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Spooksmiths Investigate: The Cinderman
"Spine-chilling terror and laughs on every page." S.J. Wills, author of Bite Risk
Discover a brilliantly spooky new horror-mystery series for fans of Dread Wood, Goosebumps and Aveline Jones...
Indigo and Rusty might live in a funeral parlour, but they don't believe in ghosts. That is, until Indigo drops an old urn, accidentally releasing the Cinderman: a terrifying ash monster, who will smother their town in ashes and turn everyone into zombies, unless they can stop him by sunset.
Using their newly awakened Spooksmith skills, Indigo and Rusty set out to enlist the help of other ghosts. But can the Blasted Banshee and Chuckles the Phantom Toddler really help them find the Cinderman's true name and put him in his grave for good before Ashmageddon strikes?
Discover a brilliantly spooky new horror-mystery series for fans of Dread Wood, Goosebumps and Aveline Jones...
Indigo and Rusty might live in a funeral parlour, but they don't believe in ghosts. That is, until Indigo drops an old urn, accidentally releasing the Cinderman: a terrifying ash monster, who will smother their town in ashes and turn everyone into zombies, unless they can stop him by sunset.
Using their newly awakened Spooksmith skills, Indigo and Rusty set out to enlist the help of other ghosts. But can the Blasted Banshee and Chuckles the Phantom Toddler really help them find the Cinderman's true name and put him in his grave for good before Ashmageddon strikes?
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2024
2 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 3, 2024
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Kaleidoscopic book tours.
Spooksmiths Investigate: The Cinderman is a compelling and unputdownable middle grade read about twin siblings who live in a funeral parlour. Rusty and Indigo may live in a place where the dead are kept, but they certainly don't believe in ghosts. That is until Indigo accidentally breaks an urn, which releases a spirit called The Cinderman. The Cinderman wants to destroy their town by covering the living with ashes and turning them into zombies, and Rusty and Indigo have the fight of their lives to stop him and save the town.
This was the perfect level of spookiness and creepiness for the audience it is aimed at, and I can just feel how drawn to it children will be.
To consider that this book is a debut by the author is amazing as it's so well worded, built, and delivered, and I can't wait to read book two.
Spooksmiths Investigate: The Cinderman is a compelling and unputdownable middle grade read about twin siblings who live in a funeral parlour. Rusty and Indigo may live in a place where the dead are kept, but they certainly don't believe in ghosts. That is until Indigo accidentally breaks an urn, which releases a spirit called The Cinderman. The Cinderman wants to destroy their town by covering the living with ashes and turning them into zombies, and Rusty and Indigo have the fight of their lives to stop him and save the town.
This was the perfect level of spookiness and creepiness for the audience it is aimed at, and I can just feel how drawn to it children will be.
To consider that this book is a debut by the author is amazing as it's so well worded, built, and delivered, and I can't wait to read book two.
August 7, 2024
There are three important things to know about this book.
1- It’s a debut book
2- It’s the first book of a series.
3- It’s in my top 2 favourite books of 2024.
Oh and 4 it’s a brillant, marvellous, fantastic read.
Indigo and Rusty might live in a funeral parlour, but they don't believe in ghosts. That is, until Indigo drops an old urn, accidentally releasing the Cinderman: a terrifying ash monster, who will smother their town in ashes and turn everyone into zombies, unless they can stop him by sunset.
What an amazing setting for a book, so we already know that this is going to have the right amount of spook. A Spooksmith are unique people who have the ability to see/hear and speak to ghosts. We also learn there are different grades of ghosts such as a grade 1 ghost who can’t leave the place they died.
Using their newly awakened Spooksmith skills, Indigo and Rusty set out to enlist the help of other ghosts. But can the Blasted Banshee and Chuckles the Phantom Toddler really help them find the Cinderman's true name and put him in his grave for good before Ashmageddon strikes?
Can the twins, and a misfit bunch of ghosts really work together to save anyone, and is there anyone who can help The Cinderman.
This is such a great story and there are going to be so many children that will want to read this book.
We have a couple of side stories going on as well. Indigo is jealous of a new girl at school and is worried that she will lose her best friend. Rusty is game obsessed and they are both in mourning the loss of their grandad.
But the scenes with the ghosts are the best, and I adore how different all the ghosts are.
More and more primary aged children are looking for a scare in a storyline and this is perfect for these children.
I can’t wait to see what happens next, I just hope the wait isn’t too long.
1- It’s a debut book
2- It’s the first book of a series.
3- It’s in my top 2 favourite books of 2024.
Oh and 4 it’s a brillant, marvellous, fantastic read.
Indigo and Rusty might live in a funeral parlour, but they don't believe in ghosts. That is, until Indigo drops an old urn, accidentally releasing the Cinderman: a terrifying ash monster, who will smother their town in ashes and turn everyone into zombies, unless they can stop him by sunset.
What an amazing setting for a book, so we already know that this is going to have the right amount of spook. A Spooksmith are unique people who have the ability to see/hear and speak to ghosts. We also learn there are different grades of ghosts such as a grade 1 ghost who can’t leave the place they died.
Using their newly awakened Spooksmith skills, Indigo and Rusty set out to enlist the help of other ghosts. But can the Blasted Banshee and Chuckles the Phantom Toddler really help them find the Cinderman's true name and put him in his grave for good before Ashmageddon strikes?
Can the twins, and a misfit bunch of ghosts really work together to save anyone, and is there anyone who can help The Cinderman.
This is such a great story and there are going to be so many children that will want to read this book.
We have a couple of side stories going on as well. Indigo is jealous of a new girl at school and is worried that she will lose her best friend. Rusty is game obsessed and they are both in mourning the loss of their grandad.
But the scenes with the ghosts are the best, and I adore how different all the ghosts are.
More and more primary aged children are looking for a scare in a storyline and this is perfect for these children.
I can’t wait to see what happens next, I just hope the wait isn’t too long.
December 20, 2024
Lots of fun, very atmospheric, really well written. Recommended for any time of year!
September 30, 2025
Oeeeh really liked this spooky and action filled book! For sure gonna read the next book!👻
June 20, 2024
This is first class - genuinely scary and genuinely funny, Alex Atkinson writes like she’s breathing; it’s so easy to gobble up the book in one sitting. Indigo and Rusty are cracking heroes and I’d follow them anywhere! If you like Lockwood and Co - read this now!!
October 18, 2024
Wasn’t amazing but wasn’t awful. I found I loved the beginning and how it started to reveal the mystery. I loved meeting the other ghosts and the extra dimension they gave. I just found that the bit where they had to fight cjnderman seemed to drag a little.
November 23, 2024
People are grieving where Indigo's family lives. But that's nothing new, seeing as how it's a funeral parlour and family home combined. No, Indigo's grandfather has passed away, and her father who's inherited the business is thinking of that and that alone, the mother is becoming a counsellor and Indigo's twin brother is an annoying pest, allegedly, so Indigo is finding succour in badger-hunting with her best friend. But even that shows signs of failure, and she can't even get her latest news across to him. For she's just randomly found a secret passage in the funeral home, and in the black depths of whatever is beneath it, she's found – and potentially released – something most unearthly. Something with the power to change the whole morbid town above forever...
Also with a power, and unaware of it, is Indigo – and her brother, Rusty, as it happens. For yes, this is yet another book where a girl has to discover her powered destiny. But still, it's one of the better ones, and by far – it all reads with a freshness, and with a stonking narrative drive. These pages turn themselves over with great haste, forcing you to plough on with the story and enjoy every relishable moment. There certainly is not the draggy section of inferior reads where the girl is told how and why the universe works and what her part in it is supposed to be – this is here, but generally we see character revealed through action, plot conveyed with event and not exposition.
It all makes for a fabulous read – and one that borders on the dark fantasy side of things, if not quite reaching into the world of junior horror. It would still make for a great read come each Hallowe'en – and even though the biggest surprise was the puff quotes all mentioning laughs, when it was never really funny to me, this was a book that heralded a series seemingly able to generate exactly what effect it wanted. A most promising young read, and probably a four and a half star achievement. A fine debut.
Also with a power, and unaware of it, is Indigo – and her brother, Rusty, as it happens. For yes, this is yet another book where a girl has to discover her powered destiny. But still, it's one of the better ones, and by far – it all reads with a freshness, and with a stonking narrative drive. These pages turn themselves over with great haste, forcing you to plough on with the story and enjoy every relishable moment. There certainly is not the draggy section of inferior reads where the girl is told how and why the universe works and what her part in it is supposed to be – this is here, but generally we see character revealed through action, plot conveyed with event and not exposition.
It all makes for a fabulous read – and one that borders on the dark fantasy side of things, if not quite reaching into the world of junior horror. It would still make for a great read come each Hallowe'en – and even though the biggest surprise was the puff quotes all mentioning laughs, when it was never really funny to me, this was a book that heralded a series seemingly able to generate exactly what effect it wanted. A most promising young read, and probably a four and a half star achievement. A fine debut.
February 27, 2025
A delightfully spooky story that your children won’t be able to put down!
This brilliantly written book is perfectly pitched for the age group and will have children on the edge of their seats whilst they zip through the pages, desperate to see whether all ends well. The writing draws you so deeply into the story that you can imagine yourself living it… but would YOU be brave enough to take on the Cinderman?
The scene is set perfectly from the very first sentences, and the storyline grips you from the off. The relationship that evolves between the twins, Indigo and Rusty, is truly delightful, and typical of how siblings can be drawn closer together when tasked with a common goal. The supporting cast of characters is superb, too… including all of the ghosts!
If your child is looking for a creepy fast-paced story that’s infused with humour, then this is definitely one for them. As Indigo and Rusty race against time to save the town, you’ll find yourself racing through the pages to reach the end – at which point, you’ll realise you’ve been holding your breath the whole time.
I’m thrilled to hear there will be more books in the series, and I’ll certainly be looking out for them!
This brilliantly written book is perfectly pitched for the age group and will have children on the edge of their seats whilst they zip through the pages, desperate to see whether all ends well. The writing draws you so deeply into the story that you can imagine yourself living it… but would YOU be brave enough to take on the Cinderman?
The scene is set perfectly from the very first sentences, and the storyline grips you from the off. The relationship that evolves between the twins, Indigo and Rusty, is truly delightful, and typical of how siblings can be drawn closer together when tasked with a common goal. The supporting cast of characters is superb, too… including all of the ghosts!
If your child is looking for a creepy fast-paced story that’s infused with humour, then this is definitely one for them. As Indigo and Rusty race against time to save the town, you’ll find yourself racing through the pages to reach the end – at which point, you’ll realise you’ve been holding your breath the whole time.
I’m thrilled to hear there will be more books in the series, and I’ll certainly be looking out for them!
October 24, 2024
When I say this is an incredible book, I mean it is an INCREDIBLE book and I can't believe that this is a debut.
The story follows Indigo and Rusty who live in a funeral parlour, which to some may be creepy but not this dynamic duo because they don't believe in ghosts, at least they didn't until Indigo accidentally drops an urn which unleashes the Cinderman. Cinderman is a terrifying monster made up of ashes whose purpose is to cover the town in ashes and turn everyone into Zombies, unless of course Indigo and Rusty can stop him before sunset.
The book is so well written with a compelling story line that gripped me right from the start and really absorbed me into the story, if I could have dived into the pages I would have. The characters are really well developed and I loved our dynamic twin duo.
I also loved the setting and it had just the right amount of spookiness for the age group it is marketed at too.
I think kids and adults alike will love this book and I cant wait to read more by the author
The story follows Indigo and Rusty who live in a funeral parlour, which to some may be creepy but not this dynamic duo because they don't believe in ghosts, at least they didn't until Indigo accidentally drops an urn which unleashes the Cinderman. Cinderman is a terrifying monster made up of ashes whose purpose is to cover the town in ashes and turn everyone into Zombies, unless of course Indigo and Rusty can stop him before sunset.
The book is so well written with a compelling story line that gripped me right from the start and really absorbed me into the story, if I could have dived into the pages I would have. The characters are really well developed and I loved our dynamic twin duo.
I also loved the setting and it had just the right amount of spookiness for the age group it is marketed at too.
I think kids and adults alike will love this book and I cant wait to read more by the author
October 25, 2024
Despite living in the creepiest town ever (Greyscar) and creepiest street (Deadman's Drive) in an actual funeral home, Indigo still doesn't believe in the supernatural. Even ghostly whispers can be mostly ignored. It takes the whole town covered in ash to finally convince her that something is not normal!
Here is a monster so terrifying that even the banshee is afraid of it. The most chilling thing is how everyone just carries on, as if they're all in a trance and only Indigo seems to really notice how strange it is. Luckily not all ghosts are so scary and the other ones in this book might try to be spooky but they're actually pretty funny.
Phrank the pheasant is probably the star of the show. I don't know what anyone would do without him. The ending might have been very different if he wasn't around.
I was intrigued by the hints about the relationship between Indigo and her twin, Rusty and really wanted to find out more what exactly happened between them.
https://sabrinasbooktails.blogspot.co...
Here is a monster so terrifying that even the banshee is afraid of it. The most chilling thing is how everyone just carries on, as if they're all in a trance and only Indigo seems to really notice how strange it is. Luckily not all ghosts are so scary and the other ones in this book might try to be spooky but they're actually pretty funny.
Phrank the pheasant is probably the star of the show. I don't know what anyone would do without him. The ending might have been very different if he wasn't around.
I was intrigued by the hints about the relationship between Indigo and her twin, Rusty and really wanted to find out more what exactly happened between them.
https://sabrinasbooktails.blogspot.co...
February 28, 2025
I really enjoyed this and am certain children will too. Spooksmiths Investigate: The Cinderman is a self-contained start to what looks like being an excellent spooky series - this debut was pacey, funny and got straight into the action, whilst being just spine-tingling enough without being TOO scary. It's also just the right length for a middle-grade read and will keep interest going to the end.
Narrator Indigo and her twin Rusty are realistic siblings, who bicker and have their own interests; Phrank the pheasant is a fun animal companion, and the funeral-home setting is unique. I loved them setting off to do battle against an evil ghost with the lavender-scented room spray! Recommended, and I look forward to Spooksmiths Investigate: Circus of Shadows.
Narrator Indigo and her twin Rusty are realistic siblings, who bicker and have their own interests; Phrank the pheasant is a fun animal companion, and the funeral-home setting is unique. I loved them setting off to do battle against an evil ghost with the lavender-scented room spray! Recommended, and I look forward to Spooksmiths Investigate: Circus of Shadows.
February 12, 2025
This delightful spooky middle grade from debut author Alex Atkinson is an absolute treat! Original and hilariously funny, it has a compelling cast of characters kids will adore (including my own personal favourite, Chuckles the phantom toddler). I tore through this in one sitting - can't wait for the Spooksmiths' next adventure.
November 2, 2024
This was such a fun and spooky read. It feels both classic but modern and a fresh take on a ghost story with plenty of adventure and brilliant characters. Can't wait for more stories from this author.
November 2, 2024
I devoured this in 24 hours. It was very different to anything I've read before. Indigo and Rusty make a powerful team and teach us that family is important and we have to look out for each other. Looking forward to reading the sequel.
April 8, 2025
I can’t wait to recommend this to my Year 6 students. I think it’s the right level of scary vs fascinatingly fun. There’s a great and realistic sibling relationship between the twins and I’m fully invested for book two!
December 8, 2024
A great story, amazing writing, character development, really.eqsy read and enjoyable story
March 23, 2025
Different, definitely 10+ )in my view) but just not my thing. It was written well, though but a bit much
July 11, 2025
An action packed middle grade book which has enough spookiness to keep young readers on the edge of their seats. Really good fun!
April 19, 2025
The story begins with Indigo and Rusty, twins, who don’t always see eye to eye. When Indigo discovers a hidden room in their home/funeral parlour, and drops one of the creepy urns that finds, she could never have imagined the chaos she was about to unleash on the local town. The Cinderman was always considered as just an old tale, but when Indigo and Rusty learn of their family history and their Spooksmith abilities, they soon find out that he is very much real, and he is coming for them all. But, can they put their differences aside and save the day? Only time can tell, and they don’t have a huge amount of it.
There was so many great characters in the story, especially all of the ghosts. They were quite an eclectic bunch! Chuckles was my personal favourite, he was such a sweetheart, and I wanted him to be protected at all costs. I loved all of the different personalities, and the way that the era they lived in showed through the way they spoke and behaved.
The brother/sister relationship between Indigo and Rusty was so realistic, and I think anyone with a sibling will strongly relate to them. As much as they disagree, fight, and have their differences, at the end of the day they do really love each other, neither would want the other to come to harm, and they will always have each other’s backs. I loved how the story brought them together and showed them the true importance of family.
The way the tension rises throughout the story, and the way the horror continues to ramp up from the very beginning, keeps you on the edge of your seat, culminating in a terrifying showdown. I was cheering the twins and their ghost companions on every step of the way. I loved the way that the story came together.
This may be middle grade, but it has something for everyone. There was light-hearted comedy, as well as an eerie atmosphere, and family connections. I can not wait to read the next book in the series.
There was so many great characters in the story, especially all of the ghosts. They were quite an eclectic bunch! Chuckles was my personal favourite, he was such a sweetheart, and I wanted him to be protected at all costs. I loved all of the different personalities, and the way that the era they lived in showed through the way they spoke and behaved.
The brother/sister relationship between Indigo and Rusty was so realistic, and I think anyone with a sibling will strongly relate to them. As much as they disagree, fight, and have their differences, at the end of the day they do really love each other, neither would want the other to come to harm, and they will always have each other’s backs. I loved how the story brought them together and showed them the true importance of family.
The way the tension rises throughout the story, and the way the horror continues to ramp up from the very beginning, keeps you on the edge of your seat, culminating in a terrifying showdown. I was cheering the twins and their ghost companions on every step of the way. I loved the way that the story came together.
This may be middle grade, but it has something for everyone. There was light-hearted comedy, as well as an eerie atmosphere, and family connections. I can not wait to read the next book in the series.
August 5, 2024
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this! This will be perfect for spooky season! Ghosts, zombies, evil spirits and some unresolved cases. The relationship between the siblings was brilliantly written and I loved all the other characters who helped along the way! Can’t wait for the next one!
I really enjoyed this! This will be perfect for spooky season! Ghosts, zombies, evil spirits and some unresolved cases. The relationship between the siblings was brilliantly written and I loved all the other characters who helped along the way! Can’t wait for the next one!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews