Review: The Night House Files: The House of Horrors written by Dan Smith and illustrated by Luke Brookes

Written by Dan Smith
Illustrated by Luke Brookes
Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)

The House of Horrors is the third classified case in The Night House Files and what a horrifying, heart-racing case awaits those who dare delve into its contents. I was absolutely gripped from start to finish by this tense spine-chiller, perfect for daring readers of 11+.

During the summer of 2019, a British family, the Slades, are on the trip of a lifetime, driving across the USA to visit relatives. As they drive through the night, an unfortunate accident occurs, in the middle of a dust storm, and the family are left stranded in the Texan desert. It is not long before they are rescued by trucker, Sam, who offers to tow them to the nearby town of Coyote Creek.

When they arrive, it is to discover an abandoned ghost town where they are invited to enter a large house, Dr Kilgore’s House of Horrors. But, once inside, Sam locks the door, trapping the family in a living nightmare …

Oh my goodness! I was completely gripped, and terrified, by this story – definitely the scariest one yet! My heart was racing as I followed the family through the house in their attempts to escape, feeling their increasing trepidation and sense of panic, as they encounter the life-like waxwork exhibits, each one increasingly more terrifying. Will they discover the blood-curdling secrets of the house? Can they escape, or will they become the latest victims of the horrors that lie in wait?

I really enjoyed how these events feel like they genuinely took place thanks to the use of online articles, newspaper reports, interview transcripts and phone records interspersed with the main account of events.

The illustrations are absolutely stunning and really capture both the horrifying events that occurred within the house, and the intense fear and desperation, but also bravery, which they invoked.

Another unmissable, unnerving and utterly riveting case from The Night House Files. And, of course, I’m now eagerly awaiting the next case: The Ghosts of Grey Towers, released in October 2026.

Thank you to Barrington Stoke for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book is published by the wonderful Barrington Stoke who publish dyslexia-friendly, super-readable and accessible books for children of all ages. This is suitable for 11+.

Review: Creepy Araminta written by Anne Fine and illustrated by Emily Jones

Written by Anne Fine
Illustrated by Emily Jones
Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)

Creepy Araminta is a spooky, supernatural short tale guaranteed to send shivers down the spine.

Jess is in trouble with her mum after she discovers dirty marks on her bedroom wall, so Jess is delighted when she is given a free picture in a charity shop after someone returns it. The picture, a portrait of a girl, Araminta, with long red hair, is the perfect size to cover up the marks.

On the first night that the portrait is in her room, Jess keeps waking up to the sound of someone laughing quietly and the scent of violets. When she looks at the portrait, she notices that Araminta’s smile has changed but surely that’s not possible?

During the following nights, Jess begins to have terrifying dreams, nightmares that include Araminta, who seems to feed on Jess’ fear. Is it possible that the girl from the portrait is haunting her dreams? And, can she convince others to believe that it is more than her imagination playing tricks on her in the dark?

This is a brilliantly spooky, unsettling, gothic tale which sent shivers down my spine. It may be short in length, at just over 50 pages, but it masterfully encapsulates a deliciously dark, creepy story. I have no doubt it will hold young readers entranced.

The full-and-partial-page illustrations are wonderfully vivid and expressive whilst capturing the darker undertones perfectly.

An eerily spooky ghost tale, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Barrington Stoke for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book is published by the wonderful Barrington Stoke who publish dyslexia-friendly, super-readable and accessible books for children of all ages. This is suitable for 9+ with a reading age of 7.

Review: The Bookshop Sisters by Sarah Webb

Written by Sarah Webb
Cover art by Lauren O’Hara
Published by The O’Brien Press

The Bookshop Sisters is a heart-warming, exciting historical adventure, set in 1950s Ireland, with strong bonds of sisterhood and friendship, that sang to my bookish heart.

Thirteen-year-old Rosy Heron and her older sister, Martha are intending to spend their summer holidays in their quiet home town of Skibbereen. But that all changes when the family get an unexpected call from Aunt Toto, their mum’s sister, who wants the girls to become trainee booksellers in her Dublin bookshop, Baggot Books. Both girls are bookworms but, whilst Rosie is excited for an adventure, Martha is more reluctant to spend the summer away from home.

When they arrive at the bookshop, they are made welcome by their Aunt Toto and her booksellers and they soon find themselves settling in to the lives of junior booksellers and delivery girls. Whilst Martha settles in to pricing, stocking and selling books, Rosy discovers the neglected children’s section – and what she achieves is just wonderful – and inspirational!

It is not long before Nancy Drew enthusiast Rosy discovers that the bookshop is keeping secrets – and there may well be a mystery to solve. What are the strange noises coming from the basement? Why do secretive meetings take place there? And, why do others seem so interested in what the bookshop is selling?

This is exactly the kind of book younger me would have devoured – and older me absolutely relished. I loved that the story has a bookshop and bookselling at its heart with a wonderfully diverse, and incredibly likeable, group of booksellers and patrons, including some much-loved authors and poets. The bookselling team felt like a close family with their strong, shared beliefs, support for each other – and enjoyment of some mouth-watering meals! I also loved that they are firm believers in equal rights – and prepared to take risks to put their beliefs into action.

Many of my favourite books are mentioned in the pages of this adventure which immediately brought me back to my childhood and reignited that warm feeling that memories of favourite books always brings.

Rosy and Martha are incredibly likeable young girls who have a strong bond of sisterhood and a keen sense of justice. Rosy is kind-hearted, impulsive and outgoing, which sometimes leads her into trouble, but she really does have a heart of gold. Older sister Martha is more cautious and considered, but shows real passion when she fights for something she really believes in. I also really enjoyed learning about the two other sisters in this adventure, and loved how their story brought healing and re-connection.

There are some important themes covered in this story that will open readers’ eyes to Ireland’s social history during the 1950s with regard to equal rights for women and the banning of books. The author has included more information at the beginning of the book, and in the historical notes, which are both fascinating and informative, and a brilliant addition to the story not least because they champion the inspirational, courageous and determined woman who make a difference.

An inspiring, heart-warming historical adventure, with friendship and sisterhood at its heart, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to The O’Brien Press for sending me a copy of this book. It was my decision to read and review the book, and my review is my honest opinion.

Review: The Children of Wolf Rock by Natasha Farrant

Written by Natasha Farrant
Cover Illustration by David Dean
Published by Faber & Faber Limited

The Children of Wolf Rock is a companion novel to The Children of Castle Rock, set in the same boarding school, Stormy Loch Academy, in the stunning wilds of the Scottish mountains. An absolutely gripping, unmissable adventure: exciting, heartfelt and hopeful.

Eleven-year-old Minna is a first year student, boarding at Stormy Loch Academy, a school that her parents hope will suit her better than her local secondary – and they were right. On her first weekend, Minna is enjoying the freedom afforded by the school, eager to explore the stunning natural world which surrounds her so she soon finds herself climbing Wolf Rock. When she reaches the top, she discovers a secluded valley with an abandoned bothy – the perfect place to create a cosy den as she spends her first term exploring the surrounding woods, valleys and loch. Despite not readily making new friends, Minna is happy in these idyllic surroundings which provide a balm to the noise and business of home.

When the Easter holidays arrive, Minna decides to stay at the school, hoping to spend more time at the bothy. Two other students, Kass and Tom, are also staying – one who has been bullied and the other who has become a bully. Each has their own reasons to head to the hidden valley where they find an older, ex-pupil, Addie, playing her guitar, and accompanied by her adorable fox terrier. Over the next few days, the children form a bond of friendship with Addie – and each other.

But then everything changes … they find out that Addie has been lying to them and, after she leaves the valley, they discover that she has gone missing. Determined to find Addie and help her, the three children make a journey to London to uncover the truth of Addie’s past – and find themselves investigating a conundrum that could put them in terrible danger. Can Minna, Kass and Tom learn to trust each other and work together to help someone they all adore?

I was completely enthralled by this thrilling adventure as I raced between the Highlands and London with three determined and courageous young children. This is the epitome of a modern, classic adventure which kept me eagerly turning pages as the children unearth the truth behind the lies, and find themselves in increasing danger. I was genuinely gripped by their discoveries, their developing friendships, and their willingness to follow their hearts, even when this led to trouble, danger and difficulties.

This adventure is imbued with a heartfelt appreciation of the wild, isolated Scottish landscape, and its power to bring healing, hope and comfort. Growing up in rural Ireland, where I spent many happy hours roaming the mountains and peatlands, I can really appreciate this sentiment.

Whilst this is a companion novel to The Children of Castle Rock, I loved spotting a connection to another of the author’s wonderful adventures within the pages of this one.

Minna, Kass and Tom each have a different reason to be boarding at Stormy Loch Academy, and for spending their Easter holidays there. Getting to know these children, learning about their different home lives, understanding their struggles and successes, and watching their tentative steps towards friendship, through their shared bond with Addie, will encourage empathy in readers and allow others to see themselves in the pages of a book.

A wonderfully heart-warming and exciting adventure, with the bonds of friendship, and the comfort of nature, at its heart. Perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Faber Children’s Books for sending me a proof of The Children of Wolf Rock. It was my decision to read and review this book and my review is my honest opinion.

Blog Tour: SuperQuesters Mission: Desert Danger

Written by Paul Ian Cross
Illustrated by Katarina Gasko
Published by QuestFriendz

SuperQuesters Mission: Desert Danger is the third STEM-themed, magical adventure, blending science and fantasy, in this exciting quest into the desert.

Best friends Lilli, Bea and Leo are enjoying a day at the beach with Uncle Marlin. They soon begin a competition to see who can build the best sandcastle which can withstand the incoming tide. But when the tide washes up a bottle, they discover that it contains a message with what appear to be hieroglyphs and the word: Help!. As the sun shines on the bottle, it hits the children’s magical amulets … and they find themselves in Questland where another adventure awaits.

The children have arrived in a dried up river in a desert and it is not long before a Desert Sprite, Arid, arrives in a whirlwind of sand. Arid looks after the desert whilst his brother, Rainveil looks after the river but Rainveil has been taken prisoner by Professor Vortec. The Professor is determined to discover ancient treasure buried in a sunken temple and needs the river dried up in order to reach it. Can the trio and their new friends rescue Rainveil and save the river, and desert, before time runs out?

I loved this thrilling, fast-paced and uplifting adventure which has just the right amount of danger to engage young readers as they follow the SuperQuesters on their mission. Be prepared for treasure diving, defensive crocodiles, dune buggy races and mummybot guards as the courageous team find themselves in a race against time to thwart the Professor’s plan and save the desert ecosystem.

I really enjoyed being back with the SuperQuesters as they return to Questland. This is both an educational and fun read with its combination of science, technology and magic as well as fun facts and interactive puzzles which I have no doubt young readers will enjoy completing. There is a wonderful environmental message about the importance of maintaining balance within ecosystems so that the animals and plants that rely on each other can survive. I loved the range of both supernatural creatures and anthropomorphic animals from crocodiles to scarab beetles.

As in the previous two adventures, this book also includes some brilliantly engaging STEM activities, related to the adventure, for young readers to try out after reading which is a great way to encourage problem-solving and make them feel part of the adventure.

Lilli, Bea and Leo are a terrific trio of young adventurers who use their problem-solving, teamwork and STEM skills to overcome challenges and find a way to help their new friends and restore balance to the ecosystem.

I always enjoy following a map as I read a quest adventure: the detailed map of the Questland desert, based on a magical Egyptian-themed world, is gorgeous. The full-and-partial-page illustrations throughout are absolutely wonderful and really complement the excitement and team spirit of this adventure.

A whirlwind of adventure, magic and science that is guaranteed to enchant young readers of 6+.

Thank you to QuestFriendz for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour and for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

Monthly Wrap-Up

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 15 books this month. My highlights were The Thing About Giants, The Ocean and the Bones (both middle-grade) and The Faraway Inn (Young Adult).

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent 12 books by publishers this month.

Books Bought:

I’ve bought 8 books this month, including my arrival of a signed copy of The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away.

How has your reading month been? Have you read any of these? Have you any of them on your TBR?

Review: The Ocean and the Bones by Genevieve Carver

Written by Genevieve
Illustrated by Richard Johnson
Published by Rock the Boat
(an imprint of Oneworld Publications Ltd)

The Ocean and the Bones is an absolutely breath-taking, heartfelt adventure that transported me into the Stone Age, and into the lives of two young girls, who forge a friendship that brings acceptance, connection and hope.

The Chalk Howe Clan have lost their leader to the sea. Little Meg, who is training as the Sunhealer’s apprentice, must make offerings, together with her kinfolk, which include the bones of their dead, to the Water Spirits to mark his passing. They do this in the hope that the cycle of storms and floods that are damaging their homes and ruining their crops will be ended. Despite being responsible for giving the offerings to the Sunhealer, Meg cannot bear to part with all of her parents’ finger bones so keeps one of each. When another storm follows, Meg, who is being taught the ways of the Spirits by the Sunhealer, worries that she has angered the Water Spirits and they have sent the storm as punishment.

When her dog leads her to the beach after the storm has settled, Meg finds a young girl washed up on the shore, a girl who does not speak her language; however, the girls find a way to communicate through actions and drawings. Meg brings Kalø home, but it is not long before other kinfolk in the Clan are accusing Kalø of being responsible for the storms affecting the Clanlands. Could she be one of the Brinksfolk, from the realm of both earth and water, fabled to live on a distant island with an entrance to the Everdeep, the home of the Water Spirits?

As Meg and Kalø spend time together, they form a tentative friendship as they become more confident in communicating and learning each other’s ways. Despite the differences in their beliefs, customs and way of life, these two girls accept and work to understand each other, something that helps them forge a bond. Whilst Kalø is a child of the sea, enjoying swimming with the seals and fishing, Meg has a deep-rooted fear of the sea, something that Kalø helps her to overcome as she teaches her to swim and build a boat.

When Meg overhears a secret conversation, she realises that Kalø is in great danger so the girls’ escape in a small boat, hoping to find the island home that Kalø has left. So begins a dangerous and desperate sea journey as the girls fight against the sea, the elements and those who would harm them. Will they make it safely to the island and, if so, what awaits them there?

This is an all-encompassing, stunning adventure that completely and utterly entranced me from start to finish. I was swept back in time to the Neolithic period to learn the story of two incredibly courageous, resilient girls who absolutely won my heart as they opened their hearts to each other. They work together to fight against prejudice, accusations and suspicions, not allowing these to pull them apart, but instead to bring them together in mutual respect, understanding and trust. What an important message this is for our time – parallels that can open up discussions around prejudice and discrimination, around manipulation, power and control and how the few really can make a difference in bringing a community together – such a powerful message of hope.

An unforgettable and poignant pre-historic adventure, with friendship, community and hope at its heart, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Rock the Boat for sending me a proof copy of The Ocean and the Bones. It was my decision to read this book and my review is my honest opinion.

Review: A Clock Strikes Murder

Written by Michelle Harrison
Illustrated by Natalie Smillie
Published by Simon & Schuster

A Clock Strikes Murder is the second riveting, mystery adventure for twins Spike and Merry: an intriguing whodunnit which kept me completely enthralled throughout.

Identical twins Spike and Merry are on holiday in Crete with their mum who has been employed by friend, and owner of the Museum of Cursed Objects, Yiannis, to complete some restoration work on an old painting. When the twins arrive, they discover that the other guests are there for the auctioning of Medusa’s Revenge, an antique painting rumoured to bring death to anyone looking directly into it. When one of the bidders is found dead, the twins are determined to investigate: could the curse be real, or does someone else have a motive for murder? Can they find the culprit before they strike again? And, can they uncover the family secrets behind the cursed painting?

And so begins a gripping, tense and thrilling mystery as Merry and Spike, alongside new friend, Nikos, begin their investigation into, not only the death of a guest, but a disappearance. Could these two events be linked? Can the twins use their abilities to manipulate time to help them solve the crime, and find the missing person before someone intent on revenge strikes again?

The isolated setting of the Museum, accessed through caves, at the top of a cliff is just perfect for this mystery. Tension builds inexorably as danger increases, tremors and thunderstorms strike, and the feeling of being trapped with someone dangerous, with no access to help, grows. The unexpected twists and turns, revelations and unravelling of clues kept me eagerly turning pages as I was just as keen as Merry and Spike to discover the culprit. As in Twice Upon a Time, the twins use their incredible ability to manipulate time to help them unravel the mystery and get out of sticky situations.

I loved being back with Merry and Spike as they venture to the beautiful island of Crete with their mum – and soon find another mystery to solve – and a new friend. Their different interests and strengths complement each other when piecing together clues and, despite some disagreements which are natural between siblings, their bond remains strong. Their curiosity, courage and tenacity help them to piece together clues to unravel a truly intriguing mystery.

The gorgeous chapter heading illustrations give a wonderful glimpse into each chapter alongside the chapter epigraphs.

Whilst this can be read as a standalone, I have no doubt that readers will want to spend time with the first book, Twice Upon a Time, after enjoying this gripping mystery.

A wonderful whodunnit, brimming with danger, conundrums and secrets, perfect for readers of 9+.

Review: The Unchosen One by Amy Sparkes

Written by Amy Sparkes
Cover illustration by Ben Mantle
Published by Walker Books

The Unchosen One is a fantastically funny, fantasy adventure brimming with heart and hope, with mayhem and magic, and with courage and camaraderie … a completely captivating story.

Twelve-year-old Tassie has a slight definite tendency to unwittingly cause chaos wherever she goes, and to follow her own path, despite it not being towards her lessons in Ancient Gnomeology, but rather towards an adventure …

And she hopes an adventure has come calling when she falls out of a tree into a stranger’s cart. This stranger, the Wisest of the Wise, brings Tassie to her guardian, the Chief Steward, who announces that Tassie is none other than The Chosen One, fated to fulfil an ancient prophecy to protect the Isles of Peryll from the sinister Shadow, banished a thousand years ago, but strange whispers in the breeze foretell of its vengeful return …

Not the best news for the people of Peryll, I know, but at least Tassie will have an opportunity to go on a quest outside of the Citadel walls. There is only one small problem: the prophesied child is meek and calm – not attributes that Tassie can claim so she can’t possibly be the Chosen One. Nonetheless, she is prepared to overlook this – until she learns that going on an adventure is the furthest thing expected of the Chosen One! And she’s having none of that! What if she can make a much better fate for herself? What if her true destiny is to find the real Chosen One? And, it’s not Tassie’s fault that it comes with the added bonus of an adventure …

And so begins a brilliantly exciting, action-packed adventure as Tassie teams up with her loyal, but cautious, best friend and inventor, Spin, a griffin, and Darley, an elf who is somewhat of an enigma. As they travel across the Isle of Peryll on the trail of the true Chosen One, they meet a myriad of magical creatures, some friendly and some not-so-friendly, leading to some magnificently chaotic situations which brings oodles of humour and laugh-out-loud moments.

Will Tassie find the true Chosen One before time runs out for the people of the Isles of Peryll? Can this courageous, kind-hearted and daring young girl bring hope in the face of an ancient power intent on darkness and despair?

I absolutely loved the vivid world-building, the inversion of fantasy tropes and the witty sense of humour in this adventure and found myself eagerly turning pages as I followed Tassie on her rather chaotic, but courageous, quest. And what a quest she finds herself on, from taking a death-defying ride on a dragon taxi to meeting fierce fairies and ornery orcs all whilst being hunted by three wraiths intent on death and destruction – but with the most polite manners. I know I probably shouldn’t, but I adored the wraiths – the most brilliant characters!

A heart-warming, whimsical and enchanting call to adventure – a perfect choice for young readers of 8+.

Thank you to Walker Books for providing me with a Book Proof in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Secret of the Selkies

Written by Laura Keohane
Cover illustration by Domenique Serfontem
Published by The O’Brien Press

Secret of the Selkies is a wonderfully magical, heart-warming story that swept me into an exciting, action-packed adventure to discover the truth behind an incredible family secret.

Eleven-year-old Lana is spending her summer holidays with her Nan and Grandad at their coastal home, Carrig Cottage. She is expecting her summer to be lonely and full of worries about the move to secondary school. But, at least, she doesn’t have to spend it with her perfect older brother, who is on a STEM camp, and who, together with her mischievous younger sister, seem to take all her parents’ attention.

When Lana agrees to sort boxes of old books for the local charity shop, she finds herself in the attic where she is soon drawn to a book’s entry on selkies – mythological, magical seal-folk. Exploring the attic further, she locates an old trunk containing a strange coat with an intriguing luggage tag attached …

And so begins a magical, mesmerising adventure as Lana uncovers a family secret that changes her life forever – and opens her eyes and heart to a new and breath-taking world – a place where she finds a new sense of belonging and acceptance.

I absolutely loved this spellbinding, exciting adventure, steeped in Irish folklore, with a fresh, contemporary feel. I adored the vivid descriptions of the hidden world that Lana discovers, and the transformations that take place, as she learns more about her heritage. But could these new discoveries put Lana in danger from an unexpected threat? Be prepared for terrific twists and turns, unexpected revelations, and perilous quests to worlds filled with wonder and trickery – and some brilliant magical creatures.

Lana is a wonderfully likeable young girl who is naturally curious and adventurous, but also someone who doesn’t quite feels she belongs. I really liked the friendships that Lana develops with others, friendships that bring support, aid and joy. Whilst Lana initially feels invisible within her family, I enjoyed how this changes as she learns more about her heritage and gains a sense of belonging and connection. I also really enjoyed the heartfelt relationship between Lana and her Nan and Grandad, something that I think many young readers will connect with.

Slip into this wonderfully captivating story and be transported into a world of magic, folklore and adventure, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to The O’Brien Press for sending me an early copy of this book. It was my decision to read and review, and my review is my honest opinion of this book.