Skulkmoor

by Hana Tooke

A gloriously gothic adventure from the bestselling author of The Unadoptables

‘I think it might be her best book yet . . . an absolute page-turner that children will love’ - Sophie Kirtley, bestselling author of The Wild Way Home

Wednesday meets The Secret Garden with a touch of Knives Out in this gorgeously gothic and mysterious adventure about family secrets, devilishly bad deeds, and just a touch of murder . . .

Welcome to Skulkmoor Manor, where grudges and glory are passed down as heirlooms . . .

Once, the great house of Skulkmoor stood proudly on its hillside, commanding the attention of anyone who came by. Now, it is a curious puzzle of a place - not least thanks to the giant wall which cuts it straight in half, separating the two warring families that live inside it.

For you see, many years ago, the Fox family was torn apart by a question of murder - and of inheritance. With no clear heir, the vast family fortune - and the house - has been literally divided in two. But now, two young cousins, one from rival sides of Skulkmoor, must race to solve the crime - or face losing their home forever.

Can Ted and Iris put their differences aside and save their family fortune - or will they play their part in destroying everything?

From the bestselling author of The Unadoptables and The Midnighters, this story is perfect for fans of The Swifts and Murder Most Unladylike.

'Dark, delicious and extraordinary.' - Hannah Gold, bestselling author of The Last Bear

‘Magnificently weird – no one tells a story like Hana Tooke!’ - Nirzana Farook, bestselling author of The Girl Who Stole an Elephant

‘Absolutely brimming with Hana’s exceptional blend of witty description and heartfelt emotional depth. I loved it!'- Tamzin Merchant, bestselling author of The Hatmakers

Genres: Middle Grade

401 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 4, 2025

About the author

Half Dutch/English, Hana Tooke grew up near Amsterdam and moved to the south of England at the age of twelve. After completing a degree in music, and then a PGCE, Hana was a primary school teacher for several years. She also completed the Bath Spa University Writing for Young People MA, and The Unadoptables was shortlisted for The Bath Children's Novel Award 2018. Hana now lives in Bath with two humans and a cat.

Reviews

[Lucy Lightning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spooky atmosphere, family mystery and ducklings! What else could you possible want or need from a story.

Hana Tooke has weaved a head scratching mystery to perplex even the most avid Agatha Christie reader.

Skulkmoor Manor lays host to the great family mystery, in 1869 Rosie and Clementine Fox are found dead but fifty years later the family are still no closer to knowing who was the victim and who was the perpetrator, can cousins Iris and Ted be able to solve the mystery? Though here is the catch, with a divide running through the house and the family, can these rivals cousins put aside their family feud to crack the age old mystery? Or is it the ducklings that actually help Iris and Ted?

I had huge amounts of fun reading this, and find myself wanting to go back to read the authors backlist and eagerly await for another title of theirs to be published. Ideal for 9+ and readers of Robin Stevens and The Swifts, as well as those that want something spooky without being scared.

(Can’t deny that the end of the acknowledgments brought tears to my eyes)

[Becky Cann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantastic story, solid, compelling, and full of charm. Hana proves once again that she’s a master at juggling multiple characters with depth and personality. I especially loved the quirky and mysterious family members. They added so much warmth and humour. The story is rich with gothic mystery, creating an atmosphere that’s both eerie and enchanting. A perfect pick for young readers who love a good, cozy spooky mystery!

[Hannah Rials Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another masterfully created atmospheric, spooky yet cozy, family mystery that’s spanned generations. The dual perspective is done perfectly, as you feel sympathy for both kids. I love both of their quirks and personalities!

[Floor Boogaart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story. Fun characters. Immersive!

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skulkmoor is a gorgeously gothic and twisty mystery that hooked me from the first page. The manor’s atmosphere is vivid, the family secrets are compelling, and the characters (especially Iris and Ted) are unforgettable. A brilliant blend of wit, intrigue, and heart. Highly recommended!