Hayley Hoskins

Hayley Hoskins writes historical fiction for younger readers, combining carefully observed settings with supernatural mystery. Her debut children’s novel, The Whisperling, was published by Puffin in 2022 and opens a series set in the world of people who can speak with spirits. Peggy Devona, age twelve, lives in 1897. Her parents run an undertaking business outside Bristol, and she conceals her unusual ability because suspicion surrounds it. When her friend Sally is accused after the death of her employer, Peggy travels from Bristol toward London and relies on her gift to uncover what happened. BookTrust identifies the novel as historical adventure and a ghost story for readers from roughly nine upward, while Puffin places it first in The Whisperling series. Hoskins, originally from the Forest of Dean, later continued that setting with The Whisperling Twins. Her work balances Victorian social pressures, friendship, and suspense, giving Peggy’s otherworldly talent a practical purpose within a story about loyalty, courage, and finding a voice.