Freddie Jones: The Mystery of the Ghostly Garden
A new, neurodivergent mystery adventure series by beloved author Kate Foster
Fly to England, become friends with a ghost, and catch a thief with Freddie Jones in the second book of the new mystery series by Kate Foster
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!
Resources
Creators
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.
Reviews
If you’re looking for a mystery series that’s funny, engaging and full of heart, you’ll definitely want to meet Freddie Jones! Both books are humorous, engaging and wonderfully written. It’s been lovely to see Freddie grow as a character through the series.
flipwithjoy via instagram
This is a fabulous mystery story about family, neurodiversity and friendship, that sees the growth and maturing of Freddie, as he realises that he can do things on his own, and confront situations that he might normally avoid. It will be thoroughly enjoyed by those in middle to upper primary.
LamontBooks
The second book in the Freddie Jones series is another exciting mystery, taking the characters off to England for a fun new case, new friends and plenty of new experiences as well. Freddie’s journey is always filled with fun and mystery, and this time, things are much more interesting. Freddie is allowed to be his authentic self, and is able to slot into things as he needs to do. But he also finds that he can do things himself, all with the fabulous Hobnob by his side. The second book captures everything readers loved about the first and more, bringing Freddie’s reality and experiences to life. Freddie is autistic and has anxiety, and Hobnob is his assistance dog. It’s a great continuation of the series, bringing the characters to life so well and eloquently, allowing Freddie’s voice to shine through. It’s a great #OwnVoices mystery book for the middle grade audience, and I loved that Freddie found ways to grow and evolve, but still hold true to himself as well. It made things realistic and relatable for readers like Freddie. I really enjoyed this book and its continuation of Freddie and his journey, and I think it’s great to see autistic people represented in all different ways in fiction. We need to see these representations for all ages, and I think that kids’ books are doing a great job of this right now. This was a fun read, and one that I think readers will adore.
The Book Muse
Firstly, the PLOT was fantastic, and I was, once again, swept away in the adventure and mystery of Langbourne Hotel. Secondly, the CHARACTERS (which include: Freddie, Hobnob and Grandma Lilly) are captivating, and I particularly like how their differences are explored and how their unique insights into the world help solve the ghostly mystery. Thirdly, I love the overarching dynamics of the FGH Detectives – they are an eclectic Scooby gang! Finally, what I love about Kate’s writing is her goal of writing stories where autistic kids feel seen, heard and represented. Though these books are written for the purpose of ensuring neurodivergent kiddos have a mirror in imagined worlds, they are truly for everyone!
idreamofallthebooks via instagram
