The Ghost of Thomas Kempe

The spinetingling classic middle grade ghost story, with a new look for 2025

'A mischievous boy hero and an equally amusing ghoul,’ Guardian

An iconic ghost story for children from Penelope Lively, one of the modern greats of British fiction.

'A mischievous boy hero and an equally amusing ghoul,’ Guardian

An iconic ghost story for children from Penelope Lively, one of the modern greats of British fiction.

Just because you can't see them doesn't mean they aren't there…

James is fed up. His family has moved to a new cottage – with grounds that are great for excavations, and trees that are perfect for climbing – and stuff is happening. Stuff that is normally the kind of thing he does. But it's not him who's writing strange things on shopping lists and fences. It's not him who smashes bottles and pours tea in the Vicar's lap. It's a ghost – honestly. Thomas Kempe the 17th century apothecary has returned and he wants James to be his apprentice. No one else believes in ghosts. It's up to James to get rid of him. Or he'll have no pocket money or pudding ever again.

The Ghost of Thomas Kempe is a timeless thriller, with a ghostly mystery and all the fun and mischief of being nine years old. Perfect for fans of Eva Ibbotson, Tom’s Midnight Garden and Helen Cresswell’s Moondial.