Violet and the Velvets are competing at the School BandChamps. Excitement and nerves are all in the mix as the bands prepare for the play off that night. Each band works with the sound techs in the theatre to get their sound just right.

When unexpected sounds fill the theatre, fear follows. Blaming technical glitches, the adults brush off the creepy atmosphere that has enveloped them, and the wary young musicians continue to prepare.

Violet however, is having none of the adults excuses, and her band members, Mo, Lexie and Jack are right behind her. It seems they have another mystery to solve. They’ve heard the rumours of the Royal theatre’s own ghost. The bands aren’t professionals, but surely a ghost isn’t upset with their best efforts? Maybe it doesn’t want them in the theatre at all?

Violet and the Velvets are quickly on the case, but what they find isn’t fitting any of their past or present suspects. Is the young ballerina ghost real?

The second in this middle-grade music filled mystery series, The Case of the Angry Ghost has Violet and her band on the hunt for more clues and culprits.

The mystique of a ghost story, an intriguing theatre setting and the excitement and nerves of the competition, make an exhilarating read.

Mystery lovers will enjoy Violet’s determination in solving this eerie case – even if she is spooked a little herself. Teamwork and friendship not only bring answers to the enigma of the ghost, but solve other problems too – with satisfying results.

Violet talks directly to the reader at times, increasing the connection between them. She’s a likeable, convincing pre-teen, and the third book in the series continues their band’s journey.

(For any readers unsure about the content, it’s really not scary – just intriguing.)

Author – Rachael King

Illustrator – Phoebe Morris

Age – 7+

See the first book in the series here

(2025, Allen and Unwin NZ, Aotearoa, Music, Series, Friendship, Ghost, Mystery, New Zealand, ADHD, Neurodiverse, LGBTQIA, Clues, BandChamps, Competition, Punk, Ska, Rock, Humour, Funny, Non-Binary, Gender Diversity)