Spooksmiths Investigate: The Cinderman by Alex Atkinson

Book Summary

Indigo and Rusty might live in a funeral parlour, but they don't believe in ghosts. That is, until Indigo knocks over an old urn, accidentally releasing the Cinderman: a terrifying ash monster, who will smother their town in ashes and turn everyone into zombies, unless they can stop him by sunset.

Using their newly awakened Spooksmith skills, Indigo and Rusty set out to enlist the help of other ghosts. But can the Blasted Banshee and Chuckles the Phantom Toddler really help them find the Cinderman's true name and put him in his grave for good before Ashmageddon strikes?

Despite living in the creepiest town ever (Greyscar) and creepiest street (Deadman's Drive) in an actual funeral home, Indigo still doesn't believe in the supernatural. Even ghostly whispers can be mostly ignored. It takes the whole town covered in ash to finally convince her that something is not normal!

Here is a monster so terrifying that even the banshee is afraid of it. The most chilling thing is how everyone just carries on, as if they're all in a trance and only Indigo seems to really notice how strange it is. Luckily not all ghosts are so scary and the other ones in this book might try to be spooky but they're actually pretty funny.

Phrank the pheasant is probably the star of the show. I don't know what anyone would do without him. The ending might have been very different if he wasn't around.

I was intrigued by the hints about the relationship between Indigo and her twin, Rusty and really wanted to find out more what exactly happened between them.

Author Bio

Alex Atkinson loves scary books filled with oddball characters. She blames her idyllic North Yorkshire childhood spent playing murder-in-the-dark and listening to her dad's blood-curdling bedtime stories. After studying English and Politics at Newcastle University, she worked as a website content editor. She now lives in a village in Hertfordshire with her husband, kids, dogs and tortoise, but dreams of abandoned buildings, ghosts and zombies. SPOOKSMITHS INVESTIGATE: THE CINDERMAN is her debut novel.

I've mad a Basil (Sm)Ash. Muddle a bunch of basil in your cocktail shaker, then add ice and 60ml gin, 20ml lemon juice and a dash of sugar syrup. Shake well and pour into an ice filled glass. I actually like the bits of basil so I didn't bother to strain into the glass but you're probably supposed to if you're being strict!