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Aveline Jones #3
The Vanishing of Aveline Jones
Turn on your torches and join Aveline Jones!
Aveline is determined to discover the truth behind her uncle's mysterious disappearance when she travels to his home with Mum and Aunt Lilian. After years of hoping Aveline's uncle would return, they have finally decided to sell his house - but Aveline and Harold have other plans.
Sneaking into her uncle's study, Aveline discovers he had been researching possible supernatural activity around an ancient burial mound - and linked this with the unexplained disappearances of other local villagers. Dark, magical forces are at work, and they'll do anything to remain hidden, as Aveline and Harold soon learn...
Join the world of Aveline Jones, where mysteries are solved, spirits are laid to rest, and everybody gets to bed on time. Perfect for adventurers aged 9+ and fans of Michelle Harrison and Jennifer Killick.
Aveline is determined to discover the truth behind her uncle's mysterious disappearance when she travels to his home with Mum and Aunt Lilian. After years of hoping Aveline's uncle would return, they have finally decided to sell his house - but Aveline and Harold have other plans.
Sneaking into her uncle's study, Aveline discovers he had been researching possible supernatural activity around an ancient burial mound - and linked this with the unexplained disappearances of other local villagers. Dark, magical forces are at work, and they'll do anything to remain hidden, as Aveline and Harold soon learn...
Join the world of Aveline Jones, where mysteries are solved, spirits are laid to rest, and everybody gets to bed on time. Perfect for adventurers aged 9+ and fans of Michelle Harrison and Jennifer Killick.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2022
30 people are currently reading
1229 people want to read
About the author
Phil Hickes
18 books272 followersI live in Oregon at the moment, though I hail from the UK. Growing up in a house overlooking a graveyard, on the edge of the bleak and foreboding Pennine Hills, seems to have instilled in me an obsession with all things dark and spooky. The complete Aveline Jones trilogy is available at all good bookstores and has been, or will be, translated into Spanish, German, Czech, French, Turkish, Polish and Russian. My latest effort is called Shadowhall Academy and follows the spooky adventures of the Aunt Lilian character from the Aveline books as a young girl in the 1980s. I also have a dyslexia-friendly ghost story coming out with Barrington Stoke at Halloween this year.
Favourite authors include Robert Aickman, Stephen King (his early stuff), M R James, Susan Cooper, H P Lovecraft, Philip Pullman, Shirley Jackson, James Herbert, Lindsey Barraclough, Alan Garner, Neil Gaiman, Dennis Wheatley, Andrew Michael Hurley, Penelope Lively, Alan Moore, Mervyn Peake, Bernard Cornwell, Arthur Machen, Jane Austen, Cormac McCarthy, Roald Dahl, Jeanette Winterson, George R R Martin, Chris Priestley, Graham Joyce, Dan Rhodes, Robin Spriggs and many more.
Favourite authors include Robert Aickman, Stephen King (his early stuff), M R James, Susan Cooper, H P Lovecraft, Philip Pullman, Shirley Jackson, James Herbert, Lindsey Barraclough, Alan Garner, Neil Gaiman, Dennis Wheatley, Andrew Michael Hurley, Penelope Lively, Alan Moore, Mervyn Peake, Bernard Cornwell, Arthur Machen, Jane Austen, Cormac McCarthy, Roald Dahl, Jeanette Winterson, George R R Martin, Chris Priestley, Graham Joyce, Dan Rhodes, Robin Spriggs and many more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 290 reviews
October 2, 2024
czemu istnieją tylko trzy tomy?
czemu tak mało osób zna tę serię?
czemu książka dla dzieci sprawia, że mój 22 letni mózg zaczyna wariować z niepokoju?
czemu tak mało osób zna tę serię?
czemu książka dla dzieci sprawia, że mój 22 letni mózg zaczyna wariować z niepokoju?
October 2, 2024
Idealna opcja dla tych, którzy lubią się bać! Nawet dorosłych, bo uwierzcie mi, ta historia jest mocno niepokojąca!
April 6, 2023
Ten years ago, Aveline’s uncle disappeared. Her mother thinks it’s finally time to sell his house. This is an opportunity Aveline can’t say no to. Aveline and her best friend Harold accompany her mother to the house, hoping to solve the mystery of her uncle’s disappearance. She learns that her uncle was investigating some mysterious disappearances himself. That can’t be a coincidence, so Aveline starts examining the clues left behind by her uncle. All the clues seem to lead her to a local long barrow, a prehistoric burial mound. But Aveline quickly realizes that she might have bitten off more than she can chew, as she could become the next name on a long list of disappearances.
On one hand, it’s a really cool standalone story that perfectly balances the mystery of the disappearances with the creepiness factor of the setting. On the other hand, it feels like a satisfying conclusion to a very strong trilogy of books. And this book even has some cool throwbacks to the previous two books that are very much appreciated, as it shows how much Aveline has grown over the course of the series.
The characters are once again so easy to root for. They’re fleshed out really well and the bond Aveline and Harold have never feels forced, but rather earned after their previous two adventures. The setting is also simply perfect for middle grade horror. And the writer does such a fantastic job of making it come alive. It’s so tense, atmospheric and spooky. And yet it’s never too scary.
Overall, this one knocks it out of the park for me. It’s everything I expected it to be and more. It feels like the conclusion of the series, though I can only hope there will be another sequel.
On one hand, it’s a really cool standalone story that perfectly balances the mystery of the disappearances with the creepiness factor of the setting. On the other hand, it feels like a satisfying conclusion to a very strong trilogy of books. And this book even has some cool throwbacks to the previous two books that are very much appreciated, as it shows how much Aveline has grown over the course of the series.
The characters are once again so easy to root for. They’re fleshed out really well and the bond Aveline and Harold have never feels forced, but rather earned after their previous two adventures. The setting is also simply perfect for middle grade horror. And the writer does such a fantastic job of making it come alive. It’s so tense, atmospheric and spooky. And yet it’s never too scary.
Overall, this one knocks it out of the park for me. It’s everything I expected it to be and more. It feels like the conclusion of the series, though I can only hope there will be another sequel.
October 28, 2022
This is the third instalment in the Aveline Jones series. Actual rating 4.5/5 stars.
Aveline's uncle's mysterious disappearance haunts and saddens her family. Almost a year since they last saw or heard from him, the family have decided to accept the news that he will not return and sell his house. Aveline, however, is determined to prove otherwise. She finds research inside his study that she believes are the keys to where he went and why he failed to come back. She follows in his footsteps to find him, but just might end up losing herself in the process, instead.
I've quickly discovered that the best creepy middle grade stories are penned by Phil Hickes! This is the third of his books featuring little Aveline Jones that I have read and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with all three. I believe they can be experienced alone or out of order and still be admired, but to fully understand the character relationships that feature they are best read in order of publication.
The gothic atmosphere pervaded these pages as solidly as in the previous instalments and I had genuine moments of fear, despite being far older than the target audience. The events here were, if anything, creepier than those featured before and I flew through this book to get to the conclusion and to put the eeriness to bed before I did!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Phil Hickes, and the publisher, Usborne, for this opportunity.
Aveline's uncle's mysterious disappearance haunts and saddens her family. Almost a year since they last saw or heard from him, the family have decided to accept the news that he will not return and sell his house. Aveline, however, is determined to prove otherwise. She finds research inside his study that she believes are the keys to where he went and why he failed to come back. She follows in his footsteps to find him, but just might end up losing herself in the process, instead.
I've quickly discovered that the best creepy middle grade stories are penned by Phil Hickes! This is the third of his books featuring little Aveline Jones that I have read and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with all three. I believe they can be experienced alone or out of order and still be admired, but to fully understand the character relationships that feature they are best read in order of publication.
The gothic atmosphere pervaded these pages as solidly as in the previous instalments and I had genuine moments of fear, despite being far older than the target audience. The events here were, if anything, creepier than those featured before and I flew through this book to get to the conclusion and to put the eeriness to bed before I did!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Phil Hickes, and the publisher, Usborne, for this opportunity.
November 10, 2025
Chyba już trochę miałam zmęczenie materiału, bo zaangażowała mnie najmniej, ale podobał mi się pomysł na wykorzystanie Fae w mrocznej opowieści dla młodszego czytelnika.
October 19, 2024
Z pozoru lekka opowieść dla dzieci, a w środku wciągająca historia z dreszczykiem - miejscami nawet psychodeliczna. Z niecierpliwością dorwałam się do trzeciego tomu opowieści o Aveline i jej niesamowitych przygodach. Tutaj dodatkowo "bagaż" rodzinny podnosi temperaturę książki. Dzieci chyba po tej książce nie zasną...
November 10, 2024
Żegnaj Aveline, będę tęsknić☹️
Choć ten tom „czułam” najmniej, to uwielbiam tę serię całym sercem ❤️
Choć ten tom „czułam” najmniej, to uwielbiam tę serię całym sercem ❤️
September 8, 2023
"Their feet squelched on the sodden leaves, autumn's soggy leftovers. The wind gusted through the spiny trees; the bare, spiky branches waving at them like witchy fingers."
Das dritte Abenteuer von Aveline Jones. Dieses Mal sucht sie ihren verschwundenen Onkel und gerät selbst in größte Gefahr. Richtig spannend, sehr atmosphärisch und ziemlich unheimlich. Das hat Spaß gemacht und lässt sich auch im englischen Original super lesen. Ich erlebe gerne mehr mysteriöse Abenteuer mit Aveline und Co.
Das dritte Abenteuer von Aveline Jones. Dieses Mal sucht sie ihren verschwundenen Onkel und gerät selbst in größte Gefahr. Richtig spannend, sehr atmosphärisch und ziemlich unheimlich. Das hat Spaß gemacht und lässt sich auch im englischen Original super lesen. Ich erlebe gerne mehr mysteriöse Abenteuer mit Aveline und Co.
September 21, 2025
Czy Aveline ma w ogóle jakiś instynkt samozachowawczy? 😅 3,5⭐
October 22, 2024
Naprawdę świetna rozrywka ale nadal uważam że 1 tom najlepszy.
December 18, 2024
Każdą kolejną część przygód Aveline słucham z coraz większą przyjemnością, a ta chyba nawet podobała mi się najbardziej :). Tylko jak teraz żyć, gdy nie ma więcej? Będę na pewno wyczekiwań newsów o kolejnych książkach, bo to brzmi, jakby koniec jeszcze nie nadszedł!
January 30, 2023
“Sometimes one may thus go to Faerie for an hour or two; or one may remain there for seven ,fourteen, or twenty-one years.”
The 3rd book in the Aveline Jones series and this time perfect for the Winter time (I read this one early December so even more perfect). This time an old disappearance, evil faeries, stories, and an exciting adventure.
This time Aveline is off with her best friend, her mom and her aunt to a small town to go to the home of her uncle. He disappeared YEARS ago and it is now time to sell the house and get rid of the stuff inside. Yep, her mom and aunt just couldn’t until now. And I can imagine.
I loved reading about the town, loved reading about the mysteries, loved reading about the mystery of that place and also what happened to Aveline’s uncle. How did he disappear? Why did he disappear? It gets really spooky at times and add to that tons of snow and it is just perfection. We also meet a new character who I hope we will see in the next books or at least get a bit of a hi from in the next books. I loved getting more and more hints on what could have happened along with folklore stories about fae.
Bonus points to those parts between the chapters! Those were just a-plus and made the story complete and even more fun for me.
While I did love what happened underground and all those spooky fears, I did wonder why no one ever cared to search for this guy. EVER. I mean, I get it. Aveline loves supernatural and believes in it, but there must be more people, right?
But the underground part and that scary fae? It was a great read and I loved that Aveline wasn’t alone in this one. That she had her friends. That they supported her and helped her make the right decisions. That they could face their fears. I don’t want to think of getting stuck underground, brr. I don’t have claustrophobia, but DANG this book definitely did give me all those vibes. Not to mention the whole time limit thing… MM. NOPE.
Some typical horror stupidity: Magical flyer appears and neither of them question about it and then when a friend texts them and tells there is no festival they just dismiss him because maybe it is a new festival. That just made me snort. Or some things that happened when they were underground. I get that she was emotional because HE LOOKED LIKE IT, but come on girl, you are better than this.
But all in all, a very exciting and fun book and I just flew right through it. Hop! Couldn’t stop. It was just TOO GOOD. I would recommend it and I cannot wait for the next book!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
The 3rd book in the Aveline Jones series and this time perfect for the Winter time (I read this one early December so even more perfect). This time an old disappearance, evil faeries, stories, and an exciting adventure.
This time Aveline is off with her best friend, her mom and her aunt to a small town to go to the home of her uncle. He disappeared YEARS ago and it is now time to sell the house and get rid of the stuff inside. Yep, her mom and aunt just couldn’t until now. And I can imagine.
I loved reading about the town, loved reading about the mysteries, loved reading about the mystery of that place and also what happened to Aveline’s uncle. How did he disappear? Why did he disappear? It gets really spooky at times and add to that tons of snow and it is just perfection. We also meet a new character who I hope we will see in the next books or at least get a bit of a hi from in the next books. I loved getting more and more hints on what could have happened along with folklore stories about fae.
Bonus points to those parts between the chapters! Those were just a-plus and made the story complete and even more fun for me.
While I did love what happened underground and all those spooky fears, I did wonder why no one ever cared to search for this guy. EVER. I mean, I get it. Aveline loves supernatural and believes in it, but there must be more people, right?
But the underground part and that scary fae? It was a great read and I loved that Aveline wasn’t alone in this one. That she had her friends. That they supported her and helped her make the right decisions. That they could face their fears. I don’t want to think of getting stuck underground, brr. I don’t have claustrophobia, but DANG this book definitely did give me all those vibes. Not to mention the whole time limit thing… MM. NOPE.
Some typical horror stupidity: Magical flyer appears and neither of them question about it and then when a friend texts them and tells there is no festival they just dismiss him because maybe it is a new festival. That just made me snort. Or some things that happened when they were underground. I get that she was emotional because HE LOOKED LIKE IT, but come on girl, you are better than this.
But all in all, a very exciting and fun book and I just flew right through it. Hop! Couldn’t stop. It was just TOO GOOD. I would recommend it and I cannot wait for the next book!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
October 30, 2024
3.5
Lepsza niż druga część, ale wciąż gorsza niż jedynka 😄
Lepsza niż druga część, ale wciąż gorsza niż jedynka 😄
November 12, 2024
Pochłonełam tę książkę na raz będąc szczerym. To kolejna książka z serii o Aveline Jones,która mnie nie zawiodła. I pomimo,że to jest książka dla młodszych czytelników pokochałam ją całym sercem i z utęsknieniem czekam na kolejny tom. Cóż więcej rzec:KOCHAM I CZEKAM❤❤
December 29, 2024
Uwielbiam tę serię! 🤎👻
Pierwszy tom był genialny, drugi bardzo średni, a ten znów bardzo dobry.
Dla dużych, dla małych, dla każdego kto szuka klimatycznej historii z dreszczykiem. Bardzo bardzo polecam 🫶🏻
Pierwszy tom był genialny, drugi bardzo średni, a ten znów bardzo dobry.
Dla dużych, dla małych, dla każdego kto szuka klimatycznej historii z dreszczykiem. Bardzo bardzo polecam 🫶🏻
October 25, 2022
This series has never disappointed me, and this third book continues that trend as we follow Aveline as she goes in search of her uncle whose been missing for a decade.
I don't know how kids, ever put these books down because I as an adult do not know how to put it down. This plot is engrossing and captivating from the start and how anyone after the second chapter can stop reading this book is a stronger human and reader than me. Atmospheric and creeping, this story grows into a rich and brilliant story from the start of the story.
Our characters are strong and well rounded and incredibly human. The relationship between her mum and aunt like a sibling rivalry, Aveline, a young and curious invesigator and Harold who makes one heck of a team with Aveline as they begin their investigation. Hickes has such a a knack for such genuine characters in these books and means I will read whatever he writes.
A fantastic edition to this series and I think the last of them, I love these books so much and I highly recommend for anyone of any age to read these especially during spooky season!
Thank you to Usborne for the ARC!
I don't know how kids, ever put these books down because I as an adult do not know how to put it down. This plot is engrossing and captivating from the start and how anyone after the second chapter can stop reading this book is a stronger human and reader than me. Atmospheric and creeping, this story grows into a rich and brilliant story from the start of the story.
Our characters are strong and well rounded and incredibly human. The relationship between her mum and aunt like a sibling rivalry, Aveline, a young and curious invesigator and Harold who makes one heck of a team with Aveline as they begin their investigation. Hickes has such a a knack for such genuine characters in these books and means I will read whatever he writes.
A fantastic edition to this series and I think the last of them, I love these books so much and I highly recommend for anyone of any age to read these especially during spooky season!
Thank you to Usborne for the ARC!
January 9, 2023
Wieder schaurig schön!
October 1, 2024
ale mi przykro, że to już koniec!
o wiele lepsza niż druga część, bawiłam się bardzo dobrze (chociaż i tak największym straszakiem z całej trylogii niezmiennie pozostaje pierwszy tom)
o wiele lepsza niż druga część, bawiłam się bardzo dobrze (chociaż i tak największym straszakiem z całej trylogii niezmiennie pozostaje pierwszy tom)
October 10, 2024
To chyba moja ulubiona część
October 12, 2024
uwielbiam tę trylogię!!
January 1, 2023
3,5*
This was another entertaining, creative and creepy Aveline adventure.
Aveline starts to investigate the disappearance of her uncle. But sometimes when you get too close to uncover the truth, you might put yourself in grave danger.
Trying to find her uncle and following his footsteps, Aveline will find herself trapped and will have little time to find out how to make it out alive.
Together with her friends Aveline will have to face some of her darkest fears, literally.
This was another entertaining, creative and creepy Aveline adventure.
Aveline starts to investigate the disappearance of her uncle. But sometimes when you get too close to uncover the truth, you might put yourself in grave danger.
Trying to find her uncle and following his footsteps, Aveline will find herself trapped and will have little time to find out how to make it out alive.
Together with her friends Aveline will have to face some of her darkest fears, literally.
December 30, 2024
3,25⭐/5
Kolejna część z serii i jak to zwykle bywa, słabsza niż poprzedniczki. Nadal autor tworzy prześwietny klimat, niepokojący, straszny, mroczny, jednakże w tym tomie miałam wrażenie, że formuła zwyczajnie się wyczerpała. Dalej było to przerażające i niepokojące, jednak emocje bohaterów i ich zachowania nie współgrały mi do przedstawianych wydarzeń. Mimo, że bohaterami są niebywale bystre dzieci, to jednak dalej dają się skusić marnym zagrywkom zjaw. Jednocześnie troszkę szkoda, że seria poszła w kierunku zjawisk fantastycznych, ledwo realnych, jak również, że to prawdopodobnie zakończenie tej dziecięcej serii, bo jednak miała w sobie świetny pierwiastek grozy. Wolałam jednak zjawiska paranormalne i czerpanie wiedzy z innego typu legend. Doceniam za kolejne wątki rodzinne, bo to zagrało świetnie, zresztą jak zwykle, lecz jednocześnie nie poczułam zakończenia historii, celu wędrówki bohaterów, po prostu historia przeszła koło mnie obojętnie.
Kolejna część z serii i jak to zwykle bywa, słabsza niż poprzedniczki. Nadal autor tworzy prześwietny klimat, niepokojący, straszny, mroczny, jednakże w tym tomie miałam wrażenie, że formuła zwyczajnie się wyczerpała. Dalej było to przerażające i niepokojące, jednak emocje bohaterów i ich zachowania nie współgrały mi do przedstawianych wydarzeń. Mimo, że bohaterami są niebywale bystre dzieci, to jednak dalej dają się skusić marnym zagrywkom zjaw. Jednocześnie troszkę szkoda, że seria poszła w kierunku zjawisk fantastycznych, ledwo realnych, jak również, że to prawdopodobnie zakończenie tej dziecięcej serii, bo jednak miała w sobie świetny pierwiastek grozy. Wolałam jednak zjawiska paranormalne i czerpanie wiedzy z innego typu legend. Doceniam za kolejne wątki rodzinne, bo to zagrało świetnie, zresztą jak zwykle, lecz jednocześnie nie poczułam zakończenia historii, celu wędrówki bohaterów, po prostu historia przeszła koło mnie obojętnie.
October 13, 2025
3 ⭐️ Conocí a Aveline Jones y a Harold hace unos 3 años, cuando me llevaron a conocer un pequeño pueblo costero en Inglaterra con escalofriantes leyendas y espíritus que rondan sus estrechas calles en noches de tormenta.
No pude evitar regresar un año después para acompañarla a un pueblito montañoso con un misterioso circulo de piedra, donde los mitos hablan de brujas y aquelarres a la luz de la luna.
He vuelto con Aveline, Harold y su nuevo amigo Sammy, en la búsqueda del tio Rowan perdido hace 10 años en las cercanías de un antiguo túmulo funerario en donde las extrañas desapariciones de personas se mezclan con historias de magia oscura y siniestras y vengativas hadas.
En esta ocasión Aveline me ha demostrado, que aun cuando no puedas confiar ni en tus ojos y a pesar de que el valor te falle al enfrentar tus más profundos miedos, los amigos y la familia siempre serán el lugar seguro al cual regresar. 💕
No pude evitar regresar un año después para acompañarla a un pueblito montañoso con un misterioso circulo de piedra, donde los mitos hablan de brujas y aquelarres a la luz de la luna.
He vuelto con Aveline, Harold y su nuevo amigo Sammy, en la búsqueda del tio Rowan perdido hace 10 años en las cercanías de un antiguo túmulo funerario en donde las extrañas desapariciones de personas se mezclan con historias de magia oscura y siniestras y vengativas hadas.
En esta ocasión Aveline me ha demostrado, que aun cuando no puedas confiar ni en tus ojos y a pesar de que el valor te falle al enfrentar tus más profundos miedos, los amigos y la familia siempre serán el lugar seguro al cual regresar. 💕
July 16, 2024
The Vanishing of Aveline Jones is a whimsical mystery that captivates with Aveline's sharp detective instincts. Set in a charming seaside town, it's a lighthearted read blending eerie suspense with endearing characters. Perfect for young readers enthralled by ghostly adventures and clever sleuthing.
October 6, 2024
Uwielbiam Aveline!
September 23, 2025
Jestem zakochana w tej serii książek i szkoda, że to tylko trzy tomy, bo mam ochotę na więcej!
October 5, 2024
Najmroczniejsza część! Aveline robi trochę głupotek, ale sama historia jest ciekawa, bardzo klimatyczna i trzyma w napięciu.
October 23, 2024
Moim faworytem pozostanie 1 tom serii
October 28, 2024
5⭐️!Najlepszy tom z całej trylogii, to ile emocji zapewniła mi książka z działu dziecięcego(ale naprawdę spodoba się wszystkim) to naprawdę nie pojęte.
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