The very first creation of a mad professor is hiding in a castle above a small town called Grubbers Nubbin. His name is Stitch Head. He spends all of his time making sure any new creations of his master don’t cause any trouble, as he waits to be remembered by the professor.

The latest creation changes Stitch Head’s life in the castle, along with a greedy Freak Circus owner who wants to capture the fabled monsters of Castle Grotteskew.

Review

Stitch Head is perfect for young readers who want to read about monsters, and end up laughing. Stitch Head’s story is a sad one as he is the forgotten creation of a madman, but new monsters within the spooky castle where he lives bring humour to the tale.

The villain of the story isn’t the mad professor, but a Freak Circus owner whose antics provide even more laughs.

I absolutely loved the format and design of Stitch Head with every page shaded on the edges, with dozens of pictures scattered through them. The pages also have a background of shading to make them look like old stone walls. The chapters begin with a whole page including a title, then a rhyming poem or excerpt from the mad professor’s notebooks.

With Stich Head the movie coming out (2026), I have read the edition with the movie cover and pics from the animated movie included.

This is the 1st in a series I’d like to continue reading to learn what happens to Stitch Head next.

Book Style

191 pages /  16 Chapters finishing with an Epilogue / Every page shaded on the edges, and with background shading to make them look like old stone walls. The chapters begin with a whole page including a title, then a rhyming poem or excerpt from the mad professor’s notebooks.

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

8+

Where & When is it set?

A fictional town named Grubbers Nubbin / Yesteryear – Late 17th Century?

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

Third person / Past tense

What genre is Stich Head?

Middle Grade Fiction

Themes

Humour / Friendship / Spooky / Historical

Is it part of a series?

Yes

If you liked this, you might like:

Mallory Vale and the Curse of Maggoty Skull

Dead Good Detectives

Author

Guy Bass

Publisher

Little Tiger – Tiger Press

(2011, 2026, Tiger Press, Penguin Books NZ, Series, Humour, Funny, Monsters, Historical, Spooky Castle, Friendship, Hope, Mad Scientist)

The post Stitch Head Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Charlie and her mum move to the small NZ town of Coalburn. Her mum loves to study cemeteries and they have moved in right next door to Coalburn’s graveyard.

A new friend is made in local, Tam and Charlie joins the local rugby team. While exploring the graveyard, Charlie finds a headstone that might interest her mum and with Tam’s help they investigate its owner.

Charlie and Tam discover an intriguing mystery and a heart breaking connection between them.

Plot summary of Charlie, Tam and the Singing Canary (No Spoilers)

There is a new girl at Tam’s school named Charlie. Tam and Charlie hit it off right away, sharing their family dynamics and a love of words. Tam is intrigued in Charlie’s life of moving around with her mum, following her need and interest in researching headstones in cemeteries around the country.

They get to know each other’s family dynamics and history, but there are things Tam wants to know about her own family, but has always been to afraid to ask. When Charlie asks Tam to help investigate a headstone in the local graveyard, Tam is keen to help.

Their investigation leads to family members on both sides revealing truths long held close, and the mystery of the gravestone finally brought to light.

Review

This middle-grade novel was so easy to immerse myself in, that I read it in one sitting.

Set in a small NZ rural town in the South Island of New Zealand, it has a slice of everything that makes a great read – A new kid in town, a mystery, a ghost and family secrets. Stir in a little rugby, a love of words and intriguing friendship and family dynamics, and it is a real-life tale with a touch of supernatural.

An authentic, captivating kiwi read. Kids are going to love it.

Book Style

217 Pages / 51 Chapters

3 Parts – Coalburn / The Kissing Kauri / The Singing Canary

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

9+

Where & When is it set?

A fictional town called Coalburn – a small town on the West Coast of New Zealand

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

Omniscient / Present tense

Is there Violence?

No

What genre is Charlie, Tam and the Singing Canary?

Middle Grade Mystery

Themes

Mystery / Friendship / Family / Secret / Ghost

Is it part of a series?

No

Read a sample here

If you liked this, you might like:

Children of the Rush

The Ghosts on the Hill

Enemy Camp

Author

Bill Nagelkerke

Publisher

Copy Press New Zealand

(2026, Copy Press, Aotearoa New Zealand, West Coast, South Island, Otago, Ghost, Cemetery, Graveyards, Headstone Art, New girl at school, Family, Secrets, Friendship, Grandmother, Tramping, Rugby, Old fashioned Words, Old fashioned Phrases)

The post Charlie, Tam and the Singing Canary Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A young ghost is trying to figure out who he is, and why he can’t leave the grounds of a historical slave plantation many years after it was abandoned.

When three teen podcasters arrive to investigate an unsolved murder, the ghost knows he must protect them from the evil forces that still remain on the estate.

Plot summary of The Visitors (No Spoilers)

A ghost moves through the grounds of an abandoned plantation, visiting other ghosts and wondering for the millionth time, who he is and why he can’t leave. It’s good to have other ghostly company, but endlessly wandering the grounds is no afterlife at all.

The only interesting things that happen are when real people make their way up the long driveway which is hidden from the main road, to explore the plantation buildings and site of so many stories. Many believe it to be haunted, or if not haunted, at least intriguing to check out.

The ghost’s job is to make sure The Visitors leave again without causing too much damage or more to the point, while they can leave. There is a much darker force that resides at Hollow Pines Plantation. This ghost is of a man who was cruel and evil when he was alive, and now as a spirit, is even worse. Especially to anyone alive.

Three young explorers arrive one morning on bikes. They have a camera and a podcast to prepare for a competition and are investigating the disappearance of a young boy many years before. The young ghost recognises the name of the missing boy, but doesn’t know why. Could these three help him finally remember his past?

Review

A tragic history, ghosts, danger and a missing boy? So many things intrigued me about this book. Meeting a tween ghost who didn’t know who he was, was a great way to hook me in early. Learning there is another mystery to solve about a missing boy, hooked me further.

There are many tragic stories behind the ghosts in this novel, and then again about the missing boy. The story flicks away from the ghost every now and then, to this boy. Readers meet him and learn what life is like for him as he faces a terrible betrayal and the fallout afterwards. This tugs at the heartstrings and even more so, as the story progresses.

Both the ghost and the missing boy are characters to feel for, and then my heart was thumping at the danger everyone at the Hollow Pines Plantation is suddenly under.

Greg Howard writes beautiful stories with queer characters, and The Visitors is another to savour and think about afterwards. His author’s note explores how the real history of slavery in South Carolina was not taught when he was a student, and the personal struggles he also faced.

Book Style

253 Pages (including Author’s Note & Resources) / 26 chapters

In the rear of the book are chapters from 2 more Greg Howard titles

The Whispers & The Travellers 

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

10+

Where & When is it set?

A plantation based on the author’s own memories as an exploring tween. South Carolina. USA.

Modern day and 1960’s America

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

Two points of view

1. A ghost in first person    2. A boy betrayed in third person (years before)

Present tense / Past tense

Is there Violence?

Yes

What genre is The Visitors?

High Middle-Grade

Themes

Horror / Historical / Mystery

Is it part of a series?

No

If you liked this, you may like:

Too Bright to See

Find more Ghostly reads here

Find more LGBTQ+ reads here

Author

Greg Howard

Publisher

Nancy Paulsen Books / Penguin

(2026, Nancy Paulsen Books / Penguin Books, Ghost, Historical, Murder, Mystery, LGBTQ+, Bullies, Conflict, Friendship, Horror, Gay, Slave Plantation, Loss, Grief, Evil, Souls, Courage, Memory, Podcast, Animal, Dog)

The post The Visitors Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

It’s all an exciting adventure, and during the few weeks left before she begins her new school, Jet is kept busy helping her family, getting to know the area around them, and jotting down ideas for her stories. All the while she is emailing and messaging her best friend from forever, who now lives in Singapore. She loves sharing all her excitement about her new home, but keeps one secret to herself.

Jet has discovered, talked to, argued with and worried about… a ghost. To make things even more complicated, she has also met the most gorgeous boy she’s ever seen, which makes the ghost jealous!

She’s dying to share it all, but who would believe her? Things go from intriguing to infuriating to positively dangerous, when she ventures next door to an abandoned chateau. First it is with her ghost friend, and then with the gorgeous French boy. But it is once too often, and suddenly both their lives are in danger!

Such a captivating story! A run down chateau. A ghost hidden deep in a wardrobe. A gorgeous boy from the local bakery, and something not quite right happening right next door. The Girl and the Ghost has just the right amount of everything to kick off a brand new series for readers of 9+

There is a mystery, a secret to keep, emails back & forth from a close friend and possible disasters within their new home. A first crush gives just the right amount of stomach swirls, and then terrible danger all but swallows up the main characters.

I’m definitely keen to grab the next in the series.

Author – Jacqueline Harvey

Age – 10+

Read an Extract here 

Find Teacher’s Notes here

Find the next book in the series here

(2025, Penguin Books Australia, Adventure, Animals, Crime, Family, Friendship, Ghost, Growing up, Mystery, Secret, Series, France, Chateau, Rebuild, Renovations, Refurbishment, Dog, Marie Antionette, Royal, Art, First Crush, Young Romance)

The post The Girl and the Ghost appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Life quickly returns to normal with Josephine looking forward to her best friend coming to stay, her crush deepening with local boy Gabriel, and her friendship with Louis the ghost of French royalty stronger every day.

Louis is a little jealous of Gabriel. Josephine loves spending time with them both, but Gabriel is finding Josephine’s behaviour more strange every day, and she considers telling him about the ghost that follows them everywhere. Will he think she’s mad?

The reward money has helped speed up the renovations of their chateau, just in time for Josephine’s bestie, Hattie to arrive, and they are all soon enjoying the countryside of the town. A discovery of possible huge national significance has them excited, along with more clues about Josephine’s mother surfacing.

All the while, Josephine feels as if she is being followed. The police assure her family that the art thieves are in jail, but news of the leader’s escape has Josephine jumpy. Is she being paranoid?

Another great episode in this thrilling series. It is perfect for tween readers looking for a little romance mixed in with a ghost, a mystery and the beautiful country of France.

Historical fact is effortlessly threaded through the story and more about it is in the back of the book. Josephine’s worries about being followed builds the tension deliciously, as the key villain in the first book escapes from custody.

Clues to her mother’s life in the area begin to emerge with equally heartbreaking and wonderful results.

Definitely looking forward to reading more of The Girl and the Ghost series.

Author – Jacqueline Harvey

Illustrator – A Yi

Age – 10+

Find the first in the series here

Publisher – Penguin Books Aust

Set – France (present)

Viewpoint – 3rd person

Violence – No

Real Life – Yes

Fantasy – Yes – Ghost

Blend – Real Life fiction / Ghost / Historical Fact/ Mystery

(2025, Family, Humour, Ghost, Crime, Friendship, Romance, Ghost, Mystery, Crush, France, French Chateau, Refurbishing, Building, Prize, Paranoia, Belief in ghosts, Series)

The post The Girl and the Ghost (2) Family Secrets appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Josephine (Jet for short) is helping her family refurbish a French Chateau. The Grand Opening is approaching, and things begin to go wrong. Her locket that holds her ghost friend Louis the seventeenth of French Royalty has been noticed by a jeweller, which causes even more problems. What’s even worse is that her French boy-crush Gabriel is spending a lot of time with a pretty new girl at school.

Has Gabriel forgotten her? Will the chateau fail before it begins? Could it have anything to do with the escaped villain Anastasia?

Plot summary of The Girl and the Ghost (3) Grand Opening (No Spoilers)

The Grand Opening of the chateau Jet’s family have been refurbishing is fast approaching. It has been sped up with money Jet received after helping foil a neighbour and sophisticated art thief named Anastasia. Many treasured pieces of art were saved, but the villain herself escaped capture.

New neighbours moved in after Anastasia went on the run, but Jet finds them a little strange too. When they bring her a kitten as a gift, she is surprised and enchanted by the small bundle of stripes she soon calls Tiger.

With her step mum’s 40th also approaching, Jet visits a jeweller with her dad to help choose a ring. When the jeweller sees her locket he is intrigued. Jet is upset about leaving it with the jeweller for an appraisal, but of course cannot tell her father that her ghost friend Louis XVII lives in it!

When news of the locket hits the papers, Jet worries for its safety. The jeweller believes it could have been purchased many years before by French royalty in the very same store. All she wants is to have it back safely around her neck, but things keep getting in the way.

The same is happening at the chateau. The birthday celebrations don’t quite go to plan and the preparation for the Grand Opening is troubled by a continuous barrage of problems. Credit cards go missing. A load of rocks are delivered on the driveway and the wrong size beds are delivered. More and more problems arise, until Jet believes it can’t be a coincidence.

All the while, Jet is worried that her wonderful summer with gorgeous Gabriel is never to be repeated, as another girl takes up all of his time.

Who is responsible for the problems at the chateau? Will they open, only to receive terrible reviews? Will Gabriel ever kiss her again?

Review

More mystery is served at Jet’s new chateau home. Add a stripy new kitten, a beautiful classmate, and disaster after disaster as the grand opening approaches and tension is rife. When both her parents are physically injured and arson is added too, Jet is really beginning to worry.

The constant knowledge that Anastasia is still out there, and with her final threat still fresh in Jet’s memory, no one knows what is going to happen next. Red herrings swim everywhere, leaving me wondering who is causing the problems? The new housekeeper, the gardener or the tradies working on the property?

Another great episode of this series with just the right mix of romance, growing up, mystery and the through line of malice from the threat of Anastasia still out there….

Book Style

368 Pages /  38 Chapters / Epilogue

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

11+

Where & When is it set?

In a chateau in South western France / Present

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

Third Person / Past Tense

Is there Violence?

No

What genre is The Girl and the Ghost (3) Grand Opening?

Middle Grade Mystery

Themes

Real Life / Ghosts / Romance / Friendship / Mystery / History

Is it part of a series?

Yes – The Girl and the Ghost Series

1. The Girl and the Ghost
2. Family Secrets
3. Grand Opening
4. ?

Author

Jacqueline Harvey

Illustrator

A Yi

Publisher

Penguin Books Australia

Find the previous books in the series here

(2026, Penguin Books Australia, Series, France, Family, Humour, Ghost, Crime, Friendship, Romance, Ghost, Mystery, Crush, France, French Chateau, Refurbishing, Building, Prize, Jealousy, Belief in ghosts, Grand opening, Hotel, Locket, Secrets)

The post The Girl and the Ghost (3) Grand Opening Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Nine year old Albertine’s Nanny has died. Albertine knows she will miss her, not knowing that Nanny Tobbins has no plans on leaving her. Much to Albertine’s confusion, her beloved Nanny appears every midnight, insisting on continuing her lessons.

Along with a new stepmother who has no idea how to behave around children, Albertine isn’t sure what to do. Her father doesn’t believe her about a visiting ghost, believing all the trouble caused at night is Albertine’s way of misbehaving with all the changes in her life.

Albertine must figure out a way to convince Nanny Tobbins she is dead, before she gets into more serious trouble with her Pappa.

Plot summary of R.I.P Nanny Tobbins (No Spoilers)

When Albertine’s nanny has a fatal riding accident, Albertine is sad to have lost her. Nanny Tobbins was her constant companion, always guiding her on day to day manners, expectations, and teaching her about the world around her.

It’s not the only change, and despite her father telling her that his new wife is “…sweet like cake,” she is nothing like Albertine imagined. Her new stepmother takes up all the free time her father used to have for her, and when rarely together, hardly says a word to her step daughter.

Luckily, Albertine still has friends within the household. The cook (Cookie) and the chambermaid (Susan) are kind, and the paperboy is a special friend of a similar age.

Albertine suddenly feels quite alone, when her dead nanny begins to visit every night at midnight. She insists on Albertine getting up to do her lessons – whether it be in her room, or playing the piano which wakes up the whole household.

Albertine tries to explain to her Papa that Nanny Tobbins is back and she was just following her instructions, but although he is loving and understanding at all that has changed in his home of late – he refuses to believe in a ghost.

When a new governess is hired to try and curb Albertine’s strange behaviour, Nanny Tobbins continues to visit every night. It begins to take a toll on the house, but on Albertine especially. How is she going to prove to her father she is not being naughty, and all the trouble is coming from her dead Nanny?

Review

Set in Victoria London, I enjoyed this middle-grade novel. Albertine is an innocent, much-loved daughter and member of a wealthy household. She is well-liked among the staff, and she and her dog Quiver are delightful. The blurb for this book says it’s very funny – which is not how I found it at all.

It’s endearing, with a problem to solve, a young girl missing the close relationship she had with her father, and kind people around her trying to help.

The stepmother surprised me, and the main character’s solution did also. Readers 8+ will enjoy this. I’m definitely going to seek out the sequel.

Writing Style

38 Chapters beginning with a short chapter introducing main characters Albertine, her father and Nanny Tobbins. This scene at bedtime portrays the love and respect between the three, and the multi-lingual (English/German) component of the home.

FAQS

What age is it for?

Age – 8+

Where & When is it set?

London, England – 1851

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

Third person (Albertine’s POV) / Past tense

What genre is R.I.P Nanny Tobbins?

Historical Middle-Grade Fiction

Themes

Friendship / Historical/ Ghost / Family

Is it part of a series?

Yes

1. R.I.P Nanny Tobbins
2. Nanny Tobbins and the Midnight Plan

If you liked this, you might like…

Evie’s Ghost

Ferris

Author

Lucie Stevens

Publisher

Harper Collins

(2026, Historical, Friendship, Ghost, Animals, Family, Love, 1800’s, 1851, London, England, Series, Victorian, Stepmother, Governess, Dog, Maids, Footman)

The post R.I.P Nanny Tobbins Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Albertine’s special friend Blot is accused of stealing a rare and precious jewel from the Great Exhibition. He is thrown in the Tower of London. No matter how much Albertine’s father tries to help Blot with his own lawyer, Blot’s fate seems sealed. Albertine refuses to give up and calls on Nanny Tobbins’ ghost to help save her friend.

Plot summary of   Nanny Tobbins and the Midnight Plan  (No Spoilers)

The Great Exhibition has been a brilliant success, and Albertine’s father and his friend the Prince are elated. Albertine’s home is much more settled with the exhibition being packed up, and her father not quite so busy. The only thing troubling nearly ten year old Albertine is her stepmother’s health. She has been ‘indisposed’ for some time, spending most of her time in bed.

Soon there is a much bigger worry. While the items at the new museum are packed up, something goes missing. To Albertine’s shock, a rare and precious diamond belonging to the queen has been found in her best friend Blot’s bag. It couldn’t possibly be true!

Albertine’s family have always been kind to Blot and they jump to his defence. But it’s a terrible offence and the Judge needs to make an example of him. Blot has been jailed in the Tower of London, and Albertine’s visits are full of worry for her friend’s welfare. Soon there is a deadline for Blot to admit to the theft and reveal who helped him, but he denies committing such a crime.

Albertine decides she can’t wait any longer for lawyers or judges to make the right decisions. She knows Nanny Tobbins will be just the person(ghost) to help save Blot. Making up plans along the way, Albertine gets closer and closer to the true villain. Suddenly she’s far too close, and in just as much danger as Blot!

Review

This is the sequel to R.I.P Nanny Tobbins, and has much more mystery, danger and excitement than the first episode. Solving a crime on her own is quite frightening, but Albertine is quite certain her friend is innocent. Walking London streets at night, summoning ghosts, breaking into premises with Nanny Tobbins’ help, and facing the villain herself make this a riveting read.

It can be read on its own, but will be so much more satisfying if read after the first book in the series. Based loosely on the royals of the time, there is also much mischief and fun along the way. Albertine is a sweet little girl, much loved and a little underestimated, by all those around her. A lovely surprise at the end helps smooth away all the worries she’s been full of throughout the book.

(An afterword explains Colonial Theft – Items stolen by the British Empire, including the diamond the book is based around. The villain may be easy to dislike, but his reasoning sparks questions in both character and reader.)

Book Style

320 Pages

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

Age – 8+

Where & When is it set?

Victorian London UK / 1851

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

First person / Past tense

What genre is Nanny Tobbins and the Midnight Plan?

Historical Middle Grade

Themes

Historical / Fantasy / Ghosts / Mystery / Friendship / Series

Is it part of a series?

Yes – Nanny Tobbins

1. R.I.P Nanny Tobbins
2. Nanny Tobbins and the Midnight Plan

Author

Lucie Stevens

Publisher

Harper Collins

Find the first book in the series here

If you liked this, you’ll love

The Elston Fright series

The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good

(2026, Sequel, Harper Collins, Charming, Sweet Character, Historical, Victorian London, Fantasy, Ghost, Mystery, Friendship, Series, Diamond, Crime, Theft, Colonial Theft, 1800’s, 1851, Animals, Dog)

The post Nanny Tobbins and the Midnight Plan Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Something strange is happening to children’s magic. Not to mention magical creatures and dwellings falling ill. Eglantine’s sentient house Huswyvern has a cold and each time he sneezes their entire household is left topsy-turvy.

Can Miss Hegotty’s Secret Society of young witches figure out what is causing all the problems?

Plot summary of Witchlight

Eglantine’s house Huswyvern is sick. She has been searching Hus’ Grimoire for a spell to help, but hasn’t had any luck.

Her friends and fellow Secret Society Members are hard at work trying to solve another mystery. Something is happening to children’s magic – especially to girls or those who aren’t deemed wealthy or important.

Has the Department of Isle-Spark got something to do with it? An undercover operation, accidental trips back in time and ghosts with warnings, lead them to the culprits – but also terrible danger.

Can they go up against the Department and scheming Royal Court to save the lives of all their magical friends and family?

Review

Diving back into the world of Witchspark is a real treat!

Both girls from the first novel in the series are back – stronger, braver and more determined than ever to put things right in their magical world, especially for girls.

Victoria’s place as the future queen is suddenly in jeopardy and Eglantine’s very life is at risk. These challenges raise the stakes as those who wish to rule their world have no regrets at any lives lost in their malevolent plans.

The conclusion of the this duology left me nodding at its ‘rightness’ also filling me with relief for characters I’d fallen in love with (especially the sentient house named Huswyvern.)

Book Style

Beginning with a flyer and news articles, this sets the scene for a problem the characters are facing.

267 Pages / Individual illustrations and titles in each chapter heading / Letters, advertisements and government notices appear throughout the book along with black and white full-page illustrations, in times of peak action.

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

9+

Where & When is it set?

A fictional Fantasy Victorian London, England

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

Third person / Past tense

Is there Violence?

(The threat of – yes)

What genre is Witchlight?

Middle Grade Fantasy

Themes

Magic / Fantasy/ Family / Friendship

Is it part of a series?

Yes

1. Witchspark (2025)
2. Witchlight (2026)

Author

Dominique Valente

Publisher

Harper Collins UK

(2026, Magic, Series, Friendship, Sentient House, Portals, Villains, Princess, Curses, Magical Creatures, Courage, Time-travel, Betrayal, Conflict, Fantasy, Ghost, Historical)

The post Witchlight appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Newly orphaned siblings Charlotte, Emily and Jack are sent to live on an island with a grandmother they never knew existed, let alone met. This is an island ominously cut off by the tide and surrounded by large black rocks. It is far from welcoming or friendly and is increasingly more malevolent, the longer the children stay.

Plot summary of Don’t Let Them Leave (no spoilers)

Charlotte, Emily and Jack are grieving the loss of their parents. Only days later they are whisked off to a strange island to live with their grandmother. Their father never mentioned her, so they are wary, but one must do as the adults say, so they follow all the instructions and get on a train.

They find little of the comforts they knew at home. Their grandmother’s home is on a strange island which is ruled by the tides. It appears empty and abandoned, but that is far from the truth.

The longer they stay, the longer Charlotte wonders about the swift change in their lives and the inhospitable life they have found themselves in. She reaches out to a boy who helped them on their journey, and learns more about the island and its history.

A history so horrific, she wants to leave, but there are building haunting forces that want to prevent it.

My thoughts

From the first page to the last, I was captured by this novel. Newly made orphans Charlotte, Emily and Jack grabbed my heart early, and I felt for their plight and hastily scraped together courage. I understood their apprehension in meeting a relative they knew nothing of, and how their lives were going to change so drastically, through no fault of their own.

The island itself adds more fear and indecision, as they nearly lose their lives trying to get to it, and the longer they stay the higher the tension rises. It’s positively creepy and the malevolence builds into pure horror, as a historical revenge plot reveals itself.

The answers the siblings are seeking are truly terrible, and nothing I imagined.  Gripping, creepy and well worth a read.

Characters

Charlotte (13)  Now in charge of her younger siblings, she has to keep pushing her grief at the loss of her parents down, just so she can keep functioning. She and her brother and sister have been raised in a wealthy home, so suddenly having to do everything for themselves is challenging. Charlotte bravely steps up to all that they face, and must work out how to ensure their survival from an island with evil intention.

Jack (9)  At only 9 years old, Jack has already picked up tips and behaviours from his father which are helpful in their sudden new and demanding life. He has always been a quiet boy and often kept mostly to himself at home, but now must be brave in all they face. At home, he and little sister Emily would often squabble, but now he sees the need to look out for her, and also help his big sister who he now looks to for guidance.

Emily (6) Always full of chatter and questions, Emily never goes anywhere without her beloved soft rabbit Munchkin. Being the youngest, she struggles to comprehend what is happening to them. She baulks at Charlotte’s instructions at first, but after only a few days in their new strange home, quickly learns to listen to Charlotte, even if she doesn’t understand all that they are experiencing.

Writing Style

A prologue begins the novel, set deep in a mine in 1855 – 3rd person/past tense.

13 year old Charlotte tells the story directly to the reader (1st person). The setting is 1930’s England, so Charlotte speaks proper English, the way she has been raised by her wealthy parents. We hear her inner thoughts throughout the novel as she struggles first with grief, responsibility of her younger siblings, and then the terrifying situation they find themselves in.

FAQs

What age is it for?

12+

Where & When is it set?

1930 London, then a journey to an island on the southern tip of England, which is cut off by the tides twice daily.

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

1st person / Past tense.

Is there any Violence?

Yes

What genre is Don’t Let Them Leave?

Young Adult Horror

Themes

Horror / Family / Courage / Revenge

Is it part of a series?

No

Author

Mike Lucas

Publisher

Penguin Random House Australia

Find more creepy novels by this author

Click here

If you’re looking for more Horror Reads

Find some here

(2026, Penguin Books, Intermediate (NZ), Horror, Revenge, Island, Siblings, Grief, Tin Mines, Lodestone, Historical, 1930, England, Train journey, Grandmother, Ghosts, Cat, Ravens, Courage, Mystery, Creepy, Eerie)

The post Book Review – Don’t Let Them Leave appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

She wishes she was just as powerful as her father, or even just to get her magical aim right! The walls of their home suffer the consequences, every time she misses her target.

Shadows Fall is a magnificent large home, but Amelia is alone again, with her famous father away on business once again. Usually, she is looked after by her tutor Gustave. He happens to be a ghost, but Amelia is quite used to that.

Expecting things to be as always when her father is away, she is surprised to meet a new ghost. He informs her that her father has sent him to keep an eye on the house and those in it. Amelia tries to tell this new ghost that this is the job of her tutor, but Gustave has suddenly disappeared.

When he does show, he doesn’t look like himself at all. He advises Amelia that the new ghost is none other than his old headmaster, Hans Dieter Geizkragen. He ran the Katzenjammer Academy for Boys and Assorted Waifs, in Vienna. He was known as the toughest headmaster in all of Europe.

It’s not long before Amelia is as much annoyed by Hans, as Gustave is afraid of him, and together they decide – Hans must go!

Illustrated in bold but muted shades, this graphic novel’s setting is easy to imagine and feel. A large old house with only one girl and two ghosts floating around it, aids the difficult problem of getting rid of one of the spectral inhabitants.

One ghost being afraid of another because of their past lives was interesting, and Amelia Shadows is a brave girl standing up to a bully.

A simple plot that will be enjoyed by many.

Thank you to Net Galley and Papercutz for my ARC.

Author / Illustrator – Matthew Dow Smith

Age – 9+

Graphic Novel

(2026, Papercutz, Graphic Novel, Ghosts, Bossy, Ex-headmaster, Magicians, Magic, Spooky House, Tutor, Courage, Plan, Working together)

The post Book Review – Amelia Shadows and the New Head Ghost appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A very special fox named Clare, lives in Deadwood Forest. He is an Undead Usher, or spirit guide – sending lost animal souls onto to their correct realms, for eternity.

His quiet life is soon upended by a badger whose soul doesn’t fit any of the realms. He must try and learn why, so this badger will stop ‘badgering’ him, but the answer is much more complicated than he can imagine.

Plot summary of The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest (no spoilers)

Clare is a fox who has a very important job. He aids the lost souls of dead animals into the Afterlife. He lives in Deadwood Forest, which like Clare, is not quite alive, but not quite dead either.

When a badger arrives, he begins the process he has honed to an art, of sending her soul into the best place for her. There are four realms. Peace, Progress, Pleasure and Pain. Depending on how the animal has lived their life, is the realm they will spend eternity in. Clare gently guides them all in the right direction.

But this badger keeps returning to his cottage in the forest, despite sending her to all four realms. She’s getting cross, asking lots of questions and causing quite a fuss. Clare decides to follow a rumour he has heard, about something bad about to happen in Deadwood Forest. In particular, to the one who lives in Deadwood Forest. He knows it can only be him.

The badger insists on coming with him to see a wise creature in another forest close by. Clare asks his questions, but doesn’t like the answers. He can see that his life is about to change forever.

My thoughts

This middle-grade novel is unlike anything I’ve read before. The topic of souls moving on, and how they spent their lives determining where they go, is a thought-provoking one.

Anthropomorphism (humanising animals), makes this grim topic an intriguing read, and when we realise where our main character Clare got his hooded read coat, it brings his story full circle to when he became undead himself.

Clare changes across the novel after meeting and making friends with Gingersnapes, who despite being treated badly herself in life, is a kind, caring soul.

There is humour in the mix along with horrible young humans, but love shines through in the end. The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest is much deserving of its accolades.

Characters

Clare – A fox who is a guide to Undead Animal Souls. He himself died as a kit, and inherited this job from another fox. He lives in Deadwood Forest which is a place that is not quite dead, but not quite alive either. He grows and sells all types of mushrooms to a rat named Nine, who finds and trades things with Clare, like human’s discarded books.

Clare has become skilled at his job as an Undead Usher, and enjoys his quiet life, tree sap tea, and tending his treasured mushroom garden.

Gingersnipes – A lost badger soul who arrives at Clare’s Deadwood Cottage. She’s not sure what to do, and is increasingly confused and cross as each piece of guidance from Clare goes awry. She asks lots of questions, and is constantly inquisitive about Clare’s actions. She’s a kind soul however, and helps Clare sort through his past.

Hesterfowl – A wise, old grouse who lives in a neighbouring forest.

Nine – a business minded rat who buys mushrooms from Clare to resell to other forest creatures.

Writing Style

A narrator tells the story, and speaks directly to the reader every now and then, with a warning or two.

FAQs
What age is it for?

9-12 years

Where & When is it set?

Set in a fictional forest called Deadwood, opposite a lush, thriving forest called Fernlight.

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

An Omniscient Narrator tells the story of Clare the Undead Usher Fox, to listeners/readers.

Is there any Violence?

A terrifying animal chase, and children causing chaos in the forest.

What genre is The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest?

Middle Grade Fantasy

Themes

Death, Grief, Self Worth, Friendship and misconceptions of others

Is it part of a series?

No

If you liked this, you might like these?

Click here

If you’re looking for more reads about Grief for Children & Young Adults?

Find some here

Author

Aubrey Hartman

Publisher

Harper Collins

(2025, Walker Books, Animals, Fantasy, Ghost, Humour, Action, Conflict, Courage, Friendship, Secret, Newbery Honor Book, Grief, Love, Fox, Rat, Badger, Grouse, Forest, Afterlife Realm, Award Winner)

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A group of tweens discover a spooky mystery inside the Graceland Graveyard, and must solve it to save the treasured historic trees and the Arboretum status within it. The trees have not only historical significance but a deeply personal one too.

A young ghost wants to right a terrible wrong, and the friends must discover who the ghost is, what the wrong is, and how to fix it.

Plot summary of X Marks the Haunt (no spoilers)

12 year old Will Stone loves that his mum is the manager of a sprawling historic graveyard, even though he doesn’t tell anyone at school about it. The only person who knows he enjoys hanging out there after school, is his best friend Slash.

When a school trip is planned for this very cemetery, Will gets his mum to sign the permission form while she’s busy so she doesn’t notice where it’s going. The last thing he wants is extra fuss on the day he visits with his class.

Sure enough, he is busted on the day and the class bully gives him a hard time about it. Before Will knows it, he’s agreed to something he shouldn’t – after hours and in the graveyard grounds.

Things don’t go to plan and not only is an important key lost, something ‘other’ is disturbed in the process. To his horror, Will begins to be haunted, sparking a mystery that goes back to the 19th century. He and his friends team up to follow the clues, disengage a bully and solve the mystery.

My thoughts

X Marks the Haunt is a great middle-grade spooky read. The setting is based on a real historic graveyard / cemetery which grounds the novel, making the story more believable. The friendships built through initially wrong choices are heart warming, and the continuing mystery engaging.

The way a bully is handled is great for tweens to read, and so is the determination to work out a wronged ghost’s problem. Learning about the diseases of the 19th century that are unheard of now due to scientific progress (antibiotics and vaccinations) is also welcome.

The eye catching cover will appeal to fans of Goosebumps and other creepy reads.

Characters

Will Stone knows he’s not the run of the mill 12 year old. Most don’t spend their time after school at a graveyard, dreaming about being a genealogist. He enjoys working through all the files, working on mysteries he finds within them. His best friend Stash is the only one who knows his mum is the Manager of Graceland Cemetery and he wants to keep it that way.

Will doesn’t really have any friends beside Stash and soon enjoys having two new kids to hang out with. It’s extra nice that he has a little bit of a crush on one of them too.

Writing Style

Main character Will Stone tells the story in chapters in 1st person, present tense directly to the reader.

FAQs

What age is it for?

8-12 years

Where & When is it set?

Chicago Illinois US in the Graceland Cemetery & Arboretum / The Present

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

1st person / Present tense

Is there any Violence?

No.  But there is verbal bullying and mention of past bullying.

What genre is X Marks the Haunt?

Middle-Grade Horror

Themes

Being yourself, Sticking up to Bullies, Friendship, Doing the right thing, Problem Solving

Is it part of a series?

No

But if you like spooky books, you might like these?

Click here

Author

Lindsay Currie

Publisher

Random House US

(2026, Random House US, Bullies, Bully, Courage, Friendship, Ghost, Growing up, Middle-Grade Horror, Tween Read, Mystery, Revenge, Secret, Problem, Haunting, Creepy, Spooky, Graveyard, Wolves, Genealogy, 19th Century diseases)

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To prove a point, he decides that his new school movie project, with buddy and classmate Hugo, will be a horror movie. Max believes all he has to do is make people scream and film it. No brainer right? It was easy at school wasn’t it? Just let out the most blood curdling scream on the playground, and their teacher came running. Every. Single. Time.

Supplies are bought. Green slime has to star in this movie, along with fake body parts and light switch trickery. The timing is perfect with Max & Hugo’s parents going to a quiz night, and a new babysitter (Max refuses to accept he needs one) will be their unwilling victim.

But things turn on Max, Hugo, and the babysitter. And that’s even before Max’s baby sister vanishes! Maybe horror stories are scary – especially when they’re in your own house!

Another funny tale starring eleven year old Funny Kid – Max. Max is determined to prove he’s not scared of horror movies, and so begins a plan to shoot his own.

Plans go awry fairly quickly and spectacularly and ‘brave’ Max has to admit that maybe he isn’t so brave. Especially after he wets his pants, screams more than the baby-sitter and then is really scared when his baby sister goes missing. She’s okay by the way, but these scenes are funny like only Funny Kid can be.

I have read many of the books in this series – which you don’t need to read in order – and loved every one.

Roll on Halloween!

Author/ Illustrator – Matt Stanton

Age – 7+

Find more Funny Kid reviews here

(2024, Harper Collins, Funny, Humour, Ghosts, Babysitter, School Project, Home-made Movie, Plans not going to plan, Pranks, Tricks, Slime, Baby Sister, Missing Child, Series, Mystery, Real Life)

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Living high up in Highmoor Manor by the sea, Annaleigh and her family must again go into mourning for a year.  Camille, the eldest of her sisters, is tired of the dark, drab dresses they have to wear once again, and is worried she will never find a suitor.

Their new stepmother makes a suggestion that not only breaks Camille’s melancholy, but endears the sisters to her. The resulting grand event only leaves them feeling more dejected. The rumours from the nearby town have finally crept up and through the halls of Highmoor. Annaleigh’s family has been cursed.

Again, the girls find another way to avoid this so called curse and attend what they love most of all – Glittering balls with handsome partners to dance all night with. Annaleigh too enjoys these magical events, especially after meeting the son of one of her father’s ship Captains.  But she increasingly grows wary as strange voices and ghostly visions of her dead sisters begin to follow her everywhere. Now sure her siblings were murdered, Annaleigh begins to ask questions, dig deeper and what she finds is almost too horrifying to bear. Where have her sisters been going? Who were they really dancing with? And who brought this curse down upon them all?

This retelling of The Brother’s Grimm’s The Twelve Dancing Princesses lured me in with empathy for Annaleigh and her grieving family, and the added customs and beliefs based around the sea provided a wonderful backdrop.

Unlike other retellings I’ve read, this story got darker and darker, letting in voices and visions, dreams and nightmares. I got to know Annaleigh well, as she grieved, then baulked at what she saw and heard, slowly beginning to understand the controlling forces over her family. The revealing answers were unexpected and riveting.

Intriguing. Involved. Intense. Loved it! 

Author – Erin A Craig

Age – 14+

Find more retelling reviews here

Find a review for the next book in this stunning series here

(2020, 2026, Penguin Random House, Mystery, Fantasy, Ghost, Murder, Classic, Retelling, Princess, Grief, Secret, Siblings, Sisters, Stepmother, Truth, Magic, Horror)

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What she has brought throughout her life from that time is her skill at drawing and now, painting. Now back in a rebuilt Highmoor and living with her eldest sister Camille (the Duchess of the Salaan islands) Verity spends her time looking after her nieces and nephews. The older she gets the more she yearns for a life her elder sisters have had. Balls and parties, meeting people and finally beaus and suitors and hopefully marriage.

But Camille seems to be set on keeping her youngest sister at Highmoor, making excuses every year for not attending the events that would introduce Verity to Society.

There is a reason, and Camille is finally forced into admitting it. Verity is shocked and can scarcely believe it, and when an opportunity to finally leave arises, she flees her family home.

She has been offered a place in the home of Duchess Bloem, while she paints the Duchess’ son’s portrait. His father the Duke of Bloem is an accomplished botanist, producing flowers unique to the world, and in Bloem, flowers and plants rule as much as the sea and salt rule in Verity’s world.

The son (Alexander) is charming, handsome and thoughtful, and Verity warms to him quickly. Spending time with him helps push aside her worries about what Camille must think after she ran away. The Duchess is incredibly generous with her time and wealth, and Verity begins to love her time in their grand home.

The only thing Verity struggles with is her broken sleep almost every night. Peacocks are said to roam the grounds, and their screams constantly pull Verity from her dreams. Soon, the very thing she fled from shows itself at her new surroundings. Was her sister Camille right? Is she going mad?

The preliminary sketches of the portrait are going well, and she’s enjoying Alexander’s easy ways immensely. In fact she believes he might have feelings for her. But the deeper their romance develops, the more eerie Alexander’s home becomes. There’s something not right at the Bloem estate. In fact, there might be something truly terrible behind the facade of flowers and fragrances…

A gripping sequel to House of Salt and Sorrows!

Although a key character in House of Salt and Sorrows, Verity was only 5 years old. Now she is 17 and in charge of her own destiny – whether her sisters like it or not. It does take some time to get into the thick of things in House of Roots and Ruin, but the world building behind this new way of life away from the sea is an enjoyable journey.

It is a rich world of flowers, fragrances, herbs, gods, customs, practices and foods that Verity must learn while she stays with her employer, to complete a portrait of their son. It certainly helps that he’s handsome, kind and funny, and Verity feels she may have found what she’s been yearning for for years.

The gradual getting to know this family sets up the shocking reveals that are to come for Verity and the reader, and the fallout becomes more gruesome the deeper and further you read.

Learning of a third book in the Sisters of the Salt series (2027?) is incredibly exciting! Can’t wait!

Author – Erin A Craig

Age – 15+

Not read the first book yet? Find a review here

Find more retellings tales here

Publisher – Bloomsbury

Set – Highmoor Estate on Fictional Selkirk Island

Viewpoint – 3rd person

Violence – Yes

Sex – No

Real Life – Historical

Fantasy – Fantasy

Blend – Fantasy / Romance / Fairytale Retelling sequel

(2023, Bloomsbury, Series, Fantasy, Love, Romance, Historical, Sibling Rivalry, Revenge, Murder, Ghost, Family, Betrayal, Flowers, Experiments, Secrets, Reveals, Mistresses)

The post House of Roots and Ruin – Sisters of the Salt (2) appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

The other spell boo boo that affects Murray’s life is the fact that he never knows whether he is going to find his backyard when pushing his cat flap open, or be somewhere or some-when, completely random.

Wishing for sunshine and tulips as he goes outside, Murray finds himself in a big, gloomy, old house. Bun is excited though, because he loves adventure. They soon meet the owners, Lady Daphne and Geoffrey Hogchester. When they give Murray and Bun a large bag, Murray’s spirits lift as he loves nothing more than doing housework. Surely it’s a bag of cloths and dusters, as the house does look like it needs a jolly good clean.

Alas, the bag is not full of cleaning fluid, but is a custom made Ghost Finding Kit. With his task in hand, Murray and Bun begin to look for a ghost that has escaped a suit of armour. Lady Daphne and Geoffrey need their ghost back, for their visiting tourists.

As always in Murray and Bun’s adventures, the job required is far from straight forward. After many misteps and mishaps, the missing ghost is finally found. But catching it is another thing.

Murray and Bun are back! This time they aren’t finding Vikings, fighting pirates or meeting princesses, but are tasked with locating and capturing a much required ghost.

The brilliant illustrations tell as much of the story as the text, and there are always surprises to find on the page. Keeping to their task is tricky as their tummies rumble and naps are needed, but Murray is a determined puss, and Bun is a wonderful and positive wee buddy to have along.

I love the way that Bun can only say one word, and Murray knows exactly what he’s saying, bringing even more laughs for the reader.

Just as funny as the 1st book in the series, Murray and Bun (4) Murray the Ghost Hunter will appeal to young readers who love a touch of spooky.

Author / Illustrator – Adam Stower

Age – 7+

(2026, Harper Collins, Series, Animals, Ghost Hunting, Humour, Funny, Cakes, Bakery)

The post Murray and Bun (4) Murray The Ghost Hunter appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

He works hard in class, but this too brings the bullies, taunts and jabs. Many kids don’t want to listen to teachers or learn. They’d rather talk about music, or gangs or street action. Jerome has no friends to speak of either, trying to keep out of trouble and to himself.

When a new boy joins his class, Jerome feels for him as his bullies quickly make fun of him. Jerome waves Carlos over to sit by him, and gives advice about the school. It’s not long before the Jerome’s bullies track them down, but Carlos has something to scare them off with. A gun.

Its not real, but is has the desired effect. When he offers it to Jerome to play with, Jerome isn’t sure. He decides it might be fun. He never sees Carlos again.

As a ghost, he must watch the trauma of his family losing him. He doesn’t want to be there and can’t understand why he can’t leave. But when he meets others that roam this realm alongside the live one, he begins to wonder if there is an important reason.

There is a terrible history of shootings in their country. 1000’s of black people killed by police, KKK or racism. Is there a way to finally make it stop?

This graphic novel is a moving and potent adaptation of the 2018 novel of the same name. In muted colours, this story is told in sections separated by pages with one word in the centre.      alive   or   dead.

These pages indicate to the reader what happens to Jerome, stepping back and forth through events such as the walk to school, the moment Carlos gives Jerome the toy gun, right through to a preliminary court hearing, meeting other ghosts – and onto an emotional ending.

Shocking facts are revealed about shooting statistics in the USA, along with historical events.

This isn’t just a story for those who live there, but for everyone to think about their racial bias, prejudice and beliefs in stereotypes. Jerome’s family pays the horrific price of police brutality, and readers also see the fallout of the family of the policeman who fired his gun.

Angie Thomas says Ghost Boys is a Must Read, and I totally agree. 

Author – Jewell Parker Rhodes

Illustrator – Setor Fiadzigbey

Age – 12+

Publisher – Orion / Hachette

Set – Contemporary Chicago / USA

Viewpoint – 1st person

Violence – Yes

Sex – No

Real Life – Yes

Fantasy – Ghosts

Blend – Real Life / Ghosts / Racism

(2026, Orion, Hachette, Social Justice, Police Brutality, Shooting, Gun, Unprovoked, Crime, Police shooting, School, Poverty, Bullies, Ghost, Family, Friendship, Crime, Murder, Grief, Love, Real Life, Prejudice, Racism)

The post Ghost Boys appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Since very young she has been told she will kill her true love with a kiss. When little, she didn’t think much of it, but now a teen, she is intrigued but saddened at the same time. How can this be, and how is it fair? She’s never had a boyfriend, preferring to keep to herself and her family – especially avoiding the rich, loud, confident boys who attend the local private school. They are known as Raven Boys.

Despite the warning and her dislike of the rich kids, she is soon caught up with a group of them after getting to know a boy called Adam – a local trailer-park resident who works three jobs just to attend the school.

Adam’s friends – Roman (seeming angry and devastated at the same time), Noah (quiet and trusting) and his best friend Gansey (rich, handsome, driven), soon become her friends.

Gansey is the leader, leading them on a quest to find a buried Welsh King’s bones, thought to be buried on an invisible, spiritual ley line. But someone else is looking too. Someone else is determined to receive the power the King will release when found.

This hardback Graphic Novel edition brings the bestselling novel to life in full colour. It captures the widely varied characters well in illustration, from Ronan’s angry personality, to Gansey’s determination to finding a buried Welsh King and Blue’s inner strength.

Having multiple main characters means a lot is going on, but the essence of the original is all here. If readers haven’t read the original before, I’m sure this stunning graphic novel will send many to it.

Rich and poor, real life and supernatural, crime, relationships and mystery are all here, showing why The Raven Boys was such a hit when first released in a novel in 2013.

Author – Maggie Stiefvater

Age – 12+

Graphic Novel

Publisher – Scholastic USA

Set – Virginia USA / Early 2010s

Viewpoint – 3rd person

Violence – Yes

Sex – No

Real Life – Yes

Fantasy – Yes

Blend – Real Life / Fantasy

(2013, Scholastic US, Magic, Spiritual, Secrets, Ley line, Quest, Determination, Abuse, Bully, Family, Friendship, Relationships, Psychics, Welsh King, Wealthy, Poor, Murder, Crime, Power)

The post The Raven Boys appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Her godmother tells her of a tale told about her room. The message is said to be left by a girl over 200 hundred years before, after being locked in there by her own father.

Evie soon learns more about this girl first hand – waking up in 1814 in the same house, wearing maid’s clothing. Life is very different in 1814 and she has to learn her dawn to dusk duties very quickly or be fired and forced to leave the house. But how would she get home again?

The more she learns about the house and its occupants, she soon meets the girl who scratched the message in the window. Evie knows she has to warn her about her father before it is too late – hoping this righting of a terrible wrong will return her to her own time.

Another great read by Helen Peters – connecting our time with the past in a unique way.

This story was originally published in 2017. Republished in 2025, it shows how this story has travelled itself through the years and is just as entertaining as it was eight years before.

Author – Helen Peters

Age – 10+

(Nosy Crow, 2017, 2025, History, Historical, Godmother, Courage, 1814, Time Travel)

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