Terry Fide and the Bakery Ghost

Terry Fide and the Bakery Ghost by Jeanette Stampone (About Kids Books) 

Nine-year-old TERRY FIDE dreams of being the next great ghost detective like his famous dad. But there’s a major problem. Terry Fide is terrified of anything remotely spooky. The only ghost he’s not afraid of is his own pet ghost dog, BONES.

When Terry’s dad is called to work in London, Terry is left to deal with a bakery haunting. His best friend MAX is keen to help (mainly because free cakes are offered). On the way to the bakery, the boys’ bossy classmate, AVERY, decides to join them so she can prove ghosts are not real.

Terry knows that ghost detectives don’t get rid of ghosts; they must discover the problem. But when the new bakery owner, MISS QUIBBLE, shows them the chaotic kitchen, Terry wonders why a ghost would cause so much trouble! The ghost has been opening all the cupboards and throwing cakes in the bin. It’s a mess and no customers are coming.

The frightened children decide to get Bones to protect them, but the cheeky dog causes nothing but trouble. He floats in the air to chase a cat and even dives inside the bakery wall, barking like crazy. As their investigation unfolds, Max collects clues. Even Avery is asking many questions (for someone who doesn’t believe in ghosts).

Terry is still scared but feels a tiny bit braver with his friends.

When they return at night, Avery presents her latest invention, the Ghost Vac. The ghost is sucked into the machine, and Terry amazes his friends with how he communicates with the aged spook. They discover the ghost is the first owner of the bakery and is only trying to help. He tells them he’s throwing away the cakes because they’re revolting. He is also looking for his lost recipe book, which he wants to pass on to Miss Quibble.

After looking at Max’s clues, the children find the old recipe book hidden in the wall. This is when Miss Quibble realises the ghost must be her grandfather. She bought the bakery so she could be a great baker like him. Unfortunately, she’s a terrible cook and can’t remember his recipes. Guided by the old recipe book, Terry, Max, and Avery help the bakery owner to perfect her skills until she produces the most delicious cakes and treats.

People can’t get enough of the baked delights when the bakery celebrates its grand reopening. Terry is proud of himself and his friends, but he’s also a little sad their ghost adventures have come to an end.

If you want to buy a copy of this funny chapter book for readers aged 7 to 10 years, (only $20, which includes postage), contact dibates@outlook.com for details of how to pay.