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Shadowhall Academy #1
The Whispering Walls
Welcome to Shadowhall Academy, where spirits haunt the school halls. A brilliantly spooky new series from the author of Aveline Jones.I heard a tapping noise, right by my head. Like there was someone in the wall trying to get my attention...When Lilian Jones starts at creepy, cold and bewilderingly large Shadowhall Academy, she's nervous about making friends and finding her way around, but those turn out to be the least of her worries when strange things start happening at school. Tapping in the walls, unsettling tales of missing students, and rumours that the school is haunted... When mysterious figures start appearing at night, looking exactly like the girls themselves, Lilian suspects there may be more to the bizarre happenings than just stories, and her school is hiding real secrets. Realising her new friends could be in danger, Lilian sets out to solve the mysteries of Shadowhall Academy once and for all...
224 pages, Paperback
Published February 1, 2024
15 people are currently reading
606 people want to read
About the author
Phil Hickes
18 books274 followersI live in Oregon at the moment, though I hail from the UK. Growing up in a house overlooking a graveyard, on the edge of the bleak and foreboding Pennine Hills, seems to have instilled in me an obsession with all things dark and spooky. The complete Aveline Jones trilogy is available at all good bookstores and has been, or will be, translated into Spanish, German, Czech, French, Turkish, Polish and Russian. My latest effort is called Shadowhall Academy and follows the spooky adventures of the Aunt Lilian character from the Aveline books as a young girl in the 1980s. I also have a dyslexia-friendly ghost story coming out with Barrington Stoke at Halloween this year.
Favourite authors include Robert Aickman, Stephen King (his early stuff), M R James, Susan Cooper, H P Lovecraft, Philip Pullman, Shirley Jackson, James Herbert, Lindsey Barraclough, Alan Garner, Neil Gaiman, Dennis Wheatley, Andrew Michael Hurley, Penelope Lively, Alan Moore, Mervyn Peake, Bernard Cornwell, Arthur Machen, Jane Austen, Cormac McCarthy, Roald Dahl, Jeanette Winterson, George R R Martin, Chris Priestley, Graham Joyce, Dan Rhodes, Robin Spriggs and many more.
Favourite authors include Robert Aickman, Stephen King (his early stuff), M R James, Susan Cooper, H P Lovecraft, Philip Pullman, Shirley Jackson, James Herbert, Lindsey Barraclough, Alan Garner, Neil Gaiman, Dennis Wheatley, Andrew Michael Hurley, Penelope Lively, Alan Moore, Mervyn Peake, Bernard Cornwell, Arthur Machen, Jane Austen, Cormac McCarthy, Roald Dahl, Jeanette Winterson, George R R Martin, Chris Priestley, Graham Joyce, Dan Rhodes, Robin Spriggs and many more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
March 29, 2024
Gahhhh, Phil Hickes does it again! I adored this. I even had to put it down on Thursday evening and finish it on Friday afternoon because it freaked me out so much. The atmosphere was SO good in this. Very creepy middlegrade ghost story, dark academia book that was incredibly well done. Can't wait for the next one in the series.
July 11, 2025
It’s Lilian’s first year at Shadowhall Academy. A creepy old and cold place that will become her new home.
Lilian is also scared to make new friends and adapt to the school. Soon she will learn that she should be way more concerned about ghosts.
There are tappings on the walls at night, unsettling stories about girls that went missing in the school and rumours that the place is truly haunted.
She will soon realize that her school is hiding a secret and her friends might be in actual danger.
One night the girls hear tappings inside the walls. That could have a simple explanation,right? That is what they want to believe. But that is not all. Soon one of them will hear a voice calling her.
Lilian and her friends are on a mission to solve the mystery and in order to do that, they will have to investigate the school’s past and the former students.
This was a great read that you can just binge on a rainy day full of atmosphere and creepy moments. You will get a ghost story in a dark academia setting and the story as well as the characters was really well crafted.
The plot had several twists to the story and the author really knows how to make Middle Grade books spooky. I am really excited about this new series and will definitely continue reading it.
Lilian is also scared to make new friends and adapt to the school. Soon she will learn that she should be way more concerned about ghosts.
There are tappings on the walls at night, unsettling stories about girls that went missing in the school and rumours that the place is truly haunted.
She will soon realize that her school is hiding a secret and her friends might be in actual danger.
One night the girls hear tappings inside the walls. That could have a simple explanation,right? That is what they want to believe. But that is not all. Soon one of them will hear a voice calling her.
Lilian and her friends are on a mission to solve the mystery and in order to do that, they will have to investigate the school’s past and the former students.
This was a great read that you can just binge on a rainy day full of atmosphere and creepy moments. You will get a ghost story in a dark academia setting and the story as well as the characters was really well crafted.
The plot had several twists to the story and the author really knows how to make Middle Grade books spooky. I am really excited about this new series and will definitely continue reading it.
February 20, 2024
phil hickes did it AGAIN.
like, i am sooo serious when i say that NOBODY writes spooky middle grade books like him in our generation.
having read the aveline jones books, i have to say that his new novel had a more sinister feeling to it and the levels of spookiness went a little bit up which was something i personally enjoyed! i also loved the incorporation of art commentary as well as elements of irish folklore in it ❤️
lastly, the main characters were extremely well-written and fleshed-out; the character of maz, in particular, resonated with me.
anyways, if you want to read something which gives off wednesday addams / haunted boarding school vibes, this book is for YOU! 🫵🏻
like, i am sooo serious when i say that NOBODY writes spooky middle grade books like him in our generation.
having read the aveline jones books, i have to say that his new novel had a more sinister feeling to it and the levels of spookiness went a little bit up which was something i personally enjoyed! i also loved the incorporation of art commentary as well as elements of irish folklore in it ❤️
lastly, the main characters were extremely well-written and fleshed-out; the character of maz, in particular, resonated with me.
anyways, if you want to read something which gives off wednesday addams / haunted boarding school vibes, this book is for YOU! 🫵🏻
June 15, 2024
had me binge-reading, cliff hanger on every chapter, such a well-structured eery ghost story😌👌🏻
October 21, 2024
4.4/5. Adventurous ghostly story with all the needed ingredients: haunted school, unsolved mystery and group of friends. I'm looking forward for part 2.
March 26, 2024
Welcome to Shadowhall Academy.. where the walls whisper and girls disappear!
I was so excited about Phil Hickes newest book, this author knows how to write spooky/scary children/MG books, I so loved his Aveline Jones series. Plus, this one takes place in a boarding school! That is just one of those places that I LOVE when they pop up in books.
The mystery behind all the disappearances, the who-is-the-ghost. It was both terrifying, but also very sad. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I couldn’t help but feel for the ghost, for all she went through. Again, murder/killing girls is not the way to go, let me just make that clear, but I could find sympathy for this lonely girl ghost. I did love how the ghost was written, it was at times terrifying. Seeing someone who looks like a friend, but is definitely not your friend, and then also see how the ghost can distort her face/appearance, yeah, nope nope nope. Oh, and did I mention the scene where Lilian see something float/crawl in the spaces between the walls? I was just NOPING so hard at that point. Like, HECK no. Throw those walls full of concrete. Let’s go.
I just love reading about the boarding school, about Shadowhall Academy and boy, again, I wish I could just pop in the book and be part of it all. Yes, there are elements that I am not a fan of (I mean, the drafts, the cold, the beds being not that comfortable and the food not always being good), but there are too many elements that I love. Life-long friendship. Midnight feasts. Fun classes. Boarding schools are often places in the middle of nowhere and there are visits to the village(s) near it. There are big libraries. I just want to go!!! And Shadowhall sounds just so gorgeous and fun.
I really loved our MC Lilian and see what makes her tick. See why she wanted to go to this boarding school. See her make friends with her roommates. I just love that she doesn’t give up on something once she sets her sights on it and tries to help her new friends the best she can.
The roommates/later to be friends. I liked Marian quite soon, Angela was OK, but Serena took me quite a long time before I liked her. That whole scene at the beginning with her saying THAT, claiming THAT, a big pass for me. But as the story continued I could see another Serena. I loved that we got to know each of the roommates a bit more as the story continued and I loved that Marian and Lillian got so close.
Something else that I love is that this one took place in 1987! Aka, the time before internet and phones. It just made things a bit more exciting. Not that these girls would have had WiFi at a place like this, but there is a possibility they had and it would just have made things too easy in my eyes. Now the girls had to really dig deep to figure out all the clues. They had to check artifacts from the school before it was a school, they had to go to the library to ask for books about stuff, there was just so much more unpredictability about it. You also just cannot just ask for help. If you are stuck, you are stuck and good luck with that. If you want a light in the dark you need flashlights (better have some good batteries around) or a candle (better hope the wind doesn’t snuff it out).
Bonus points to Mr. Bullen and how he reacted to this group of friends trying to solve the mystery. A lot of adults in books like this would stop the group, but I am happy that while he does try to keep them out of it (because of safety and some other small reasons) he also tries to help them and at times is there right at the most convenient time. I loved finding out more about him and his character.
I am definitely curious about what is next for our group of friends. What more mysteries lie hidden in this school? More ghosts? I hope so! I would highly recommend this book to everyone who loves MG + boarding school + ghosts!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I was so excited about Phil Hickes newest book, this author knows how to write spooky/scary children/MG books, I so loved his Aveline Jones series. Plus, this one takes place in a boarding school! That is just one of those places that I LOVE when they pop up in books.
The mystery behind all the disappearances, the who-is-the-ghost. It was both terrifying, but also very sad. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I couldn’t help but feel for the ghost, for all she went through. Again, murder/killing girls is not the way to go, let me just make that clear, but I could find sympathy for this lonely girl ghost. I did love how the ghost was written, it was at times terrifying. Seeing someone who looks like a friend, but is definitely not your friend, and then also see how the ghost can distort her face/appearance, yeah, nope nope nope. Oh, and did I mention the scene where Lilian see something float/crawl in the spaces between the walls? I was just NOPING so hard at that point. Like, HECK no. Throw those walls full of concrete. Let’s go.
I just love reading about the boarding school, about Shadowhall Academy and boy, again, I wish I could just pop in the book and be part of it all. Yes, there are elements that I am not a fan of (I mean, the drafts, the cold, the beds being not that comfortable and the food not always being good), but there are too many elements that I love. Life-long friendship. Midnight feasts. Fun classes. Boarding schools are often places in the middle of nowhere and there are visits to the village(s) near it. There are big libraries. I just want to go!!! And Shadowhall sounds just so gorgeous and fun.
I really loved our MC Lilian and see what makes her tick. See why she wanted to go to this boarding school. See her make friends with her roommates. I just love that she doesn’t give up on something once she sets her sights on it and tries to help her new friends the best she can.
The roommates/later to be friends. I liked Marian quite soon, Angela was OK, but Serena took me quite a long time before I liked her. That whole scene at the beginning with her saying THAT, claiming THAT, a big pass for me. But as the story continued I could see another Serena. I loved that we got to know each of the roommates a bit more as the story continued and I loved that Marian and Lillian got so close.
Something else that I love is that this one took place in 1987! Aka, the time before internet and phones. It just made things a bit more exciting. Not that these girls would have had WiFi at a place like this, but there is a possibility they had and it would just have made things too easy in my eyes. Now the girls had to really dig deep to figure out all the clues. They had to check artifacts from the school before it was a school, they had to go to the library to ask for books about stuff, there was just so much more unpredictability about it. You also just cannot just ask for help. If you are stuck, you are stuck and good luck with that. If you want a light in the dark you need flashlights (better have some good batteries around) or a candle (better hope the wind doesn’t snuff it out).
Bonus points to Mr. Bullen and how he reacted to this group of friends trying to solve the mystery. A lot of adults in books like this would stop the group, but I am happy that while he does try to keep them out of it (because of safety and some other small reasons) he also tries to help them and at times is there right at the most convenient time. I loved finding out more about him and his character.
I am definitely curious about what is next for our group of friends. What more mysteries lie hidden in this school? More ghosts? I hope so! I would highly recommend this book to everyone who loves MG + boarding school + ghosts!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
February 11, 2024
A prequel story to Aveline Jones that takes place years before the original trilogy when Aveline's aunt Lilian is just a girl herself and starts school in Shadowhall Academy. 🏰
Nice and creepy, just the way I like it!😍
Nice and creepy, just the way I like it!😍
July 13, 2024
This book was such a great book. It was scary but I never wanted to put it down🤣👍🏼
May 30, 2025
Shadowhall Academy. The Whispering Walls" by Phil Hickes
🖤What a spooky and chilling journey it was! As soon as I entered the gates of the mysterious Shadowhall Academy, I got enveloped in the creepy vibes of ghosts' secrets, riddles, and quests.
🖤The Plot: We follow a girl named Lilian Jones. She arrives at the Shadowhall Academy and finds out that the school is haunted. Together with her newly made friends, Lilian dives into investigating the series of strange events occurring at the Academy. Step by step, the girls discover the truth about the ghost stories. Moreover, they face a danger. But the team of fearless girls decides to take a risk and uncover all the darkest secrets.
🖤The Writing Style: I've read the trilogy about Aveline Jones by Phil Hickes and loved it so much. So, I dived into the new series without a single doubt and didn't regret a second. The ghost story is very cleverly written and kept me in suspense till the very end of this ghost story. It's dark and adventurous, illuminating and funny, spooky and chilling. It's written at lightning speed and is full of numerous twists and turns. Every single chapter is short and a big win that stimulates you to read non-stop till the end. I also truly adore how the author managed to include a slight thread of a detective element in this blood-freezing story. This book is a captivating, wise, deep, funny, and creepy ghost story with an atmospheric, cozy mystery, solid friendship, and an adorable sense of humor.
🖤The Characters: Phil Hickes succeeded in creating the characters that seemed so real. They looked more like real people than fictional characters to me. All of them were perfectly thought-out, vividly portrayed, and memorable. I'll live in the Academy and think about them long enough after finishing reading the book.
🖤The Fave Quote: "I'm not sure about the ghosts. But I do believe that bad or sad events can sometimes leave an imprint on a place."
👏🏻Would I read other books by this author: Can't wait!
✨My humble rating is: 5/5
🫶🏼I sincerely hope you'll enjoy reading "Shadowhall. The Whispering Walls" by Phil Hickes as much as I did.
🙏🏼Anyway, thank you so much for dropping by and reading this review.
📖Stay safe, take care, and happy reading.
🖤What a spooky and chilling journey it was! As soon as I entered the gates of the mysterious Shadowhall Academy, I got enveloped in the creepy vibes of ghosts' secrets, riddles, and quests.
🖤The Plot: We follow a girl named Lilian Jones. She arrives at the Shadowhall Academy and finds out that the school is haunted. Together with her newly made friends, Lilian dives into investigating the series of strange events occurring at the Academy. Step by step, the girls discover the truth about the ghost stories. Moreover, they face a danger. But the team of fearless girls decides to take a risk and uncover all the darkest secrets.
🖤The Writing Style: I've read the trilogy about Aveline Jones by Phil Hickes and loved it so much. So, I dived into the new series without a single doubt and didn't regret a second. The ghost story is very cleverly written and kept me in suspense till the very end of this ghost story. It's dark and adventurous, illuminating and funny, spooky and chilling. It's written at lightning speed and is full of numerous twists and turns. Every single chapter is short and a big win that stimulates you to read non-stop till the end. I also truly adore how the author managed to include a slight thread of a detective element in this blood-freezing story. This book is a captivating, wise, deep, funny, and creepy ghost story with an atmospheric, cozy mystery, solid friendship, and an adorable sense of humor.
🖤The Characters: Phil Hickes succeeded in creating the characters that seemed so real. They looked more like real people than fictional characters to me. All of them were perfectly thought-out, vividly portrayed, and memorable. I'll live in the Academy and think about them long enough after finishing reading the book.
🖤The Fave Quote: "I'm not sure about the ghosts. But I do believe that bad or sad events can sometimes leave an imprint on a place."
👏🏻Would I read other books by this author: Can't wait!
✨My humble rating is: 5/5
🫶🏼I sincerely hope you'll enjoy reading "Shadowhall. The Whispering Walls" by Phil Hickes as much as I did.
🙏🏼Anyway, thank you so much for dropping by and reading this review.
📖Stay safe, take care, and happy reading.
October 9, 2024
Absolutely wonderful! A very creepy, autumnal tale for spooky season. I loved Phil Hickes’s Aveline trilogy and this new novel lived up to my expectations! Hickes writes really fantastic middle grade ghost stories; reminds me in the best way of Mary Downing Hahn’s books. This one is technically a spin-off prequel of Aveline, but works equally as a stand-alone. Can’t wait for the next Shadowhall Academy book!!
April 2, 2024
4.5-75⭐️ creepy af. So atmospheric I may have regrets having read this home alone 😅🥲👀
July 23, 2024
Good story line, quick and easy read
March 31, 2025
I loved this and didn't want to put it down, full of atmosphere and rich descriptions, perfect for children and adults alike. Can't wait to jump into book two.
May 29, 2024
Incredible, outstanding, amazing. This is probably the best middle grade I’ve ever read. Lillian was so lovable but Angela was my girl omg I loved her. Can’t wait to read more
August 4, 2024
Phil Hickes never misses ❤️
July 19, 2025
Loved every single bit of this book.
It's lovely, spooky and highly entertaining.
Having read the author's previous books, I had no doubt this would be an enjoyable read, but I'm amazed all the same by how much I truly liked this story.
The characters are adorable, they each stand on their own, Lilian the protagonist is brave, empathetic and a true friend, even if she doesn't realize.
The setting is marvelously described, every detail mentioned builds the atmosphere and imagery. The building, the rooms even the food is described perfectly.
The plot and pacing are impecable. The ghost story was greatly done, with bits of information being revealed at the perfect time and with no lose ends.
This is the sort of book that's really easy to get into and very hard to put down. Every chapter captures the reader's attention until we reach the end and we are left wanting more of this amazing little world and all the character´s in it.
A charming read for all readers in search of a fun, spooky time.
It's lovely, spooky and highly entertaining.
Having read the author's previous books, I had no doubt this would be an enjoyable read, but I'm amazed all the same by how much I truly liked this story.
The characters are adorable, they each stand on their own, Lilian the protagonist is brave, empathetic and a true friend, even if she doesn't realize.
The setting is marvelously described, every detail mentioned builds the atmosphere and imagery. The building, the rooms even the food is described perfectly.
The plot and pacing are impecable. The ghost story was greatly done, with bits of information being revealed at the perfect time and with no lose ends.
This is the sort of book that's really easy to get into and very hard to put down. Every chapter captures the reader's attention until we reach the end and we are left wanting more of this amazing little world and all the character´s in it.
A charming read for all readers in search of a fun, spooky time.
January 1, 2024
Lilian is a first time boarder at Shadowhall Academy,interested in finding out more about the spooky goings on, and if there is anything to the ghost stories she’s been told by her room mates. When fellow room mate, Angela hears tapping through the wall near her bed, It's Lilian that opens up the panelling to find a little more than she bargained for. On a quest to uncover the truth and some of the history of Shadowhall, Lilian enlists the help of her friends (and, a little help from one of her teachers) to make some discoveries.
Set in the 1980's shadowhall Academy offers a nostalgic feel to adult readers (like me) who were raised during the time of Into the Groove (Madonna’s best era!?!?!?), and, when dad's pride and joy was his Ford escort. For younger readers, it offers a feel of Nevermoor or Hogwarts, with its dark hallways, dusty Library, school dining hall and eccentric teachers.
Written in Phil Hickes’s brilliant style you can't help but be captured by the ghostly tale and the intrigue to keep reading on at the end of each chapter. As a fan of Phil's ‘Aveline Jones' series this book didn't disappoint and I can't wait to find out what Lilian gets up to in future terms at Shadowhall Academy.
Thank you to Net Galley and Usborne for the opportunity to read Shadowhall Academy: The Whispering Walls prior to its release.
Set in the 1980's shadowhall Academy offers a nostalgic feel to adult readers (like me) who were raised during the time of Into the Groove (Madonna’s best era!?!?!?), and, when dad's pride and joy was his Ford escort. For younger readers, it offers a feel of Nevermoor or Hogwarts, with its dark hallways, dusty Library, school dining hall and eccentric teachers.
Written in Phil Hickes’s brilliant style you can't help but be captured by the ghostly tale and the intrigue to keep reading on at the end of each chapter. As a fan of Phil's ‘Aveline Jones' series this book didn't disappoint and I can't wait to find out what Lilian gets up to in future terms at Shadowhall Academy.
Thank you to Net Galley and Usborne for the opportunity to read Shadowhall Academy: The Whispering Walls prior to its release.
October 29, 2024
Personal Rating: 4/5 Stars
Objective Rating: 3.75/5 Stars
Content/Trigger Warnings for Intended Age Group: Discussions of death, Scary imagery, Reference to possible suicide, Mildly descriptive discussions of how someone died
"Ghosts don't care what you think, Lilian. They believe in you."
I read the entire Aveline Jones trilogy in October 2023, and even though my ratings for it went up and down, I really did enjoy it. So when I saw this new story by Phil Hickes in my bookstore earlier this year, I snatched it up and waited for October. Which, naturally, is the perfect time to read this. I wasn't completely sure what to expect, except I knew that no matter what I would enjoy whatever ghost story was told.
So, how was it?
Criticism
Too Short
The shorter book format fit well with Aveline Jones because we primarily dealt with one character and whatever was going on with her. It was easy to focus on one character and her adventures. It's much more difficult to focus on a group of characters working together, each with their own personalities and fears, and still lay the foundation for the plot, in a shorter format. This story needed at least 50 more pages for the reader to really soak in the creepy atmosphere, and for the haunted aspect to really hit its mark. I would have thought so even when I was 12.
Not Enough Atmosphere
I know, I know, it's never a good idea to compare an author's work to their previous ones. But what I really loved about the Aveline Jones series, particularly the first book, is how the author slowly built up the creepy atmosphere. There's not really a lot of buildup here, or if there is it's so subtle you don't feel or, at times, so obvious it's like being hit with a hammer. Again, extending the length would have improved this, because the author would have had more time to build up that atmosphere. Maybe it's just me, but this wasn't quite as spooky as I wanted it to be.
Praise
The Friendships
This book uses what I've taken to calling the Winx Club (the cartoon) effect: females becoming friends without any cattiness. I absolutely loved that we have these four different girls who become close so quickly, with pretty much no real cattiness or tension between them. In a world where the media is STILL trying to push the idea that women can't be friends without fighting, it's so nice to see a male author going to the other end. I loved watching these four worry about and support each other, no matter how different they are, and it makes me look forward to the next book.
The Writing
My criticisms aside, Hickes does have a very readable writing style that serves the ghost stories he tends to write really well. It's simple, until it gets to particular scenes and then every word is carefully chosen. There were some beautiful descriptions of the scenery, some actually creepy scenes (just not enough), and some more heartwarming scenes. It's an easy to read book that has some bite to it when it needs it.
The Plot
Despite it not quite being what I was expecting, I really did like the plots twists and turns and how it unraveled. Hickes can tell some really good ghost stories, and while I wouldn't say this is the best one, it's still an interesting one.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this was a bit of what I can expect from Phil Hickes. It's not as good as I wanted it to be, but it was still a really fun read and I loved the setting and all our characters. If you enjoyed the Aveline Jones trilogy, or you just want a middle grade ghost story, this is a pretty good one to pick up.
Objective Rating: 3.75/5 Stars
Content/Trigger Warnings for Intended Age Group: Discussions of death, Scary imagery, Reference to possible suicide, Mildly descriptive discussions of how someone died
"Ghosts don't care what you think, Lilian. They believe in you."
I read the entire Aveline Jones trilogy in October 2023, and even though my ratings for it went up and down, I really did enjoy it. So when I saw this new story by Phil Hickes in my bookstore earlier this year, I snatched it up and waited for October. Which, naturally, is the perfect time to read this. I wasn't completely sure what to expect, except I knew that no matter what I would enjoy whatever ghost story was told.
So, how was it?
Criticism
Too Short
The shorter book format fit well with Aveline Jones because we primarily dealt with one character and whatever was going on with her. It was easy to focus on one character and her adventures. It's much more difficult to focus on a group of characters working together, each with their own personalities and fears, and still lay the foundation for the plot, in a shorter format. This story needed at least 50 more pages for the reader to really soak in the creepy atmosphere, and for the haunted aspect to really hit its mark. I would have thought so even when I was 12.
Not Enough Atmosphere
I know, I know, it's never a good idea to compare an author's work to their previous ones. But what I really loved about the Aveline Jones series, particularly the first book, is how the author slowly built up the creepy atmosphere. There's not really a lot of buildup here, or if there is it's so subtle you don't feel or, at times, so obvious it's like being hit with a hammer. Again, extending the length would have improved this, because the author would have had more time to build up that atmosphere. Maybe it's just me, but this wasn't quite as spooky as I wanted it to be.
Praise
The Friendships
This book uses what I've taken to calling the Winx Club (the cartoon) effect: females becoming friends without any cattiness. I absolutely loved that we have these four different girls who become close so quickly, with pretty much no real cattiness or tension between them. In a world where the media is STILL trying to push the idea that women can't be friends without fighting, it's so nice to see a male author going to the other end. I loved watching these four worry about and support each other, no matter how different they are, and it makes me look forward to the next book.
The Writing
My criticisms aside, Hickes does have a very readable writing style that serves the ghost stories he tends to write really well. It's simple, until it gets to particular scenes and then every word is carefully chosen. There were some beautiful descriptions of the scenery, some actually creepy scenes (just not enough), and some more heartwarming scenes. It's an easy to read book that has some bite to it when it needs it.
The Plot
Despite it not quite being what I was expecting, I really did like the plots twists and turns and how it unraveled. Hickes can tell some really good ghost stories, and while I wouldn't say this is the best one, it's still an interesting one.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this was a bit of what I can expect from Phil Hickes. It's not as good as I wanted it to be, but it was still a really fun read and I loved the setting and all our characters. If you enjoyed the Aveline Jones trilogy, or you just want a middle grade ghost story, this is a pretty good one to pick up.
February 2, 2024
We know right off the bat that Lilian Jones is going to be someone special. She needs to leave her friends behind to attend Shadowhall Academy, a boarding school that’s perpetually cold. Not only that, her single suitcase cannot hold her entire collection of perfectly organised seashells, marbles and books, so they need to remain in her bedroom.
Her attic bedroom! I spent my childhood dreaming of an attic bedroom and, had my dream become reality, you would have had to drag me from it kicking and screaming.
Lilian shares a dormitory with three other girls: Marian (Maz), Serena and Angela. Let’s hope they don’t need much sleep because on the very first night, the two newbies hear tapping on the wall.
I’ve been waiting to read this book for months and it was even better than I was expecting. I loved the characters and want to spend more time with all of them, particularly Mr Bullen, who fascinated me. I enjoyed solving the mystery alongside Lilian and her new friends. I need to explore Shadowhall Academy and uncover some more of its secrets.
Phil Hickes and Keith Robinson really are the dream team. Phil introduces me to loveable characters and places them in spooky situations. Keith somehow manages to capture both the heart of the characters and the creepy of the atmosphere. My only disappointment with this book was the fact that I didn’t get the opportunity to enjoy more of Keith’s artwork.
I’m wondering why Lilian’s mother didn’t drop her off at Shadowhall with her father and younger sister. Her absence intrigued me so I’d like to learn more about her.
This is England in the 1980’s and it was refreshing to spend some time in the pre-internet world. Adult me devoured this book and cannot wait to return to Shadowhall. Kid me would have read some of it through my fingers.
I dare say this is Phil Hickes’ best book yet, but please don’t tell Aveline I said that because I adore her. Speaking of Aveline, I was puzzling over the fact that Lilian shares a surname with her. I may have let out a teensy bit of a scream when I finally connected the dots. Lilian is Aveline’s aunt!!! That has made my day! It’s also made me want to reread the Aveline Jones books.
Welcome to Shadowhall Academy. Come for the architecture and the spooky. BYO tea, biscuits and heater. I really hope we get to return there soon.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
Her attic bedroom! I spent my childhood dreaming of an attic bedroom and, had my dream become reality, you would have had to drag me from it kicking and screaming.
She’d always wanted to go somewhere exciting and different - well, here was her chance.When Lilian arrives at Shadowhall, she’s greeted by wrought-iron gates, a two-headed gargoyle, Gothic turrets and Ms Strange, Shadowhall Academy’s headmistress. I don’t know about you but it’s feeling pretty ominous already…
Lilian shares a dormitory with three other girls: Marian (Maz), Serena and Angela. Let’s hope they don’t need much sleep because on the very first night, the two newbies hear tapping on the wall.
“Probably just the pipes, or maybe a mouse or something,” Lilian said. “You know what it’s like in these old buildings.”A likely story… Shadowhall Academy has a long history, though, and there’s every possibility that it’s haunted.
I’ve been waiting to read this book for months and it was even better than I was expecting. I loved the characters and want to spend more time with all of them, particularly Mr Bullen, who fascinated me. I enjoyed solving the mystery alongside Lilian and her new friends. I need to explore Shadowhall Academy and uncover some more of its secrets.
Phil Hickes and Keith Robinson really are the dream team. Phil introduces me to loveable characters and places them in spooky situations. Keith somehow manages to capture both the heart of the characters and the creepy of the atmosphere. My only disappointment with this book was the fact that I didn’t get the opportunity to enjoy more of Keith’s artwork.
I’m wondering why Lilian’s mother didn’t drop her off at Shadowhall with her father and younger sister. Her absence intrigued me so I’d like to learn more about her.
This is England in the 1980’s and it was refreshing to spend some time in the pre-internet world. Adult me devoured this book and cannot wait to return to Shadowhall. Kid me would have read some of it through my fingers.
I dare say this is Phil Hickes’ best book yet, but please don’t tell Aveline I said that because I adore her. Speaking of Aveline, I was puzzling over the fact that Lilian shares a surname with her. I may have let out a teensy bit of a scream when I finally connected the dots. Lilian is Aveline’s aunt!!! That has made my day! It’s also made me want to reread the Aveline Jones books.
Welcome to Shadowhall Academy. Come for the architecture and the spooky. BYO tea, biscuits and heater. I really hope we get to return there soon.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
February 6, 2026
Lilian is starting a new school, a boarding school built in an old manor. The place is full of secrets and on the first night there strange things start to happen. Lilian, her curious observant mind and her three new friends have a big spooky mystery to solve.
Creepy eerie and chilling, I had the chills through my entire body reading this book. I loved every second of this book, I was gripped into the haunted old gothic building that is turned to a boarding school for girls. The setting really helps set the mood of what this school was going to be like for Lilian.
The characters were great, I loved how each of their personalities were different and how they all connected to each other instantly. I loved how they helped each other and pushed each other to do more. Even when one girl was hesitant the other would help do something. You could see the connection from them all quickly and it grew and got better, which I loved.
The ghost story itself was so creepy I loved it so much. All the stories that were being told, the hidden areas, the extra secrets that got unlocked throughout. I loved the twists within the mystery too. But the ghost seriously was so creepy I got the chills a few times reading it, I could feel her round me just reading.
I had the best time reading this, it was so gripping, so eerie, so creepy, had an incredible friendship group and a really detailed haunted mystery. I love this authors work, he knows exactly how to get you with his storytelling. I highly recommend reading his books.
Creepy eerie and chilling, I had the chills through my entire body reading this book. I loved every second of this book, I was gripped into the haunted old gothic building that is turned to a boarding school for girls. The setting really helps set the mood of what this school was going to be like for Lilian.
The characters were great, I loved how each of their personalities were different and how they all connected to each other instantly. I loved how they helped each other and pushed each other to do more. Even when one girl was hesitant the other would help do something. You could see the connection from them all quickly and it grew and got better, which I loved.
The ghost story itself was so creepy I loved it so much. All the stories that were being told, the hidden areas, the extra secrets that got unlocked throughout. I loved the twists within the mystery too. But the ghost seriously was so creepy I got the chills a few times reading it, I could feel her round me just reading.
I had the best time reading this, it was so gripping, so eerie, so creepy, had an incredible friendship group and a really detailed haunted mystery. I love this authors work, he knows exactly how to get you with his storytelling. I highly recommend reading his books.
January 27, 2024
Surprisingly enjoyable boarding school-set chiller. I say surprising because so much of it seemed at first to be promising not much – new girl at boarding school she regrets being chosen for her, mysterious building on mysterious island in middle of mysterious lake in school grounds, usual antagonism amongst the girls in her dorm for want of better narrative drive… But the antagonism is soon seen to vanish, the whole school experience is evoked very well and snappily, and the spooky side of things is done a lot fresher and better than most.
OK, it's not perfect – we would have been better served with greater descriptions of the lake's island's building, and the size of the wall cavity would have helped us picture it, but we do have the imagination, and that's nicely played with by dodgy adults, mystery knocks, and a growing catalogue of cases of intrigue. This seeming on the short side does make you fear not getting to the conclusion by the time the pages run out, but we certainly have a self-contained drama here and the herald of a fine series to come. The last mystery to mention is the first – the fact this was set in the mid-1980s, and we have no clue as to why… I have seen bolder young horrors, but this was still a fine one – a strong four stars.
OK, it's not perfect – we would have been better served with greater descriptions of the lake's island's building, and the size of the wall cavity would have helped us picture it, but we do have the imagination, and that's nicely played with by dodgy adults, mystery knocks, and a growing catalogue of cases of intrigue. This seeming on the short side does make you fear not getting to the conclusion by the time the pages run out, but we certainly have a self-contained drama here and the herald of a fine series to come. The last mystery to mention is the first – the fact this was set in the mid-1980s, and we have no clue as to why… I have seen bolder young horrors, but this was still a fine one – a strong four stars.
May 30, 2025
A new spooky book from the same author who brought us the fantastic Aveline Jones series, Shadowhall Academy follows Lilian Jones as she starts a new school full of strict rules, terrible food, and … ghosts! 👻
What a delightful story! 😍 I am a complete sucker for a girls school setting, so I knew this would be a comfort read. The four girls who share a dorm are the kind of friends you want to have in life, each with their different qualities and I quickly routed for them all! ☺️
The story kicks off with a mysterious tapping on the walls, with unsettling tales of missing students and rumours that the school is haunted. ☠️ Piece by piece Lilian learns that before the victims disappear they are seen with an individual identical to themselves. 😈 And when it seems that the ghost has set its sights on one of Lilian’s new friends, she is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery before it’s too late. 🪦
There are some wonderful eerie moments and spooky scenes that perfectly push the boundaries of middle grade horror. 🩸 I feel like there’s a whole load of potential with this as a series, and I hope to read from one of the other girls perspectives in the sequels! 🙂
If you haven’t picked up this book, or the Aveline Jones spooky series, I highly recommend you do!
🍪🍪🍪🍪
November 18, 2023
This was awesome!!!! The spooky vibes were spot on and the expertly crafted story has you so invested and eager to explore with our gang: Serena, Angela, Lilian and Marian. With spooky happenings, the whisperings of ghosts and history to the school which will have you excitably spooked!
Lilian moves to a new boarding school and with it, accompanies the worries of making new friends, will she settle in and can she make her parents proud? But it doesn’t just stop there, there may be ghoulish dangers lurking within the walls…
It was super entertaining and a brilliant children’s book (And for adults. I am not a child and I thoroughly enjoyed). The writing was fab and a really well created horror (without being too wet your pants scary). I couldn’t have put this book down if I tried and was immersed from the start. Perfect for Halloween or for anytime throughout the year when you want a little light fright! I could endlessly read books in this series and look forward to Phil Hickes future books!
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
Lilian moves to a new boarding school and with it, accompanies the worries of making new friends, will she settle in and can she make her parents proud? But it doesn’t just stop there, there may be ghoulish dangers lurking within the walls…
It was super entertaining and a brilliant children’s book (And for adults. I am not a child and I thoroughly enjoyed). The writing was fab and a really well created horror (without being too wet your pants scary). I couldn’t have put this book down if I tried and was immersed from the start. Perfect for Halloween or for anytime throughout the year when you want a little light fright! I could endlessly read books in this series and look forward to Phil Hickes future books!
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
May 4, 2024
I love spooky books, especially ones with ghosts in it and Shadowhall Academy was the perfect bone chilling story to read in a cold night surrounded by blankets
Lilian is the new student of Shadowhall Academy, a boarding school rumored to be haunted, and right on her first day she got prove of it when a weird knocking on the wall wakes her up in the middle of the night, with the help of her three roommates, Lilian starts to investigate the creepy story of the Academy and the supposed ghosts that haunted it.
I loved the dynamic between Lilian and her roommates, I always enjoy a story with strong friendship and the author was able to do it with perfection.
The plot was amazingly spooky, honestly there were times I had to stop reading it because I was getting a bit too scared but that just made me love this book even more.
I think it’s going to be a series and I’m excited about the next story.
Thanks Netgalley and Usborne Publishing for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review
Lilian is the new student of Shadowhall Academy, a boarding school rumored to be haunted, and right on her first day she got prove of it when a weird knocking on the wall wakes her up in the middle of the night, with the help of her three roommates, Lilian starts to investigate the creepy story of the Academy and the supposed ghosts that haunted it.
I loved the dynamic between Lilian and her roommates, I always enjoy a story with strong friendship and the author was able to do it with perfection.
The plot was amazingly spooky, honestly there were times I had to stop reading it because I was getting a bit too scared but that just made me love this book even more.
I think it’s going to be a series and I’m excited about the next story.
Thanks Netgalley and Usborne Publishing for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review
January 19, 2024
Im a massive fan of middlegrade horror and already had my eye on this author's work when I purchased The Haunting of Aveline Jones last year. Suitable for adults or children alike, this is definitely a spooky book but still quite tame in my opinion.
The old, isolated boarding school setting was very immersive and it had that cosy rainy vibe to it that I love. The school has a ghost story with a deadly twist that has the girls desperate to find answers before its too late.
The book itself is quite short, just short of 200 pages. it reads very fast and that was what I liked best about it, it got to the point and didn't have any needless things you might expect in a school setting such as bullying (which I hate in books). It stuck to telling you about the ghost story and the friendship of the four girls trying to solve the schools mystery.
Thank you to #Netgalley for an ARC of this book!
The old, isolated boarding school setting was very immersive and it had that cosy rainy vibe to it that I love. The school has a ghost story with a deadly twist that has the girls desperate to find answers before its too late.
The book itself is quite short, just short of 200 pages. it reads very fast and that was what I liked best about it, it got to the point and didn't have any needless things you might expect in a school setting such as bullying (which I hate in books). It stuck to telling you about the ghost story and the friendship of the four girls trying to solve the schools mystery.
Thank you to #Netgalley for an ARC of this book!
February 20, 2024
OK, so let's start off by saying I loved the Aveline Jones books. They were so well written, so creepy and eerie, so of course, I was excited to find out about Shadowhall Academy!
🔦
So let's get into it! The book I'd set in 1987 (a fine year, if I say so myself! ) and Lillian Jones is starting all fresh at Shadowhall Academy boarding school, with three roommates. During the night, knocking can be heard through the wall in their room. It's just mice, right? It couldn't be the ghost of Cold Mary, surely....
🔦
As the girls investigate more, they discover the secrets of the building, secret passageways, ghosts, strengthen their friendship, and work out the noises from their wall.
🔦
As previously mentioned, I loved Aveline Jones and with a bit of detective work (it's probably common knowledge that I've overlooked 🤣). I'm assuming this Lillian is Avelines Aunt Lillian from the series.
This book was creepy, spooky, eerie, and felt like if you mixed goosebumps with the famous five, two of my favourite things, do of course I was happy! It was definitely a book I kept saying "just one more chapter " until, sadly, the book ended. Though I'm so excited for the next installment!
🔦
If you're like me and are a fan of boarding school mysteries, something spooky, and a fun friendship along the way, I'd highly recommend this book!
🔦
🔦
So let's get into it! The book I'd set in 1987 (a fine year, if I say so myself! ) and Lillian Jones is starting all fresh at Shadowhall Academy boarding school, with three roommates. During the night, knocking can be heard through the wall in their room. It's just mice, right? It couldn't be the ghost of Cold Mary, surely....
🔦
As the girls investigate more, they discover the secrets of the building, secret passageways, ghosts, strengthen their friendship, and work out the noises from their wall.
🔦
As previously mentioned, I loved Aveline Jones and with a bit of detective work (it's probably common knowledge that I've overlooked 🤣). I'm assuming this Lillian is Avelines Aunt Lillian from the series.
This book was creepy, spooky, eerie, and felt like if you mixed goosebumps with the famous five, two of my favourite things, do of course I was happy! It was definitely a book I kept saying "just one more chapter " until, sadly, the book ended. Though I'm so excited for the next installment!
🔦
If you're like me and are a fan of boarding school mysteries, something spooky, and a fun friendship along the way, I'd highly recommend this book!
🔦
November 25, 2024
This was a fabulous read. Phil Hickes is brilliant at writing atmospheric and creepy stories that are still suitable for my youngest students (and readers like me who don't want to give themselves too many nightmares). I also like that this book is just over 200 pages and maybe around 40k words. This makes it more appealing to quite a few of my students who are put off by long books.
I enjoyed the fact that the main character is the future Aunt Lillian from the Aveline Jones series. It also meant that this book is set in the 1980's, which I think is a nice twist on the idea of schoolgirl detectives set in the past.
I also enjoyed trying to figure out what exactly was going on and I liked that I was kept guessing to the last. I felt the horror the characters did as they both experienced and learned about events from the past.
A great book that I will be recommending and am looking forward to the sequel.
I enjoyed the fact that the main character is the future Aunt Lillian from the Aveline Jones series. It also meant that this book is set in the 1980's, which I think is a nice twist on the idea of schoolgirl detectives set in the past.
I also enjoyed trying to figure out what exactly was going on and I liked that I was kept guessing to the last. I felt the horror the characters did as they both experienced and learned about events from the past.
A great book that I will be recommending and am looking forward to the sequel.
December 18, 2023
Honestly could not put this book down - well apart from the part when there were noises in the walls and it was windy outside - waited till the morning to read on!! Phil Hickes is an absolute master of spooky thrillers perfect for age 9 upwards.
Lilian Jones starts at boarding school and meets new friends, but soon learns about the dark past of Shadowhall Academy. But is she right to believe the ghost stories? And are the tales of missing students actually true. When she starts seeing mystery figures she has to investigate and Lilian and her dorm mates get to the bottom of what is actually happening.
A brilliant read and lots of children really love tense, spooky first thrillers so this will be a big hit.
Lilian Jones starts at boarding school and meets new friends, but soon learns about the dark past of Shadowhall Academy. But is she right to believe the ghost stories? And are the tales of missing students actually true. When she starts seeing mystery figures she has to investigate and Lilian and her dorm mates get to the bottom of what is actually happening.
A brilliant read and lots of children really love tense, spooky first thrillers so this will be a big hit.
February 19, 2024
A beautifully paced boarding school spinechiller.
Lilian’s first night at Shadowhall Academy is disturbed by strange sounds in the walls at night. As things get increasingly creepy, Lilian and the three other girls in her dorm form a close bond. Stories of hauntings and missing students are just the start. Is Ms Strange hiding something? What is Mr Bullen doing in the cellar?
This seriously spooky mystery is built around friendships and family and the fact that no one is quite what they seem. I love the dynamic between the girls who are all fiercely individual and yet pull together as a team. The mystery itself is also cleverly done with lots of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing.
Lilian’s first night at Shadowhall Academy is disturbed by strange sounds in the walls at night. As things get increasingly creepy, Lilian and the three other girls in her dorm form a close bond. Stories of hauntings and missing students are just the start. Is Ms Strange hiding something? What is Mr Bullen doing in the cellar?
This seriously spooky mystery is built around friendships and family and the fact that no one is quite what they seem. I love the dynamic between the girls who are all fiercely individual and yet pull together as a team. The mystery itself is also cleverly done with lots of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing.
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