But not as scary as I thought it might be, and I know some kids like a scary story. Here, we also have a ghost story mixed in with the war, which makes it a little spookier than usual. Usually, we see the war through the eyes of a character directly affected by it, who are living through it in one of the many theatres of war, or on the home front, or in the concentration camps the Nazis ran. The Turnkey is a unique take on a World War II story. Yet when a German soldier with a crystal skull filled with voices appears, Flossie knows she has to follow him and uncover the sinister plot at hand before he destroys the world of the living and the world of the dead. She’s only twelve, though, and it’s hard enough to keep them at rest during times of peace, let alone as enemy bombs are hammering London. As London is pummelled by bombs in air raids from the Germans, Flossie Birdwhistle, the Turnkey of Highgate Cemetery is trying to keep her interred calm and at rest. It’s World War II and the dead are restless, just like the living. Can Flossie stop him before it is too late? What is he up to? Before long, Flossie uncovers a sinister plot that could result in the destruction of not only her cemetery, but also her beloved country.

When Flossie encounters the ghost of a German soldier carrying a mysterious object, she becomes suspicious. This is a difficult job at the best of times for a twelve-year-old ghost, but it is World War II and each night enemy bombers hammer London. As Turnkey, Flossie must ensure all the souls in the cemetery stay at rest.

Synopsis: History and mystery wrapped in a thrilling supernatural plot, The Turnkey is perfect for kids aged 9+.įlossie Birdwhistle is the Turnkey at London’s Highgate Cemetery.

The turnkey of highgate cemetery