The story begins with Thomas’ dad looking for an apprenticeship for his youngest son. He has lined up a meeting with Old Gregory to take on Thomas. Old Gregory is a Spook, a protector from bogarts, witches, ghasts, and “all manner of wicked beasties.”
Thomas is happy to leave the farm but is a little apprehensive about becoming a Spook. All his life he’s been aware of things moving in the shadows. His oldest brother even jokes about him still sleeping with a candle lit. His mother assures Thomas that this is his destiny. As the seventh son of a seventh son, it will be his job to keep people safe when Old Gregory is no longer able.
So Thomas and the Spook set off on a one-month trial apprenticeship. Before they go too far, Thomas has to pass a test – he has to spend the night alone in a haunted house. It’s creepy, and there is definitely something in the house besides Thomas. But Thomas manages to keep his wits and survives the test, which has a surprising ending.
As his apprenticeship continues, Thomas learns much about bogarts, witches, and girls with pointy shoes. And he has a lot of questions about what happened to the apprentices that came before him. Left alone for a short time, Thomas gets tricked into letting loose the dangerous witch, Old Mother Malkin. But instead of waiting for someone to bail him out of danger, he figures out a way to defeat her on his own. His troubles aren’t over, however. When he heads back home for a brief break, Thomas discovers Old Mother Malkin’s spirit has followed him and he has to protect his family from her evil possession.
The story isn’t graphic, but just creepy enough to make you look over your shoulder or leave the lights on when you’re home alone. I can’t wait to read what adventures Thomas has next. Out of five stars I would give the book a rating of five. I think this book was amazing and would recommend it to everyone I know.
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