Chimneys might seem mundane, simply channels for smoke, but John Hughes transforms them into portals of intrigue in his charming children’s novel, Things You Didn’t Know About Chimneys. Set in the quaint, fictitious village of Piddly Bottom, readers meet Bert Bogglethrop—a lovable wheeler-dealer—and his son Norman. Tasked with refurbishing the medieval Monkspew Manor, complete with Tudor chimneys and centuries-old gables, Bert and Norman’s seemingly ordinary job spirals into a thrilling mystery.
Armed with discounted paint and questionable building materials, Bert’s heart might be in the right place, but things quickly veer off-course. As their renovation progresses, the Manor begins revealing its secrets, drawing readers into an amusing yet suspenseful tale that appeals to all ages. Hughes expertly mixes humor with darkness, ensuring smiles and shivers go hand-in-hand.
A Manor Filled With Secrets
Central to this enchanting narrative is Millie, a bright and inquisitive ten-year-old sent to Monkspew Manor for her summer holidays. Alongside her trusty nanny, Mrs. Braceworthy, Millie initially dreads her stay. However, curiosity soon overtakes reluctance, as peculiar events around the manor spark her adventurous spirit.
Millie’s aunt and uncle, Lord and Lady Syngen-Hyde, add layers of intrigue. As the questionable owners of Monkspew Manor, their intentions toward Millie aren’t exactly honorable. While uncovering the estate’s secrets, Millie and her allies also untangle her relatives’ sinister plans. This tale isn’t just about uncovering hidden mysteries within chimneys—it’s also about the strength and bravery of a young girl determined to reveal the truth.
An Adventure Bridging Generations
What truly sets Things You Didn’t Know About Chimneys apart is its ability to bridge generational divides. Bert’s team—two elderly tradesmen alongside Norman—highlights an amusing and heartfelt generational collaboration. Their bumbling attempts and humorous mishaps juxtaposed against Millie’s sharp detective skills create an engaging dynamic.
Throughout the narrative, readers witness friendships forming, bonds strengthening, and a family unit evolving from an eclectic group thrown together by circumstances. Hughes cleverly highlights kindness, courage, and camaraderie, underscoring the message that age differences don’t hinder true friendship.
About John Hughes and His Creative Journey
John Hughes’s writing journey is as fascinating as his stories. Although he’s primarily known for children’s folklore and fairy tales, his creative scope is impressively diverse. Born and raised in Ireland, his imaginative tales often draw inspiration from Irish landscapes and folklore. Hughes’s earlier book, The Bog Bogluns of Ballinalee (2022), is a whimsical fairy tale depicting a sprite family navigating 21st-century challenges while remaining hidden from human eyes.
Hughes began sharing his stories roughly eight years ago, encouraged by his daughters. Since then, he’s gained recognition not just among young readers, but also adult fans drawn to his vivid storytelling and playful humor. His current project, a gothic horror novel titled Isaac’s Corn, promises another compelling read and is slated for release in autumn 2025.
Things You Didn’t Know About Chimneys is available across various platforms, including Troubador Publishing, Amazon, and WH Smith. Its blend of mystery, humor, and heart makes it perfect for young readers—and those young at heart. John Hughes continues to enchant with stories that remind us all to look closely, because even something as ordinary as a chimney can hide extraordinary secrets.
We had the privilege of interviewing the author. Here are excerpts from the interview:
Hi, Thank you so much for joining us today! Please introduce yourself and tell us what you do.
My name is John Hughes, and I am predominantly a children’s fiction writer of folklore and fairytales, but currently working on a gothic horror novel called , Isaacs Corn, and hope to release it in autumn 2025.
Please tell us about your journey.
My writing journey was only realised about eight years ago when I was persuaded to share my fairytale stories by my daughters, and the rest is history, as they say.
The journey from just writing the stories was a wonderful experience and the massive support from the literary world in the form of illustrators, editors, and many other people makes you realise that there is kind and caring people out there to help with your journey.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
I don’t think I ever had a strategy in writing except to scribble down thoughts and apply them to text. I would describe my writing style to Stephen King’s philosophy (write by the seat of your pants style). Many plots and sequences inevitably go wrong in writing, so it’s a question of rehashing scenes and ideas until they sit right on the page.
Any message for our readers?
The best message I can give potential writers is to never give up, never doubt your quest, and above all, do not be shy to ask for help from professionals, especially editors and cover designers who spot inconsistencies or plot holes in your stories. They may cost money you don’t have, but they are vital if your book is going to be polished and be a great experience for the reader.
Thank you so much, John, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!