Alex Atkinson - Spooksmiths Investigate: The Cinderman - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

 

In a world where the living and the dead intertwine with unsettling ease, debut author Alex Atkinson takes us on a thrilling ride through the shadowy corridors of a funeral parlour and beyond. This is a tale where the urn serves as the catalyst for the heady chaos to come. Spooksmiths Investigate will be published by Usborne Publishing on 10 October 2024. 

Indigo and Rusty are two-spirited siblings who, despite their unusual home, have always dismissed the notion of the supernatural. However, when an innocent accident sends an ancient urn crashing to the floor, they inadvertently unleash the Cinderman — a nightmarish ash monster determined to blanket their town in a suffocating layer of dust and despair. What follows is a race against time that is as heart-pounding as it is humorous.

This story has a fantastic blend of humour and horror, breathing life into a cast of spine-chilling characters. The Blasted Banshee, with her wailing wisdom, and Chuckles the Phantom Toddler, who somehow manages to be both adorable and eerie. Each ghost is a testament to Alex's creative flair, providing both comedic moments and unexpected depth as they confront their own struggles.

The writing is sharp and vibrant as it dances jigs between playful banter and moments of genuine tension. As the clock ticks down to sunset, the stakes escalate, leaving readers breathless with anticipation. The quest for the Cinderman’s true name is not just a matter of survival; it’s a journey of self-discovery for Indigo and Rusty, who must embrace their newfound Spooksmith skills and rally the living and the dead alike in a battle against apocalyptic ash.

This tale is a heartfelt reminder that courage comes in many forms—even if it means teaming up with a ghostly toddler to save the day. So, prepare for a hauntingly good time that will leave you laughing, gasping, and perhaps a little more open to the idea of ghosts lurking in the shadows. Grab your flashlight, settle in, and dive into this enchanting tale of adventure and friendship—before the Cinderman claims your town!