Joni Jones and the Ghost Train

by P.D. Leyshon

The Ghost Train is approaching... Are you brave enough to jump on?

A page - turning time travel, fantasy adventure for children aged 8-14, who enjoy the Harry Potter books, or films like The Goonies.

It is nearly a year since 11-year-old Cai Jones went missing on that awful Halloween night.

When Joni Jones starts hearing the eerie sound of a steam engine on the haunted old path in the woods, he is convinced it is linked to his older brother's mysterious vanishing.

After Joni and his friends, Osh and Ellie, sneak out to investigate, they discover a ghost train that takes them to a parallel spirit world, where all the ghosts that ever existed are trapped for eternity.

With the help of the Resistance, a commando unit of ghost fighters, Joni must rescue his brother, then somehow return home.

Travelling through time to fight ghosts isn't for everyone.

To have any kind of future, Joni and his friends must first conquer the paranormal past.

‘An incredibly clever mystery'. THE SUN.

‘This spooky train tale is a fright night delight’. THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST.

'A truly ghostly battle unfolds in an imaginative world filled with action and high stakes risks'. GOODREADS.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Adventure, Mystery

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2024

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a gifted copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via the author.

Joni Jones and the Ghost Train is the first book in a new spooktacular, fun series for middle graders and pulled me in straight from the start.
Jonis parents disappeared and have been presumed dead since Joni was an infant, and he and his brother Cai have lived lived with their grandparents ever since. But Cai disappeared too exactly one year ago on Halloween, leaving Jonis grandparents crushed and turning Jonis life upside down. Everyone avoids him and his family except for his best friend Osh and new friend Ellie, who also has no friends.
When Joni starts hearing the sounds of a steam train coming from an area he's forbidden to go near, near his house late at night, he and Osh along with Ellie who turns up unexpected to investigate with them, come across not only a train where a path should be, but ghostly figures from decades ago. When the friends end up on the train, they find themselves in danger and quite literally in another dimension during the war time. They join up with the Resistance: a commando unit of ghost fighters where they meet a host of fun and quirky characters and learn much about ghosts, the spirit world, Jonis past and that Cai might still be alive.
This was such a fun adventure of a book. I loved the banter between the characters and the different aspects of portals and ghosts and everything in between. There's something for everyone, male or female, in this book, and I can't wait to revisit this world again in book two. This is the perfect book for autumn and Halloween.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Halloween setting / paranormal mystery / middle school setting.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is a paranormal, ghost fighting, time travelling, parallel worlds mystery that is fast paced. Each chapter reveals a new piece to the puzzle for Joni to solve in hopes of rescuing his brother.

Joni’s friends Osh and Ellie help him on his mission to find and bring his brother home. I liked the characters in this story and their humorous interactions.

If you have a child or student who is into paranormal mysteries, they will enjoy this.

If you have a child or student who is into time travel, they will enjoy this.

If you have a child or student who may get a little overwhelmed with complex, changing storylines, they may not enjoy this.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun treat. Joni Jones has been struggling in school ever since his brother disappeared last Halloween. He and his brother were already treated with derision because their parents had disappeared when Joni was a baby, but with this latest disappearance, he is bullied endlessly by the resident bully and his henchmen, and not given any leeway by his teachers. His grandparents are barely hanging on, just going through the motions of daily living. As Halloween approaches, he starts waking up at 12:06 am, hearing the sounds of a train in the distance, coming from the direction of the woods where parents always warn their kids to stay away. He starts to investigate with the help of his only friend and a girl who no one seems to like and they get drawn into a different world of ghosts where time travel is possible.

I loved how the three kids each learn and change as they interact with each other and the other characters in the book, even as they race to figure out what happened to his brother (and save the two worlds as well). This was a fun adventure, and although it ends on a cliffhanger of sorts, the main story does resolve and we learn a bit more abut Joni and his brother, as well as their parents.

I would recommend this for kids who enjoy adventure stories with a supernatural element, a bit of mystery, and a fight against an evil entity.

[femmefiction_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the picturesque village of Nant-Y-Glo, Joni Jones and the Ghost Train immediately immerses readers in a spooky, enchanting world. The story revolves around Joni Jones,as he deals with the mysterious disappearance of his brother Cai on Halloween exactly one year ago. Meanwhile ,Joni discovers that there is a history of vanishings in the village. Could this be related?

Joined by his friends, Osh and Ellie, Joni embarks on a quest for answers. This trio shines with distinct personalities and relatable struggles, making them resonate with middle school readers.

As they navigate the dangers of the Parallel—a realm filled with spirits and supernatural threats—Joni and his friends race against time to unravel the mystery.

With its immersive atmosphere and a blend of paranormal and historical elements, this action-packed adventure is perfect for the spooky season.

I highly recommend Joni Jones and the Ghost Train to any adventure-seeking reader of all ages. It promises an exhilarating journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

[Robyn Little]

Another perfect spookfest for October.

A missing child. A haunting mystery. Kids who act like kids, Everything you could possibly need for a spooky story. An adult with an enjoyment of middle-grade creativity and the Halloween season will find the appeal as much as any child looking for something other than Goosebumps to chill them.

[Kez Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an immersive and spooky fantasy adventure following 11 year old Joni Jones. 12 months ago on Halloween his brother mysteriously disappeared, now he's having strange nightmares and hearing train noises at midnight, and he feels like it's clues leading to his brother.
When he discovers his parents also went missing under strange circumstances, he teams up with his friends to solve the mystery.

This spooky adventure takes them into a ghostly realm where they'll face undead monsters, walk through history, and have to work together with ghosts to try and find a way home alive, and find Joni's missing family.
Together they learn ghost fighting skills from the resistance, discover the enemies world ending plans, and find out the devastating truth of why his brother and parents disappeared.
This is a thrilling tale full of action, teamwork, high stakes and resilience, and a time travelling adventure that kids and adults will enjoy, with an ending leaving it open for more excitement to come.

[Bethany Mock (bethanyburiedinbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you @ghosttrainbook #partner for the gifted copy of this book!

I am so thankful for all the middle grade books I get the chance to read because they always take me right back to being a kid myself. Joni Jones and the Ghost Train is such a fun and spooky adventure. It is perfect for ghost-lovin’ kids (or adults 👻) who want to get lost in a story that has it all.

Choo choo! When a mysterious train rolls through town in the middle of the night, Joni can’t help but wonder if it has something to do with his brother Cai, who vanished without a trace not too long ago. Nervous to investigate, Joni leans on his friendships, and together they set off to uncover the truth and maybe, just maybe, bring Cai home.

This book has such a great mix of paranormal chills, time travel twists, mystery, adventure, clues, tough decisions, and strong friendships that truly shine. I could totally see both my niece and nephews loving this one as it has something for everyone. If you’re a fan of fall vibes, ghost stories, and middle grade adventures full of heart, this is the perfect book to kick off spooky season! 🍂🚂✨

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a ARC free from Book Sirens and this is my voluntary honest review.
A page turner.
Entertaining.
Clever.
Enjoyable.
Well written.

[middle_schoolers_read Lindsay P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Halloween setting / paranormal mystery / middle school setting.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is a paranormal, ghost fighting, time travelling, parallel worlds mystery that is fast paced. Each chapter reveals a new piece to the puzzle for Joni to solve in hopes of rescuing his brother.

Joni’s friends Osh and Ellie help him on his mission to find and bring his brother home. I liked the characters in this story and their humorous interactions.

If you have a child or student who is into paranormal mysteries, they will enjoy this.

If you have a child or student who is into time travel, they will enjoy this.

If you have a child or student who may get a little overwhelmed with complex, changing storylines, they may not enjoy this.

[B.E. Padgett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly ghostly battle unfolds in an imaginative world filled with action and high-stakes risks. Joni Jones and the Ghost Train by P.D. Leyshon follows Joni Jones, an ordinary kid whose family has mysteriously disappeared. While investigating his brother Cai’s disappearance, Joni is thrust into the Parallel—a world of spirits, zombies, and time rifts. To solve the mystery, Joni embarks on a perilous adventure with his brave but rambunctious friends, racing against time before the real world and the spirit world merge.

Leyshon creates a believable and utterly terrifying world, populated by undead creatures led by a menacing villain. While the action keeps the story exciting, it’s the deeper mystery of Joni and his family that truly captivates. I found the story full of unraveling surprises and clever humor. There’s also an educational twist, as the heroes travel through various centuries of history, making the book even more engaging for young readers.

I recommend Joni Jones and the Ghost Train for kids 11 and up who enjoy action-packed adventures with a gruesome, spooky twist. With its eerie elements and historical settings, it’s perfect for fans of paranormal stories. Kids who love series like Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children or Fablehaven will enjoy this first installment of an exciting new series.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly well written. Ghosts, missing people, and a town full of mysteries. Was a lot of fun to read, took twists I didn't expect. Written for middle school aged audience, can still be enjoyed by all. Definitely recommend it if you enjoy mysteries.

[Sunny Lovestories · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scooby doo meets Academy style mystery solving. Great for 13 on up. As an ex teacher though I would recommend reading with younger children as it is written in UK English not American, or you get American slang. Great for fans of The Locrottum Academy and The Mysterious Benedict Society.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 9 year old son and I read this book together and loved everything about it. We are both drawn to mystery genres and this did not disappoint.

What we loved:

The story line was excellent. Character details/descriptions allowed us to picture them in our minds and feel like we "knew" them. We even have our characters that we are a little suspicious of.

We loved the tidbits of history facts that were thrown in. I loved the ease of the writing style. It was easy to follow along. Words weren't too difficult that my son couldn't read this on his own if he wanted. We love that it's a series and we can't wait to see what happens next!

What I was unprepared for:

References to characters such as Santa (this is just an example) not being real were made in one dialogue passage. Language we left very generic so it didn't open up any questions from my child.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nadine-Sue Sargent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plenty of ghosts and ghouls in this YA story.

Cai's disappearance isn't unusual as many people have gone missing over the years. However, Joni is key in bringing his brother back!

Joni, Osh and Ellie are a mixed bunch who kind of get on. Ellie is nicer than she initially seems and I think it's because she's guarded to prevent herself from being vulnerable. Osh and Joni are far more cautious and naive. Osh's mum sounds like a fun character too although we don't see as much of her due to the adventure the trio go on.

I'm not sure I'd be as excited about answering a call from the woods and might be more reluctant but the kids have the sort of curiosity that leads them into a trip through time. It's interesting and fun and is the first in a series it seems with a bit of a cliffhanger at the end!!

[Liz Fully Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun middle grade adventure book! This story of three friends who travel back in time to save one of their brothers was such a fun and entertaining read.

Spooky and full of action, the book creates a great atmosphere that will keep you on the edge of your seat while you wait to see how everything will pan out. The twists and turns are also fun, surprising you throughout the book.

Overall, I enjoyed this book, and I think it would be really entertaining and fun for children in middle grade. Can’t wait to see what happens in book two!

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the spooky atmosphere of this book, it does a great job in bringing this world to life and the characters in this world. I enjoyed the idea of the ghost train and figuring out what was going on. It was a strong start to the Joni Jones series and introduced the characters and world perfectly. I enjoyed the way P. D. Leyshon wrote this and can't wait for more.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Alice Iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was kindly offered an early copy of Joni Jones and the Ghost Train by P.D. Leyshon, and I jumped at the chance after reading the blurb. This review is completely honest—and I can confidently say I absolutely LOVED it!

This book has everything (and I mean everything) a spooky, scary, ghoulish adventure should have. It’s bursting with drama, packed with suspense, and moves through some wonderfully creepy settings that kept me turning the pages late into the night. There’s such a brilliant mix of characters that there’s definitely something for every kind of reader to enjoy.

Firstly, what a cast! As I read, I met ghosts, zombies, pirates, plague victims, soldiers, cadets, WW2 pilots, banshees, bullies, brothers and traitors. It was like a spooky adventure playground, and what made it even more fun was the variety of voices and nationalities—Welsh, Scottish, Irish, English, Ukrainian, French, and more. As a teacher, I couldn’t help but imagine how much fun my class would have trying out the accents and getting into character during a read-aloud.

The setting is another highlight. Leyshon’s clever idea of time-travelling between different eras and places in England means readers get to explore WW2 London, plague-ridden streets, pirate-filled Cornwall, and more—all in one book! Each moment in history is described in rich detail, giving readers a real sense of what life was like in those times. It’s educational and exciting—a perfect combo.

Something else that stood out to me was the impressive vocabulary, especially the high-level, subject-specific (tier 3) words. From aircraft like the Spitfire and Messerschmitt BF 109 to the Armstrong Whitworth Albermarle, the book is full of brilliant links to WW2 that would support classroom learning perfectly. Having just taught a WW2 topic, I kept thinking how much this book would’ve enhanced our lessons—and I’ll definitely be using it next time around.

The plot itself is like no other I’ve read. While it could have felt complicated with all the time shifts and characters, Leyshon handles it brilliantly. The writing is clear, the pacing is perfect, and readers are guided smoothly through the chaos. It’s clever, exciting, and most importantly—fun.

I would recommend Joni Jones and the Ghost Train to any KS2 reader who enjoys spooky stories, thrilling adventures, or anything with a hint of history. I can especially see it being a hit with my more reluctant readers (especially some of the boys), and I’ll definitely be adding it to our class library. Fingers crossed for a sequel—I’m desperate to find out where Joni’s ghost train will take us next!

[Barbara Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Don't Trust Anybody," she said.

"Joni Jones and the Ghost Train" is a wonderful action-packed mystery written by P. D. Leyshon. This is the first book I've read by this author. The story is similar to Harry Potter books, as well as the movie 'Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure' but only scarier. Ten years before the start of our story, two adults vanished from a small English town. These two individuals were Mr. and Mrs. Jones. They left behind a one year old boy named Cai. Mrs. Jones was pregnant when she disappeared. A few months later, A baby boy was left on his grandparents doorstep. There was a DNA test performed and the baby boy was Joni Jones, the biological son of the missing man and woman. When Cai was eleven years old, he disappeared at 12:06 on Halloween night. One year later, Cai's now eleven year old brother, Joni, disappeared in the same spot as Cai on Halloween night at 12:06. Thus our story begins, with one brother and his two friends, Osh and Ellie, disappearing, in order to find Joni's missing brother. What they find is a ghost train full of ghosts and zombies, as well as a couple of time traveling humans who save their lives, taking the children into a war-torn World War II London, England in the year 1940 where they train with the Resistance human soldiers, and then time traveling through a stitch in time and a universe parallel into the London plague year of 1666 and encountering plagued ghosts with boils grilled with pus, and the 1780 Cornish seaside adventures of pirate ghosts. These historical eras were horrifyingly graphic, especially the part about the plague ghosts. It takes all their Resistance training for Joni, Osh, and Ellie to survive. They are told by more than one person to not trust anybody, but being kids, this gets overlooked. This book ends with a slight cliffhanger that is much like that of Back to the Future movies, so I am expecting a second book to arrive soon. I gave this book 5 stars. I received an advanced reader's copy via Booksirens, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Pan | Book Reviews and Recommendations · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of 'Joni Jones and the Ghost Train' by  P. D. Leyshon. 


From the first pages I was drawn into a wonderful, imaginative and fast-paced adventure that blends supernatural thrills with heartfelt themes of courage and self-discovery. 


It's been nearly a year since Joni's brother, Cai Jones, disappeared on Halloween.


When Joni hears the eerie sound of a steam engine in the woods, he's convinced it's connected to his brother's mysterious vanishing.


Sneaking out to investigate, Joni and his friends Osh and Ellie discover a ghost train that takes them to a parallel Spirit World, where every ghost in history is eager to escape.


With the help of the Resistance, a time-travelling team of ghost fighters, Joni must rescue his brother and stop the supernatural armies from entering the Real World.

If humanity is to have any kind of future, Joni and his friends must first conquer the paranormal past.


This beautifully written story is perfect for Middle grade readers but highly enjoyable for all ages, as I found myself feeling several years younger while enjoying it. 


The narrative is rich with atmosphere, and the writing effortlessly conjures eerie yet enchanting settings: abandoned train stations, misty railways, and the shadowy interiors of the ghost train itself. Joni is a compelling protagonist —relatable, brave, and wonderfully flawed. As the journey goes  through the ghostly realm, strange passengers appear and family secrets are uncovered, creating a unique plot. 


What sets this book apart is its emotional depth. Beyond the spooky elements, it explores themes of grief, friendship, and finding strength in the face of fear. 

The author balances suspense and heart with skill, making the story not only a page-turner but also a resonant coming-of-age tale.


For readers who enjoy spooky stories with a heart, Joni Jones and the Ghost Train will be a memorable ride. 


It’s a story with soul and a journey you won’t want to end.

[Reader Leader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fast-paced, gripping adventure had me hooked from the very first page. It follows 11-year-old Joni Jones, whose brother mysteriously disappeared one Halloween night. When Joni hears the haunting sound of a steam train along a long-abandoned track, he and his friends are drawn into a supernatural journey that leads them into the Parallel—a chilling realm of lost spirits, shifting time, and hidden dangers. 🚂👻

One of the things I loved about this book was how vividly it brought history to life. From the dark streets of wartime London to the grim realities of the 17th-century plague, each time-travel moment is vividly portrayed and offers incredible opportunities for classroom discussion. The historical threads add real depth and make this more than just a spooky story.

💭 As I was reading, I kept thinking: this would make an incredible whole class read. There’s so much to explore—character growth, friendship, fear, loyalty, and loss. It’s rich with discussion points and perfect for reading aloud.

📚 I’d personally recommend it for upper Key Stage 2, with Year 6+ being the ideal audience to fully appreciate the themes and complexity.

⚔️ And let’s talk about those fight scenes! The descriptive writing during the more intense, gruesome moments had me feeling genuinely squirmish 😬—but in the best way. Leyshon writes action with real grit, and it gives the story a powerful sense of urgency and danger.

This book has everything:
✔️ Action
✔️ History
✔️ Emotion
✔️ Friendship
✔️ Mystery
✔️ A ghost train you won’t forget

If you're looking for a spooky, heart-thumping, thought-provoking read that blends history and fantasy beautifully, Joni Jones and the Ghost Train is a must-read.

[Carissa]

Synopsis:
Halloween night should be an evening of excitement, but for Joni Jones, it’ll be the first anniversary of when his brother went missing.  He begins hearing a phantom steam engine and sets out to investigate, convinced it’s linked to his brother’s disappearance after finding clues in his journal. When his friends find a ghost train in the forbidden woods, they hop on and are shocked to find it takes them to an alternate spirit world, where every ghost from history is trapped.  They join the Resistance, an army of ghost fighters, and set out on an adventure that transcends time.

Review:
Attention all parents! If you’re looking to get a child into all things spooky, “Joni Jones & the Ghost Train” is the perfect place to begin. It starts off as the perfect fall read, with an intriguing mystery, and evolves into a time-traveling adventure. The author does a wonderful job with world-building and with writing to a younger audience. There are even educational elements throughout, thanks to the time-travel aspect, that do an incredible job succinctly and appropriately explaining major historical events.

I’ve decided to leave off a star-rating from this review as I am not the target audience for this book. I loved the first half of the book, however the second half didn’t hold my interest (but that’s a personal preference due to numerous fighting/war scenes and I do not historically love that type of content).

Overall, I feel this book would appeal to children AND adults who enjoy:
🎃Autumnal / spooky vibes
🚂Adventure and mysteries
🗡️Action and war
🕰️Time travel
👥Stories about love, family, and friendship

❗️ Content warnings: missing & deceased family, fighting, wars

[Gems · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 11 Year Olds Review:

I would describe this book as “Exciting, spooky and twisty”! It keeps you guessing!

I liked when they used the stink bombs to wake the skeletons, but my favourite part of the story was the plane fight scene, as it was really exciting and tense and I could imagine all the planes.

I loved all the characters, but I really liked Paraska ,Pryderi and Ellie.

I would say the story is easy to follow and understand and I think lots of 11 year olds like me, would enjoy this. It is a bit spooky and gruesome in parts, but I loved that! I would recommend this book and I will definitely be reading the next book and find out what happens next.
5 ⭐️

My Review:

I have to agree with everything my son said — this book was excellent! We both absolutely loved it. Joni Jones and the Ghost Train is the perfect blend of mystery, adventure, and just the right amount of spookiness. From the very first page, we were completely gripped and couldn’t wait to read more every night, to see what would happen next.

I loved how it was set in Wales, in a town not dissimilar to ours, and I also loved the idea of the parallel and the different types of ghosts, it was so cleverly thought out and felt so original. The way the story wove together time travel and little nuggets of history made it even more enjoyable.

I have to admit, I can never resist a reluctant hero trope in a book, and Joni was the perfect example, I loved reading his character’s journey.

We both loved this book from start to finish, and I honestly can’t wait to see where Joni’s adventures take him next. We need book 2 now!! 🙏 📖 👻

5 ⭐️

[Kay Cobbold · Rating 4 out of 5]

P.D. Leyshon’s “Joni Jones and the Ghost Train” is an engaging paranormal fantasy adventure designed for readers aged 8–14. Its accessible writing style ensures that it caters to confident younger readers while still captivating those at the higher end of the age range.

The story is likely to appeal to both boys and girls, though it might resonate slightly more with boys. Leyshon skillfully crafts a cast of relatable characters that reflect the diversity of young readers. Joni, the titular character, is an ordinary boy with an extraordinary connection to the Parallel. Osh, the brainy yet timid friend, proves that intelligence can be as heroic as bravery, while Ellie, a spirited tomboy, adds a refreshing and energetic dynamic to the trio. This thoughtful mix of personalities gives every reader someone to root for.

Themes of ghosts, time travel, danger, war, heroism, and friendship intertwine seamlessly to create a thrilling and multifaceted narrative. The fast-paced plot hurtles through various timelines as the Resistance mounts a daring mission to rescue Joni’s brother, Cai, from the clutches of ghostly foes. Trust is an ever-shifting element, keeping readers on edge and invested in the unfolding drama.

The book concludes on a tantalizing cliffhanger, leaving its audience eager for the next installment in the series. Leyshon has masterfully set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable journey, ensuring that young readers will be counting down the days until the continuation of Joni’s adventures.

[Tigs_bookcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Joni Jones and the Ghost Train

By P.D. Leyshon

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up Joni Jones and the Ghost Train, but wow, it’s the kind of story that grabs you by the sleeve and doesn’t let go.

The main character, Joni, is a brave but believable 11-year-old boy still aching from the mysterious disappearance of his older brother. From the first chapter, you can feel how much Joni misses him, and that emotional weight gives the story a real sense of heart. But this isn’t just a sad tale. It’s packed with mystery, eerie suspense, and even time travel. Yes, time travel! A ghost train shows up, and suddenly Joni and his friends are hurtling into a spirit world full of danger, secrets, and lost souls. It gave me serious goosebumps.

What I liked was how smart and gutsy the kids were. They didn’t have magical powers, they just had each other, their brains, and a lot of courage. Their friendship felt real, and I loved how they stuck together, even when things got terrifying.

The writing is vivid and atmospheric. You can almost hear the wind whistling through the abandoned tracks and feel the shiver of the unknown creeping closer. And somehow, despite all the ghostly stuff, the story stays grounded. It mixes grief, history, and mystery in a way that’s totally original.

If you like stories with spooky vibes, heart-pounding moments, and a bit of real-world grit, this one’s definitely worth the ride.

[Saba Rahman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so satisfied with this story because it was awesome. Joni Jones and his friends’ adventure sucked me in and kept me captivated.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The story follows our protagonist, Joni, whose brother has gone missing. One night he hears the whistle of a train coming from the woods near his house. He and his friends find themselves boarding the mysterious train and end up in parallel world occupied by ghosts, ghouls and other monsters. What follows is a race against time as Joni and his friends try to find their way back to their own world, while fighting for survival.

The setting started off eerie, which is exactly the kind of atmosphere perfect for this book. The gloomy weather settling over their little village added to the spooky vibe, and I was already excited to turn the pages after the first chapter. The mystery definitely had me on edge. I had so much fun once the story kicked off fully because all that suspense, the action, the characters’ personalities, and the mysterious world of ghosts were all breathtaking.

The world-building is complex and the story is vast. It also doesn’t end here so I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I would love to go on another hair-rising adventure with Joni and his friends.

Overall, I adored this book and I think everyone will too.

[Bookread2day · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the imagination that flowed, through this children’s fantasy, story, that centres around the spooky Halloween season in Wales. I say this is a children’s ghost story, but all adults will love reading this book too. Joni is upset his 11-year-old brother, Cai, disappeared on Halloween a year ago, that’s not all that has happened in Joni Jones life, his parents also disappeared ten years ago. It’s up to Joni to find out where his brother Cai, disappeared to. Joni who wears his missing brother’s clothes, seeing his friends. How is Joni, seeing ghosts in the woods? Joni and his friends decide to board The Dying Scotsman train. The train travels to a special headquarters, where they learn about ghost history. The only thing Joni is interested in is finding his younger brother to bring him home. But now the train has taken Joni and his friends to a special place, there’s one thing they want to know, is will they ever be able to ever get home again? This splendid creepy ghost story is filled the paranormal, fantasy fiction, history and geography. Every child from the 8-11 will won’t be able to put this book Joni Jones and the Ghost Train down. I would definitely urge schools to stock this page-turning fantasy book. If anyone loved reading the Harry Potter books you will love this book by author Paul Leyshon.

[Aurora R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joni Jones caught me by surprise as a Supernatural Middle-Grade from across the Pond, Wales in particular, as he undergoes battles reminiscent of a spectral line of duty ex Leyshon explores an old past; Worldbuilding and atmosphere, surrounding the Mystery of his missing brother kept me intrigued.Funnily enough, one of my favorite examples is how P.D. Leyshon portrays the impact of the Grief and how it can affect both, Friendship Ties and Families.
The twist managed to keep me on my toes even with the interwoven scientific and historical facts offered, which also contributed to making the overall narrative as it held its relevance on its own
I would read my usual number of chapters and on reading the time on the clock, as an indicator to move forward on whether I should read just one more chapter, this novel is one of those which fell into the same repetitive pattern to the point where I needed to stay up as late as I could as I wrapped my head around the plot which managed to make my inner history nerd come out. now this book is only being rated as a a 4-star book because I realize it may not be suited for me as a twenty-something year old, however, had I been a middle schooler trying to branch out more genres away from my comfort zone, this would easily be 5 stars.

[Windsor Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was asked to read this book by the author for a review. I was a bit skeptical about how I’d like it because it’s a middle grade book, but I’m happy to report, I enjoyed it! It’s a fun read. The tone of the book didn’t feel too immature like many middle grade books can.

Joni’s brother disappeared almost a year ago, and he and his grandparents are still reeling from that tragedy. Late one night, Joni hears the sounds of a train. Knowing there are no train tracks anywhere close to his house, Joni becomes curious as to how he can hear train noises. He and his best friend, Osh, hatch a plan to check out the noise in person.

The boys discover a ghost train out of World War II, full of different types of ghosts and the undead. They rush onto the train without much thought and are taken to the spirit world, where they try to save humanity from ultimate evil.

This was a quick, fun read. I enjoyed it so much I’m thinking of getting a copy for my nephew. The characters do seem a little mature for eleven year olds, but they are dealing with pretty serious circumstances. The plot is unique and I found myself rooting for each of the kids.

You can get your own copy on Kindle Unlimited now.

[Fatguyreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Joni Jones and the Ghost Train during the absolute perfect read for this time for this time of year, late October, during the spooky time of year leading up to the festive period.
I started reading this with our youngest Daughter (age 9), a few days before Halloween, and we finished a few days after, and we both really enjoyed it.

Set in Wales ( a country very close to my heart after many wonderful summer holidays as a child, a tradition my Wife and I carry on with our three Daughters, we follow Joni Jones, who's older brother went missing years earlier. It's not long before Joni begins to hear the spectral sounds of an old steam engine out in the woods, on a path rumoured to be haunted. So Joni and his friends decide to investigate and discover ghost train that takes them to a parallel spirit world.

But will Joni succeed in finding his brother? Be sure to pick your copy up to find out.

So all in all, a really entertaining read full of twists and turns, mystery and lots of ghostly goings on, all wrapped up in a wonderful adventure tale of fun and friendship.

5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟's from us.

[Middle Grade Mama · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the beginning of the book and the ending. When the characters first transition from the real world to the ghost world, I had a hard time understanding everything that was going on. The ghost world was just a little too intricate and there were a lot of details given for certain parts that probably didn't need it.

The book takes place in the UK, so there were a few words and phrases I was unfamiliar with, but it wasn't a big deal.

I didn't really connect with the main character. I feel like all I really knew about him was that he missed his brother. Also, I wasn't sure how to pronounce Joni. At first I was calling him "Joan-ee", but then I kept thinking it was a girl character. I later learned his full was Jonathan, so I tried switching it in my head to. "John-ee."

I did enjoy seeing how the kids worked together and the clever ways that they solved problems. I liked Joni's friends. They were pretty fun.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.