The first book in a gripping new series, perfect for fans of The Swifts, Murder Most Unladylike, Lockwood and Co and Wednesday.

'Spectacularly spooky . . . Full of warmth and humour, but threaded with delicious darkness' Philippa Leathley

'Percy Jackson meets Wednesday, with a huge dollop of originality on top' Thomas Taylor

Lilac Black does not believe in ghosts. So she’s rather surprised to learn she comes from a long line of gifted Seers, all of whom attended Spindlewood: a top-secret boarding school for children with the power to see, hear and communicate with spirits.

And now, Lilac has an invitation to Spindlewood herself. The only problem? There's been a huge misunderstanding. Lilac does not have the gift.

Reluctant to disappoint her proud uncles, and curious to see this mysterious school for herself, she decides to play along. But as Lilac’s web of lies becomes more tangled, one thing is clear: there is something wrong at Spindlewood. Something ancient and sinister, hidden beneath the library. Something connected to the long-ago disappearance of Lilac's parents.

Something waiting for her...

'It's hard to put your finger on the difference between a very good and a great book, but you know it when you see it. Spindlewood is a great book' Russell Franklin

'Fantastically fresh . . . Deliciously cosy and creepy all at once' Booklist

"A compelling story with realistic characters and atmospheric spooky touches" - Kirkus

"It's a fantastically fresh take on a magic-school story, and Lilac’s clever (and sometimes slightly desperate) deceptions to keep up the ruse are great fun. The vividly rendered island setting is delightfully cosy and creepy all at once, and a mysterious, all-knowing narrator adds intrigue. Casual queer representation, including Lilac’s potential crush on an enigmatic classmate, and a diverse student body are welcome inclusions. An ideal autumnal read for anyone seeking an eerie atmosphere, mounting mysteries, and heaps of humour" - Booklist

"A seamless mix of mystery and suspense . . . Readers will impatiently wait for the next in the series. A perfect choice for fans of ­Jonathan Stroud’s Lockwood & Co series, Wednesday, and works by Lemony Snicket" - School Library Journal