What do you think?
Rate this book
Secret Seven: Mystery of the Theatre Ghost
BRAND NEW, Exactly same ISBN as listed, Please double check ISBN carefully before ordering.
Paperback
24 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Butchart
81 books115 followersAs a child, Pamela was lucky enough to grow up in a house full of pets and go to a primary school where lots of spooky and weird things happened (well, in her imagination at least). As a student, Pamela’s student jobs included: fishwife, teaching basketball in America, phlebotomist and Artist Liaison for a (really bad) Abba tribute band. Now, when she’s not writing or going out and about meeting readers, Pamela teaches philosophy to teenagers.
Her top selling stories include The Spy Who Loved School Dinners which won the Blue Peter Best Story Award and My Head Teacher is a Vampire Rat which won The Children’s Book Award. Two of her books, Petunia Peri and There’s a Werewolf in My Tent, were shortlisted for the Lollies – the Laugh Out Loud Awards.
Pamela lives in Dundee with her baby boy and their two awesome cats, Bear & Carlos. If she wasn’t working as a writer and a teacher she’d like to open a luxury hotel for stray cats.
Her top selling stories include The Spy Who Loved School Dinners which won the Blue Peter Best Story Award and My Head Teacher is a Vampire Rat which won The Children’s Book Award. Two of her books, Petunia Peri and There’s a Werewolf in My Tent, were shortlisted for the Lollies – the Laugh Out Loud Awards.
Pamela lives in Dundee with her baby boy and their two awesome cats, Bear & Carlos. If she wasn’t working as a writer and a teacher she’d like to open a luxury hotel for stray cats.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 13, 2022
'Mystery of The Theatre Ghost' (The Secret Seven #17; The Secret Seven Revival #2) by Pamela Butchart. [Based on the characters and stories by Enid Blyton]
Rating: 4.5/5.
Review:
This is the second (and alas, the last!) official continuation novel of the Secret Seven series. I loved what Pamela Butchart did with these books. The original books felt dated, and these revival books have made some necessary changes for them to appeal to modern times. It does it perfectly while maintaining the essence of the Secret Seven books.
As mentioned in my review of the previous book, I love how each member has a distinct personality. I loved adamant Peter, laughed at hungry Jack's antics, was impressed with Colin's sleuthing skills, and felt bad every time George got scared. Janet stands up to her brother and makes her opinions heard to the Secret Seven. Pam and Barbara were reduced to just being girls prone to giggling fits in the original books; Pamela Butchart's books do a great service to these characters by making them play a more significant and proactive role in the adventures. Scamper was the best part of the originals, and he is even more adorable in these new books.
When I reviewed the previous book, I mentioned that I missed Susie's antics. I had hoped she would make an appearance in this book at least, and in that respect, the book doesn't disappoint. Susie is back, and so is Binkie, and their introduction in this book hits us with nostalgia. In the originals, Susie tried to make a club of hers multiple times; we have had Famous Five, Secret Seven (when Jack left the original Secret Seven Society), and the Tiresome Three so far. And in this book, Susie ends up forming the Terrific Two. It's fun seeing the Secret Seven and the Terrific Two clashing with each other to solve this case.
The mystery that the kids stumble upon was interesting as well. It reminded me somewhat of the early Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys novels, and that's a great compliment considering I was (and still am) a great fan of those. It wasn't as simple as in the originals, and I loved how the Secret Seven tried to get hold of evidence to solve it. They use some clever methods to deduce the culprit behind the events; I must say Colin impressed me the most in this book.
I can go on and on about this book. Great book to introduce children to books, and it is quite enjoyable to adult readers as well. In short, I expected the revival books to suck. But they were so good that they made me hope that Pamela Butchart writes more Secret Seven books (hopefully!). As of writing this review, there are just two revival books written by her, but I sincerely hope there are more to come. I might even end up checking out other books by her.
Disclaimer: Ratings reflect the enjoyability factor of these books considering they are intended mostly for children. Not to be compared with my ratings and reviews for books primarily intended for YA and adults.
Rating: 4.5/5.
Review:
This is the second (and alas, the last!) official continuation novel of the Secret Seven series. I loved what Pamela Butchart did with these books. The original books felt dated, and these revival books have made some necessary changes for them to appeal to modern times. It does it perfectly while maintaining the essence of the Secret Seven books.
As mentioned in my review of the previous book, I love how each member has a distinct personality. I loved adamant Peter, laughed at hungry Jack's antics, was impressed with Colin's sleuthing skills, and felt bad every time George got scared. Janet stands up to her brother and makes her opinions heard to the Secret Seven. Pam and Barbara were reduced to just being girls prone to giggling fits in the original books; Pamela Butchart's books do a great service to these characters by making them play a more significant and proactive role in the adventures. Scamper was the best part of the originals, and he is even more adorable in these new books.
When I reviewed the previous book, I mentioned that I missed Susie's antics. I had hoped she would make an appearance in this book at least, and in that respect, the book doesn't disappoint. Susie is back, and so is Binkie, and their introduction in this book hits us with nostalgia. In the originals, Susie tried to make a club of hers multiple times; we have had Famous Five, Secret Seven (when Jack left the original Secret Seven Society), and the Tiresome Three so far. And in this book, Susie ends up forming the Terrific Two. It's fun seeing the Secret Seven and the Terrific Two clashing with each other to solve this case.
The mystery that the kids stumble upon was interesting as well. It reminded me somewhat of the early Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys novels, and that's a great compliment considering I was (and still am) a great fan of those. It wasn't as simple as in the originals, and I loved how the Secret Seven tried to get hold of evidence to solve it. They use some clever methods to deduce the culprit behind the events; I must say Colin impressed me the most in this book.
I can go on and on about this book. Great book to introduce children to books, and it is quite enjoyable to adult readers as well. In short, I expected the revival books to suck. But they were so good that they made me hope that Pamela Butchart writes more Secret Seven books (hopefully!). As of writing this review, there are just two revival books written by her, but I sincerely hope there are more to come. I might even end up checking out other books by her.
Disclaimer: Ratings reflect the enjoyability factor of these books considering they are intended mostly for children. Not to be compared with my ratings and reviews for books primarily intended for YA and adults.
Read
July 3, 2024I liked reading this book
September 28, 2022
4.5 stars
This book is funny and interesting even though it is a children's book.
This book is funny and interesting even though it is a children's book.
November 11, 2023
Unfortunately I can't recommend this book or the previous one Pamela Butchart wrote in the Secret Seven series. It's not that I'm necessarily opposed to official continuation books (I quite like the Pamela Cox Malory Towers and St. Clare's continuation novels, and I'm happy to place them side by side with Blyton's as part of the same series). However, these Secret Seven ones do not belong to the same series as the ones by Enid Blyton. The characters are very different, even if they have the same name, the writing style is very different, the style of story is different.
These are not as bad as the Claude Voilier Famous Five continuation novels, but I don't see the point of using the name Secret Seven and then not making the effort to make them fit with the series. So they are books about seven characters who happen to have the same name as the ones in Enid Blyton's series, have also formed a club called Secret Seven and investigate mysteries. That's about it. Blyton's name doesn't belong on these. They should have been published as their own thing and be judged on their own merits or lack thereof.
These are not as bad as the Claude Voilier Famous Five continuation novels, but I don't see the point of using the name Secret Seven and then not making the effort to make them fit with the series. So they are books about seven characters who happen to have the same name as the ones in Enid Blyton's series, have also formed a club called Secret Seven and investigate mysteries. That's about it. Blyton's name doesn't belong on these. They should have been published as their own thing and be judged on their own merits or lack thereof.
March 24, 2021
This book series is meant for a younger age group, but thrilling and exciting nonetheless. This was one of the best spin offs of the series
New plots, stunning escapes, and chilling mysteries keep you hanging on every word! And of course the descriptions of the elaborate meals that the seven have. Let's not forget the official "seven" meetings that each of us, deep down, wanted to be a part of, like those eavesdropping intruders.
New plots, stunning escapes, and chilling mysteries keep you hanging on every word! And of course the descriptions of the elaborate meals that the seven have. Let's not forget the official "seven" meetings that each of us, deep down, wanted to be a part of, like those eavesdropping intruders.
October 30, 2021
GUYS!! I AM SHOOK!!
I WAS SHOCKED AFTER I READ THIS BOOK BCOZ IT WAS THAT GREAT!!
I never thought I would love Pamela Butchart's Secret seven books as much as Enid Blyton's books but oh my god!! I am shocked and filled with happiness because of these books
P.S I'm also kind of slightly sad because I'm saying goodbye to the Secret seven but they shall always remain in my heart!! :)
I WAS SHOCKED AFTER I READ THIS BOOK BCOZ IT WAS THAT GREAT!!
I never thought I would love Pamela Butchart's Secret seven books as much as Enid Blyton's books but oh my god!! I am shocked and filled with happiness because of these books
P.S I'm also kind of slightly sad because I'm saying goodbye to the Secret seven but they shall always remain in my heart!! :)
August 18, 2024
I Read this a few years ago but still remember most of the detail because it blew my mind, the ending is so good that even some renowned adult suspense writers are left behind. The best part in the books is always there SS meeting where the kids explore their surroundings, also the friendship, loyalty and dedication is incredible. It's especially great for 10-13 year olds.
February 3, 2022
The book was absolutely amazing, the book was better than a thriller movie, I was also feeling like a detective while reading it. I was guessing who was the culprit & my guess changed quite a lot of times, sometimes I guessed better than the Secret Seven!!!!!
October 1, 2020
Pam disgusts me! The way Pam and Barbara roast at each other disgusts, me! Its way too childish! Otherwise, the book would've been amazing, cool, little read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2020
Enjoyed reading complete set of books... It all started during the pandemic time. One of my favourite reads during pandemic
September 25, 2022
Spine chilling 😎
August 27, 2023
one of my favorirts
I loved this book! It is simply amazing I am not joking the best secret seven book ever. So much intrigue. Well done Enid Blyton!
I loved this book! It is simply amazing I am not joking the best secret seven book ever. So much intrigue. Well done Enid Blyton!
February 25, 2024
Interesting 🤔
August 6, 2024
Mysterious
March 18, 2019
Secret Seven rules.
A reasonable follow on to the old collection. No hard words encourages children to read for pleasure , grammar, spelling can come later.
A reasonable follow on to the old collection. No hard words encourages children to read for pleasure , grammar, spelling can come later.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews