Lockett & Wilde: The Ghosts of the Manor

By Author / Illustrator

Lucy Strange, Pam Smy

Genre

Mystery & Detective

Age range(s)

Publisher

Walker Books

ISBN

9781529525144

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

28-08-2025

Synopsis

Thrilling spooky mysteries, starring supernatural sleuths Lockett & Wilde - for fans of Lemony Snicket and Murder Most Unladylike.

Matilda Lockett is used to playing the role of Poor Dead Edna with her spirit-medium aunt, Signora Valentina, and theatrical uncle Barnabus - but when they all decamp to Beauchamp Manor to deal with a most dreadful haunting, she discovers she really can see ghosts! There she meets ghost boy, Edgar Wilde, who shares her love of supernatural snooping, and together they set about unravelling the case of The Ghosts of the Manor.

Classic spooky mystery for fans of cosy crime, by the Waterstones Prize and Carnegie-shortlisted creators, Lucy Strange and Pam Smy.

Praise for Lockett & Wilde: "More shadowy mysteries than twelve graveyards. All hail Lockett & Wilde!" Lemony Snicket. "Wildly funny." Ben Miller. "A stunningly spooky mystery." Maz Evans, author of Who Let the Gods Out?. "Funny, spooky and cosy - I loved it!" Andy Stanton, author of Mr Gum

Reviews

Sue

Matilda Lockett has what some might consider an unusual life. Whilst her aunt performs as Signora Valentina, a professional spirit medium, Matilda plays the part of Poor Dead Edna, convincing audiences of her aunt's abilities. However, when her aunt is asked to visit Beauchamp Manor and rid it of the ghost which is haunting it, Matilda discovers that she really can see ghosts and soon becomes friends with Edgar Wilde, a ghost boy. Working together, they are able to solve the very real mystery of what is actually happening at the manor.

With Lucy Strange writing excellent stories and Pam Smy creating the most fabulous pictures, The Ghosts at the Manor was sure to be a book which I would enjoy - and I loved it! The story offers an engaging mystery with a slightly spooky twist and lots of friendship, making it a wonderful read. Matilda and Edgar are lovely characters, who show what teamwork can do and whose partnership is sure to offer plenty more satisfying adventures to come.

There are twists and secrets, ghosts and jewels, fakes and fortunes in this story, but at it's heart is Matilda's warm relationship with her aunt and 'Uncle' Barnabus, and her new found friendship with Edgar.

The joy of the story is perfectly captured by Pam Smy's lovely illustrations. These black and white images with touches of blue add a slightly eerie atmosphere, perfectly in keeping with the gently spooky nature of the story. Children are going to love reading about Matilda and Edgar and will clamour for more!

224 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher