I suspect even if I had read this without knowing the author, I should quickly have guessed that it was Alex Bell. The writing style feels similar to the Explorer's Club series, and whether she is writing for children or adults Bell has a very distinctive way of cramming her books full of quirky, creative and fantastical settings, creatures and objects. 

This is a Halloween themed novel which is atmospheric without ever trying to be scary. I love the  twist on the fairy tale carriage magically created from a pumpkin - here it is made from a grinning Jack-o'-lantern. 

The book did take a little while to fully hook me, but by halfway I was absorbed and after finishing it I was desperate for the sequel. Highly recommended.