Frost Hollow Hall

Frost Hollow Hall tells the story of Tilly Higgins, a working-class girl in Victorian England who nearly drowns while skating on a frozen lake. After her rescue, she becomes connected to the nearby manor house and its tragic past. The narrative follows Tilly as she investigates the decade-old death of young heir Kit Barrington at Frost Hollow Hall. Her search for answers leads her through the halls of the grand estate, where she encounters both help and resistance from the current inhabitants. The book combines elements of ghost story and historical mystery as Tilly works to uncover long-buried secrets. Set against the backdrop of class divisions in Victorian society, the story traces one girl's determination to right past wrongs. Through themes of loss, redemption, and courage, this Victorian ghost story explores how the past can influence the present and how truth can set both the living and the dead free.

Readers found this Victorian ghost story engaging for ages 9-14, with many noting its blend of mystery and historical elements. Parents and teachers reported it works well as a classroom read-aloud. Liked: - Strong sense of time period and winter atmosphere - Age-appropriate spooky elements without being too frightening - Main character Tilly's determination and growth - Quick pacing that keeps young readers invested Disliked: - Some found the plot predictable - A few readers wanted more development of side characters - Ending felt rushed to some Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon UK: 4.5/5 (100+ ratings) Amazon US: 4.3/5 (50+ ratings) "Perfect balance of history and ghost story" - School librarian review "My class was completely hooked" - Teacher review "The winter scenes made me shiver" - Young reader review "Wished for more complexity in the mystery" - Parent review

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🌟 Author Emma Carroll was a secondary school English teacher before becoming a children's writer ❄️ The book draws inspiration from Victorian ghost stories and the spiritualism movement that was popular during that era 🏰 Frost Hollow Hall's setting was partly inspired by Tyntesfield, a Victorian Gothic Revival house near Bristol, England ⛸️ The ice-skating accident that opens the novel reflects a common winter hazard in Victorian times, when many people died falling through frozen lakes and ponds 👻 Carroll wrote the first draft of Frost Hollow Hall during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), completing it in just 30 days