The Dark and Dangerous Gifts of Delores Mackenzie by Yvonne Banham

A flash of darkness out the corner of her eye, and a sudden feeling of impending doom she can’t seem to shake makes Delores Mackenzie wish she was a little closer to home.

She only has one option. Run.

Spirits, ghosts and ghouls have always made themselves known to Delores, but this time there is a darkness coming for her and she alone cannot stop it. With her parents gone, Delores must move to Edinburgh’s Old Town under the care of her Uncles who will help her hone her extraordinary gifts and learn to use her powers to the best of her ability.

The Tolbooth Book Store may seem like an ordinary shop to those unaware of its inhabitants but within these walls Delores now lives alongside shape-shifters, mediums and more. When the essence of little Maud reaches out to her on her arrival, Delores becomes involved in a series of supernatural events that only she can unravel if she is strong enough. A heavy weight on her young shoulders but she must succeed if she is to remain on the right side of the living.

An epic page-turner of the ghostly kind, Yvonne Banham’s upper middle-grade story of a brave girl and her intriguing supporting cast, live in an unforgiving world that twists and turns illusions amid reality. A truly mesmerising tale, beautifully illustrated by Nathan Collins, of family, friendship and doing what you know to be right when it feels like the world is against you. Delores is the heroine we all need – a true shining light in a sometimes dark world.

p.s Have you checked under the bed?