Allison Rushby, the daughter of an author, was raised on
a wholesome and steady diet of classic English literature. Some of
her favourite books, re-read countless dog-eared times include
Rumer Godden's The Dolls' House, Frances Hodgson Burnett's The
Secret Garden, Dodie Smith's I Capture the Castle and Noel
Streatfield's "Shoes" series. She has long been a fan of cities
with long, winding histories, wild, overgrown cemeteries, red brick
Victorian museums, foxes and ivy. She prefers to write with a cup
of Darjeeling tea by her side and a Devon Rex cat curled up in her
lap.
Her work includes When This Bell Rings, which was a Notable in the
CBCA Awards, The Mulberry Tree, which was shortlisted in the West
Australia Young Readers' Book Award, The Turnkey, which was
shortlisted in the Speech Pathology Awards and The Seven Keys,
which was longlisted in the Davitt Awards.
Allison Rushby has repeatedly proven her gift for suspenseful
spookiness for middle-grade readers and this new book, in my
opinion, might just have tipped the scales of my favourite so
far.This is just one utterly fab read! – a little bit of history, a
lot of creepiness, a bit of angst, a lot of love – all in all, a
perfect package for any reader from around an astute 9 years up to
13 or so.
*Just So Stories*
A wonderful mystery story, Lolli’s journey will have middle school
readers entwined with the story of memories and ghosts. I loved
Rushby’s trilogy beginning with The Turnkey set in the inner
cemeteries in London and have read all that Rushby has published
since, looking forward to each one. Tales about spirits take me to
realms I usually do not visit, but they are told with such
convincing settings and characters, that they are are hard to put
down. Highly recommended
*Read Plus*
Set in London, this is a captivating and ghostly story, that
readers will absolutely love!
When Lolli discovers more details about the history of the house,
she knows that she must face her fears head on, in order to help
others. This is not only a wonderful ghost story, it is a story of
courage, friendship, opening your mind and hearts to others, and
learning to let others into your life. Students in Year 4 and up
will thoroughly be enthralled by this story.
*Lamont Books*
It is also a book about recognising your strengths and abilities
and finding your voice. Being able to help people and let everyone
know what is really going on. But it is also about listening to
those around you – and how we can learn from everyone and
everything we do. It is one that I loved, and now I am going to go
and read the Turnkey books on my shelf, as I think Allison’s ghost
stories are just the right kind of ghost story for me.
*The Book Muse*
My favourite character was Lolli. She has great character traits
like persistence and courage. I also liked Clara because she needed
Lolli’s help. It was like they were friends in some ways even
though she was a spirit. The story is a little spooky in parts, but
it added to the mystery. I didn’t find it scary, but my little
sister might. This book would be loved by readers who like
mysteries with a spooky twist.
*Reading Time*
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