The Haunting of Aveline Jones

by Phil Hickes

★★★★

Review

I was recommended this book by one of my pupils who had been hooked from the second they began to read. Their enthusiasm alone was enough to reel me in and I was not disappointed.  

The Haunting of Aveline Jones is a gripping short chapter book which I devoured in one sitting. Set in Cornwall, this book is full of ghosts and local legends of a lady who seeks the return of her lost children. When visiting her Aunt, Aveline Jones (a lover of all things ghostly) becomes mixed up in the mysterious disappearance of a local girl more than 30 years ago. Before she knows it, history is repeating itself and she is at the centre of it all. 

This book is brilliantly fast paced and has plenty of spooky sounds, sights and scarecrows to keep the reader in suspense. I loved the way the story flits between narrative, diary entries, folklore and newspaper reports so smoothly, making for a very varied and engaging read. 

The book may be a little scary for younger readers, with stories of drownings and people without faces emerging from the sea, but would be ideal for any reader who doesn’t scare easily. 

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes ghost stories and mysteries, or who is simply looking for a short but thrilling read. 

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Key information

Author: Phil Hickes

Illustrator: Keith Robinson

Release Date: 17th September 2020

Book type: Short chapter, 224pages, paperback

Reader level: Growing (content 9+)

Overview

Aveline Jones 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 once belonged to Primrose Penberthy, who vanished mysteriously, never to be seen again. But one thing doesn't quite make sense; the last story in the book has been crossed out and the tale of The Lady in the Waves cannot be read. 

During her stay at her Aunt's house, Aveline discovers more about Primrose and her mysterious disappearance when she discovers Primrose's secret diary. With the local bookshop owner and his nephew, Harold, to help, Aveline sets out on a mission to uncover the truth about Primrose's disappearance and return her home to Malmouth.

As Aveline learns more about Primrose's past, someone... or something, begins to stir - and it is looking for Aveline. Convinced that history is about to repeat itself, Aveline must work quickly to save herself and keep the haunting spirits away. 

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