The Vanishing of Aveline Jones - Author Phil Hickes

The Vanishing of Aveline Jones

Light your torch and prepare to uncover long-buried secrets.

When Aveline travels with her mum and Aunt Lilian to clear out her missing uncle’s house, she senses that something is deeply wrong. Her uncle disappeared years ago without a trace—but why was he investigating an ancient burial mound just before he vanished? And what connects his disappearance to other villagers who also mysteriously went missing?

With the help of her friend Harold, Aveline uncovers unsettling research, hidden dangers and a supernatural presence that does not want to be disturbed. The past refuses to stay buried, and this time, the danger feels closer than ever…

This gripping middle-grade mystery blends eerie folklore with a courageous heroine you’ll root for to the very end.

Why we — and schools — love it:

• Combines real-world emotions (grief, courage, friendship) with thrilling supernatural suspense.
• Written in an accessible yet rich style for confident readers aged 9+.
• Perfect for Halloween themes, book clubs, or exploring mystery and folklore in the classroom.

Love Aveline’s spooky adventures? Don’t miss the rest of the series:

• The Haunting of Aveline Jones – A ghostly seaside mystery that started it all.
• The Bewitching of Aveline Jones – A spine-tingling summer tale full of ancient secrets.

Written by Phil Hickes | Published by Usborne
Paperback | 256 pages