The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright is every bit as good as A Girl Called Corpse.

The town of Elston-Fright doesn't believe in magic anymore. It has been so long that everyone has forgotten it exists. Everyone except Flip, who lives in the lighthouse with his grandmother. Flip knows he has to find the light and return it to the lighthouse to restore its lost magic but there is something stirring in the air and Flip feels it is something bad.

The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright is book two featuring Corpse (a girl made of wax and seaweed), Girl (a ghost) and Flip (a young boy). The story reads well as a standalone and includes some backstory but you will want to read book one, A Girl called Corpse. It's the book that endeared me to Corpse.

Flip has a greater role in this book as the three friends face a new danger in the Poltergusts (malevolent winds) and embark on a mission to find the light.

Reece Carter has come through with another highly imaginative tale rich in danger, suspense and magical battles. Both Flip and Corpse learn some truths about their family's past and that friendship is the strongest magic of all.

The addition of a new magical creature, the seafoam sprites added another level of fantastical appeal. But are they friend or foe?

Told through the alternating voice of Corpse and Flip we see both characters embrace bravery and true friendship. Girl seems to be a side character in this book so I do hope she gets a bit more purpose in book three.
There is a subtle lesson included about doing the right thing even if it is a difficult choice.

The story ends on a breath-holding cliff hanger leaving me eager for the next book.

The wonderful black and white sketched illustrations by Simon Howe add a visual dimension to the story.

Content: Allusion to child murder. "..the Merchant handed me to the Witches like I was nothing. In return, she asked them to take my heart and encase it inside a layer of silver."

The second book in the series, this follows Corpse, Girl, Simon and Flip as they continue to have Very Important Adventure and protect Elston-Fright from Evil Somethings.

The same as the first, it's witty and wacky and perfect for those ages 8 - 10ish. It will help if they have read the first one but having said that, an astute reader wouldn't struggle to work out what's happened. The author has left lots of helpful clues and explanations through the book to help with that. This one reveals more about Flip and his family, and leaves plenty of space for a third novel.

Another I would recommend buying for kids wanting a fun story with nothing too serious. The series is a safe bet for anyone buying birthday presents for kids too.

Just as great as the first book in the series. I loved it! Corpse and Flip’ s alternating voices work so well to tell the story of what happened after the witches were banished from Elston-Fright. The secrets that are revealed and the new enemies the friends must face keep you turning pages and holding your breath that things will turn out ok! Can’t wait for book 2!