Some reviews light up your day—and some make you smile for a whole week. Trudy Simpson’s review of The Man Opposite Has Died did exactly that. 

Here’s what she wrote: 

"This is a great book, a real page-turner. The writer Bill Webster, through Lucy the book’s storyteller, takes you on a thrilling journey with Lucy and her friends and their heart-stopping adventures when they visit the late George's pond to see his newts. 
Their adventure starts when Giselle runs her hand through George’s luxuriant lawn and comes across a severed finger. The children are now embroiled in the mystery, and George's ghost helps the children in their endeavor to find the murderer and owner of the severed finger, with a big twist at the end. A real bonus to this book is Mr. Webster's own brilliant illustrations." 

First of all, thank you, Trudy, for reading The Man Opposite Has Died and for capturing its spirit so beautifully. You picked up on exactly what I hoped readers would feel—a fast-paced, slightly eerie, humorous (and occasionally absurd) mystery brought to life through Lucy’s innocent but determined voice. 

This story was never just about solving a crime. It was about friendship, curiosity, and that unforgettable moment in childhood when the world suddenly becomes bigger, stranger, and more exciting. Lucy and her friends get tangled in something far more mysterious than they ever expected—and with the help of a ghostly George, no less! 

And yes, that severed finger on the lawn… probably not what anyone expects when visiting a pond to look at newts! Trudy’s mention of that moment made me laugh because I remember writing it with a strange mix of suspense and glee, knowing it would shock Lucy’s quiet world into chaos. 

I’m especially grateful that Trudy called out the illustrations. Drawing for the book was an adventure in itself—bringing Lucy, George, Giselle, and the rest of the gang to life on the page helped me feel even more connected to them. Hearing that those illustrations stood out as a "real bonus" is deeply rewarding. 

This review reminds me why I write stories like this one. It’s not just about the mystery—it’s about letting readers of all ages tap into a little wonder, a little fear, and a lot of fun. 

Thank you again, Trudy, for your kind words, and for joining Lucy and the others on their ghostly, finger-finding adventure.