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Trussel and Gout: Paranormal Investigations #3

The White Owl of Thicklewood Hall: Trussel and Gout: Paranormal Investigations No. 3

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It's Clementine Trussel's first proper case as Mr Gout's apprentice. So far, things are not going well.

Called to a distant country house by mysterious letter, they arrive late and exhausted. But if they thought the resident's reception was cold, it only gets worse from there. Moments after they arrive they are attacked by the very creature they've been summoned to destroy.

It quickly becomes clear that not everything on the Thicklewood estate is what it seems. Mr Gout is suspicious of the story they've been told, and, somewhere, he's sure there is a body. But if Clementine and her master stand a chance of doing anything about it, first they must figure out exactly whom they can trust.

If they can't...then Clementine's first case might just end up being her last.



This is a novella or short read and can be read in about three hours.

Paperback

Published July 1, 2022

10 people are currently reading
125 people want to read

About the author

M.A. Knights

10 books135 followers

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5 stars
90 (42%)
4 stars
96 (45%)
3 stars
24 (11%)
2 stars
3 (1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Chelsea Reining.
526 reviews8 followers
January 5, 2023
M. A. Knights does it again, quite the hat trick! This novella is a fantastic addition to an already splendid story featuring 2 characters I’ve grown very fond of: Mr. Gout and Ms. Trussel.

This story is quite a bit darker and not nearly as cozy as the first 2, but the writing is still fantastic and the story had me gripped. Knights has a rare talent to write a wonderful story into very few pages - I love the quick reads!

My only complaint was a few typos and mistypes I found along the way, but a truly wonderful story I will continue to recommend!

And I’m DYING to learn more about Mr. Gout and his past and he and Clementine learn more in future stories (I hope)!
Profile Image for Barbara Lennox.
Author 9 books23 followers
July 15, 2022
The Trussel and Gout series of short reads just go from strength to strength. In this story the paranormal investigative duo battle a disturbed spirit in the form of the malevolent white owl of the title. This story is slightly darker than previous tales, and we learn a bit more about Mr Gout’s mysterious background. I’m looking forward to learning more about him in future stories. As with all the previous tales, The White Owl of Thicklewood Hall has an excellent collection of well-rounded characters, sparkling dialogue and clever plotting. A highly recommended short read.
Profile Image for TreeFlower.
211 reviews9 followers
November 19, 2025
3.5 ⭐️

🦉👻

This is the 3rd in a series. Start with “The Pig in the Derby Hat”.

Clementine is off to the countryside to solve another case with Mr. Gout. This time it’s involving a near deserted manor, a white owl, strange goings on, rumors of a demon, and the question of a murder.

These are short but they are always entertaining! I love the wit, the mystery, the characters, and the imagination. I’m excited for the next!
Profile Image for Kirsty .
16 reviews
May 6, 2025
Best one yet

I really enjoyed this instalment. It was fast-paced and slightly predictable, but they truly are good short stories. We are also starting to see peaks at who Mr Gout could be.
Profile Image for Bronwyn Davis.
78 reviews
August 13, 2022
*Brilliant
*Cozy fantasy
*Mr Gout is such a fascinating character and I can't wait to find out more about him
*Really love Knights story-telling
Profile Image for cheryl bunting Rose Bud.
117 reviews6 followers
September 20, 2022
Perfect for Spooky season. With a sprinkle of Magic


Perfect for Spooky season, with a sprinkle of Magic.

Mr Gout and Mis Trussell have been invited to Thicklewood Hall to investigate an apparition of a white Owl. However right from the start things are not as they seem…. Important information is kept from them.
The man who had written to them asking for their help, is more than a tad rude.
Things progress quickly and secrets are uncovered.
Clementine also discovers that her master is hiding yet more secrets, secrets that could well put her life at risk…..

I loved every minute of this book, there’s so much going on that when you think you have something figured out, there’s more mystery added.
There’s one little hiccup for me….i’m sure most people can overlook it…. Just how my head works…… at the end, Clementine got injured pretty badly, but there’s no mention of her been taken care of or bandaged up? It’s small… A miner detail, but it’s one that will nag at me… and to be honest with the way the book end’s I’m sure that you don’t need to know….
Anyhow this whole series has left me wanting more….. I eagerly await the next book……
Profile Image for Suzanne Maughan.
449 reviews13 followers
June 14, 2023
Trussel and Gout are back in this thrilling third instalment from MA Knights, and this time, they're looking at a sadistic owl terrorising the forest around Thicklewood Hall.

Once again, there is an eclectic cast of characters - a suspicious groundskeeper, a feisty cook, a drunken Earl - all caught up in the latest paranormal mystery for our intrepid twosome. This book continues nicely from where the last left off, and we are starting to learn more about our mysterious Theophilius Gout (I love that name!). The information, however, is being cleverly drip-fed to us as readers so I, for one, am desperate for the next instalment!

This is another great short maintaining that lovely cosy fantasy feel. Theophilius reminds me, somewhat, of a more trustworthy Gilderoy Lockhart from Harry Potter and Clementine is proving herself to be a more than worthy ally and assistant. I can't wait to see more from this writer.
Author 1 book14 followers
January 17, 2023
Interesting, fun, with a good deal of interest in how the MSs end up where they do to begin their investigation. The twist felt slightly belabored to get itself explained at times, but overall this was very fun. I'm still disappointed that the MMC hasn't been actually teaching the FMC anything, as I expected that to be one of the more engaging and continuing portions of the series, but I have hope that that will change.
Profile Image for Kim.
344 reviews2 followers
July 22, 2023
This one felt more sad then cozy to me. I thought the pacing was great and the atmosphere was quite creepy however, this one didn’t work as well for me as the other 2 books.

I still enjoyed it and I can’t wait to read the next one. I’m invested now and I want to know more about Mr Gout’s past and see how Clementine develops as a character. I just hope the next one is less sad.
5 reviews
November 6, 2022
I'm eagerly awaiting the next instalment

I've loved this series of books and each is better than the last. The world being created is believable and still fantastical, I can't wait to see where Miss Trussel and Mr Bout lead us next.
3 reviews
June 19, 2023
A fun read with an interesting plot

I am very much enjoying the adventures of Trussel and Gout! It's an interesting world and I've enjoyed what I've learned so far, and am excited to learn more in the next books!
Profile Image for Everita.
28 reviews2 followers
November 19, 2023
I love have the book keeps my head spinning with all the questions and possibilities of whats going on. Whit a little scary moments and a hint of romance It left me thinking about Mr Gout and What he is.. What is his story??
Profile Image for J.A. Allen | Author .
Author 3 books
August 27, 2025
I loved this so much! It builds brilliantly off of book one and two and Knights has such a great writers voice. This book, NEEDS to be read. (Don't forget to read the first two beforehand obviously.) Questions raised, questions answered and bombshells dropped. 100% rate this.
Profile Image for Jason Lorette.
146 reviews4 followers
July 15, 2022
Another great Trussel and Gout adventure! Keep them coming Mr. Knights! 😎📚
Profile Image for Shahna.
1,733 reviews11 followers
August 24, 2022
I think this is my fav so far.
I love it so much.
Profile Image for Amelia Carr.
482 reviews4 followers
December 9, 2023
Small book chock full of intrigue, mystery and action. This is a great series so far
Profile Image for Lesley Hurst.
20 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2023
Loved the next instalment of this cosy tale… the character storyline is developing perfectly. There’s Stange goings on with intrigue. Thoroughly enjoyable
Profile Image for Beth.
539 reviews
May 12, 2024
4.0 I am loving these short books and the characters within them.
Profile Image for Cheryl .
2,415 reviews80 followers
June 29, 2025
Another superb shortish read.
Profile Image for * A Reader Obsessed *.
2,702 reviews582 followers
January 2, 2024
3.5 Stars

This 3rd story ups the ante as Clementine and Mr. Gout's presence is requested to dispel a demon. However, what they find are only lies and secrets.

The momentum has picked up, delivering on another interesting paranormal bent as these two race against time to solve the mystery and not die in the process. What’s also revealed are more answers regarding the mysterious Mr. Gout but sets the stage to finally find out his background and who he truly is, which I’m guessing will be revealed in the newly released next installment!

More to come!


Trussel and Gout: Paranormal Investigations
1. The Pig in the Derby Hat - 3.5 Stars
2. Something in the Wood Shed - 3.5 Stars
3. The White Owl of Thicklewood Hall - 3.5 Stars
4. Castle Gout and the Peculiar Petunia - 3.5 Stars

Profile Image for Kasey Turner.
531 reviews6 followers
August 20, 2022
In this fun episode Mr Gout and Miss Trussel battle the ghost of a dead man. And Trussel learns a little more about her master's mysterious past. Has she made a bad decision in taking employment with him?

If you like light-hearted creepiness, you'll love this. Recommended for all fans on #Hellboy
Profile Image for David Adams.
Author 20 books15 followers
July 13, 2025
Another deeply enjoyable jaunt into the world of Theophilious Gout!

What I will say about this third instalment, however, is that this story takes a far darker turn than the cosy paranormal environment we are used to. As more of the lore around Mr Gout's character comes to light, and more things are revealed, we find ourselves wondering just who the man really is. The tale of the revenant was most engaging and the whole story was a joy to read, as are all of the entries in the series.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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