Spook's Shack is a delightful story about Finn, who is desperately trying to find his place in his family, in his life and in the Australian bush.

Finn is sent to stay with his Aunt Agatha in the bush whilst his parents find an apartment for them to live in. Aunt Agatha's place seems uninviting at first, but Finn soon discovers there are adventures to be had.

He discovers what seems to be an old deserted shack on the edge of his aunt's property. Inside he comes face to face with Jack Henry, a 100 year old ghost who thinks that he is alive.

When Finn is with Jack Henry he can hear and feel what the animals are feeling, and is able to move between the ghost world and the 'real' world with little effort.

Finn teaches Jack Henry about the modern world with the technological advances that have occurred since he “fell asleep” with his dog Nipper, while Jack returns the favor and introduces Finn to the world of a hundred years ago.

However, danger looms when Boris Banks, the great grandson of Jack Henry's foe, decides that he wants to bulldoze the land to reclaim his family’s fortunes. Will Finn and Jack Henry be able to save Aunt Agatha's land from devastation?

What starts out as a boring summer for Finn, it turns into one that is full of adventure and discovery.

Orr has cleverly created two worlds in one and captures the imagination and the intensity of adventure. She has interwoven the fantasy and reality worlds as one to make a believable and charming adventure in the Australian bush. 

Kerry Millard's pictures add to the charm of the story with her outline sketches that complement the plot and cover illustrations in water colour that allude beautifully to the story.

Orr has delivered a wonderful and exciting adventure for children. 

This story is recommended for children 10 +

Review by Annemarie Holmyard

© 2003 Annemarie Holmyard