The Turnkey

Allison Rushby cleverly weaves a supernatural plot into a page-turning mystery with a fresh historical perspective and a strong heroine at its centre. * Books+Publishing * ‘The Turnkey’ is full of research potential for the classroom or out of personal interest. Allison Rushby has cleverly woven accurate historical details, places, people and objects such as the Holy Grail and Mayan crystal skulls, through the gentle but fast-moving narrative. Highly recommended – even if you don’t like ghosts. Actually I feel bad even saying that, Flossie was absolutely gorgeous and I’m sure we would be friends, if she existed, which I kind of hope she doesn’t because…well…ghosts. -- Megan Daley * Childrens Books Daily * I am always on the lookout for strong female role models in literature and Flossie ticks all the boxes, especially her kindness; we could do with more kindness in life and in afterlife. Flossie is a character who many young readers will connect with, despite her translucence! -- Children's Books Daily * Children's Book Daily * The Turnkey is a solid, original and intriguing tale that has the perfect blend of mystery, history and paranormal activity. -- The Bookshelf Gargoyle * The Bookshelf Gargoyle * The Turnkey is not only a gratifying read for middle graders and above but also an interesting inference of how the second world war might have eventuated had there been more ghosts like Flossie to influence its outcome. -- Boomerang Books * Boomerang Books * The Turnkey is a unique and enchanting mystery for middle-late primary reader. Highly recommended for school and public libraries. * Magpies Magazine * The historical and supernatural plot is filled with surprises, breathtaking twists and turns, and sudden revelations that will keep the pages turning. Prepare to read this in one sitting! * Kids' Book Review * ...the slow-building tension allowed the characters to evolve and show us who they were. I’m usually not one for ghost stories, but I love Allison Rushby’s ones – I think this is because they’re not overly scary – or not as scary as some ghost stories can be, and they have a gentleness to them at times that is reassuring... Flossie is the kind of guide, or guardian that we should all get to have. She’s sensitive, kind, and caring, and the ghosts she takes care of are very lucky to have her. I know she is a fictional character, but I am wondering what she has been doing since the war, and if she is still the Turnkey of the Highgate Cemetery – she seems like the sort of person who would continue that job as long as she could. I am going to embark on reading the sequel soon and will get that review up as soon as I can. * Ashleigh Meikle *