About the Author

Allison Rushby, the daughter of an author, was raised on a wholesome and steady diet of classic English literature. Some of her favourite books, re-read countless dog-eared times include Rumer Godden's The Dolls' House, Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden, Dodie Smith's I Capture the Castle and Noel Streatfield's "Shoes" series. She has long been a fan of cities with long, winding histories, wild, overgrown cemeteries, red brick Victorian museums, foxes and ivy. She prefers to write with a cup of Darjeeling tea by her side and a Devon Rex cat curled up in her lap.

Her work includes When This Bell Rings, which was a Notable in the CBCA Awards, The Mulberry Tree, which was shortlisted in the West Australia Young Readers' Book Award, The Turnkey, which was shortlisted in the Speech Pathology Awards and The Seven Keys, which was longlisted in the Davitt Awards.

Reviews

Allison Rushby has repeatedly proven her gift for suspenseful spookiness for middle-grade readers and this new book, in my opinion, might just have tipped the scales of my favourite so far.This is just one utterly fab read! – a little bit of history, a lot of creepiness, a bit of angst, a lot of love – all in all, a perfect package for any reader from around an astute 9 years up to 13 or so.
*Just So Stories*

A wonderful mystery story, Lolli’s journey will have middle school readers entwined with the story of memories and ghosts. I loved Rushby’s trilogy beginning with The Turnkey set in the inner cemeteries in London and have read all that Rushby has published since, looking forward to each one. Tales about spirits take me to realms I usually do not visit, but they are told with such convincing settings and characters, that they are are hard to put down. Highly recommended
*Read Plus*

Set in London, this is a captivating and ghostly story, that readers will absolutely love!
When Lolli discovers more details about the history of the house, she knows that she must face her fears head on, in order to help others. This is not only a wonderful ghost story, it is a story of courage, friendship, opening your mind and hearts to others, and learning to let others into your life. Students in Year 4 and up will thoroughly be enthralled by this story.
*Lamont Books*

It is also a book about recognising your strengths and abilities and finding your voice. Being able to help people and let everyone know what is really going on. But it is also about listening to those around you – and how we can learn from everyone and everything we do. It is one that I loved, and now I am going to go and read the Turnkey books on my shelf, as I think Allison’s ghost stories are just the right kind of ghost story for me.
*The Book Muse*

My favourite character was Lolli. She has great character traits like persistence and courage. I also liked Clara because she needed Lolli’s help. It was like they were friends in some ways even though she was a spirit. The story is a little spooky in parts, but it added to the mystery. I didn’t find it scary, but my little sister might. This book would be loved by readers who like mysteries with a spooky twist.
*Reading Time*