From the ghostly phantoms who walk the grounds at the Tower of London to a haunted maze at Hampton Court Palace, these spine-tingling tales of ghosts, ghouls and unexplained occurrences will bring history to life in the eeriest way possible.

Made in partnership with Historic Royal Palaces, this stunning and spooky collection features eleven gripping stories from bestselling, award-winning and rising-star authors including: Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, Alexia Casale, Joseph Coelho, Larry Hayes, Jim Helmore, Catherine Johnson, Sophie Kirtley, E. L. Norry, Imogen Russell Williams, Jasmine Richards and Sam Sedgman. Along with stunning, atmospheric illustration from Pam Smy, this unique collection is sure to keep readers of every age up long past their bedtimes …

‘The Hideaway by Pam Smy is a work of art. Smy is the genius writer and illustrator of the stunning Thornhill. Smy takes children’s books to another level. Highly recommend.’  

– David Walliams

The wonderful long-awaited second novel from Pam Smy, celebrated author and  illustrator of Thornhill.

The Hideaway tells the story of a boy, Billy McKenna, who runs away from a difficult situation at home and takes refuge in an overgrown graveyard. While hiding there he meets an elderly man who is tending the graves in preparation for a day in November when something magical is set to happen.

The book is written in two alternating narratives, both different aspects of the same story. One thread tells of Billy’s experience of hiding away in the graveyard, his mixed-up feelings and emotions, and the supernatural events he eventually witnesses. The other tells of his mother’s situation at home and the police search for Billy. Covering themes of family, childhood, separation and reunion, domestic violence and doing the right thing, this is an important and beautiful book for middle grade readers right up to adults.

Billy’s story is illustrated throughout with tonal and textured black and white drawings, until the event on All Souls’ Eve, when the text gives way to a series of double page images of the supernatural happening.

The Hideaway is a compelling, exciting and emotional story that will stay with you long after you finish the last page.