This is as close to perfect to a middle grade ghost story mystery as we're gonna get!

Aveline is forced to stay with her Aunt in the lead-up to Halloween in a small coastal village. While there, Aveline comes across a book of ghost stories that used to belong to a girl who went missing over thirty years before. With spooky happenings, Aveline's life is then put into mortal danger when it appears a vengeful ghost may want her for her own.

I REALLY enjoyed this book. The atmosphere was pitch-perfect in this, from the gloomy stormy weather, to the small-town feel, it was very nicely written. It's one of those books where you could cosy down with a hot chocolate on a dark night close to Halloween and read cover-to-cover. For a ghost story mystery, this one is a fantastic one.

The character of Aveline is very approachable and her affinity for ghost stories adds to her charm. She is balanced out by her Aunt Lilian and new friend Harold, who try to add some rationality to the strange hauntings. A character I also absolutely loved was the quirky Mr Lieberman who owns the local bookshop. The adults in this aren't infuriating or in the way like a lot of adults are in middle grade novels - the characters were done so well, I seemed to like them all (well, maybe except the terrifying ghost... but no spoilers here).

I only wish this had of been longer as I would have loved more of the investigation into the missing girl's disappearance. However, this was such a quick and atmospheric read that I would recommend to read by the fire when it's dark out and you're after some chills. Very excited for the next book now - 'The Bewitching of Aveline Jones'.

Everything about this book grabbed my attention - the cover, the illustrations throughout, the premise and the main character in Aveline to name a few. This is a pitch-perfect ghost/mystery story for ages 9+ and being significantly older than this, I wanted more! It took me right back to being a child and wanting to be unnerved and chilled by a scary story. I applaud Phil Hickes for his writing, the prose might be challenging at times for younger children but absolutely adds to the quality of the story. Even the descriptions of the landscape and weather makes everything more real, atmospheric and just wonderfully creepy! A fantastic debut and I very much look forward to reading further stories with this strong, curious and smart young female character.

They usually say don't judge a book by it's cover. However, I'm not ashamed to admit that I picked up this beauty because of its cover, how could I not?
I was born right after the spookiest night of the year and even though I'm a scaredy cat I've always been drawn to darker gothic takes and spooky mysteries. That is why I was so happy to come across such fast-paced, thrilling and ghostly story.
I felt a strong connection with Aveline and her love of ghost stories even when she got so scared after reading them at night. Furthermore, Harold was so odd and shy I couldn't help to love him instantly and wanted to befriend him so badly. Lastly, don't get me started on Ernst because owning a sea town second hand bookstore is the REAL dream and he takes such good care of his books I would definitely love to work with him!
Okay, enough with the chit-chat. If you love fast-paced stories involving disappearences, spooky scarecrows, ghosts and unsolved mysteries, this is your book. Oh wait, this is your book series (there's more stories to come, how cool is that?)
Lastly, I wanted to acknowledge Robinson on the illustrations. They upped the book to a different level, building on the spooky atmosphere brilliantly.
I will definitely pick up the next one. Thanks for my ARC.

Review to come to my blog/Goodreads on September something.(not sure yet).

A girl moves to a lonely sea town for vacation and finds creepy things lurking around.

I just loved Aveline, she is a bookworm like me and can get totally lost in books. Not only that, but she also loves ghost stories, which I have been doing since I was small. I just love bookworms in stories. I can often relate to them. Next to the bookworm stuff, Aveline was also a wonderful and brave character. She went on to search for Primrose despite the scary things happening to her and in the end even tried to do something (which was a bit stupid but mostly brave) for Primrose.

Before we get to Primrose's diary, we already see little snippets of it at the end of each chapter and I can tell you I was a big fan as they gave some good goosebumps! Later on we get more diary entries and I just loved reading them. They gave more insight to the whole situation (and what the story may be about), but also showed a girl who knew something was wrong and was trying hard to have people believe her.

I wish Aveline's aunt had been a bit more honest about things. And less dodgy.

Harold and his uncle were great characters. Harold took me a bit to get used to, but I loved his uncle. He was sweet, kind, and knew his stuff. And yes, he could win a gold medal for talking. :P

I found the tradition of dolls/children puppets on Halloween to be extreme creepy. The descriptions gave me goosebumps, but then there is also an illustration of it. Later we learn why the villagers use the dolls and I could understand, but dang, I would just have moved away. :P

The story about the lady of the water was more sad at first, though became increasingly NOPE as it continued.

I had a laugh that our girl went to the police.. for a ghost. Yep. And she was surprised they didn't take her seriously, um what did you think would happen?

When that person crawled out of the depths of the sea in a seriously creepy way? OMG NOPE. And then the whole chase scene in the DARK. I love it, but I was scared to death. That was amazingly written!

I loved the illustrations they added to the creepy atmosphere of the book.

The ending was a delight. Aww! I hope they meet again!

This is a book that definitely shouldn't be read at the time I read it (way past midnight in a dark and gloomy room), but rather during the day. I was spooked out quite a few times and before sleeping had to read a cutesy picture book to calm my mind. :P

I would definitely recommend this one to all.

I 100% love this book. Atmospheric, incredibly creepy and skilfully written. The inclusion of a labyrinthine bookshop is always a winner too. Really looking forward to selling this in the autumn.

Want a scary book that is not so far fetched it could actually be "true"? This is your book!

Aveline has to spend the Autumn Half Term holiday with her aunt who she doesn't know that well, in her seaside town in Cornwall. Seaside towns in winter can be rather dreary and desolate places where it feels like it just rains all the time, and Malmouth is rather like that.

With a spooky feel to the story as soon as it starts, Aveline gets swept up in a mystery that she is determined to solve despite her love of ghost stories actually making her quite scared.

I really enjoyed the fast paced and very realistic writing style. It was a real page turner with just the right amount of spookiness for those starting out on their love of ghost stories.

As someone who does believe in ghosts, I could definitely believe in this story! A fantastic debut with some great discussion questions at the end.

Aveline has to spend her holidays with her uptight aunt who lives in Malmouth, a desolate coastal town, where life seizes up once the summer tourists leave - a dull and dreary vacation seems inevitable. But then Aveline stumbles across an old book about local ghosts and legends, and learns that in Malmouth, not everything might be well...

I was always was that odd kid who loved everything scary, who enjoyed getting spooked out of my mind. Therefore, I could totally identify my middle-grade self with Aveline and would have adored this book, had I had the chance to read it back then. In fact, I still adored it now and enjoyed myself so much.
The Haunting of Aveline Jones is just perfectly spooky and yet so cozy - a bleak little English town by the sea, raging autmn storms, ghostly legends, an old second-hand bookshop, homely cottages, and warm fireplaces.
A perfect read for cold autumn nights!

Thanks to Usborn Publishing and NetGalley for the eBook!

3.75 stars

"The Haunting of Aveline Jones" is an atmospheric Middle-Grade novel. I really liked the premise of the story and how the suspense was built up. The whole novel felt a little rushed and could have profited from 50 more pages. Still, I really enjoyed the plot and the characters.

***eProof given by UK publisher, Usborne, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review/reaction***

Have you ever started reading a book and you instantly go "Oh boy, this is going to be good!"? Well, it's very rare for me to get that strong a reaction within the first few pages of reading this middle-grade ghost story, but I got it and I was right. This is a fast-paced (yet slow burning), creepy and addictive read! I devoured this and this is going to be perfect for Halloween!

I can imagine this so clearly being adapted into a film/TV series, very much in the the style of The Nightmare Before Christmas or, more likely, Coraline. I mean, the Lady in the Waves is SO the Other Mother!

[insert gif of the Other Mother from the movie "Coraline", saying the words "You Know I Love You" here]

I can't think of any real faults with this book - the characters were fleshed out, the atmosphere and tone was just unsettling enough and the pacing built from unsettled to chilling. It just hit the right notes for a middle grade ghost story, and I want MORE! Thank goodness this is the first in a series!

Readers who read and loved Crater Lake, City of Ghosts & the Goosebumps series by R.L. Stine will read this late at night as a storm is raging outside. I can't wait to read the second book in the series, The Bewitching of Aveline Jones, as soon as I can get my hands on it!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Usborne Publishing for the e-arc copy to read and review.

This was exceptional, it was eerie from the very start, it had you gripping things, clenching your fists with fear and anticipation. The story was creepy and enthralling each page made you enticed and desperate to know how the story was going to unfold.

From the second we meet Aveline we are met with an interesting child who loves ghosts and all things haunting, then as they drive into her aunts creepy beach side town we see a child like creepy scarecrow, in which starts us off on the mystery we get to unfold whilst reading.

As the story progresses and Aveline finds out more, witnesses more it gets creepier and creepier which was probably one of my favourite parts of the story as the tension within yourself whilst building gets higher and higher and draws you into the story so much more.

I have literally zero faults with this book, it’s rare for me personally to find a horror book that I see as perfection, but this here Book is literally perfection. The characters are all so fascinating and realistically written, the story itself is enticing, paced appropriately and has the right amount of eerie, creepy, mystery. The author has crafted together this wonderfully exceptional horror book that will suit any age.

I am excited and desperately awaiting the sequel that was advertised at the back of the book I know it’s going to be just as exquisitely written as this one was.

The Haunting of Aveline Jones is a fast paced, spooky read which kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. I couldn't put it down!

It will delight fans of ghost stories, thanks to it's fantastic, eerie setting and chilling conclusion. I will definitely be thinking about this atmospheric story next time I'm near the sea during a storm... If you like to be scared, it would be a great story to read on holiday, while staying in an unfamiliar place!

It is also full of great characters and some lovely, if unusual, friendships. The adults were as well developed as the children, which it was great to see too.

Robinson's spooky illustrations add to the unsettling atmosphere.

The Haunting of Aveline Jones is a brilliant, quick spooky read that opens what is sure to be a fantastic series. I will definitely be ordering the next one.

When you read a ghost story in broad daylight on a summer afternoon and you find the hairs standing up on the back of your neck, you know that it’s going to be a spooky read. And this is a very spooky read, one which I requested from Net Galley after having my curiosity sparked by all the discussion about it on Twitter at the end of last week.

In an unusually cold October – one so cold that it has closed schools early ahead of the half term holiday – Aveline arrives in the dark and gloomy coastal town of Malmouth. It is here that she is to spend the break with her Aunt Lilian so that her mum can visit Aveline’s sick grandmother. As mum drives into the town with the purpose of dropping her off, they are shocked to see a strange-looking boy leaning against a wall who on closer inspection turns out to be the first of many scarecrows that are dotted around the village.

The following morning, after her mother has left, Aveline explores her surroundings visiting the local second-hand bookshop run by the eccentric Mr Lieberman. With a little help from the old man’s nephew Harold, she finds an old volume of local ghost stories which she decides to buy. Meeting her aunt afterwards at a coffee shop, she is puzzled by her aunt’s decision to leave immediately, having barely touched her cake after reading the name written inside the front cover.

As she starts to read the book, Aveline flicks through and is angered at finding that all of the last story has been crossed through. Together with Harold and Mr Lieberman, Aveline works to unravel the mystery of the book’s original owner – a girl who mysteriously disappeared some thirty-odd years ago – to prevent history repeating itself.

I loved ghosts, vampires and all things undead and scary as a child but they seemed to have fallen out of fashion when my own children were the age at which this is aimed. Fortunately, for those for whom ‘fluffy’ books full of glittery unicorns are of no interest, reads like this are becoming a more commonly available treat. Many children do love being scared and this book delivers frights in spades full from very early on in the story. Through devices such as footsteps coming from the unoccupied room above and a child’s handprint inexplicably appearing on a window, the tension steadily ramps up until the end where the ghostly carryings on reach their heart-pounding climax.

With perfect timing, this book is due to be published on September 17th, when the nights will be drawing in and Hallowe’en will be within sight. That extra layer of creepiness that comes with being able to read this in reduced lighting with appropriate weather to add sound effects will be in place, making this a wonderful autumn read. I have no doubt that many of my current class would enjoy the chance to be scared silly by this as would the Year 6s. 5 out of 5 stars.

Huge thanks, as always, to Net Galley and to Usborne for allowing me to read this ahead of publication.

Aveline Jones loves to read ghost stories, while others her age like stories with unicorns or horses. Knowing she is different in this way, she is unstoppable in her quest to find spooky tales.
Being forced to spend October half term with her Aunt Lilian in Malmouth, Aveline is sure to be bored. Her Mum has to travel to Scotland to visit Granny who has been ill. Driving into the town, they are surprised and spooked to see child like figures standing outside of homes. They are creepy and almost life like from afar.
Within the first day, Aveline has spotted a bookstore and meets the owner Ernst, and his great nephew, Harold. Finding ghost story treasure within the shelves at the back, Aveline takes home her new purchase and sets to reading. To her dismay, she finds the very last short story in the book completely and purposefully crossed out.

Disappointed and feeling as though there is a mystery here, Aveline heads back to the shop. The more she explores the town, the more creepy child like figures keep appearing. Believing it to be some weird Halloween tradition for the town, she hurries past them.

When searching for more clues within the bookstore, they discover a young girls diary...Primrose Penberthy. This young girl went missing some 30 years ago on Halloween and the mystery was never solved.

This story had me on the edge of my seat as ghostly sightings, creepy child like figures and Halloween approaching all converged to create this super story. Aveline is the unsuspecting detective and heroine of this story, putting the pieces together and figuring it all out. New friendships are forged and a new fondness for Aunt Lilian is a positive to come out of this spooky and haunting tale.

I read this story in one day and loved it entirely. Feeling spooked, haunted and proud of Aveline all the way through to the end! Whether you read it on a sunny bright day or a rainy grey day, I am sure you will enjoy it!
10 stars for me and the promise of more to come from Aveline Jones!

Aveline Jones loves stories of ghouls and ghosts; fascinated by the idea of the dead returning to life. Ghosts are everywhere, so Aveline always keeps an eye out, just in case, her morbid fascination bordering on obsession. But her Summer is stretching out in front of her, dreary and uneventful, as she is taken to stay with her cold and strict Aunt Lilian in the less-than-exciting town of Malmouth. Though in the Summer this seaside town may be filled with the buzz of tourists and beachgoers, in October all Aveline is greeted by are empty, desolate streets and the menacing child-like scarecrows put out by locals in time for Halloween. There are odd goings-on all around her, scratching on windows, footsteps on floorboards, and shadows everywhere. All the right ingredients for a haunting.

As Aveline explores the local town, she visits an eccentric bookshop and purchases a second hand book of ghost stories from local folklore, but the very last story has been scratched out, removed from existence by the previous owner. Why would anyone want to do such a thing? Frustrated, Aveline sets out to find out what happened to the story, and indeed the previous owner, and is led down a sinister path of malevolent long-forgotten spirits. The closer she gets to finding out the truth, the closer she comes to danger herself. A storm is coming, and when Aveline finds herself face to face with the past, will she escape from the clutches of Malmouth’s most tormented and vengeful spirit?

Hickes has hit the perfect note for a chilling ghost story for middle grade readers. There is a sense of foreboding from the moment Aveline arrives in Malmouth, and the reader is swept up in uncovering the truth about the eerie happenings there. Hickes creates the perfect blend of tension, suspense and atmosphere with storms, crackling fires, unexplained shadows and a rich, supernatural plot. There are themes of loss, lonliness, and injustice. I devoured this in one sitting—there were chilling moments when I felt a shiver down my spine, and a truly heart-pounding climax. The stories of local spirits feel so real I could picture them perfectly, and I felt that a protagonist who isn’t afraid of them played a part in comforting the reader. As Autumn approaches, this is a story that 9+ horror fans will relish, just in time for Halloween! Perfect for fans of Crater Lake or Goosebumps. Both adults and children will be staying up late to finish this one under the duvet with a torch! Deliciously terrifying.

Wow - I loved this. It reminded me of ghost stories I used to read when I was in primary school, devouring all of the books that were meant for people older than me.

A really well developed plot, characters and setting that feels incredibly realistic. It's genuinely spooked me and I'll be thinking about it for a long time. Wonderful!

Its half term (and halloween) when Aveline arrives in the seaside town of Malmouth to stay with her Aunt. A visit to the local bookshop leads Aveline to discover some haunting local folklore that is tied up with the disapperance of a young girl called Primrose Penberthy. As Aveline begins to investigate the mysterious disapperance of Primrose she is drawn into a dark and haunting tale, and as the stormy weather stirs so does a restless spirit from the depths of the sea....
Just the right amount of horror and suspense for ages 9+ I loved the authors descriptions of the sea and the weather as the suspense built...this would be the perfect read for a wet and dreary afternoon when the wind rattles the windows and the sea mist rolls in..,.just make sure you put a scarecrow outside your house first!