Caleb Krisp by Anyone But Ivy Pocket - Book Review (Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books)

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Book Synopsis: Ivy Pocket is a twelve-year-old maid of no importance, with a very lofty opinion of herself. Dumped in Paris by the Countess Carbunkle, who would rather run away to South America than continue in Ivy's companionship, our young heroine (of sorts) finds herself with no money and no home to go to ... until she is summoned to the bedside of the dying Duchess of Trinity.

For the princely sum of £500 (enough to buy a carriage, and possibly a monkey), Ivy agrees to courier the Duchess's most precious possession - the Clock Diamond - to England, and to put it around the neck of the revolting Matilda Butterfield on her twelfth birthday. It's not long before Ivy finds herself at the heart of a conspiracy involving mischief, mayhem and murder.

Who can you rely on to deliver a priceless diamond to a revolting aristocrat?

Book Review: You'll never feel the same again once you've read this book. Following the unfortunate events of Ivy Pocket will surely leave you feeling unhinged in a rather odd way. Miss Exaggeration is a feisty twelve-year-old full of grand delusions on a massive scale. I still can't help thinking about her days and days after I've finished reading the book. She is certainly a one of a kind character; her exuberant personality is very infectious. I think that all of these attributes may make her one of my favourite new characters of the moment. 

The story is pure mayhem containing a rip cord of crazy events that will skip by you in a blur of pure imagination and great storytelling. This book is full of mild violence which is timely interspaced with some bizarre action moments.You will find yourself laughing one minute at the absurd things Ivy Pocket says and does. The next thing you will be cringing at her brutal honesty and bitter words. However, this creates brilliant reading and is really engaging.

It's very whimsical - full of irony and wicked intentions. I loved the gothic feel that came through which is very reminiscent to Lemony Snicket. Fans of these books will surely love reading this one as well. 

This is a very quirky read and will surely be a future bestseller. It's already been scooped up by many publishers up and down the country. I loved every page of this book. It is a journey full of self discovery both for the characters and readers alike. 

In my opinion, this is a book that any reluctant reader will sink their teeth into and enjoy. The finished copy includes a superb collection of illustrated images by the talented illustrator John Kelly, which adds to this book to create an overall great reading experience. 

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  UK Hardcover: 320 pages - Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens (9 April 2015)
• ISBN-10: 1408858630 Age: 8-12 yrs

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Guest Book Review - Chris Priestley - The last of the Spirits

This book review is by Dawn Finch, the author of Brotherhood of Shades. When a book is this good, you really do need to shout about it to everyone who will listen. Thank you Dawn for sharing this review with us. I feel that it should help find the way to many readers this festive year....

www.dawnfinch.com

Book Synopsis: 

London is in the icy grip of winter. Sam is freezing and hungry. When he asks a wealthy man, Ebeneezer Scrooge, for money he is rudely refused. Sam is filled with violent rage and vows to kills this selfish man. Later, huddled in a graveyard for warmth, Sam sees the wraithlike figure of a man approaching. The man warns Sam about the terrible future which awaits him if he chooses the path of murder...

Chris Priestley has a growing bookshelf of Gothic tales, and with The Last Of The Spirits he takes a step out into the (deep and crisp and even) snow with a companion book to Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol.

Last of the Spirits follows the misfortune of two homeless children on the icy streets of 19th Century London. The two children, siblings Sam and Lizzie, are caught up in the spectral visitations that plague Scrooge through his tormented Christmas Eve. They are not part of Ebeneezer's story, they have their own tale to tell. We learn of their tragic tales as they walk the frozen streets in the footsteps of the miser.

Many writers have tried to delve into the world of Ebeneezer Scrooge, but Priestley really nails it. The book feels pure Dickens, but remains fresh and approachable to a modern audience. There are no wasted words here and it is a completely new story, but one that still feels as if it carries the weight of time with it. It is as if Priestley has revealed the characters that once only stood in the wings, and are now drawn out to take centre stage. Priestley has turned the camera-eye around on the classic tale, bringing in wholly new aspects for readers to identify with, and it is genuinely spooky!

One thing that really jumped out at me (including the cold dread of where the story might go….) was how well this book reads aloud. Even the best of books sometimes fail when it comes to reading them aloud, but Last of the Spirits would make an excellent book to share aloud with others. Dickens regularly read Christmas Carol out loud and did so for decades after publication. Some books are written to be heard as well as read, and I can see this taking its place as one of those books brought out every year to share again.

I'm certainly looking forward to doing that, bring on the chestnuts and the crackling log fire...and a few sleepless nights!

Book Published by Bloomsbury Children's (6 Nov 2014)

http://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/the-last-of-the-spirits-9781408854136/

VIDEO INTERVIEW: Dan Stevens on new project - Frankenstein - (Downton Abbey)

Celebrate Halloween with an exclusive video interview of Downton Abbey’s Dan Stevens talking about his latest project – Frankenstein (29 Oct). The award-winning actor and narrator has recorded an uncanny audiobook performance of Mary Shelley's timeless gothic novel, an epic battle between man and monster at its greatest literary pitch exclusively for Audible.co.uk, available for the first time ever to listeners in the UK.

In Frankenstein, the young student Victor Frankenstein tries to create life, unleashing forces beyond his control, setting into motion a long and tragic chain of events that brings Victor to the very brink of madness. How he tries to destroy his creation, as it destroys everything Victor loves, is a powerful story of love, friendship, scientific hubris, and horror.

Posting the behind-the-scenes. 

Best known as Matthew Crawley in the hit ITV drama Downton Abbey, Dan Stevens' other television work includes lead roles in Alan Hollinghurst's The Line of Beauty and Andrew Davies's adaptation of Sense & Sensibility.

Dan Stevens is also a prolific narrator of audiobooks: his reading of Louisa Young's My Dear I Wanted to Tell You won the 2011 Audiobook of the Year at the Galaxy National Book Awards. He also recorded Stef Penney's The Invisible Ones.

The Frankenstein audiobook by Mary Shelley is available only from Audible.co.uk, the UK’s leading provider of downloadable audiobooks.

Book Review: Chris Riddell - Goth Girl and the Ghost of a Mouse

Welcome to Ghastly-Gorm Hall - the home to yet another brilliant read. Goth Girl and the Ghost of a Mouse is one of the best books that I have read by Chris Riddell as a solo writer. It is brilliantly funny and an absolute joy to read.

The first thing that you will notice is how gorgeous this book both looks and feel. There is a great deal of attention to detail which is brilliant to see within this digital era. The hand-held hardback is in the same style as the much loved Ottoline series which was published way back in February 2007. The book will definitely jump off the bookshelves to potential readers through the striking and quirky image of Ada on the front cover. 

Before you even start to read the book, another two aspects that will capture your attention are the iridescent purple page edges and the silver gilt skull motifs on the endpapers. Both of these elements work particularly well, in my opinion. These are definitely the best endpapers that I have seen for a very long time. The silver gilt skull motifs on black paper shine with so much light that you will need sunglasses on just to look at them. They really make the book come alive before you even start to read the fantastic adventure inside. 

When Ada Goth wakes in the night to find the disgruntled ghost of a mouse on her bedroom carpet, she is more intrigued than scared. The mouse, formally known as Ishmael, is rather cross about his ghostly predicament so Ada decides to befriend him. In a house where it is believed that little girls should be heard not seen, which means Ada has to walk round Ghastly-Gorm Hall with large oversize boots, a whim of her eccentric father Lord Goth. 

Whilst exploring the mysterious halls and winding corridors, Ada and Ishmael uncover a dastardly plot to sabotage her father's annual Metaphorical Bike Race and Indoor Hunt. 

As you follow Ada and the Ghost mouse through this tale you will be both enchanted and delighted in this family adventure. It is a perfect book to read to your children - the fantastic pen/pencil detailed images scattered throughout this beautiful book add another outstanding level of fantasy to enhance the story.

Chris Riddell has excelled himself with this book. It is a witty homage to some of the most famous literary classics, which have allowed him to run riot with his spectacular ideas. It is a warm, funny and highly imaginative tale of courage, friendship and loyalty. All of which have been told in a deliciously dark and gothic way. What more could you want? Well there is a little bonus at the end, but I shall say no more!

We need many more books like this.........

Published by Macmillan Children's Books in Hardback on 12th September 2013

Book Review: Liesel Schwarz - A Conspiracy Of Alchemist - Book Review

                                               

On a recent trip to Paris, I visited my favourite Parisian bookshop, Shakespeare & Company, situated in the breath-taking region of Notre Dame Cathedral. It was an especially welcomed visit on a particularly cold and rainy day. This was the first book that I selected fron the vast shelves of books. The cracking book cover first drew me in. However, it soon turned out to be a book that I particularly liked the sound of. Interestingly, the book begins in Paris in 1903 - that'sfate if you ask me! It will come as no surprise that I really needed to read this book during my wonderful stay. 

This is the first book in The Chronicles of Light and Shadow series. It is a brilliant debut book that encompasses so many fantastic elements into one book. It is based around a nineteenth century gothic setting which is particularly mesmerising to read. It has so much distinctive details that it will take your breath away. The fantastic steampunk elements are set in the golden age of steam with spark reactors powering nearly everything from airships to the coffee machine on the Orient Express. 

The Light and Shadow realms are weaved into the real world - spirited fairies mingling with the Nightwalkers. This brings a much needed supernatural element to the book that will give readers a lot of enjoyment. Blood-thirsty in nature, they roam the dark hours of the night and walk openly among the unsuspecting populace reeking havoc.

The mysterious Mr March is a human Warlock who lives for centuries. However, he showed no particular magical powers throughout the book and, in my opinion, needed perhaps a little bit more spark to do the role justice. The Alchemists on the other hand were great fun to read about as they plotted to unleash a magical apocalypse.  Stylishly written in a particularly imaginative and creative way they really add to the story. 

Elle Chance is the main character - she shares her perspectives and feelings throughout the story. She creates an inner glow that is radiated through every page and leaves you feeling very content. She's a particularly feisty female in charge of her own business - a small flight freight service. However, one day, a cargo that was supposed to be delivered sends her life through a changing set of events. These prove to be pretty spectacular events that hold some punchy twists and turns.

The books attention to detail really makes it stand out and makes for a fantastic reading experience. The only thing that perhaps let this book down was the romantic liaison between the two lead characters. It got a little too much towards the end of the book. I would have preferred to have seen a different approach as it spoilt it a little bit. Nevertheless, this book is a fantastic read full of surprises. As part of a series, I hope that the next book will deliver another eclectic mix of all things good. 

Published February 7th 2013 by Del Rey

Marcus Sedgwick - Midwinterblood - Book Review

• Pages -  224
• Date - 6 October 2011
• Published by Indigo
• Age 12+
• ISBN: 978 17806 2000 1                                

White Crow was the last book that I read by Marcus and I really loved it. Therefore, I was very intrigued to see what he would come up with next. In the past, I've not always connected with his stories and I've not always felt the passion within his writing. However, if he carries on writing books like these last two, then I feel he will certainly be creeping up my author rankings for sure.


Marcus has a certain flair for constructing a world that not only has you, but keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. Perhaps the best way that I can describe that particular feeling is that it's like dancing with the devil, only to find out that he is stalking you everywhere you go! 


The story is told through the differing perspectives of Eric and Merle, who are bound by their love for each other, but in different forms. These two people, drawn together through the seven parts of the story are both influenced by the moon. They travel from 2073 back in time to the days of the Vikings and the start of their first life together. I'm not sure that I grasped the full meaning of all the shorter stories that made up the one big story, but I felt the important aspect was how they all connected with each other. 


The shorter stories are written beautifully. The descriptive writing leaves a lasting impression as you follow the characters from life to life. The book has the writer's trademark gothic feel which is very powerful, but the ultimate drive is love and sacrifice - both of which leave many heart wrenching moments. 


Compelling to read, dripping with emotion and truly enjoyable. This book is a supernatural thriller which is well worth reading. It did not disappoint me in any way, another big thumbs up!


I followed you............ Mr Ripley's Book Cover Wars is on,your vote is much appreciated,if you leave a comment on the post as well you may get the chance to win Sarwat Chadda's new book proof which is out next year!

Chris Priestly - Mister Creecher - Book Review

     

• Pages - 400 
• Publisher - Bloomsbury Publishing
• Date - 13 October 2011
• Age 11+
• Isbn: 9781408 811047

Billy is a street urchin, pickpocket and petty thief. Mister Creecher is a monstrous giant of a man who terrifies all he meets. Their relationship begins as pure convenience. But a bond swiftly develops between these two misfits as their bloody journey takes them ever northwards on the trail of their target ...Victor Frankenstein. Friendship, trust and betrayal combine to form a dangerous liaison in this moving and frightening new book from Chris Priestley.

I wasn't quite sure what I was expecting to read once I had read this particular book synopsis. Especially having read all of Chris Priestley's imaginative Tales of Terror short stories, where I always felt like I was left wanting more. I was so easily sucked into these - they felt like a great master was telling the story, but for them to end so suddenly was always disappointing. Nevertheless I loved the insightful and twisted glimpses into the dark and abnormal story world. However, Mister Creecher proved to be something totally different again.

Playing on the classic concept of Frankenstein, it spun a whole new wonderful and thought provoking story which I loved from the very start. Set in Regency London (known as the underground of crime and poverty) Mister Creecher is an unimaginable seven foot monster who saves Billy from the clutches of death. Mysterious events carefully and enticingly unfold to hook you in before launching you back into the real world once more.

The main part of the book is inspired by Chris Priestley's love of the Classical novel, Frankenstein. He has paid homage to this by writing an account of two well-known literary characters. As a result, this has become a particularly cleverly written and compelling story that will be read and discussed for some time. Whilst it's written within the normal dark and Gothic constraints that we are all accustomed to reading from Chris, he does actually add a new level to this traditionally based plot. As a result, he brings it bang up to date whilst also incorporating a modern twist.

The relationship between the main characters is written seriously, but also portrays a poignant telling. It highlights the reality of loneliness and the need for friends. However, the book also shows a funny and uplifting side whilst also incorporating the dangerous and macabre side of this particular period.

Mister Creecher was a great book to read. I was not sure of the journey that I would take along the way and the ending was certainly not what I was expecting. In fact it leaves many more areas left still to unfold as we have only really just stared to scratch the surface with this tantalising start.

                   

Marcus Sedgwick - The Raven Mysteries (A Frothy Gothic Series)

This is one gothically funny series of books which will have you laughing out loud, or at the very least, making strange 'ark-like' bird noises. 


The story is narrated by Edgar, a Raven, who is the Guardian of Otherhand Castle. A place full of odd ball characters that will have you following in pure amazement. 


These are a great series of books to read to your children. Both young and old will enjoy the crazy antics of Valevine, Minty, Solstice and Cudweed. Each character will have your hair standing on end by the end of each book - they really are that crazy. 


Five books (so far) have been published, with a sixth book due to be published in October 2011. These are great reads to brighten up your day - each book is decked out with superb illustrations by Pete Williamson. A name I wasn't too familiar with but one that I will now certainly be watching out for in the future.


                                    
B.K 1 - Flood and Fang 
Meet the wonderfully weird Otherhand family and their faithful guardian, Edgar the raven, and discover the dark secrets of Castle Otherhand. Edgar is alarmed when he sees a nasty looking black tail slinking under the castle walls. But his warnings to the inhabitants of the castle go unheeded: Lord Valevine Otherhand is too busy trying to invent the unthinkable and discover the unknowable; his wife, Minty, is too absorbed in her latest obsession - baking; and ten-year-old Cudweed is running riot with his infernal pet monkey. Only Solstice, the black-haired, poetry-writing Otherhand daughter, seems to pay any attention. As the lower storeys of the castle begin mysteriously to flood, and kitchen maids continue to go missing, the family come ever closer to the owner of the black tail...


B.K 2 Ghost and Gadgets
Join the wonderfully weird Otherhand family and their faithful guardian, Edgar the raven, and discover the dark secrets of Castle Otherhand. The rumblings and wailings from the Lost South Wing can no longer be ignored, as one by one, members of the castle are being found frozen, 'scared to death'. With mother, Minty, obsessing over her latest fad - sewing - and father, Valevine, busy experimenting with a machine to discover the Lost Otherhand treasure, it's up to aspiring ghost-hunters Solstice and Cudweed to solve the mystery. But as usual, things don't go quite as planned... It's just as well Edgar is there to save the day!


B.k 3 Lunatics and Luck
oin the wonderfully weird Otherhand family and their faithful guardian, Edgar the raven, and discover the dark secrets of Castle Otherhand. Solstice and Cudweed are appalled to find their father has appointed a new school master. But things get even worse when the grumpy, viciously mean teacher actually arrives. The Otherhand children are sure there's something more to him than meets the eye - the trouble is, who will believe them? No one it seems. Except, perhaps, Edgar.


B.K 4 Vampires and Volts
Join the wonderfully weird Otherhand family and their faithful guardian, Edgar the raven, and discover the dark secrets of Castle Otherhand. It's Halloween and the Otherhands are enjoying the Annual Pumpkin Hunt. And there are preparations to be made for the Great Halloween Ball. Minty is all a-fluster. Solstice is busy spraying fake cobwebs everywhere. Valevine is in charge of disorganising everyone's carefully laid plans, and Cudweed seems hungrier than ever and oddly preoccupied with 'fresh brains'. In fact when Silas, Valevine's long lost brother, turns up with Samantha, the Otherhands would be well-advised to check out their guests. It's not long before wily Edgar works out that there's a preponderance of vampires and not all of them have false teeth... 


B.K 5 Magic and Mayhem
Join the wonderfully weird Otherhand family and their faithful guardian, Edgar the raven, and discover the dark secrets of Castle Otherhand. A trip to the circus has far-reaching consequences for the Otherhands when Fellah goes missing. Before long the Castle is plagued by a duck, a suspect fortune teller, and several cartloads of lethal cabbages. The family is preoccupied: Valevine is busy inventing a cabbage-counting machine; Minty is waiting to hear the secrets of the universe; and Solstice has discovered that Cudweed is concealing three hundred and forty-two rabbits in his bedroom. When chaos strikes and thieves infiltrate the Castle, it falls to Edgar to extract his family from a very fluffy predicament.


www.ravenmysteries.co.uk
http://www.marcussedgwick.com
http://www.petewilliamson.co.uk

Marcus Sedgwick - White Crow - Book Review

Rebecca isn't happy to be spending her summer in Winterfold. She's been taken from London by her father to live in the tiny seaside village for six weeks. Back in London are all her friends, and Adam, who she was hoping to see more of - but it's too late now, she's stuck far away from them in a cramped house. 


I have read other books by this author, and to be honest, I've never really connected with them. However, from the very first chapter I felt that this book was very different - in a good way. The first thing to notice is the strong dark Gothic atmosphere that is created through the main characters.  These are very well written - the story is told by two young teenage girls, who captivate the reader until the story comes to an end.

The second aspect involves the interwoven story, that runs alongside the mysterious adventures of Rebecca and the spooky character of Ferelith. Told through a journal from the seventeenth century, encounters with the Rector and Dr Barrieux (the master of Winterfold Hall) unfold. Uncovered are the strange experiments in seeking the answers to the afterlife - these have you chilled to the bone.


This book is superb.  I loved the tension, the mystery and all the questions the author asks his readers about the after-life, friendship and the pushing of moral boundaries. You're never sure as to where the story threads are going to take you. The Gothic and religious nature add an interesting element to the story. The extent of the author's research into this book is extensive. The author has shown great diversity in this novel and delivered it with so much vibrant energy, that it leaves you out of breath.


Ferelith already lives in Winterfold - it's a place that doesn't like to let you go, and she knows it inside out - the beach the crumbling cliff paths,the village streets,the wood,the deserted churches and ruined graveyards,year by year being swallowed by the sea.


The book is particularly engrossing and captivating. It is extremely thought provoking and made a great impact on me. It's a terror and urban myth ride with a less than idyllic ending.  It's definitely one of the best books I have read so far this year.  I would highly recommend this book to you all!          

Book published by Orion Children's Books

Jenna Burtenshaw - Wintercraft - Book Review & Book Trailer

I have had my eye on this book for some time now. This great title had me instantly attracted to it, so when I finally did get a copy, I desperately wanted to read it. Unfortunately I had to really restrain myself from diving into it, due to my really busy work schedule. This book has taken four years to write, so I knew that it was worth savouring but I hope I don't have to wait quite so long for the next one. I immediately noticed that this debut fantasy novel has no vampires or demons ripping out limbs. Equally there are no angels or zombies prowling within and around the storyline. Now some people may say that the lack of such characters could make the story rather dull . . .  but they would be wrong. This book does maintain a really dark, Gothic feel to it that runs throughout the story, which I really loved. It's an atmospheric mystery that tells the truth about friendship - it's a book that can't be put down until the very last page is turned. This book has a great setting and a very original plot, with some exceedingly nasty characters to follow. Silas Dane, my favourite character, really develops the 'fear factor' within the book and certainly makes the 'fearometer' jump exceedingly high at times - leaving the reader cowering behind their sofa. His taste for revenge drives him to seek an end to his immortality. On his journey he takes no prisoners and has no qualms in killing people that get in his way - making for some great reading, which is not for the young or weak of heart! This man is a killer and make no mistakes about that.... The book follows Kate into the world of the 'Skilled'; a rare group of people who are able to see through the veil between the living and the dead. The High Council are seeking out the Skilled and using them to experiment on - to see if they have the powers to walk the fine line between life and death in the veil. Silas Dane is the High Council's most feared man; he recognises Kate as one of the Skilled and their paths cross with brutal consequences. . . . e  The knowledge that Kate needs lies within Wintercraft – a book thought to be hidden deep beneath the graveyard city of Fume. But the Night of Souls, when the veil between life and death is at its thinnest, is just days away and the High Council have their own sinister plans for Kate and Wintercraft... The ending comes to a quick climax, but with a range of unexpected twists and turns, that bring the complex characters and the storyline together in a magical way. It finishes with a great number of possibilities for maybe the next book. This makes the wait particularly exciting to see what may happen next, if anything! Book published by Headline 13 May 2010 - not long now!

For more information take a visit to wintercraft.co.uk

Ana Fischel - The Twelve Quests:Bk 1 Bluebeard's Key - Book Review

In 2004, I first came across the charming book publication of The Zartarbia Tales by Ana Fischel. Very quickly the book found its way into the collectable market, mainly due to its small print run and limited hardback release.   The first book, entitled "Isabella Zophie and Le Cirque de Magique", was published by Pen Press. Book two followed a year or so later, and hence a great start was made to a new and imaginative series of books. However several years passed . . . . still I was waiting for another book to be released. But now five years later, Ana has finally written a new series in the form of 'The Twelve Quests'. These new books are really a modern day children's fairy tale, that revive the dark Gothic atmosphere of the 19th century, and reignite the richness of European folklore. This series of modern classics tell the woeful tale of ten year old twins, Albert and Florence Leadington, who are forced to embark on an extraordinary trip to complete twelve devious and deadly quests. Each book covers a deadly quest - twelve books in all to look forward to, with each one delivering a small slice within a much larger fantasy adventure.  The books are set  in 1849, when times were particularly unpleasant for most people. Indeed Victorian London was certainly not a great place to live if you were poor, but it was even worse if you had the misfortune to be stuck in Mrs. Snagglesnarle's orphanage. And yet this is exactly where Albert and Florrie find themselves. However one fateful day, the strange and hapless Mr. Arthur Canarthy turns up and informs them that their parents are in fact not dead  . . . . . . but alive and cursed.  I now find myself in the position of needing to track down the other six books in the series. Each book has been published with a striking book cover; leading the imagination into a state of overdrive. For more information on the series and about the author please visit http://www.thetwelvequests.com/story/introduction-to-the-twelve-quests/

Stuart Webb - Lyme Hall - Book Review

Book Review 
Before I became an avid reader, I just collected books and very rarely read them. Instead they sat on dusty shelves, calling out to be loved and read, however they were rarely looked at.

Then I started reading an eclectic mix of articles in a publication called the "Book and Magazine Collector". Stuart, who is the author of this book, had a writing column which I really loved. He would on a monthly basis write about new 'up and coming' authors, as well as collectible books to look out for - I really miss reading his articles.

Anyway this is the second book that Stuart Webb has written, the first being "Aurora's Tears," which sold out as soon as it was published. The question has to be asked, did it fall into the hands of the book collectors or book readers, and will his second book follow likewise? On this occasion, I would like it to fall into the hands of the readers who will cherish it, due to its fantastic content and not monetary value.

I must admit, I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, and had no idea that I would end up enjoying it so much. The book has lots of charm and character that I instantly fell for, from the very first page to the last, as it is beautifully written with lots of great detail. It's a story that leaves you feeling it was well worth the journey that you take as a reader.

Rose is happy with her life: an expensive house in the city, loving parents and a best friend she can trust. She wants for nothing and lives life to the full. Then, without warning, her perfect world is torn in two. Forced to move to a country house she hates with a father she no longer understands, Rose is lost and alone. And when she begins to hear things that aren't there, see things that can't be real, her father doesn't want to know; all he cares about are the deer that are disappearing from the estate. Maybe, just maybe, if she can solve the mysteries herself, she can finally make him listen.

It's a classic ghost story with mystery that is wrapped up in Lyme Hall. Its past is both intriguing and captivating with notes of sadness, but when you get to the end it finishes on an upbeat tone. Stuart has drawn on lots of emotions including everyday issues such as bullying, bereavement - from the loss of a parent and difficult family circumstances, which gives depth to the story.

I love the part when William shows Rose around Lyme Hall, explaining the associated detailed history and folklore, as part of the tour around the great house. The unique characters are well written, they have roles which develop extensively through the story to create an interesting plot.


So the only thing I can really say is that this book needs to be read. I can highly recommend it, you will not be disappointed, so grab a copy (once it is published) but before they sell out. I have a feeling that this book may have a small print run and will disappear very speedily.

Book Published by Matador 1 March 2010 - For more details: http://www.troubador.co.uk

Book cover artwork by Chris Odgers - For more details: http://www.sawhorse.co.uk/

Arthur Slade - The Hunchback Assignments - Steampunk Adventure

MR Ripley Say's
A gripping new series combines Steampunk, spying, and a fantastic Victorian London. WOULD LIKE A REVIEW FOR THIS. My copy has been lost in a victorian post office in London on a clockwork gizmo,waited to be delivered by an automated robot. Hopefully I will get my copy for that festive time called "PUNKMAS".

"You will always be ugly," Mr. Socrates had regularly reminded him over the years. "Always. But you are better able to adapt than any chameleon. Be thankful for it."

More about this author at www.arthurslade.com




Synopsis The mysterious Mr. Socrates rescues Modo, a child in a traveling freak show. Modo is a hunchback with an amazing ability to transform his appearance, and Mr. Socrates raises him in isolation as an agent for the Permanent Association, a spy agency behind Brittania’s efforts to rule the empire. At 14, Modo is left on the streets of London to fend for himself. When he encounters Octavia Milkweed, another Association agent, the two uncover a plot by the Clockword Guild behind the murders of important men. Furthermore, a mad scientist is turning orphan children into automatons to further the goals of the Guild. Modo and Octavia journey deep into the tunnels under London and discover a terrifying plot against the British government. It’s up to them to save their country.

Bruno Vincent - Grisly Tales From Tumblewater - Book Review

Mr Ripley's Book Review - Warning Not for the faint-hearted

Once upon a time there was a boy called Daniel, who was sent out on a journey to be educated in the fine arts of being a surgeon. His trip took him to place called "Tumblewater" - a very dark and strange place full of mysterious folk, who like the tales of the strange and dark ....

The book covers eight creepy stories that are all rolled into an adventure. Connected to the same story, each tale is told in a macabre and Gothic new voice, that has the reader on edge and leaves a some-what evident feeling of terror.

Daniel soon finds himself being lead by unpredictable circumstances. Whilst the clouded boys past becomes evident through the murky and dangerous underground world he now finds himself in.

I really loved this book; I felt it to be written in a similar style to Chris Priestley's - Tales of Terror books whilst displaying the great storytelling characteristics/traits of Neil Gaiman.

The world of Tumblewater is particularly well written through its imaginative use of description. The ending of each individual story leaves a mild mannered feeling of shock. It's a great piece of Gothic horror; all told in a clever slice of the unnatural, which is gripping to the end.

This is a great debut childrens book and one to look out for next year when more grisly tales will follow. Four out of five and looking forward to more.

Book synopsis: Welcome to the very damp and woeful world of Tumblewater, home to a creepy collection of depraved characters. Meet a young boy punished most appallingly for picking his nose; a pair of devilish bakers with murderous intentions in their buns; and a dentist whose strange, colour-changing eyes belie his perfectly gleaming smile. This title contains horrifying tales for good children and fair warning for bad!

Presents the very damp and woeful world of Tumblewater, home to a creepy collection of depraved characters. This title features a young boy who is punished most appallingly for picking his nose; a pair of devilish bakers with murderous intentions in their buns; and a dentist whose strange, colour-changing eyes belie his perfectly gleaming smile.

F E Higgins - The Eyeball Collector - Book Review

Mr Ripley's Book Review

This is my favourite book, out of the series of three, so far. I love the deep and dark sophisticated world of Urbs Umida. It takes a trip in time, to another captivating Gothic tale, of one boys revenge against an evil swindler and actor of great cunning. Hector finds himself embroiled in mysterious deeds and an even sinister plot. Will Hector get his revenge or will it take on a life of its own?
Hector is out to find revenge after his father is swindled (losing everything, including his reputation) and then eventually dies. The story takes the reader on a great journey, leaving them breathless through the fast paced and intricately plotted adventure found on every page. The dark twisted characters make the book and atmosphere come alive. F E Higgins has a great way of writing this type of story. I love the butterfly theme which is intertwined in this story and the riddles that are used throughout the book. The story hooks the reader in and then spits them right back out again. Engaging them in trying to shake off the ongoing account of the inhabitants of the forbidding Gothic house of Withypitts, where the story climaxes to a great ending which fulfills the story. This is a great read for anyone who like bumps in the dark and limbs that run away with friendly cats and servants who like to be sucked dry by leeches just after supper! So I give this book five out of five as I was caught and hooked in this world and only let myself out to feed the great Hairy-Back Hog knocking on my door with a hungry look in it's eye. Tartri Flammis!

Book published by Macmillan Children's books 6 June 2009


Book synopsis

When his butterfly-collector father is swindled to within an inch of his life, a vengeful Hector leaves the city of Urbs Umida in pursuit of a fiendish villain with a glass eye. The trail leads to Withypitts Hall, a forbidding Gothic mansion as warped as its inhabitants and their secret schemes. Soon Hector finds himself embroiled in mysterious deeds more poisonous than his worst imaginings, but every twist and turn brings him closer to his revenge ...The third dark and diabolical book from a devilishly talented author.

About the Author

F. E. Higgins has been fascinated by the macabre ever since seeing a ghostly apparition as a child. Nowadays F. E. travels the lands that these books describe, collecting strange artefacts and the even stranger secrets and stories behind them. The Black Book of Secrets and The Bone Magician, the first results of these eerie explorations, have sold all over the world. When not in pursuit of a story, F.E. may be found in a haunted house in Kent. She sits with quill in hand, a false leg beside her and from the mantelpiece an eyeball watches the words she forms on the page.


Other books by this author.

The Black Book of Secrets (2007)

The Bone Magician (2008)

The Eyeball Collector (2009)