The Whisperling

Description

A thrilling and mysterious middle-grade adventure in a dark and dangerous Victorian world, perfect for fans of Emma Carroll, Robin Stevens, and Jenni Spangler. When you're dead, you're dead. When you're gone, you're gone. Unless, of course, you're not. And that's where I come in. The year is 1897, and Peggy Devona can speak with ghosts. She hides her gift from those afraid of a girl with such powers, terrified of the secrets the dead could reveal through her. But when her best friend is accused of murdering her rich mistress, Peggy knows only she - a whisperling - can save her. Peggy escapes to her uncle's psychic emporium in the city, seeking out new ghosts to help her solve Sally's case. Yet time is running out, and each step towards uncovering the truth also brings Sally one step closer to the gallows. . .

Long-listed for the Bath Children's Novel award, Hayley writes in the space between family and work, with much support from her writing group. Mum to a teenage boy, she spends a disproportionate amount of time hoping that her son's life is far less complicated than those of the characters in her books, and trying to ensure he becomes a 'good egg'. Originally from the Forest of Dean, Hayley lives with her family and hairy breeze-block of a dog in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.

I laughed, I shed a tear, I loved the brilliant ending (with the tantalising hope of a sequel). One of the best debuts I've read in YEARS! * Emma Carroll * A thrilling Gothic page-turner * Jacqueline Wilson * A captivating and spine-tingling read. . .paints a vivid picture of the Victorian era * BookTrust * The dark of this Gothic adventure is brightened by the sparky resilience of its characters...it sends multiple shivers down the spine and delivers thrilling twists along the way * LoveReading4Kids * Atmospheric & gripping as well as witty. Loved the gothic girl power of Peggy * Lucy Brandt, author of Leonora Bolt *