Reviewed By Natalie Soine for Readers’ Favorite

Wickergate by David M Cameron is set in 1994 and tells the story of brave ten-year-old Ashley Goodchild, a mischievous boy who attends Wickergate Primary in Covenfield. Ashley is constantly in trouble for pulling pranks on the teachers – Mr. Foggett (Foggy), Miss Kim Fielding and Mr. Peter Brody have all been victims of the little boy’s shenanigans. Ashley is out to solve the mystery of the Phantom Scribe who claims that Mrs. Killfeather is a witch. Mrs. Killfeather is the strict principal of Wickergate Primary School; the children call her ‘The Killer’. One of the children, Ernie, disappears after being called to The Killer’s office. Ashley makes it his mission to discover who the Phantom Scribe is after a haunting experience where he learns about Karg. He received help from Dr. Roger Peterson, the archivist at Covenfield Museum and soon both their lives are in danger. An antique diary written by a man called Charles Brownsort, secretary to the Lord of Covenfield, provides the clues – a talisman that opens The Guardians of the Gate to allow the return of the Prince of the Dark.

Wickergate is an exciting mystery story filled with many twists and turns. The variety of characters including children, teachers, and parents are all so well described that they come to life through the pages. I especially enjoyed the personality and characteristics of little Ashley. The events and locations are vividly written and the reader can form a mental picture of the scenes, the school grounds, and buildings. The story is smooth flowing and easy to follow from beginning to end and is a thoroughly enjoyable novel highly recommended for young readers and adults.