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Spindlewood: The gripping first book in a new series, perfect for fans of Wednesday
Not yet published
Expected 27 Aug 26The first book in a gripping new series, perfect for fans of The Swifts, Murder Most Unladylike, Lockwood and Co and
Wednesday.
'Spectacularly spooky . . . Full of warmth and humour, but threaded with delicious darkness' Philippa Leathley
'Percy Jackson meets Wednesday, with a huge dollop of originality on top' Thomas Taylor
Lilac Black does not believe in ghosts. So she’s rather surprised to learn she comes from a long line of gifted Seers, all of whom attended a top-secret boarding school for children with the power to see, hear and communicate with spirits.
And now, Lilac has an invitation to Spindlewood herself. The only problem? There's been a huge misunderstanding. Lilac does not have the gift.
Reluctant to disappoint her proud uncles, and curious to see this mysterious school for herself, she decides to play along. But as Lilac’s web of lies becomes more tangled, one thing is there is something wrong at Spindlewood. Something ancient and sinister, hidden beneath the library. Something connected to the long-ago disappearance of Lilac's parents.
Something waiting for her...
'Spectacularly spooky . . . Full of warmth and humour, but threaded with delicious darkness' Philippa Leathley
'Percy Jackson meets Wednesday, with a huge dollop of originality on top' Thomas Taylor
Lilac Black does not believe in ghosts. So she’s rather surprised to learn she comes from a long line of gifted Seers, all of whom attended a top-secret boarding school for children with the power to see, hear and communicate with spirits.
And now, Lilac has an invitation to Spindlewood herself. The only problem? There's been a huge misunderstanding. Lilac does not have the gift.
Reluctant to disappoint her proud uncles, and curious to see this mysterious school for herself, she decides to play along. But as Lilac’s web of lies becomes more tangled, one thing is there is something wrong at Spindlewood. Something ancient and sinister, hidden beneath the library. Something connected to the long-ago disappearance of Lilac's parents.
Something waiting for her...
- GenresMiddle Grade
Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 27, 2026
2 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 30, 2025
What worked:
The synopsis shares the overall conflict, but the author introduces more immediate problems for Lilac. She pretends to see a ghost to save her uncle’s séance, and the family assumes her abilities have surfaced. She learns her mother was a Seer, as are her uncles and grandmother today. They immediately assume Lilac will attend Spindlewood, but she can’t find a good opportunity to tell the truth. As a chronic skeptic, she’s curious about going to a school where everyone thinks they can see spirits. Lilac figures she can fake her way through classes until she encounters a bombshell complication. How can she fake her way through an aptitude test that will reveal the strength of her Seer powers?
Lilac is roommates with three other students, and they welcome her into their Pretty Posse. Lilac immediately feels conflicted, because the Posse is jealous of Em, the first girl she meets. Em is a True Seer, which means she can see ghosts without performing the ritual that all others must do. This makes her a target for her schoolmates, since she is studying independently from everyone else and seems to receive special treatment. However, Lilac takes the time to talk with Em and realizes True Seers live hard, lonely lives. Spindlewood has the highest concentration of ghosts in the world, so Em sees and hears them everywhere. It’s overwhelming. Isn’t it ironic that a skeptic and non-believer like Lilac becomes friends with a True Seer? Lilac’s struggle to keep her secret from Em continues throughout the book. Her school adventure leads to hidden secrets and a trip into the Beyond.
The author establishes the groundwork for future events when the instructors go over safety requirements for all seers. Seers open doorways to see into the spirit world, but that opening also lets ghosts see into the world of the living. The greatest danger for seers is becoming possessed by a spirit, so students are taught four general safety rules. Most of the early chapters present reminders to readers that possession is extremely threatening, so it’s reasonable to assume it will happen to at least one character. The possibility will always be in the back of readers’ minds, and Lilac’s roommate, Chloe, is highly susceptible to possession. As they gain more knowledge, some readers may recall the strange behavior from one of Lilac’s uncles.
What didn’t work as well:
The entire story is narrated by a spirit, and this strategy works. However, it periodically feels the need to share word meanings using Oxford definitions. It’s an amusing strategy early on, but many times, it’s not necessary. Perhaps it’s safe to make sure all readers are aware of the definitions, but more capable readers won’t need reminders.
The final verdict:
It’s a creative twist to give all of the characters spiritual abilities, while the main character is the only one without. The author saves twists and surprises, as Lilac and Em connect cryptic clues that will lead them into a dangerous world. Lilac’s lack of seer ability creates tension that will continue throughout the whole book. I recommend this book for readers who enjoy ghostly mysteries and school drama.
The synopsis shares the overall conflict, but the author introduces more immediate problems for Lilac. She pretends to see a ghost to save her uncle’s séance, and the family assumes her abilities have surfaced. She learns her mother was a Seer, as are her uncles and grandmother today. They immediately assume Lilac will attend Spindlewood, but she can’t find a good opportunity to tell the truth. As a chronic skeptic, she’s curious about going to a school where everyone thinks they can see spirits. Lilac figures she can fake her way through classes until she encounters a bombshell complication. How can she fake her way through an aptitude test that will reveal the strength of her Seer powers?
Lilac is roommates with three other students, and they welcome her into their Pretty Posse. Lilac immediately feels conflicted, because the Posse is jealous of Em, the first girl she meets. Em is a True Seer, which means she can see ghosts without performing the ritual that all others must do. This makes her a target for her schoolmates, since she is studying independently from everyone else and seems to receive special treatment. However, Lilac takes the time to talk with Em and realizes True Seers live hard, lonely lives. Spindlewood has the highest concentration of ghosts in the world, so Em sees and hears them everywhere. It’s overwhelming. Isn’t it ironic that a skeptic and non-believer like Lilac becomes friends with a True Seer? Lilac’s struggle to keep her secret from Em continues throughout the book. Her school adventure leads to hidden secrets and a trip into the Beyond.
The author establishes the groundwork for future events when the instructors go over safety requirements for all seers. Seers open doorways to see into the spirit world, but that opening also lets ghosts see into the world of the living. The greatest danger for seers is becoming possessed by a spirit, so students are taught four general safety rules. Most of the early chapters present reminders to readers that possession is extremely threatening, so it’s reasonable to assume it will happen to at least one character. The possibility will always be in the back of readers’ minds, and Lilac’s roommate, Chloe, is highly susceptible to possession. As they gain more knowledge, some readers may recall the strange behavior from one of Lilac’s uncles.
What didn’t work as well:
The entire story is narrated by a spirit, and this strategy works. However, it periodically feels the need to share word meanings using Oxford definitions. It’s an amusing strategy early on, but many times, it’s not necessary. Perhaps it’s safe to make sure all readers are aware of the definitions, but more capable readers won’t need reminders.
The final verdict:
It’s a creative twist to give all of the characters spiritual abilities, while the main character is the only one without. The author saves twists and surprises, as Lilac and Em connect cryptic clues that will lead them into a dangerous world. Lilac’s lack of seer ability creates tension that will continue throughout the whole book. I recommend this book for readers who enjoy ghostly mysteries and school drama.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This Middle Grade paranormal fantasy was an interesting twist on the Chosen One trope—a kind of anti-Chosen One—as our protagonist, Lilac, ends up as the only student at a secret school for Seers who can't actually see or communicate with the dearly departed. It's a big secret to try and keep, and if she's found out, there will be dire consequences. While it seemed implausible that it wouldn't be discovered almost immediately, given that she's surrounded by teachers and students with the talent she lacks, it is still a fun conceit and will appeal to those who can identify with Lilac's insatiable curiosity (her main motivation for attempting to undertake such a risky venture).
Lilac has to lie a lot, not only to strangers at the school but her own family as well. I would have liked to get the feeling that she felt a lot worse about this than I did as there are significant moral implications to someone willingly choosing to follow a path that requires constant deception. However, there's no doubt it sets up a lot of suspense as she is faced with one challenge after another, from messy peer group dynamics to spirit-communication aptitude tests, all while trying to maintain the illusion that she sees the ghosts that are plentiful on school grounds.
The overarching mystery and sense of danger are effective, though some of the twists are telegraphed rather broadly. There is also a narrator who offers definitions in Lemony Snicket-like asides of words that might be more challenging for younger readers, a not uncommon mechanism which I found mostly charming but a little clunky at times.
The final chapters of this adventure offer a truly sinister presence that is chillingly creepy combined with frighteningly real, physical peril that tests Lilac's ingenuity and bravery. I think this story will appeal to young readers who can appreciate the underlying message that there are many different ways to be special and contribute to a common mission as well as ones who enjoy unraveling the clues and anagrams provided to try and guess the answers before the final reveals.
(Note: this review is of an ARC I received through Netgalley. There were some interesting sketches for drawings that look like they might be placeholders for more polished illustrations in the final published version? They were certainly evocative and helped me visualize the final villain in particular.)
Lilac has to lie a lot, not only to strangers at the school but her own family as well. I would have liked to get the feeling that she felt a lot worse about this than I did as there are significant moral implications to someone willingly choosing to follow a path that requires constant deception. However, there's no doubt it sets up a lot of suspense as she is faced with one challenge after another, from messy peer group dynamics to spirit-communication aptitude tests, all while trying to maintain the illusion that she sees the ghosts that are plentiful on school grounds.
The overarching mystery and sense of danger are effective, though some of the twists are telegraphed rather broadly. There is also a narrator who offers definitions in Lemony Snicket-like asides of words that might be more challenging for younger readers, a not uncommon mechanism which I found mostly charming but a little clunky at times.
The final chapters of this adventure offer a truly sinister presence that is chillingly creepy combined with frighteningly real, physical peril that tests Lilac's ingenuity and bravery. I think this story will appeal to young readers who can appreciate the underlying message that there are many different ways to be special and contribute to a common mission as well as ones who enjoy unraveling the clues and anagrams provided to try and guess the answers before the final reveals.
(Note: this review is of an ARC I received through Netgalley. There were some interesting sketches for drawings that look like they might be placeholders for more polished illustrations in the final published version? They were certainly evocative and helped me visualize the final villain in particular.)
December 6, 2025
Spindlewood is a wonderful first book for Freddie Kölsch's new middle-grade series.
Born skeptic Lilac Black doesn't believe in ghosts, so when she pretends to talk to a spirit during a séance to get her uncle out of a tight spot, she is suddenly thrust into the secret world of seers and spirits at the top-secret Spindlewood School of Seeing. As the only Unseeing student at a boarding school full of Seers, Lilac must now bluff her way through classes and act afraid of the spirits everyone else can see. And as if her big deception weren't enough, something is very wrong on campus. Lilac and her friend Emmanuelle must use all their wits and courage to save Spindlewood from a terrifying fate.
Featuring strong themes of the love of family, the acceptance of friends, and the weight of deception, among others, Spindlewood is an excellent book for its middle grade audience. Lilac is a smart girl whose love of reading and seemingly random facts help her navigate an experience in a place where she doesn't belong. Ultimately, alongside Emmanuelle and the spirits of Spindlewood, Lilac will see things she never would have believed in.
The book has a lot of suspense, mystery, and is genuinely spooky at times. I look forward to reading the next installments of the series and learning more about the adventures of the students and faculty at Spindlewood.
Born skeptic Lilac Black doesn't believe in ghosts, so when she pretends to talk to a spirit during a séance to get her uncle out of a tight spot, she is suddenly thrust into the secret world of seers and spirits at the top-secret Spindlewood School of Seeing. As the only Unseeing student at a boarding school full of Seers, Lilac must now bluff her way through classes and act afraid of the spirits everyone else can see. And as if her big deception weren't enough, something is very wrong on campus. Lilac and her friend Emmanuelle must use all their wits and courage to save Spindlewood from a terrifying fate.
Featuring strong themes of the love of family, the acceptance of friends, and the weight of deception, among others, Spindlewood is an excellent book for its middle grade audience. Lilac is a smart girl whose love of reading and seemingly random facts help her navigate an experience in a place where she doesn't belong. Ultimately, alongside Emmanuelle and the spirits of Spindlewood, Lilac will see things she never would have believed in.
The book has a lot of suspense, mystery, and is genuinely spooky at times. I look forward to reading the next installments of the series and learning more about the adventures of the students and faculty at Spindlewood.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It took me a bit to get into this one, but I ended up really enjoying it. Its definitely more of easier read in the middle grade range - if you liked the style of A Series of Unfortunate Events but you also like ghosts, this would be for you. Ten year old me would have loved this book.
I did feel like the beginning went too quickly, after years of her being a sceptic, why is this suddenly a belief for everyone? But honestly the book was a lot of fun,I liked learning about the world and I liked the adventure.
It took me a bit to get into this one, but I ended up really enjoying it. Its definitely more of easier read in the middle grade range - if you liked the style of A Series of Unfortunate Events but you also like ghosts, this would be for you. Ten year old me would have loved this book.
I did feel like the beginning went too quickly, after years of her being a sceptic, why is this suddenly a belief for everyone? But honestly the book was a lot of fun,I liked learning about the world and I liked the adventure.
November 11, 2025
A very solid middle grade/YA spooky book!
It has all the elements of a great story to capture audiences and alike: mystery, suspense, paranormal, family values, school issues and self identity. This story is great for spooky season but also for anytime. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a new sense of adventure with a touch of paranormal spooky vibes.
I would like to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
It has all the elements of a great story to capture audiences and alike: mystery, suspense, paranormal, family values, school issues and self identity. This story is great for spooky season but also for anytime. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a new sense of adventure with a touch of paranormal spooky vibes.
I would like to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
November 28, 2025
· · ─ ·ʚSpindlewoodɞ· ─ · ·
Thank you to NetGalley for sending me this ARC! This was a cute book, it just wasn't for me. I requested this book because I am a middle school ELA educator, and I'm always looking for middle grade and YAL books to give my students. This one did not click with me, but I would recommend it to any of my students into fantasy and ghosts! There was great representation within the book, including LGBTQ, disability, speech impediment, and neurodivergent identities. I think this book will be great upon further editing, and I'll be excited to see it on shelves.
Thank you to NetGalley for sending me this ARC! This was a cute book, it just wasn't for me. I requested this book because I am a middle school ELA educator, and I'm always looking for middle grade and YAL books to give my students. This one did not click with me, but I would recommend it to any of my students into fantasy and ghosts! There was great representation within the book, including LGBTQ, disability, speech impediment, and neurodivergent identities. I think this book will be great upon further editing, and I'll be excited to see it on shelves.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a review.
My daughter really wanted to read this. I didn’t think she would like it so I tried to talk her out of it, but boy was I wrong! We both absolutely loved this story. She’s already asked to buy it when it comes out and we will be looking out for the rest of the series.
My daughter says she liked the way Lilac tricked people and didn’t get caught!
My daughter really wanted to read this. I didn’t think she would like it so I tried to talk her out of it, but boy was I wrong! We both absolutely loved this story. She’s already asked to buy it when it comes out and we will be looking out for the rest of the series.
My daughter says she liked the way Lilac tricked people and didn’t get caught!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I devoured this! What a unique take on the “magical school” trope must of us have come to love. The story is filled with a lush and diverse world of clever characters. The Seer society dynamic is such a breath of fresh air opposed to a more magic based society. This is a real gem. It is so well-written that readers of all ages will enjoy it immensely. I can’t wait to read the next one!
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September 29, 2025"The first book in a gripping, eerie and unputdownable new series, perfect for fans of The Swifts, Murder Most Unladylike, Lockwood and Co and Wednesday."
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews