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Trussel and Gout: Paranormal Investigations #2

Something in the Woodshed: Trussel and Gout: Paranormal Investigations No. 2

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Mr Gout had not told me everything.
That became clear the very first night I arrived to take up my position as his apprentice.

Paranormal investigation is not quite what Clementine Trussel was expecting. Abermwyl, the small Welsh fishing village she now calls home, is hardly a hub of excitement. Worse still, her welcome has been less than warm.

Mr Gout seems distracted, and his ancient housekeeper, one Mrs Winchester, has made it abundantly clear she is not happy with Clementine’s presence.

But strange events are about to unfold in the sleepy village. A tragic shipwreck brings a mysterious stranger to shore. A madman. The sole survivor. But could the ship have brought something else with it, too?

Clementine cannot shake the feeling she is being watched, and, in the woodshed behind the cottage she now calls home, she feels a presence lurking.



This is a novella, or short read and can be read in around three hours.

114 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2022

16 people are currently reading
169 people want to read

About the author

M.A. Knights

10 books134 followers

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5 stars
110 (41%)
4 stars
128 (47%)
3 stars
29 (10%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Chelsea Reining.
521 reviews7 followers
January 3, 2023
Once again, M. A. Knights brings an absolutely delightful cozy paranormal investigation to the table! I am absolutely besotted with Mr. Gout and Ms. Trussel - and how I adore the new characters added in this story too!

This is perfect for anyone with an hour or 2 to kill that just wants something interesting and gripping but not stressful - there are stakes and intrigue, but it was an easy and relaxing read as well. I cannot wait to continue the series!
Profile Image for TreeFlower.
207 reviews9 followers
May 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🧟‍♂️ 🔎

This was a fun read!

Clementine is fully prepared to become an apprentice paranormal investigator when she shows up to Mr. Gout’s home. She isn’t prepared for the hostile attitude from his housekeeper, his rabbit poltergeist, or the thing that keeps watching her from the shadows.

Curses, Zombies, and adventures are about in this installation of Trussel & Gout! 😊
Profile Image for Cassie Dishman.
93 reviews2 followers
December 13, 2023
Number two in the series, and things are getting a little more serious. Still, this book was delightful, light-hearted, and just fun to read. I love the addition of Klous, and I’m excited to see what happens next!
Profile Image for T.
1,028 reviews8 followers
June 6, 2023
3.5 stars. This one dragged a bit for me and I found I wasn’t as engaged with the story like I was on the 1st one. Nevertheless, I’m still looking forward to reading #3 in the series!
Profile Image for Amelia Carr.
479 reviews3 followers
December 8, 2023
Another quirky, unique, funny and dangerous installment! The intrigue deepens as does my love for these characters!
Profile Image for David Adams.
Author 18 books15 followers
January 4, 2024
After coming across the first in this series on Martin's TikTok page, I was pleasantly surprised how much story he managed to squeeze into just 54 short pages, and it was a very cosy paranormal read.
This one, however, was double the length at over 100 pages, and double the fun!

I enjoyed the revelation that the books, whilst having independent storylines, seem to be linked and there appears to be building to something. I very much liked the character of Klaus and was pleased he seems to be part of the ensemble moving forward. The trouble I find with most short reads, is there always feels like there is something missing, but not in the case of Trussel and Gout. The storyline feels complete, and full and the perfect length to tell the tale that needs to be told.

Thoroughly enjoyable and look very much forward to reading the next one!
Profile Image for Barbara Lennox.
Author 9 books23 followers
June 11, 2022
This is the second in the Trussel and Gout short read series of paranormal mysteries. In this volume, the heroine, Clementine Trussell, takes up employment as Theophilus Gout’s assistant in his paranormal investigative business and immediately becomes involved in a local mystery. There's an antagonistic housekeeper, a poltergeist pet rabbit, evil monsters, not-so-evil monsters, and a prophecy that doesn’t bode well for the future of Clementine’s future employment, or, indeed, Theophilus Gout’s life, but is sure to lead the pair into several more adventures. I can’t wait to read the next in the series of these charming paranormal mysteries full of wry British humour and a cast of fabulously realised characters you can’t help rooting for.
Profile Image for Suzanne Maughan.
444 reviews12 followers
June 13, 2023
Another fabulous little read from M.A.Knights sees Clementine make her way to stay with Mr Gout as his apprentice.

Things are not as they seem when Clementine arrives at Oystercatcher Cottage - there's a strange feeling of being followed, and that's just outside the house! Inside, Clementine meets housekeeper Mrs Winchester - an incredibly strongwilled and stubborn woman - and Custard, Gout's recently departed and now poltergeist bunny. Yes, you read that correctly! But strange things are happening in the village - a shipwreck, one lone survivor and a seemingly horrific and contagious plague.

Definitely a case for Trussel and Gout!
Profile Image for Juliet Taylor.
9 reviews
January 23, 2024
The second book in this series and it didn’t disappoint. I am really enjoying the way the characters are developing as we find out more about them through their adventures. The best way I can describe these are like a child’s book for grown ups and I mean this as a good thing! Those things that we thought we didn’t believe in anymore, like the monster under the bed, that while we are reading, sparks our imagination and gives us back that feeling of possibility in a world that is not as we thought we knew.
Profile Image for Desarae Smith.
105 reviews2 followers
May 28, 2023
3.5 stars. Good, fast paced book. Didn't like it as much as the first in the series. Miss Trussel leaves her hometown to go live with Mr. Gout as his apprentice. Death and sickness show up at the same time and they must fight off a new curse. As a novela there's not a lot of world building and you learn about the paranormal right alongside Miss Trussel which is kinda fun. Enjoyed this cozy mystery.
Profile Image for Kim.
340 reviews2 followers
July 16, 2023
Another super cozy, enjoyable read. Although I didn’t like this one quite as much, it’s still a 4.5 stars for me.

I’m glad this book was longer, however, the premise was less interesting than the first one. It was kind of creepy and very atmospheric at times. I liked getting to know the characters more and having some new people introduced (I need more Custard, he’s adorable)

Looking forward to the next one, can’t wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Kirsty .
16 reviews
May 1, 2025
Lovely short story

Another lovely instalment to Trussell and Gout. I have enjoyed the introduction of new characters and, of course, custard.

They are honestly great stories of the supernatural, well written, amusing, and a pleasure to read. I have only given 4 stars due to the length. They are are smaller books that you read within a few hours at a slow pace. An hour if your a fast reader. However I have enjoyed every minute
Author 1 book14 followers
January 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this. I liked that the MMC was still a bit insane but wasn't written in a way that was so chaotic as in the first book. The development of the story and mystery were well executed, and the characters took on more nuance for their personalities. My only real issue was that it was never explained what happened to Klous in the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Melissa .
66 reviews4 followers
August 4, 2023
A wonderful sequel!

A delightful sequel to book 1! We find that Miss Trussel has joined Mr. Gout as his assistant and adventures ensue! I loved everything about this book and immediately started book 3 at the end. If you don’t finish it wanting Custard to come live with you, there is seriously something wrong with you!
4 reviews
October 25, 2022
Another great quick read!

I've really enjoyed this book, and am very much looking forward to the next instalment in the series. My only criticism is that it's too short! I want more!
Profile Image for Kat.
9 reviews
October 24, 2023
I simply adore this book! I love the cast of characters, especially Mr Gout, and the way the folklore is woven into the story. Perfect cosy fantasy that left me both warm and fuzzy and intrigued for the next instalment. Which I have just downloaded so I can carry right on reading.
Profile Image for Sarah.
65 reviews
September 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Something in the woodshed by M.A. Knights
I'm really enjoying this series so far. The characters are quirky and interesting to read, and the story is just so random that I couldn't help but be intrigued. Mrs Winchester is one to watch, I reckon.
Profile Image for Jason Lorette.
146 reviews4 followers
June 14, 2022
I loved this even more than the first one! Such wonderful and whimsical little stories, so much fun…bravo! I look forward to book three! 😎📚
Profile Image for Shahna.
1,733 reviews11 followers
July 1, 2022
Well this was a great time.
I love Gout so much.
Profile Image for Craig Randall.
5 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2022
EVEN BETTER!!

These so FUN!!!! Great work, M.A. Knights!! Funny! Engaging! Well executed!! Definitely scratches a good fun, paranormal itch!!

Definitely recommend!!
Profile Image for Bronwyn Davis.
78 reviews
July 27, 2022
*Really enjoying this series
*Love the dynamic of the characters especially with the introduction of Mrs Winchester
*Devoured
*Witty
Profile Image for Kimbelie.
153 reviews
September 26, 2023
Pace: 8
Plot: 8
Characters: 9
Enjoyable: 9 
Insightful: 7
Ease of Reading: 8
Rented through Kindle Unlimited
Profile Image for Sarah.
338 reviews
November 17, 2023
For such a short read, there is quite a bit of action in this one. I loved the new characters introduced in this books and I find myself excited to read the rest of the adventure.
Profile Image for Lesley Hurst.
20 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2023
The 2nd book in the series, utterly whimsical and delightful. I feel entertained, hugged and nourished:)
Profile Image for Chelsea.
155 reviews
January 2, 2024
the best kind of weird continues!

This one was a little slower to start but had a bang of an ending can’t wait for the next!
Profile Image for Thalipauriel.
31 reviews
April 12, 2024
Just as wonderful as the first, if not better! Some questions were answered, but there are so many new questions to ask, so I'll be going straight into the third book now.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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