Captivating, spooky and completely compelling. This is a brilliant start to a series, I can't wait to read more.

This was a good, intriguing read. I liked the relationships of the characters and the creepy imagery of the background environment. I will definitely be reading the next one.

I absolutely adored this book, I wish I'd picked it up sooner to be honest. I immediately bought The Haunting of Aveline Jones after reading this one.

The writing style is brilliant, so atmospheric, and the general story was amazing. Can't wait to pick the next one up and more from this author in future.

The Haunting of Aveline Jones had some super spooky vibes going on!
I feel like the premise of this is every bookworms nightmare.

The writing style was super quick and easy to fly through but still set the tone so well. I've not read anything from Phil Hickes but I wouldn't hesitate to pick up other works from him and continue the series.
The story had slightly weird pacing for me however, the start is slow and drags out and then the ending felt a bit rushed and I personally would have liked it the other way round.

Not a great story but not a bad one either. Enjoyable but missing something.

This was a super cute mystery. It was perfectly spooky as well as cosy, and I really enjoyed reading about the adventures of Aveline Jones.

This is such a good, creepy middle grade! Aveline is made to stay with her Aunt in a boring seaside town while her mum is away looking after her gran. When they arrive in Malmouth, Aveline notices a weird scarecrow of a boy, thinking its just a strange town tradition she ignores it.
Aveline befriends Harold, the boy who works in his uncles bookshop and who helps get her some books on local ghost stories. This is how Aveline discovers the mystery of Primrose Pemberly- a girl who disappeared 30 years ago in mysterious circumstances. As Aveline learns more about this ghostly girl she is met with more creepy sightings, and a haunting conclusion.
I loved this book, I will admit, I finished it at night and had to keep the light on for a bit! Its a perfect Halloween read and I highly recommend this book!

The absolutely perfect Winter read, particularly in October with the lead up to Halloween and into November when nights get darker and the leaves start to fall. Aveline Jones is a curious, instantly likeable protagonist who would make a great team member of the Scooby Gang, or even Ghostbusters! Can't wait to read book 2.

This had the feel of a traditional story in the Susan Cooper mode.

Aveline has to go and stay with her strict Aunty in the Cornish coastal town of Malmouth. She's always had an active imagination and an interest in ghosts.
On arrival she sees some very weird scarecrow type figures and although it's approaching Hallowe'en, these seem part of something different.

In the town she finds an old fashioned second hand bookshop , befriending the owner and his young grandson. The book she selects has ghost stories and folk tales but the last story is crossed out. How does this link with a diary she finds with the intials P.P.? With time on her hands (as she is only allowed under an hour on the computer and the mobile signal is dodgy ) Aveline decides to find out the truth before it's too late...
Rooted in British folklore and legends this was a scary(but not too much) story which I thoroughly enjoyed.

I loved this! It's such a genuinely creepy book towards the end, I was delighted and surprised by just how scary it was actually! Unlike a lot of Middle Grade fiction at the moment this book was a very clearly written, straight down the line, no extra sub-plots, spooky story that would appeal to a wide range of young readers. I really hope that this is the start of a series as the readers that I have given it to have adored it!

This is a deliciously dark and spine-chilling tale of mystery and ghosts. Phil Hickes’s descriptively spooky tale is much darker than I was expecting from this middle-grade novel, and is definitely not for the sensitive reader!

When Aveline is left to spend half-term with her Auntie in a quiet coastal town, she never expected the mystery she would uncover or the danger she would find herself in. Atmospherically written, this absorbing storyline feels so realistic. The unfolding folklore throughout the story kept me intrigued – from the Lady in the water to her connection to the Malmouth scarecrows. In addition to this, I was completely invested in Aveline’s plight and the terror she felt. I loved the charming and unique cast of characters we were introduced to in Malmouth, especially Mr Lieberman and his quirky second-hand bookshop (which I have to admit had me wishing I owned a second hand bookshop).

The idea that second-hand books could connect you to their previous owner I found fascinating, as well as the developing relationship and understanding between Aveline and Primrose (counteracting the horrifying Lady character and suggesting that not all ghosts have evil intentions).

The use of Keith Robinson’s illustrations within the book only enhance the eeriness of the story, especially the rather sinister looking child scarecrows. Equally, the addition of the Book Club Questions (at the back of this book), would certainly be a useful tool if you were using this for a book club or as a guided reading text.

This is a spectacular, haunting tale that will be devoured by readers who love scary stories and who are not too easily spooked!

LOVE THIS BOOK.
I did not expect that it would be this eerie, but it is! and it is such a perfect, cozy autumn read, even though it is best to read near or at Halloween.
Perfect for those who wants a fast read that would still give you the chills of autumn and the atmosphere around it, pick this book!

I am a grown woman and this book genuinely terrified me. It is creepy, and has some really jumpy moments and I did not want to read it at night. Aveline is a brilliant character, an unusual girl with a real passion for ghosts and horror stories. I loved the idea of her picking up a book of local ghost stories and discovering that the previous owner of the book was the subject of a local mystery. It's obvious from the way everyone around Aveline reacts to the name that something awful happened, but it takes a while for Aveline (and us) to piece together the story of what happened. I really enjoyed seeing this mystery play out. The local customs around Halloween fascinated me, and finding out the reasons behind these was one of my favourite parts of the story. I also adored Mr Lieberman from the bookshop, his passion for books, and his willingness to help a young girl with a lot of questions. I also really enjoyed the building relationship between Aveline and her aunt through the story and how they became closer as the story progressed. The Haunting of Aveline Jones would make a great spooky story for this time of year.

The Haunting of Aveline Jones is a brilliant start to a brilliantly spooky series. Both the cover and the story remind me a lot of 'Scary Stories To Tell in the Dark', specifically, last year's film adaptation (what with both of them involving a book of ghost stories to which there is more to than is at first apparent - and sacrecrows ;D) and I mean that as a good thing.
Like the stories our intensely likable heroine prefers, it reads like an old fashioned ghost story, with the atmosphere and sense of dread built up slowly, increasing tension, culminating in the big scare as payoff. The cold, rain and wind swept seaside town of Malmouth is rendered wonderfully and perfect for this time of year.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and Usborne in return for an honest review.

This book is a brilliantly creepy story packed full of suspense and ghostly goings on. Our main character is Aveline Jones, who loves nothing better than scaring herself by reading a good ghost story because they're not real...right? While her mum is busy in Scotland, Aveline ends up spending the half-term break leading up to Halloween with her strict and rather bizarre Aunt Lilian in the eerie seaside town of Malmouth. Here Aveline discovers a book about ghosts containing a sinister local legend, a mystery surrounding the previous owner of the book and a creepy tradition the residents have of displaying scarecrow-like dummies outside their houses. Aveline gets dragged deeper and deeper into the ghostly world of Malmouth. Can she solve the mystery and find a way to free herself before it is too late?

Aveline is a great main character. She is resourceful, clever and funny. Her 'voice' is just right as she thinks and speaks like an 11 year old. As I am someone who promotes books to children, I love the fact that Aveline is an avid reader and books/bookshops are celebrated in this story.

The supporting cast of characters fit so well in this story adding both diversity of gender and age - it's great to see the adults playing an active role rather being kept in the dark or only finding out at the end. This makes the book even scarier, because if you've got adults helping you and you're still in danger, there's nowhere left to turn!

The atmosphere was wonderful. As soon as Aveline arrives in Malmouth, there's that creepy feeling that all is not right. The suspense just keeps building and building and there is that delicious sense of dread that something bad is about to happen and there is no way to stop it! In addition to being brilliantly scary, there are also some very touching moments in the book. At the end, you're left with a warm glow (along with a feeling of terror!)

This book is the perfect Halloween story for readers aged 10+ and what makes it even better is that there's another Aveline adventure coming soon.

Aveline loves reading ghost stories, so a dreary half-term becomes much more exciting when she discovers a spooky old book. Not only are the stories spine-tingling, but it belonged to a girl called Primrose Penberthy, who vanished mysteriously, never to be seen again.

Now someone...or something, is stirring. And it is looking for Aveline.

I have been to towns like these on holidays in Cornwall and been in bookshops like the one Aveline goes into, and this book set my imagination on fire. It thinned the world between reality and imagination. Phil Hickes expertly hastens and slows the pace enough to really creep the reader out. Even the atmosphere of Aveline's aunt's house, had me feeling the draft, the creaking wind... the ghostly child palm-print on the window pane just felt like a logical next step. Eeeek!!

Keith Robinson, the illustrator, chillingly represents the life-like scarecrow children scattered through the town in his drawings that suddenly pop up. The reason why the town makes and displays them each year is a sinister reveal!

I gave it a four star rating, only becuse it was too short! But really happy to learn that this will be a part of a series. Also, I know it will really appeal to younger readers who will only pick up a book if it is short.

A quick read easily consumed in one sitting or over a gloomy half term. If you dare.

This book was EVERYTHING you could ever want in a middle grade spooky read. I haven't felt gripped by a book in this way since I read Point Horror and Goosebumps as a kid. It reminded me why I loved ghost tales, especially at this time of year. The atmosphere is perfectly created - I wanted to curl into the book and disappear. Aveline is such a brilliant lead character - I can see kids of 9-12 and younger really connecting with her. It felt real, believable, and exactly the right amount of scary. I cannot recommend this highly enough! I want the next Aveline adventure now please Phil!

Its October so the perfect time to read a middle-grade book about a girl trying to find another missing girl. This book is pretty short, taking place over October Break and on Halloween as well. October break never ever happens on Halloween where I am, which is how we avoid the English when we go to foreign countries.
There are a few illustrations. One about each chapter as well as illustrated chapter headings. There are nice addiction.

I don't really enjoy the ending. It's bit convenient and rather than the heroine saving herself, several people intervene. Maybe if I brought the friendship more then the ending wouldn't feel out of nowhere. I had been enjoying the book otherwise and was thinking I would definitely read the sequel, but that ending does make me pause reading more.

There are four main supporting characters. Aveline's Aunt, random old book shop owner, his nephew, the 80s missing girl. The friendships are pretty bad. Yes, this only 220 paged middle grade but I have read books with the same specs do relationships so much better. Maybe if there was an actual scene of emotional connection, instead "Well, I guess he isn't that annoying" then maybe it would work. This is a first in a series, with the next book taking place somewhere else which I hope means Howard is taken by a ghost next Halloween. I don't hate Howard, he literally does nothing and shouldn't be in the book. Okay, he's does do something. Like, make it so its not creepy that Aveline is hanging out with an old man by herself (he's probably middle-age but he gives old man vibes). Could have just had been a librarian, then he's paid by the government to help children. Aveline just doesn't do much by herself, so Howard is just used to solve problems instead of Aveline figuring out anything herself. A lot of it doesn't even matter.

The ghost reminds me of La Llorona, they both water ghosts who go after children specifically. It is it's own thing, even if her mo is even more misguided.

Overall, I give this book 4/5 stars for Howard's Demised. The ending does let this book down because its what makes me hesitant to say I'll definitely read the next book in the series. If I come across it on my travels then yes. Its alright book and I would definitely give it to a spooky child. It just has room for improvement.

This book was a PERFECT Halloween read!

It was exactly the sort of middle grade story I adore - eerie, full of adventure and with a sassy protagonist unafraid to throw herself into danger if it means getting to the heart of the mystery; the seaside setting, and its relentlessly gloomy weather, added an extra chilling element. This was so creepy for a children's book but I thoroughly enjoyed it, although I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who is easily scared of the supernatural. I love all things spooky and so this book was a real treat!

I adored the main character Aveline who loves books and is obsessed with ghosts. She reminded me of myself when I was a child which made the story all the more special for me. Harold is a bit aloof and strange at first, but they quickly become friends and he seems to balance out the crazy. I also loved Mr Lieberman who was so eccentric, chatty and kind. I would definitely visit his book shop and let him talk my ear off!

I loved how the author set up each chapter with a creepy illustration from the previous chapter and a quote from the diary of the mysterious "P.P", and the illustrations were flawless and added so much to the story. I also appreciated how he seamlessly blended the folklore of the past with the present.

I was so happy to get to the end of the book and see that the sequel, The Bewitching of Aveline Jones, is coming out soon! Overall this was a perfect middle grade spooky book for this time of year and I highly recommend it.

This was a perfect read for the Halloween season. It was very pointed to the target audience, but as an adult I enjoyed it very much too. A good ghost story never fails. Great writing.

Thanks a lot to NG and the publisher for this copy.

I am a big fan of the Halloween season and am always looking for books with creepy vibes to read throughout October to get me into the spooky mood. However, I haven’t read much MG Horror, so I was delighted to get my hands on The Haunting of Aveline Jones. I just had a feeling that this was going to be the MG read to get me into the mood for all things sinister.

Aveline Jones is a big fan of ghost stories and just can’t get enough of them. When she is sent to stay with her Aunt Lillian in a dreary, creepy town called Malmouth over half term, she thinks things are going to be boring, that is until she discovers a creepy old book. The stories within the book are terror-inducing to say the least and Aveline soon finds out the book used to belong to Primrose Penberthy, who disappeared never to be seen again. Aveline then finds herself investigating Primrose’s disappearance unaware that something or someone is stirring and looking for her.

Well, this was such a spine-tingling, fear-inducing read that had me feeling creeped out for the most part. I was utterly absorbed in this terrifying tale and didn’t read it with the lights off. From the moment you begin the book, you feel uneasy, and you automatically know that something terrifying is going to happen, and you don’t know when. The way Hickes draws you in with his chilling descriptions of the town and its residents gets under your skin and you know something isn’t right. The town of Malmouth itself is dark, grey and makes you feel slightly unsettled which, in my opinion, was the whole purpose of it. Hickes wanted you to feel afraid and disturbed and this came off extremely well.

Plot-wise, I did enjoy the whole mystery of Primrose’s disappearance and found myself thinking up theories to how she came to vanish from the town, none of which were right mind you. If I’m being honest, I was shocked when I found out the truth and this did unnerve me, especially as we reached the climax of the story. It was also interesting to find out about the town’s history, including the house that Aveline was staying in with Lillian. When little details are brought into a story and have a big impact, then you know it’s a great one. The plot overall had me hooked and not wanting to stop reading and because of this, I did finish the book in one sitting.

Aveline was a fully rounded character that I took to straight away. She wasn’t embarrassed to like what she liked and at times I found her to be very strong-willed, alas a little bit bold. Her connection to Primrose was intriguing, to say the least, and I feel that the two of them would have ended up being good friends in different circumstances. My favourite character though had to be Mr Lieberman, the owner of the second-hand bookshop where Aveline picked up the book that kicked off the plot. He was so eccentric, talkative, alternative and extremely good-natured. I would love to meet someone just like him if I’m being totally honest.

The Haunting of Aveline Jones was a suspenseful, hair raising, frightening read that had me on the edge of my seat throughout. I was utterly engrossed in this terrifying tale and just couldn’t get enough. It is the perfect read for the spooky season and one that you should all be picking up and getting stuck into.