The Haunting of Hindmarsh Hall (Kate Gordon, Riveted Press)

The Haunting of Hindmarsh Hall is the first book in The Secret Detectives Club middle-grade series by Kate Gordon (Xavier in the Meantime). Set in the quiet town of Table Cape Bay, where everyone knows everyone and nothing ever remains a mystery, the story begins with the formation of a Scrabble Club by our anxious main character, Rocko Jarvis, and his supportive best friend, Cosmo.  Much to their surprise, the coolest kid in town wants to join them. When the newly formed club piques the attention of a famous writer staying nearby, they are all drawn into a haunted house mystery and a great adventure unfurls. Gordon has written a delightful novel perfect for sensitive readers that explores themes of bullying, neurodiversity, anxiety and friendship.  Her characters are thoughtfully drawn, and Rocko’s journey toward overcoming his anxiety and building confidence is guided by his friendship with the easygoing Cosmo, the unfiltered but well-meaning advice of his older sister, Pen, and a cast of characters who are navigating their own struggles. Even the scythe-wielding groundskeeper is not what he first appears to be. The Haunting of Hindmarsh Hall captures the spirit of a classic Scooby-Doo adventure, minus the talking dog, and classic mystery tales such as The Hardy Boys. The story strikes the perfect balance between cosy and creepy, and the short, cliffhanger-filled chapters will keep readers aged 9–12 eagerly turning the pages to find out what happens next.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Megan O'Brien is a bookseller with over 20 years experience. Megan currently resides in Wellington and works at independent bookshop Unity Books. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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