What’s the book about?
Freddie, Hobnob and Grandma Lilly are setting off to England, where Freddie’s parents have been hired to investigate a series of thefts at the luxurious Langbourne Hotel. Freddie’s excited for his first trip to the other side of the world, but Grandma Lilly doesn’t seem her usual self.
When Freddie overhears someone making threats in the garden – and sees a girl that he’s pretty sure is a ghost! – he decides to open a new case for FGH Detectives. Freddie hopes that solving the Case of the Ghostly Garden will pull Grandma Lilly out of her slump … and maybe even help his parents catch the hotel thief, too!
Recommended for:
Ages 8+
Three reasons to read it:
- In Freddie Jones #2: The Mystery of the Ghostly Garden, I really enjoyed the sense of adventure that comes with Freddie’s trip to England. It’s his first time travelling so far from home, and that excitement comes through in the story. The Langbourne Hotel feels grand and is the perfect setting for secrets to hide. Being somewhere new means everything feels bigger and more interesting, and it adds an extra layer of curiosity as Freddie explores unfamiliar surroundings while a mystery unfolds around him.
- Speaking of the book’s mystery, what makes it engaging is how many pieces there are to figure out. You’ve got the thefts at the hotel, the strange behaviour in the garden, and the more unsettling moments. Each thread adds another question, and they all seem connected in ways that aren’t immediately obvious. It creates that satisfying “just one more chapter” feeling, because you want to see how all the clues fit together.
- Grandma Lilly’s storyline adds real emotional depth to the book. She’s not quite herself on this trip, and that change is noticeable enough to worry Freddie. It gives his investigation a more personal motivation, because he’s not just trying to solve a case, he’s also hoping to lift her spirits. That combination of mystery and care makes the story feel warmer and more meaningful, showing that solving problems isn’t just about clues, but also about looking out for the people you love.
Buy a copy of Freddie Jones #2: The Mystery of the Ghostly Garden here.
About the author:
Kate Foster is a children’s author writing about friends, family, and dogs. Originally from a small town in the south east of England, she now lives on the stunning Gold Coast in Australia with her family and second-hand dogs. She is passionate about encouraging and teaching a wider understanding of autism and mental illness via positive approach and representation.
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