteed to be a hit when it publishes on the 5th November and I am already looking forward to book 2.

Will Shakespeare Mysteries: The Pearly Pants - Kaz Penney

 

Will and Tybalt are back and this time they find themselves on the school archery trip to Scotland!  Once in Dunsinaine, they discover that Lord Gracious Dunkin is due to present King James VI with a priceless set of pearly pants; unfortunately, they go missing before they can be handed over and the archery team are prime suspects!  It's up to Will and Tybalt to uncover the real culprits before they are all put to death!

Following the success of their first investigation, The Stinky Stolen Toenails (you can read my review here), Will and Tybalt are at it again in this laugh out loud book.  As the duo follow the clues to the whereabouts of the Pearly Pants, the chaos ensues and readers will be caught up in the action.

With short chapters, a diary style format and illustrations from Sammy Elgie, The Pearly Pants is guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone's face and leave them wondering what Will and Tybalt will be investigating next. 

Royal Institute of Magic: Elizabeth's Legacy - Victor Kloss

 

It's been two years since Ben's parents vanished and he still has no idea where they are.  When he discovers a mysterious note it leads to a place called the Royal Institute of Magic, a place Ben has never heard of but is convinced holds the answers to where his parents are.  With his best friend, Charlie, he discovers how to get there and they find a way inside.  From there, they discover a whole new hidden world of magic and power that will lead to him discovering more about his parents.  But danger lurks.

I have to admit that this book has been sitting on my tbr pile for far too long, and now I've read it, I can't quite figure out why!  This is an utterly immersive adventure that is completely unputdownable.

It's been two years since Ben's parents disappeared and life hasn't been easy for him since.  All he wants to do is to find out what has happened to them and he'll do anything for information, so when the letter appears in a box of their things he's going through, he jumps at the chance to follow it up.  With Charlie by his side, they take a leap of faith and dive into the building that holds the sign on the letter.  Neither of them could imagine what would await them or how much it would change their lives.  

From the start, the book is a rollercoaster of an adventure with wonderful world-building that will mesmerise readers and make them want to head to the Institute themselves.  Modern day mixes seamlessly with magic, dragons, danger and daring, and I'm now desperate to get my hands on the rest of the series.

Royal Institute of Magic: Elizabeth's Legacy is out now and is perfect for fans of  the Skandar series, Nevermore, Felix and the Future Agency, and Amari and the Night Brothers.

 

Fear Files: A Trick of the Light - Christopher Edge

 

Hazel wasn't looking forward to the school residential and hates it even more when she's there as everyone is deliberately ignoring her.  She's feeling very lonely until she meets Alice who is there with another school.  Together, they decide to seek revenge by inventing a legend about a ghost who haunts the stately home they're staying in.  But the further they get with their plans, the more Hazel begins to worry they may be going too far.

This is the second in Christopher Edge's Fear Files, (you can read my review of book 1, Hide and Seek, here) and I loved how creepy it was so I was pleased that I'd decided to read A Trick of the Light in the sunshine!

Wow!  What a deliciously creepy book this is!  Hazel is feeling incredibly lonely and pushed out so meeting Alice seems perfect as she's someone to talk to and seems to understand what she's going through.  Then Alice begins to suggest revenge and Hazel is onboard ... until it seems things are going too far.

The setting is perfect for the book: a school residential in an old, converted stately home; creaking and groaning pipes and floor boards abound; dark corners and plenty of places to get lost in.  Set in the middle of extensive grounds, you just know that something bad is bound to happen!  

Publishing on the 8th October, A Trick of The Light is the perfect book for those who like a scary read; it will have you in the edge of your seat and gripping your teddy for support!  Full of atmosphere and with an ending that will leave you shocked, this is the perfect read as the dark nights take hold.

Operation Doodlebug - Tia Fisher

 

It's 1944 and Stan wants nothing more than to keep his family together, so he's shattered when his dad announces that he has joined the war effort and is going away to fight.  He is left in Croydon with his mother where they spend many evenings in their neighbour's air raid shelter.  When Stan and his mum receive the news that his father is missing, presumed killed, his mother is distraught but Stan clings to the hope that he is still alive somewhere.  When a V1 bomb lands too close to the family home, Stan's mum decides she is sending him somewhere safe and so he, Billie and Nellie are evacuated to Norfolk where a piece of shrapnel Stan has brought with him could hold vital information from a prisoner of war, and Stan, with his friends, is determined to unlock its secrets.

Anybody who knows me, will know that I have a love of middle grade World War II books, so when Operation Doodlebug popped up on NetGalley whilst I was on holiday, there was no question about me reading it!  

The detail in the plot and the accuracy of the historical details are a credit to Tia - it's clear that she researched the period well.  Set towards the end of the war, the book gives you a feel of what life in central London was like as well as how children coped with evacuation.  Many WWII books focus on the start of the war so I found it refreshing that this is set much later and readers are able to understand that the end of the blitz didn't equate to the end of the bombing.  

Whilst I loved the setting, I feel that the friendships in this book are what really make it: Stan is dealing with so much following his father's departure and it's clear he thinks deeply about a lot of things.  Nellie is his neighbour and he looks out for her like she was his sister, especially when they are in Norfolk.  He has a different friendship with Billie who is more fearless; his dwarfism is dealt with sensitively and is woven into the plot seamlessly.  The trio balance each other well and the relationship between them is warm and wonderful to read.

Operation Doodlebug is immersive and exciting, whilst being beautifully written - it has a real feel of a classic novel and one that will be read for years to come.

Operation Doodlebug publishes on the 5th November.

Into Thin Air - S E Durrant

Things are tricky for Luna and her family since they had to close their café, but with both Mum and Dad working, they are managing.  Then Dad leaves in the middle of the night and doesn't come back.  Mum says that he's gone to visit their grandma and that seems plausible to Luna, but then Dad's boss bangs on their front door demanding to see him; Grandma's home calls to ask to speak to Dad and Mum seems to be acting strangely.  Luna is worried and the only people she feels she can trust are Casey, her best friend, and Jade, her younger sister.  Together, they need to piece together the clues Dad has left before it's too late.

Luna is good at maths and counts in prime numbers to stop her anxious thoughts; her one passion is space and she dreams of being an astronaut which is why she follows astronaut Mimi's journey on the space station.  She knows that her mum is struggling so is determined to get to the bottom of things without worrying her.  In stark contrast is her younger sister Jade, who is bouncy and full of energy and confidence.  Together, the one thing they want is to get their father back.

This is a great mystery: with the clues building, the sisters decide to write everything they know down and follow-up on their leads.  This leads to an adventure that takes them on a journey they won't forget.  

Into Thin Air is a book that is quietly powerful with strong messages about family, finance, resilience and sticking together. 

Into Thin Air is out now.