Is there a book better than one that's about ghosts and the lead character being able to communicate with them? This is an excellent debut from Hayley Hoskins - she manages the balance between spooky and adventure in this story following Peggy, a whisperling, who is trying to save her friend Sally from execution. The story itself is a real page-turner; there are moments of peril and excitement that leave you wanting to find out more, hoping that the characters will figure out what to do next. Peggy is a likeable, at times funny, character who is on her own journey of being a whisperling and her determination and loyalty to Sally throughout the story is wonderful to read about. This gothic novel, with its twists and turns, is an innovative, thrilling novel which I recommend to children from 11+

This title is super spooky and gothic. I adored it and cannot wait to read more from this author! Full of historical mystery and a supernatural twists

Peggy is a whisperling, but hides her ability to speak to the dead from everyone in her village. What would they think if they knew the truth - what would they do?
But when her best friend Sally is accused of the worst possible crime, Peggy realises she is the only one who can help her, even if it means drawing attention to herself and her powers.
Fleeing from her tiny village to the big, scary city of Bristol, Peggy risks everything to save Sally’s neck from the hangman’s noose, bravely taking up residence at her estranged uncle’s Psychic Emporium in order to get closer to the ghosts that can help her.

A Victorian gothic middle grade ghost crime story…. I was already sold… and Hoskins didn’t fail to deliver. Her story and setting were atmospheric and eerie and the plot kept me reading and reading as I just needed to know how everything turned out. I don’t want to give too much away because it’s such a fab story that you should just read it so all I will say again is that if you love a good ghost story and are a fan of historical gothic fiction then this book is right up your street, young or old.

Wow, what a debut.
This book is so atmospheric, spooky and gripping as it moves at a fast pace with a few plot twists thrown in to keep you hooked. The characterisation is great and it has a real gothic feel.
My thanks go to the author, publisher and Netgalley in providing this arc in return for a honest review.

Whisperlings, or creepers, are known to speak to and see spirits around them. In a time when it is still dangerous to be different, whisperlings are to keep quiet and not flounce their abilities. Especially when Silas Tate, the town vicar is within earshot.
In a small town, it can be hard to keep secrets and Peggy becomes worried when her secret is outed. She tries to help those around her with final messages, just as generations of Devonas before her.
When it becomes too enraged, Peggy must leave her home and community and head into Bristol with her Uncle Jed, of whom she is untrusting. In his home and Psychic Emporium, she meets Cecily and Oti, performers who convince guests they are hearing their dearly departed.
When Peggy’s best friend Sally is accused of murder, Peggy becomes embroiled in a plot that is far larger than she ever imagined! Will she be strong enough to tackle those who would see her locked away for her abilities?
This is an astounding story of friendship and truth set in a time when it was dangerous to be different.
Peggy is a formidable character one who fights for justice when her best friend is accused of murder.
Dark, thrilling and exciting, this will keep readers on their toes.

I love it when a book begins in an undertakers. You can guarantee a ghostly experience. The author gives us her unique twist on a well known genre.

Peggy is a whisperling who can speak to the dead before they pass over with the burn. Her family have to keep it a secret because a lot of people are frightened by her skill and don’t want their secrets revealed by the dead. But when her best friend, Sally is accused of murder, Peggy knows she must use her powers to save her from execution.

Peggy is a fabulous character who knows how to value true friendship and her loved ones. As the story progresses, so does her unique gift with the help of the people around her. She starts to understand what it really means to be a whisperling. The ending was action packed and explosive with an unexpected twist.

Set in 1897, the author has captured the gothic atmosphere and the fear of clairvoyance among the general public. This book is utterly spell-bounding and it was a complete joy to root for Peggy as she came to understand what she was actually capable of. This book is middle grade fiction and perfect for fans of Sophie Anderson, Jenni Spangler and Michelle Harrison.

I really hope we get to meet Peggy again as she learns to be the clairvoyant she was always destined to be.

Of course, it was the cover that made me want to read this book. A Victorian city setting, spooky goings on and a young, ready for anything heroine was what it was telling me and I was very much here for it.

Peggy can talk to ghosts but she hides her power because she’s afraid how people might treat her, if they knew. But then her best friend Sally is accused of killing her mistress and Peggy knows she’s innocent. However, she’ll need some help from the spirits if she’s going to save Sally from a terrible fate. Turning to a world of psychics, Peggy needs to gather up the evidence and save Sally before it’s too late.

Peggy and others like her are called whisperlings. They have been historically persecuted for using their powers openly, so it’s no wonder that Peggy hides her ability. Although there are posters around the town decreeing that whisperlings must be treated fairly, Peggy doesn’t trust that people will take heed of them, which is a wise assumption in the end.

Sally is very smart and certainly doesn’t shy away from the odd disagreement. For a young girl in Victorian society, she is unusual and therefore an easy target for trouble. She is exactly the sort of friend Peggy needs and while the town’s treatment of her is appalling, it’s sadly not shocking in the context of where and when the book is set.

Of course, the idea of women or working class children getting an education is hilarious to the male characters. I loved that Peggy has a mother who is so keen for her daughter to go to school and for everyone to be entitled to the same education. This is yet another challenge that girls like Peggy and Sally would have had to face in order to make the best lives for themselves as possible.

Peggy’s uncle owns a psychic emporium, where people go to take part in seances and contact the dead (allegedly). Peggy’s ability means that she knows it’s all complete rubbish but she meets an array of interesting characters there. As you might expect, a psychic emporium is a hub of quirky, memorable misfits and it’s the perfect environment to build a found family and loyal circle of friends.

The psychics themselves are much more than delusional, lonely tricksters. They know their power and they wield it the best they can. I loved how Cecily and Oti took Peggy under their wing and showed her that despite the attitudes towards the supernatural of their time, their work can offer people comfort and perhaps even joy.

The Whisperling is a wonderful Gothic story with thrilling twists at the end that I couldn’t have predicted. Hayley Hoskins does an amazing job at conjuring Victorian Bristol and the world-building was truly excellent. The pages kept turning as I wanted to find out whether Sally would be OK and whether Peggy would get the happy ending she deserved. A fantastic autumn read for lovers of spooky middle-grade!

An incredible debut. Sparkling storytelling and a gripping gothic tale with the most wonderful cast of characters. It’s a dark and dangerous world and I love every bit of it.

The Whisperling has an intriguing opening that captured my interest immediately, and it kept me enthralled throughout: a story of the ties of family and friendship, of strength and courage, when prejudice and hatred run strong amongst some.

Peggy Devona’s parents run an undertaker’s practice in the village of Alderley which seems apt given that 12-year-old Peggy has a remarkable ability: she’s a whisperling, and has been able to communicate with the dead from a young age. The story opens with Peggy spending time with her best friend, Sally on her day off from working as a lady’s maid for Lady Stanton at Clifton Lodge. Following an argument between the friends, Sally leaves. Peggy worries when she cannot reach Sally, and is horrified when she later discovers that her best friend has been accused of the murder of her well-to-do mistress and is in imminent danger of being hung for her alleged crime. Can Peggy discover the truth, and save her best friend before she faces the gallows?

When she faces danger in her home village, Peggy escapes to Bristol with her Uncle Bletchley which brings her closer to the gaol in which Sally is incarcerated. But, does her uncle wish to protect her, or does he intend to use her to draw in clients for the seances he runs in his Psychic Emporium?

Oh my goodness! This is an incredible adventure: atmospheric, tense, dark and mysterious. I found myself completely swept into the exciting adventure, and unprepared for some of the twists and shocks which make it such a thrilling read. Seriously, I was not prepared for one revelation in particular – there might have been tears, so be prepared!

Peggy is a wonderfully sympathetic protagonist. Despite the apparent acceptance of whisperlings within society, she keeps her ability a secret for fear of the prejudice which still remains and which she faces from some who suspect she is a whisperling. She is determined, kind-hearted and courageous, and despite the danger she finds herself in, is prepared to take incredible risks to save her friend. I really liked the trusting friendship she forms with Cecily and Oti (who are effervescently brilliant, diverse and likeable) whilst at her uncle’s house. There was one character who intrigued me throughout, but I don’t want to say any more for fear of spoilers: suffice to say that the discovery is well worth the wait!

I loved both the Victorian setting and the darkly gothic atmosphere which were wonderfully portrayed. The focus on the Victorian attitude to death and mourning was weaved into the story brilliantly with a focus on spiritualism and reference to mourning photographic portraits. I read the description of the seances with bated breath – utterly fascinating and shiver-inducing! The references to a Victorian society in an age of invention and science blended with superstition and the macabre are seamlessly woven into the story.

This exhilarating, poignant mystery is perfect for those who enjoy deliciously dark, ghostly mysteries, guaranteed to bring shivers of delight – and maybe a frisson of fear! A fantastic read at any time, but ideal for spooky season as the longer nights draw in.

A clever, creepy and charming book, worth it just for the imaginative strings of victorian insults! I loved the vivid West Country setting and really appreciated the subtle layers of detail that lay the groundwork for questions about misogyny and racism in a very natural way. And of course it’s a super gripping ghost story/ murder mystery. As soon as I got to the end I wanted to go right back to the start and read it again…

Just finished @HayleyHoskins The Whisperling. Atmospheric, dark and unsettling, it had me gripped all the way through. The storytelling is sublime and the characterisation is exquisite. Hayley is definitely one to watch out for, a truly accomplished debut!

Do not start to read this book on an evening, you will end up like me and still be awake at 2am because you can't stop reading it once you start ! For a book aimed at children, it was exceptionally gripping and I know that I will be reading it again at the weekend to the grandchildren. Buy it, you will love it.

This book just wasn't for me. I almost made it to the end, but i went to pick it up again at 78% and just...couldn't be bothered.
I read what i did read in one night, and kept hoping something would happen. I was maybe halfway through before i felt like the story was even starting to pick up a little, but it just dragged on and wasn't really going anywhere.
For me, the characters didn't really stand out or have much personality. there was only one character i kind of liked, and he was barely in it.
I felt that the premise promised a really spooky book, full of ghosts and strange goings on. But instead....at least in the 78% i read, none of that really happened. there was the odd hint of something that MIGHT be happening to the main character, in a weird spark kind of feeling she'd get, but that was about it. It didn't really give out much of a spooky atmosphere either.
I hate being so negative about a book, because i know that the author has put in a lot of work and love into it. And i'm sure there will be lots of people out there who will love this book, but I'm afraid i'm not one of them.

The Whisperling is a deliciously dark read set in the Victorian period - a dangerous and unjust time for many children, perfectly captured in this book.

Superstitions and fear put Peggy Devona - a whisperling who can talk to ghosts - in mortal peril. When her best friend is accused of murder, it is time for Peggy to stop hiding her gift and solve Sally’s case.

The Whisperling is a fantastic debut and Hayley Hoskins is certainly an author to watch out for. This book is atmospheric, spooky and unpredictable. It’s perfect for readers in Year 5 and above who enjoy a good fright! Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

After hearing so much about this novel, I jumped at the chance to get my hands on a review copy (thanks NetGalley). This didn't disappoint. A dark, gothic novel, set in the late 19th century, this is compelling, character-driven writing that pulls you in from the get-go.

Focusing on poverty, the persecution of women that are different, corruption in the church, child labour, the dangerous working conditions of the 19th century and miscarriages of the justice system, including capital punishment for young adults, this might seem like a heavy read. And yet, Hayley Hoskins, another incredibly talented debut author, has woven all of these themes into a captivating story that I didn't want to put down. Laced with humour and underpinned by friendship, this is a ghost story you won't forget in a hurry...

Peggy is a whisperling. That means she can talk with ghosts. Keeping her gift hidden is hard enough, especially when the Reverend Silas Tate is on to her. But when her best friend, Sally, is accused of murdering her employer, Peggy must travel to the city and use her gift to find the truth...before Sally faces the death penalty.

Despite claiming to be more of a contemporary writer, Hayley Hoskins has nailed the world of 1897 Victorian Britain. Both the world and the characters jump vividly off the page, immersing us in the sights, sounds, smells and attitudes of village and city life. The characters of Ambrose, Cecily and Oti are brilliant fun and then there are the touching relationships that Peggy has with her mum, dad, little Bertie and, of course, Sally.

The plot is action packed. There's heartbreak and horror and probably the most chilling villain I've read in a long while. Also prepare for some last minute twists and turns and a nail-biting race to the conclusion. With a writer as talented as Hoskins and a whisperling as gifted as Peggy, let's hope there might be more to come.

Really enjoyed this book, the story is really good and the characters are great. I loved how the story continues to grow and the multiple storylines kept it fresh through finishing it in a day. There’s definitely room for a second book, as I would love to see how the story progresses with the whisperlings, especially with the dark twists with those that hunt them.

Loved this! As a big fan of scary, but not TOO scary this was brill and mixed history, local scenery and a great story all together! Excited for publication of this and hoping we will have Hayley in the bookshop to celebrate too!

Like all the Devona women before her, Peggy has a gift. She's a 'whisperling' and can communicate with the dead. And, helping her mother in the family funeral parlour, there are plenty of occasions to converse with a spirit 'on the burn', just before they get out of reach from the mortal world.
Peggy is keen to bring comfort when she can, secretely delivering messages to the families of those who've gone. But it's not without risk. Not long ago, women were still sought out and punished if anyone thought they were witches and many people are wary of someone who has Peggy's talents, particularly the stern vicar, Mr Tate.

Peggy feels safe, surrounded by her family but when her best friend Sally is accused of murdering her employer, Peggy needs to live her village and travel to Bristol in a bid to save Sally. It means finally giving in to her uncle Mr Bletchley's insitance to have her working in his psychic emporium.

But nothing, or no one, is as they seem in The Whisperling. Peggy herself has much to discover about her talents. As things get more and more intense and Sally gets closer and closer to the gallows, Hayley Hoskins expertly takes her reader from surprises to surprises to sulminate in a surge of emotion.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Whisperling, Peggy's friendships with those around her and her bond with her family. Not only is The Whisperling a bumpy and wonderful ride along with Peggy, it's also deeply moving, each character - and their revelations - making a grab for your heart!

A dark and creepy ghost tory for children that was well written, with a conpelling storylie and well developed characters. It is full of mystery and adventure and a perfect book to get children into ghost stories. There was also an emotive element that I wasnt expecting but that really gave an extra layer to the book.

With the long, light summer days and the sun shining at least some of the time at the moment, it might not strike some readers as the perfect time to be reading ghost stories but after being recommended this spooky new read by a friend on Twitter, I couldn’t resist requesting it on Net Galley to see just why they loved this story so.

Promising a ghostly adventure in a dark and dangerous Victorian world, this delivers that and a whole lot more besides – a bold and determined heroine, a wronged friend, a sly and amoral baddie and an assortment of other characters – not all of whom are what they might at first appear – placed within a secretive world of undertakers, psychics and anatomists.

For Peggy, whose parents run a small undertaker’s business in the village of Alderley, death is a way of life and she is quite used to being part of the respectful care and laying out of the bodies of those who have passed. This being her best friend Sally’s monthly day off, she is spending time with her and the two of them are indulging in cake at Mr Sweeting’s shop, where Peggy’s attention is drawn to a poster in the window advising that whisperlings – those who can speak with the dead – are protected by the law. After making their way back to Peggy’s bedroom to swap gossip over their sweet treat, Peggy goes to wash her hands and is startled by a burst of energy that knocks her back, leading Sally to ask her if a ghost is talking to her.

When Sally makes to leave, the conversation turns to the local vicar, the Reverend Silas Tate, and Peggy realises that Sally may have inadvertently said something to him that she shouldn’t have and the two of them squabble before Sally storms off in a temper. A week later, Sally is still brooding on their fight but finds herself distracted when her uncle, Mr Bletchley, calls to try his best to persuade Peggy’s mother to allow him to employ his niece at his Psychic Emporium, supposedly putting the living in touch with their dead loved ones. Protesting that she needs Peggy at home, her mother sends Mr Bletchley on his way and Peggy does her best to carry on with life as normal.

But her life is about to become anything but normal when not only does Peggy fall foul of Reverend Tate, who accuses her of blasphemy, but Sally is accused of murdering the elderly woman for whom she works and if found guilty will be hanged. Sent to stay with Mr Bletchley for her own safety, Peggy vows to prove her friend’s innocence, but to do so she will have to speak to the dead woman’s ghost and reveal herself as a whisperling…

For many people, the concept of life after death is a grey area. For some of us, the certainty of either eternal life or death being the end is very real, but the truth is that most of us just don’t know what happens when we die and are probably open – maybe even hopeful – to the idea of ghosts. Set during the Victorian age, when the grand theatre of seances was at its height, this story’s ghosts are not scary, bedsheet-over-the-head monsters – the monsters are those who are afraid of Peggy, and those like her, and who would have her punished terribly for what she sees as a gift.

Although Peggy has the ability to talk with the dead, in all other respects she is very ordinary. She enjoys seeing Sally and gossiping with her and teasing Mr Bletchley’s employee Ambrose when she has the opportunity and is frustrated by her father’s assertions that she is too young to share in the history of the whisperlings in her family – something of which she feels she has the right to be informed. Having spent much of her life being forced by her family to hide her abilities from those around her for fear of being labelled a witch and suffering the consequences, when she finds herself living at her uncle’s she then has to decide in whom she can trust for herself and is forced to grow up quickly if she is to save Sally from the gallows.

This is a great read – not a ghost story in the sense that many people might mean, but a story of friendship, trust and supporting those less strong than yourself. Perfect for Year 5 upwards, this is – as far as I know – a standalone book, but I am hoping that we might see more from Peggy in the future. The Whisperling is due on September 1st. My enormous thanks go to publisher Penguin Random House Children’s UK and to Net Galley for my virtual read ahead of that date.