The Spookiest of Spooks

by Jeannie Wycherley

"An eight-year-old boy with his whole life ahead of him.

A disgraced police officer.

An artistic witch who lost her career and her freedom thanks to police corruption.

What do they all have in common?

They’re dead.

Three lives ruined. And for what? That’s what Zilla Chaplin needs to find out. It’s not that she’s particularly keen to do so. Zilla has her comfort zone—you know, books, plants, tea and biscuits—and quite frankly, murder doesn’t float her boat.

Unfortunately, the spookiest of spooks has determined that she won’t allow Zilla a moment of peace unless she tracks down the person or persons responsible for an historic ill.

The only clues Zilla has to go on are those revealed in the pages of an old grimoire, but this itself can often be a puzzle too far.

Murder, magic, mystery – all wrapped up in one paranormal cozy fantasy series from Jeannie Wycherley, the author of the Wonky Inn and Spellbound Hound series of books. The Ghastly Grimoire Mysteries have quirky characters to fall in love with as you follow them battling the ills that confront them in their enchanted world.

For maximum enjoyment, read them in order (preferably with a pot of tea and a packet of your favourite chocolate biscuits):

The Cat Stole Your Ghastly Grimoire Mysteries Book 1
The Spookiest of Ghastly Grimoire Mysteries Book 2
The Direst of the Ghastly Grimoire Mysteries Book 3
The Gravest of Ghastly Grimoire Mysteries Book 4
The Grimmest of Ghastly Grimoire Mysteries Book 5

219 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 14, 2025

Reviews

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re like me and prefer your mysteries sprinkled with just the right amount of magic, quirky characters, and a cozy vibe that makes you want to grab a hot cup of tea (and maybe a packet of chocolate biscuits), The Spookiest of Spooks is a must-read.
Zilla Chaplin is the kind of heroine I instantly connected with—more comfy books and plants than high-stakes danger, and yet somehow, fate (and a very persistent ghost) drags her into a mystery involving death, police corruption, and dark magic. The mix of an innocent boy, a disgraced cop, and a witch whose life was shattered makes for a tangled web that Zilla has to carefully unravel, all while trying to keep her calm and not lose her grip on what little normalcy she has left.
What I adore about Jeannie Wycherley’s writing is the perfect blend of paranormal intrigue with warmth and humor. Zilla’s reluctant dive into murder mysteries is so relatable—it’s that push-pull between wanting peace and getting sucked into chaos that feels all too real. And the old grimoire? I’m obsessed with how the clues come alive on the pages, like a puzzle waiting to be solved.
Honestly, this book felt like curling up with a blanket on a rainy day—comforting but thrilling at the same time. If you love cozy fantasy mysteries where magic isn’t just spells but characters and atmosphere, you’ll want to read this one with your favorite tea in hand.
PS: Definitely read the first book, The Cat Stole Your Tome, first—trust me, it makes the whole journey even more delightful!.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zilla Chaplin has tried to go back to her job at the Ministry of Magic and forget the promise she made to find the answers to Socrates’ murder. Unfortunately, the ghost of Murgatroyde has vowed to haunt her until she gets answers. She also is being followed by someone who’s determined to get their hands on Murgatroyde’s Grimoire. With the help of Blue, she manages to evade her pursuers and find sanctuary in her inherited house. As the Grimoire reveals new clues about the Children’s Home, Zilla finds herself in more danger as she searches for answers. Confronting a wizard with ties to the mystery yields partial answers, but a deadly foe intervenes.

The second book in the Ghastly Grimoire mysteries continues to unravel the cold case of young Socrates Mayflower. Zilla has inherited Murgatroyde’s house and shop but has been reluctant to move there, much to Humphrey’s dismay. But with a faceless foe after her, Murgatroyde’s house becomes home after all. With a mix of eclectic characters and great world building, Ms. Wycherley has crafted another unique and engrossing story in her shared magical world. Zilla is likeable and relatable, Humphrey is charming, and Blue is enigmatic. This is a series to read in order as each book builds on the central mystery of Socrates’ death.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura Quevedo · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

That was so good, but now I have to wait for the next one to come out...

First, I really appreciate that the author takes the time to add a few sentences explaining things from the first book, they are short and to the point and help remind me of some facts that after a few months I've forgotten....

Even though the pace of the book is slow, at no point was I bored... I really liked the flow of the story.
I loved seeing the characters from the last book and there were some interesting new ones too.

There are some new things we learn in this book but they all lead to way more questions, ahh... I really want to know more. And I have to admit that I don't like cliffhangers that much but I'm so entertained by this story that I'm really excited to find out what comes next, instead of frustrated by how little we know... (That's usually what other cliffhangers make me feel).

POV:single
Tropes: present day magical world, witch FMC, mystery, meddling ghosts and meddling cat.
Spice: none (no romantic interest)
CW: death, violence, mentions of past child trafficking.

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read the first book in the series but apparently the main character helped clear the reputation of a wrongly convicted witch. So she inherited a house, a grimoire and the witch's ghost haunting her. In this installment, the ghost wants her to do more investigation, as the murder from the first book is still unsolved. I think it would have been helpful to read in order since the plotline continues but even so, it's a fun urban fantasy mystery and a quick entertaining read.
This series is set in Tumble Town so that makes for a familiar setting and you may recognise some minor characters from other Wycherley works.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Spookiest Of Spooks - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

A Ghastly Grimoire Mystery Book 2 from the enigmatic Jeannie Wycherley, The Spookiest Of Spooks is sure to send your paranormal antennae twitching as is Zilla's; the inheritor of the Grimoire is trying to find a boy's killer.
I enjoyed reading about her sleuthing, how she inherits her new bookshop and the haunting scrapes she encounters along the way.

Grab a copy of The Spookiest Of Spooks today, to find out where the trail leads. With Blue, Wizard Dodo, Minsk, Humphrey and Murgatroyde on Zilla's side, things will work out sooner...or later!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: I enjoyed this book as much as the first one in the series. I totally get Zilla Chaplin who just wants a nice cup of tea and a good book; however, when she inherited a grimoire, she was granted more than she realized. I liked the quirky characters that populated Tumble Town, and Blue has become a personal favorite. I appreciated the creative use of the grimoire, and all the surprising twists which occurred. I thought Gil Burn's narration was an absolute joy to listen to as her performance enhanced the story's entertainment. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying Zilla she is a wonderful character and also her struggle with how much her life has and is changing due to her inheritance is so real. The story is woven in a wonderful way that you are totally invested on the answers Zilla will get about Socrates Mayflower along with how she will handle things as Murgatroyde’s Grimoire is bringing its own set of problems. I can not wait to see what's next for Zilla along with Blue and Humphrey.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carrie McCauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is awesome. The narration is amazing and brings the story to life with all the voice changes and tones she uses. I love how characters from the first book are carried into the next even though the main "detective" has changed. The world creation is wonderful with so many different characters, the shadow people, "right" side of the tracks vs "wrong" side of the tracks. Jusr a little hint of suspense here and there to make it more interesting.

[Sandy T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook review: I thought the narrator was very good. She had a pleasant voice.

Story review: I liked the story. The author has a wonderful imagination and makes her characters come alive. Beware, this is a cliffhanger so the series should be read in order. I look forward to reading and or listening to more of this adventure.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Vanessa Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 of Ghastly Grimoire Mysteries. It is a compelling story of Zilla, a witch that has to solve the deaths of three spirits. I loved the characters and the journey that Zilla follows to find her answers. Cliffhanger ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long live to the author and to this mix of cozy mystery and cozy fantasy.
I was very happy to catch up with the characters and travel back to the world of Ghastly Grimooire mysteries.
Well plotted, witty, compelling
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[LizJ. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Spookiest of Spooks Book 2 of Ghastly Grimoire Mysteries by Jeannie Wycherley as always spins a unique paranormal cozy mystery with quirky, witty and loveable characters, the worldbuilding interesting and love that Zilla has so much support. I'm looking forward to book 3.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennine · Rating 5 out of 5]

REALLY ENJOYABLE, LOVE THIS WRITERS WITCH SERIES, you must try the "Wonky Inn" series and the "Spellbound Hound Magic and Mystery" series. Her characters are characters if you know what I mean, always an adventure and mystery. Easy to relate to and likeable with talking animals, which I also love! Ghosts, spirits, familiars, gnomes, wizards and the shady side of town to add spice.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a collection of mysteries and mayhem, Zilla finds herself mired.

skills with manuscripts and creatures prove useful, and as do dumb luck and determination.

hazards continue as new challenges and opportunities come to light

intense and dramatic action.

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zilla leads a VERY exciting life! It is a good thing she has friends! Trying to figure out the cold case murder of a young boy has her in the crosshairs of someone diabolical. Being haunted isn’t easy either. I did love the ending of the book! I think she will be happier. LOVED THIS BOOK!

[Loy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book set in the tumble town universe.

I like the overlapping characters

[Carolyn Forrest · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really great continuation of the story.

Talk about being on the edge of my seat. I had to keep walking away to calm down so I could continue reading.

[Lisa Maher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series. The author does a great job of bringing characters and worlds to life and I look forward to more in the series.

[stephanie huntington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging and interesting

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. This is the second book in the series and I would highly recommend you start with book one before jumping into this book, only because the series is written like one giant story that continues from one book to the next. Normally I wouldn't like that sort of thing, as I like all my cases and questions wrapped up in the book they are asked in but somehow this series is proving to be captivating and I am loving it. It all surrounds the death of a young boy and the ghost of the witch who went to jail for his murder who wants the case solved. In the first book we are introduced to the characters and learn more about the witch, of course the heroine Zilla proves the witch wasn't responsible and there was a cover up. In this book we learn more and the main focus is on the young boy but there is so much more than that going on. In fact in my mind the story is so well written and entertaining that it could be a programme I would watch on tv. Especially as I love the characters and the banter between them. I can't wait for the next book

Zilla returns to work but it seems like the ghost she promised to help has other ideas. Zilla might have proved she wasn't the one responsible for the young boys death but the ghost wants his killer found and she will haunt Zilla until she does. With the grimoire revealing clues when it feels like it, a talking cat that only turns up when he wants and a ghost with no boundaries, Zilla has no choice but to look into the past for answers. Although somebody wishes she would leave things alone and has no problems trying to put a stop to her. Can Zilla follow the clues without getting herself into trouble?especially as she has a habit of forgetting her wand.

I like the narrator. She works her own magic and makes the characters larger than life.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Christine Sannerud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zilla liked her quiet life but has inherited a home, a grimoire and a cat. The catch is that she must solve a decades old case of death and disappearance of several young children from an orphanage. She takes her responsibilities seriously, and with some friends, she risks her life to find answers. This is a stand-alone book because enough backstory is presented, but there are story line continuing from the first and probably to subsequent books. I recommend reading them in order. I love the cross over with characters and places from Jeannie Wycherley’s other witch series. The narration is outstanding. It brings the characters and story to life.

[Texas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Wycherley's writing style is conversational and casual. Her likeable and interesting characters develop at a good rate and gain more depth as the series continues. Her fast paced, funny and intriguing story lines do a good job setting the foundations from which all her series are build with seamless blendings of the old with the new. There's plenty of intrigue and suspense with twists you just don't see coming sometimes. The original reviews can be found under the individual books.

Ghastly Grimoire Mysteries:
THE SPOOKIEST OF SPOOKS, #2 - The story continues with more intrigue, ups and downs. I love how this series is just an extension of all the Tumble Town related series with the shared sites, adventures, and characters. Source: Booksprout. 5*

THE CAT STOLE YOUR TOME, #1 - The start of a new series that shares characters and locations from the Wonderland Detective Agency Series, one of my favorites. Ms. Wycherley's writing style is conversational and casual. Her likeable and interesting characters develop at a good rate and gain more depth as the series continues. Her fast paced, funny and intriguing story lines do a good job setting the foundations from which all her series are build with seamless blendings of the old with the new. There's plenty of intrigue and suspense with twists you just don't see coming sometimes. Source: Booksprout. 5*
Ghastly Grimoire Mysteries end.

Spellbound Hound Magic and Mystery Series:
AIN'T NOTHING BUT A POUND DOG, #1 - What a fun book, after you get past the sad start. The storylines are intriguing and I see where this will be an interesting, entertaining and witch-filled series. I enjoy the rapport between the granddaughter and the spellbound dog. Their actions, dialog and love for each could not be better written. I do picture the Pointy Woman as the Wicked Witch of the West; my interpretation, no flying monkeys mentioned. I do like that Toby is not a smart mouth but a sweet, intelligent dog. The police officer is a lovely addition to the characters and I find him very likeable. Plenty of emotion, humor and intrigue, the perfect mix to keep the reader immersed in the pages. Sadly, the book does end but book two is coming out soon. No cliffhanger, just a continuation of a series similar to the Wonky Inn Series. 5*

A CURSE, A COVEN AND A CANINE, #2 - This story picks up the old storylines while blending in the new. The characters are developing, the intrigue is mounting and the suspense is building. I love that one of my favorite characters from the Wonky Inn Series plays a substantial role. Mable is a lovely character and more talking animals join in the foray. While not a cliffhanger, the next book is set up. The talented author's storytelling with her vivid descriptions along with her intelligent characters and dialog make this well thought out story had to put down. Lovers of the Wonky will enjoy this series, too. I contacted the author to review her books and received this book through Booksprout. 4*

BARK SIDE OF THE MOON, #3 - For me the story took a while to kick into gear, which it finally did and did not slow down. More characters, more secrets and more adventures made this an intriguing story with Karma doing her bit. Still well written, well thought out and full of a variety of characters, which when mixed with this talented storyteller's ability to describe her world made an interesting read. Source: Booksprout. 4*

GRIMLY FIENDISH, #9 - I missed several books but found this book easy to slip into and follow. Mable is trip, I love her. Source: Booksprout. 4*
Spellbound Hound Magic and Mystery Series end.

MIDNIGHT GARDEN - What an intriguing story, which I would expect to find on the original Twilight Zone of the Sixties. A dark suspense story that is difficult to put down. Do not expect the same genre as the Wonky Inn Series, they are not as dark and do contain humor. 5*