If the first book in the Haunted Mansion Series felt like sneaking a ride through the ballroom scene after closing time, then Book Two: Midnight at Madame Leota’s drops you right into the séance room with the queen of spectral sass herself. It’s creepier, quirkier, and gives Madame Leota the star treatment she deserves.

The Story (Spoilers Ahead)

The plot kicks off with a midnight séance that goes a little sideways – because of course it does. Madame Leota, floating elegantly in her crystal ball, accidentally summons more than she bargained for. Spirits from beyond are stirred up, including some not-so-friendly ones who don’t exactly want to go back when the candles burn out.

Our mortal visitors – Alex and his friends – find themselves tangled in the chaos. To set things right, they have to brave different corners of the mansion (think endless hallways, shadowy portraits, and that ever-watchful graveyard). Along the way, they uncover the mansion’s secrets, face mischievous haunts, and discover that Madame Leota herself has a complicated history that ties directly into the mansion’s curse.

By the stroke of 1 a.m., the group must help Madame Leota restore balance – or risk being trapped in the mansion forever.

What I loved

• Madame Leota Takes Centre Stage: We’ve seen her floating in the ride, but here we get her full personality – sharp, funny, cryptic, and surprisingly emotional. There’s a hint of tragedy beneath her sarcasm, which makes her more than just a floating head.
• Atmosphere You Can Practically Smell: The book drips with eerie details: was-dripped candelabras, cold drafts that slither down the hallway, and whispers just beyond the velvet curtains. It’s immersive without being too dark for younger readers.
• The Ghosts Steal the Show: From the singing busts to the crypt full of restless spirits, the supporting cast of haunts keep things lively (pun fully intended). They’re creepy but always tinged with Disney’s cheeky humour.
• The Stakes Feel Bigger: Unlike the first book, where the hauntings felt more playful, this one has genuine tension. The idea that Alex and his friends could become permanent residents in the mansion ups the suspense.

Favourite Spoiler Moments

• Madame Leota losing control of the seance circle, and the spirits bursting free like a jail break.
• The chase through the portrait gallery, where the paintings don’t just watch – they move.
• The graveyard scene where the kids have to solve riddles from the singing busts while the ground itself shifts beneath their feet.
• The ending twist: Madame Leota reveals she isn’t just bound to the mansion by accident… she chose to stay, and there’s still more she isn’t telling.

Who this book is for

• Kids who love spooky stories but don’t want nightmare fuel.
• Disney fans who live for Haunted Mansion lore.
• Adults like me who want something quick, cosy, and dripping with Halloween vibes.

Final Thoughts

Midnihgt at Madame Leota’s is exactly what you’d hope for in Haunted Mansion story – creepy fun, witty ghosts, and that deliciously gothic Disney aesthetic. Madame Leota finally gets her spotlight, and she makes the most of it, reminding us why she’s the most iconic medium this side of the afterlife.

Rating 8/10: It’s the perfect Autumn read (though, let’s be honest, I’d happily curl up with it in July if I needed a haunted fix). By the last page, you’ll be grinning, spooked, and maybe just a little suspicious of your nearest crystal ball.

Hurry back…