Lockett & Wilde's Dreadfully Haunting Mysteries: The Ghosts of the Manor by Lucy Strange is an absolute delight—a perfect blend of spooky charm and heartwarming adventure. From the moment I picked it up, I was captivated by the quirky characters and the eerie atmosphere that Strange so masterfully creates.

The story follows Matilda Lockett, who, alongside her theatrical aunt and uncle, ventures to Beauchamp Manor to tackle a haunting. There, Matilda discovers her ability to see ghosts and meets Edgar Wilde, a ghost boy who shares her passion for supernatural sleuthing. Together, they unravel the mysteries of the manor, forming a dynamic duo that's both endearing and entertaining.

What truly sets this book apart is the seamless integration of Pam Smy's illustrations. The hand-drawn artwork beautifully complements the narrative, adding depth and a visual charm that pulls you deeper into the story. Each illustration enhances the spooky yet cozy feel of the book, making it a perfect read for a rainy evening curled up with a cup of hot chocolate.

The pacing is spot-on, with the plot unfolding steadily and keeping me engaged throughout. The lighthearted humor sprinkled across the pages adds to the book's appeal, making it not just a ghost story, but a fun and engaging mystery. The friendship that blossoms between Matilda and Edgar is heartwarming, and their adventures are filled with twists and surprises that kept me guessing.

In conclusion, The Ghosts of the Manor is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a touch of the supernatural. It's a book that offers both spooky thrills and cozy comfort, making it a delightful addition to any bookshelf. I wholeheartedly recommend it to readers of all ages who love a ghostly mystery with a lot of heart.

Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review

Strange and Smy’s new gifty illustrated hardback gives me all the feels of yesteryear’s era of Agatha Christie or Dorothy Sayer mystery writing, but now for young children. With some tongue-in-cheek, am-dram style over the top characters and some rather sensible children that need to take control of many a situation on the brink of disaster, it feels like I’m back in the 1980s!

However - this being said, I can obviously only draw these comparisons because of my own age and life experiences… our young people today will be reading stories of Lockett & Wilde’s adventures in the supernatural sleuthing business in a part human/part ghost dimension through the lens of those born around 2015! Regardless, the story seems to be set in or around the 1930s given some of the lingo… ‘brouhaha’, the jolliness, the winks, ‘gee-gees’, what hos, etc.

The story opens in a theatre, where we watch a spiritual medium, Signora Valentina, in the midst of communicating with the dead… the dead turns out to be the Signora’s very own ward, her niece and ‘darling ghost girl’ - Matilda Lockett, who is part of this duplicitous money-making scam along with her ‘Uncle’ Barnabus. Don’t judge them too harshly... they’re actually quite lovely, caring, and sweet. It seems the talent has skipped a generation in paranormal abilities, from Aunt Evelyn’s (Signora Valentina's) mother to Matilda, who keeps it very much a secret from everyone.

For this rather strapped-for-cash travelling medium entertainment troup, luck has it that a Baroness was in the audience at the theatre and has a rather mischievous ghost at her home at Beauchamp Manor and would Signora Valentina please spend the weekend trying to send it to the other side.

A huge estate in the countryside with luxuries that Matilda has never had the joy to experience, lends itself to some quality exploring. She very soon discovers and befriends the ghost of a young boy who once lived at the manor - Edgar Wilde. Edgar and Matilda together form an indomitable duo - for there is certainly a mystery to solve, and not just why there is a terrible ghostly or more accurately, wisply, apparition causing chaos at the folly, disturbing Mr Symmonds and his work curating the Baroness’s art collection for the National Portrait Gallery.

All is not what it seems. In a Marlinspike Hall meets Beauchamp Manor adventure, and thanks to the children’s research and bravery confronting the wisp, Mr Symmonds is discovered to be not what he seems. Needless to say, Aunt Evelyn’s seances were not successful at solving much, but thank goodness the children were there to save the day! What started out as a ghost hunt turns out to be much more and a treasure hunt is afoot!

Aside from all the sleuthing and making friends with Edgar - there is another side to the story - that of a young girl who is cared for by an aunt who seeks stability, belonging and love. Any change can send Matilda into a spiral of worry about whether her aunt and uncle truly want her in their lives. I can tell you they absolutely do! There’s a lovely ending for all... except for Mr. Symmonds, of course.

Grey-blue tone illustrations throughout, often quite comical in nature. As an obsessive fan of paranormal investigations, I have to say I rather enjoyed all the familiar references to experiences and signs of the presence of paranormal activity. I wonder, given that Strange’s writing is very much centred around the supernatural, what her own interests are in the paranormal… perhaps I’ll get to ask her one day. Can’t sign off without mentioning the comical Colin the parakeet, a lively and unforgettable addition to the cast. Really enjoyable, a jolly fun supernatural mystery adventure, and I suspect, the first in a new series.

Thank you to Walker Books for my review copy.

A truly brilliant start to a new illustrated series by renowned author Lucy Strange and author-illustrator Pam Smy!

The illustrations highlight and compliment the text perfectly in pencil sketches with blue bursts of colour. The story begins with Matilda who lives with her Aunt Evelyn, also known as Signora Valentina- a well known spiritualist who charges for her seances and attracts quite a crowd.

No one can know the truth behind her performances.

When they are asked to rid an impressive manor of its ghosts, Matilda believes they will just put on a show but when a real ghost shows up, no one is more surprised than Matilda. She meets Edgar Wilde, a boy who used to live at the manor.

Together they discover that an art historian is not who he seems but he too can sense the presence of ghosts and plays horrendous violin to scare them away. Can Matilda and Edgar work together to solve a couple of supernatural mysteries?

Welcome to the world of Lockett and Wilde-supernatural sleuths! This is a welcome start to a new series of spooky supernatural mysteries.

Lockett & Wilde’s Dreadfully Haunting Mysteries: The Ghosts of the Manor is the start of a wonderfully warm-hearted, spooky, funny mystery series that I absolutely adored.
Matilda Lockett plays the ghost of Poor Dead Edna in her Aunt Evelyn’s supernatural stage show ably assisted by her rather theatrical Uncle Barnabus. When Signora Valentina (Aunt Evelyn) is visited by Lady Beauchamp after the stage séance, she offers her a large sum of money to rid her home, Beauchamp Manor, of an unwelcome ghost guest.
Unable to resist this offer, the family soon find themselves settling in to the Manor where Matilda makes a startling discovery … she can see spirits! It is not long before she meets ghost boy Edgar Wilde and together they decide to become a super sleuthing team to solve the mystery of the haunted house …
And so begins a wonderfully exciting and light-hearted spooky mystery as the detecting duo team up solve a twisty mystery. Could there be a criminal in their midst? Can they find a way to rid the Manor of its unwanted guest?
I loved the blend of an atmospheric gothic setting with the fantastic humour brought by both events and characters, especially Colin, the talking parakeet, who shares rude rhymes – and may, or may not be, sensitive to the presence of spirits! I think this is a brilliant way to introduce gothic stories to younger readers.
I absolutely adored both Matilda and Edgar who form a wonderful bond of friendship as they connect over their enjoyment of sleuthing. Matilda is curious and courageous and proves to be just the anchor that Edgar needs – and Edgar is just the friend that Matilda is seeking. I really liked the warm, loving relationship between Matilda and her Aunt and Uncle and loved that, despite some misunderstandings, it is clear that this is a genuinely close bond.
The many full-and-partial-page illustrations that accompany the story are stunning and form an integral part of the story including the use of speech within some of illustrated pages. I loved the blue within the black, white and grey palette – and readers may well make a connection with the use of blue as they read! The character illustrations are wonderfully expressive and embody the 1930s setting perfectly.
Who needs trick or treating at Halloween? Why not share this gorgeous book instead – it really is a treat with its hardback, foiled cover and stunning illustrations. And, like all good mysteries, there’s some trickery to be found within its pages.

Meeting Matilda and Edgar was an absolute delight! Lockett & Wilde is a brilliant collaboration of Lucy Strange and artist Pam Smy, a perfect blend of chilling atmosphere and captivating mystery. Strange showcases her writing prowess, once more dipping her pen in the blackness of the Gothic genre, weaving a tale that is both haunting and heartwarming. Smy's gorgeous art complements the prose beautifully, contributing significantly to the already eerie atmosphere, making the book not just a great read but an experience. This was an engaging mystery in the vein of old classics, perfect for the upcoming fall.

Lockett & Wilde's Dreadfully Haunting Mysteries: The Ghosts of the Manor is a delightful middle-grade tale that perfectly balances a sense of eerie suspense with warmth and heart. The story delivers just the right amount of creepiness to keep young readers on the edge of their seats, without crossing into truly frightening territory. The atmosphere is enhanced by dark, atmospheric illustrations that draw you deeper into the mystery of the haunted manor, making it an ideal read for the Halloween season.

Beyond the spooky elements, what truly shines in this book is the strong theme of friendship that runs through the narrative. The characters face their fears together, and their bonds grow stronger as they unravel the mystery of the ghosts. This makes the story not just about thrills, but also about the importance of trust, loyalty, and working together to overcome challenges.

The Ghosts of the Manor is a perfect pick for kids who enjoy a blend of cozy and spooky, offering enough chills to be exciting, but with a comforting, feel-good conclusion. It’s a fun, engaging read that’s sure to become a favorite for young fans of mystery and ghost stories.

Review: Lockett & Wilde’s Dreadfully Haunting Mysteries: The Ghosts of the Manor by Lucy Strange and Pam Smy


Title: Lockett & Wilde’s Dreadfully Haunting Mysteries: The Ghosts of the Manor
Author: Lucy Strange
Illustrator: Pam Smy
Genre: Mystery / Ghost Story
Age Range: Middle Grade

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What the book is about:
Lockett & Wilde’s Dreadfully Haunting Mysteries: The Ghosts of the Manor by Lucy Strange and Pam Smy is an enchanting middle-grade mystery packed with spooky charm and heartwarming friendships. The story centres around two unusual kids, Matilda Lockett and Edgar Wilde, as they investigate eerie occurrences at an old, mysterious manor. As they delve deeper into the secrets of the house and its peculiar inhabitants, they uncover hidden truths and encounter ghostly figures that add an extra layer of suspense to the tale. The hand-drawn illustrations by Pam Smy beautifully complement the eerie atmosphere, bringing the quirky characters and haunted setting to life. With a few twists to keep readers guessing, this lighthearted adventure strikes the perfect balance between spooky fun and gentle intrigue, making it a delightful read for all ages who love a ghostly mystery.

My Reading Experience:
What a spooky and funny read!
From the very first page, I was charmed by the unique characters and captivated by Pam Smy’s stunning artwork. Lockett & Wilde’s Dreadfully Haunting Mysteries delivered everything I hoped for: a spooky autumn setting, an interesting mystery and a quirky cast of characters. The book’s cover sets the tone for a cosy mystery, and it didn’t disappoint. It’s the kind of book I love to read on a rainy evening, curled up with my cats and a cup of hot chocolate, getting lost in its pages.
The friendship that blossoms between Matilda and Edgar as they team up as supernatural detectives is heartwarming, and their dynamic adds so much to the story’s charm. Their bond grew in such a natural, endearing way that you couldn’t help but root for them as they uncover the manor's secrets together. The pacing was spot-on too: the plot unravelled at a steady pace, with lighthearted humour sprinkled throughout, which kept me turning the pages. And yes, I read it in one evening! =)


Illustrations:
The illustrations by Pam Smy really bring the story to life. They are charming, mysterious and beautifully drawn by hand, adding depth and humour to the story. The style fits the lighthearted spooky tone of the book perfectly and every page felt like a treat, pulling you deeper into the eerie yet inviting world of Matilda, Edgar and the haunted manor.



Favourite Moments:
One of the standout moments for me was when Matilda stumbles upon the manor's conservatory. Whenever there’s an old estate in a book and you add a winter garden on top, to me that’s the equivalent of gifting me a cake – with cocoa powder and chocolate crumbling that is!



Final Thoughts:
If you’re looking for a cosy, spooky middle grade mystery that’s full of quirky characters, supernatural occurrences and takes place at an old mansion, Lockett & Wilde’s Dreadfully Haunting Mysteries: The Ghosts of the Manor is the perfect pick. It’s the kind of book that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy inside and makes you laugh out loud. I think it’s a wonderful read for anyone who enjoys spooky stories that are full of mystery, adventure and beautiful illustrations. Whether you’re reading it for yourself or you want to share it with a younger reader, it’s bound to become a new autumn favourite.

Spooky Bookworm Checklist:
- Spooky vibes
- Ghosts
- Cold and windy weather
- Old mansion
- Mystery
- Thematic illustrations

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Who Will Love This Book:
This book is perfect for readers who love a good mystery with a pinch of humour.
Fall vibes are matched perfectly with spooky artwork, so it’s a good choice if you enjoy reading when it’s raining outside. If you enjoyed The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson and The Mystery of Black Hollow Lane by Julia Nobel, you will surely like this book!

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Rating:
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Illustration: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Big thanks to Walker Books for sending me this ebook!

I am a huge fan of Lucy Strange and this one does not disappoint me at all. It is rather different from the other books by her. It seems to be targeting a younger audience than most of her books while it is slightly more advanced than the ones written by her for Barrington Stokes. It is spooky but not scary (if that makes any sense at all), so it probably is suitable for Y 4 or 5 students.

What do you do if you play a ghost in a travelling theatre show and suddenly discover you can actually see and converse with the real thing? That is the predicament Matilda Lockett finds herself in after she, her Aunt Evelyn, and Uncle Barnabus, accept an invitation to stay at Beauchamp Manor while trying to persuade a ghost to leave, permanently! 

Edgar Wilde has lived at Beauchamp Manor for many years but is still a child. Killed in an unfortunate accident he has suddenly emerged in his ghostly form and amazingly finds he can converse with a young visitor who doesn't seem at all phased by his ethereal presence. While Evelyn and Barnabus try and work out how to persuade the ghost of artist Lawrence Waterfall, currently residing in the Beauchamp Folly, to leave, Matilda and Edgar investigate why he didn't depart years earlier.

Lucy Strange is an author whose work I have previously enjoyed so I was delighted to see this new title. It is very different to her other work, with more of a Wodehouse feel to it, but it ticked all my boxes and I loved it from start to finish. Pam Smy's illustrations make this book even more enjoyable and are every bit as important as the words. The relationship Matilda has with her Aunt and Uncle is lovely and Edgar is very sweet. I read a lot of fiction and, although I'm not really sure why, this is easily one of the best middle-grade books I've read in a long time.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Walker Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a wonderful, feel good book that I highly recommend. I really hope there will be more adventures starring these supernatural snoopers for me to enjoy in the future.

I'm usually a huge fan of Lucy Strange's books, but I found this a little disappointing. Don't get me wrong, it was ok. But it didn't feel like it was written by Strange, it felt more silly and childish, like a celebrity trying at writing a children's book.
The characters of Matilda and Edgar were decent, but everyone else reminded me of an over the top charicature rather than a more fleshed out character.
I'm sure some kids will love it, as it's a popular style of writing, but as a fan of Strange's other books, this was really disappointing to me

I've loved her previous gothic novels so a new series from Lucy Strange was always going to sneak to the top of the pile. This one is full of illustrations throughout by the brilliant Pam Smy so possibly aimed at a slightly younger audience. These combined with the "old-fashioned" vocabulary (flimflam was one of my favourites!), copious wit and customary spooky feel to make a fantastic read. I'm very much looking forward to future adventures in Lockett & Wilde's Dreadfully Haunting Mysteries.

A great, fun read. Fast paced, wonderful characters (human, spirit and animal) lots of humour and a little bit scary at times. The illustrations compliment the story perfectly. Loved it and look forward to more.

Anything by Lucy Strange is guaranteed to be deliciously creepy and completely unputdownable. Combine her gothic style with Pam Smy’s brilliant chracterisations and you have a wonderfully delightful, illustrated mystery that will pull readers age 9+ under its spell. With the most charming laugh-out-loud moments and gentle teasing of the most earnest characters, this story will entertain both young and old alike.

Matilda Lockett is the assistant to spirit medium Signora Valentina (who is actually her Aunt Evelyn) and Uncle Barnabus (her aunt’s dear friend). When Matilda isn’t disguised as the “darling ghost girl” who shows up at seances to terrify the audience, she loves trying to solve mysteries and puzzles.

Of course there aren’t any real ghosts at her aunt’s seances. With a little bit of “pageantry and flimflam”, Aunt Evelyn manages to convince her audiences that ghosts really are reaching out from beyond the grave. But one night, Matilda wonders if she did actually see something (or someone) during the key moment of the act. Were they visited by a ghost afterall?

When Aunt Evelyn is invited to the haunted Beauchamp Manor, Matilda wonders if her aunt will be able to pull off an actual exorcism. They find themselves in the middle of a real mystery – a gothic folly with a towering, twisty turret and an unusual collection of paintings, a strange art critic who plays the violin (badly) to repel ghosts and a missing diamond. Matilda and their spiritually sensitive parrot, Colin, make friends they never expected and discover what it means to be tethered to something of real value.

Lockett & Wilde’s Dreadfully Haunting Mysteries takes readers on an brilliantly atmospheric treasure hunt full of supernatural sleauthing and charming humour. Amidst all the clues, danger and trying to pull the wool over people’s eyes, they realise that friendships are more important than anything else.

I’m thrilled this is the first in a new series and can’t wait for the next instalment! Challenging vocabulary (like ethereal, superfluous and foreboding) keep readers on their toes while the incredible illustrations draw everyone in. This will be a fantastic story to read aloud and an excellent model to inspire children to create their own illustrated mysteries.

Thank you to Walker Books & NetGalley UK for an early read of this wonderful mystery!

Loved this unusual story, with the pairing of ghost and main character as a pair of sleuths. Good to see this is the start of a new series. Will recommend to my students.

Really enjoyed this story. Lovely illustrations that add to the text- great layout and visually appealing. The story is spooky but never scary, more of a mystery and adventure, so suitable for all ages.