A great, fast paced, children’s mystery story. Linda Jones grabs the attention immediately, hooks the reader in and questions the characters’ reality throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more tales from Linda Jones. (Book Tour Reviewer Andrew Bell)
This is a story about Dylan and Emily, two siblings, who are staying at their grandparent’s house. Strange things start to happen, beginning with a mysterious tin soldier who takes him off an adventure. This book has elements of the Nutcracker for me which was great. It was a favourite as a child. The world building is good with just enough darkness to keep a child, or even the parent, entertained. I liked the tone of the story and the lovely illustrations that went with them. It was a nice touch! (Book Tour Reviewer Eryn McConnell)
A fun filled adventure story for children and adults who still maintain their sense of whimsy and wonder. I enjoyed following the two siblings, Dylan and Emily through their exploits and believe they make ideal candidates to feature in further books in this series. The descriptions throughout were wonderful and really conjured up the terrors and excitement that can occur in childhood. The setting was atmospheric and gave off the impression of a place with a lot more secrets to reveal! (Book Tour Reviewer Michelle Marshall)
Deadwood Hall is a well-written junior novel. It is extremely well-edited with no noticeable errors to slow you down and proper grammar throughout so that it was easily understood without the need to reread. All characters were well developed, each evoking an emotional attachment – you either admire them or detest them but you can relate to all of them. There was good progression within the plot – one scene flowed into the next seamlessly – grabbing your interest early on and holding it until the end. The dialogue was very natural while providing additional insights on the personalities of the characters. The only slower parts of the story are by design to emphasize how the characters felt in their circumstances – well done! Overall, it is a delightful book that I would highly recommend. (Book Tour Reviewer Tania Marshall)
Deadwood Hall is a tale of two siblings visiting their grandfather’s home for Winter Solstice and finding that there’s more to the place than they realise. For me, it both harkens to the stories that I used to read or watch in my early school years, as well as to my own experience visiting family with younger siblings. I found the pacing of the book to be a strong point, with a hook to latch onto appearing in the first scene followed by a steady acceleration through to the climax. Along with the light horror, magical realism, and adventure elements, I think it should suit the young readers that the book is aimed at. (Book Tour Reviewer Tim Marshall)
Overall, I’d say this is the perfect length for a children’s book. Not too long, not too short. Nothing that is too far fetched in the magical areas of the story. It has been written in such a way that the reader is drawn in straight away, and we can’t wait for the next instalment in the story! Having a brother and sister as the main characters in the story, and the younger one rescuing the older child, is a format that a lot of children will be able to personally relate to. I can see this being acted out in back gardens in the following snowy weather! Excellent writing. (Book Tour Reviewer Yvonne Marrs)
If you loved the Nutcracker then you will most certainly enjoy Deadwood Hall. This is a well written children’s tale with characters that both children and adults will love and relate to. A brilliant introduction to the Oozing magic series and a story that children will enjoy reading over and over again. (Book Tour Kirsty McKay)
We award 4.5 stars.
