The acclaimed debut novel from the author of The Pear Affair and The Accidental Stowaway!
Abandoned children running wild on the moors, evil child catchers, cunning cats and mysterious ballet shoes abound in this incredible first novel.
Clara has lived a life of solitude, home schooled under her mean uncle's strict regime . . . until now!
The day that Uncle abandons Clara, leaving her with nothing but a wedge of 'guilt money' and a half empty, crumbling manor house, she is determined to do things her way for a change. And when streetwise Peter turns up, with his rescue cat and a surprising array of knowledge, she is sure that between them they have everything they need to survive.
But the house is to be sold . . . and Uncle has lied to Clara . . . and nothing, NOTHING is as it seems.
'A riveting adventure.'The Guardian
'An absolute delight.' Hilary McKay, author of The Skylarks' War
'Thrilling.'Telegraph
'An absolute joy of a read.' Emma Carroll, author of Letters from the Lighthouse
'A sweeping adventure.'The Bookseller
'Should also appeal to fans of Emma Carroll.' Michelle Harrison, author of A Pinch of Magic
'A great mystery adventure.'The Bookbag
'Gripping.'Golden Books Girl
'Wonderfully compelling.'Book Lover Jo
'A cracking pacey novel.' MinervaReads
'Superb storytelling.' BookTrust
'Wonderful.'Bellis Does Books
'A treat.'Bookanista
Clara has lived a life of solitude, home schooled under her mean uncle's strict regime . . .
Until now!
Her uncle's house has been losing staff and furniture as his fortunes fail, and finally he disappears himself, leaving Clara all alone in the giant manor with nothing but a wedge of 'guilt money'.
Luckily, streetwise Peter has been sent to stay . . . at least he has some experience of the real world and how to survive.
And the children are far from unhappy with their newfound freedom: a life of sliding down bannisters, making dens in Uncle's study, warming themselves by a fire of text books, playing sardines with the village children and living off nothing but boiled eggs and mashed potatoes has its appeal!
But then an interfering grown-up turns up with the unwelcome news that the house is to be sold.
Perhaps the mysterious ballet shoe that Stockwell the cat befriends has the answers to Clara's unknown past . . . a past that might hold the key to a better future . . .
