Watchman William

Gr 3-6–William was once the watchman at Hardleigh Manor, but that was more than 400 years ago. He has continued to keep an eye on things around the manor, which is especially easy now that he is a ghost. When Thomas and his family move in, a bike gets stolen and the hotel floods, and William and Thomas are determined to find out who is behind these and other weird happenings. As they work together to solve the mysteries, they become good friends. Each chapter deals with a different event and includes William’s notes on the case, which makes it easier for readers to try and solve the mystery. Word choices reflect the book’s British origin, and children will be curious about such things as Skittles and pig swill. The black-and-white spot art is quite funny and surprising. A good choice for readers who like funny mysteries.–Tammy Di Bartolo, Rapides Parish Library, Alexandria, LA