Dial-a-Ghost Book

This is a fun, and slightly spooky story or at least a story that features spooks though not all are very spooky'instead, most are rather likeable ghosts. In this one, we start by meeting a rather likeable set of ghosts, the Wilkinsons, the whole family having become ghosts in the Second World War when a bomb fell on their house. For a time, they continued to live in their old home but when finally, they had to leave, they end up having to live in a rather distasteful (to them) space, though in the process they add a new member to their family, a young girl from a much older time, who makes place for herself in their hearts in no time. On the other side, we have a little boy, Oliver Smith who has been living a fairly happy (unlike usual stories) life in an orphanage. But he discovers that he is the heir to Helton Hall, the family home of the Snodde-Brittles. The person next in line, his cousin Fulton Snodde-Brittle and his sister Frieda however want Helton Hall for themselves, and come up with a dastardly plan to get the house of Oliver. In this, the Dial-a-Ghost agency, an agency set up by two kind-hearted young ladies to find suitable homes for ghosts who are without one, becomes involved, and so indeed do the Wilkinsons and other ghosts, to make up a fun, entertaining story.

I really loved this one, it was such fun. I had 'guessed' more or less what was going to happen at the beginning of the story but I still enjoyed seeing how everything played out, and there were a few elements or plot developments that were surprising as well. One plot thread remained unresolved, but I think the war background to that part of it or the author's own story may have been the reason for it being that way. I would have preferred if it was resolved, though. This is a story full of ghosts and spooks with a little blood and gore, but not too much, so the overall effect remains pleasant rather than scary or off-putting. This would be a great read for Halloween if you want something with the atmosphere but one that is light-hearted, and pleasant, rather than scary. Four and a half stars. (Incidentally, this is the second book I've read by this author and I enjoyed the first as well which was Not Just a Witch.)