The Treasure of Westminster Abbey: A ghost story

by John Rae

'It is one thing to say that you do not believe in ghosts and quite another to walk alone through the Abbey cloisters after dark...'

Going through the cloisters one evening, Emily bumps into a stranger. In the gloom she cannot see who he is, but it seems that he wears a monk's habit, and has only a stump where his hand should be.

Soon after this unnerving experience, Emily and her older sisters, Penelope and Alyce, are puzzled by the appearance in Westminster Abbey of a party of French monks, led by the enigmatic Father Pierre. Is their all-night vigil at the Abbey genuine, Penelope wonders, or is it in fact a cover-up for some illegal activity?

Alyce's overwhelming interest in history leads to an exciting question. Was all the treasure once guarded in the Abbey actually discovered in Tudor times; or did some remain hidden — to tempt twentieth century thieves?

175 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 16, 2015

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Reviews

[Join the Penguin Resistance! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is not a "cozy mystery" in the contemporary accepted sense, this novel is a comfortable, heartwarming, coming-of-age mystery. I was so reminded of both John Bellairs and of Nancy Drew. There's just that easy 50's flavour.

The characterizations are super and the history inclusions are fascinating. A worthwhile read all around.

[Ileana Renfroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tressure of Westminster Abbey is a teen novel starting Emily who at age ten decides to cut through the cloisters on her way home. After saying goodbye to Susan at the Main Gate of the Abbey she decided at the spur of the moment to take the shortcut. During the day the Cloisters were welcoming, but during the night with shadows lurking in every turn it was definitely scary.

As Emily rounds a corner she runs right into what looks like a monk. Terrified she runs away as fast as she can and tells the night Constable about the apparition as he is crossing the yard. Wanting to calm Emily down he tells her he will take a look. Not seeing anything or anyone Mr. Hutchings returns and informs Emily there is no sign of her monk.

Emily knows what she saw and felt, she remembered the monk did not have hands but a stump.

This is definitely an enjoyable easy read that keeps you holding your breath until the very end. The characters are well developed and you will love Penelope, Alyce and the rest of the gang. I especially enjoyed the map of the abbey so that you can reference back to it when you are imagining the space.


I was provided this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book for anyone who loves a good mystery with a bit of history thrown in for good measure. 📕👍🏼

I GIVE IT A 5 STAR: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ten year old Emily decides to go home by taking a shortcut going through the cloisters of Westminster Abbey. She finds her walk to be spooky so as she runs home, she runs into a stranger dressed in a monk’s robe and has only one hand. Emily discovers he is Father Pierre. Emily and her sisters, Penelope and Alyce become confused when the see Father Pierre leading a party of French monks into Westminster Abbey. Why? What is Father Pierre is up to? Alyce’s love of history has her finding out that the abbey once had a treasure and during the time of the Tudors the treasure was stolen. However wonders if there is some treasure left behind so there may be some twentieth century robbers pretending to be monks. Is Alyce right?

I found this novel to have all the elements needed to get and keep my attention. It is a mystery, action and suspense story. It is a warm story of sisters working together to solve the mystery.

Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

[Megan Hex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyable little book! Not really a ghost story, but a sweet and cozy mystery that reminded me of reading books written long before I was born as a child. My only real issue was that it felt short. I hope to see more books about these sisters investigating historical mysteries in the future!

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book. The descriptions were beautiful, fluid, detailled and kept the story going smoothly. I enjoyed learning about the Abbey and it's history through bits included in the story, it didn't feel like a history lesson. The plot itself of the book was captivating, I couldn't put the book down and I was fully invested in the characters' adventures.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable and entertaining read, this book kept hooked till the last page.
I liked the plot, the cast of characters and the setting. I also liked the historical bits.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC

[Heather Bane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick read that I finished in one sitting. It was hard to put down once started. The book is well written and so are the characters. I love the bravery of the girls especially Penelope. One of my favorite things about the book is the scattered illustrations throughout the book. I recommend reading this book!!!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A wonderfully written story , intense suspicions surrounding the lost treasure of the Westminster Abbey and a group of strange monks captivates a set of compassionate sisters bridges the divide between the spirit world and earthly evil in this well-paced thriller. that will will thrill readers of any age !