A collection of wintery crime and mystery stories by thirteen of the most exciting and diverse authors in children’s books today! Co-edited by Serena Patel, the award-winning author of the Anisha: Accidental Detective series and by Robin Stevens, author of the bestselling Murder Most Unladylike series.
THE TIMES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE WEEK 'HAUNTING' Abiola Bello 'ADDICTIVE' JP Rose 'MESMERISING' Lindsay Galvin 'GRIPPING' Ayesha Harruna Attah 'STUNNING' Alwyn Hamilton 'THRILLING' Rachel Faturoti A supernatural thriller, blending African myth, friendship, romance and self-discovery from prize-winning author, Efua Traoré. Sixteen-year-old adopted Tara has questions – about who she is, where she belongs, why she dreams... When her nightmares darken, fears swarm like a flock of ravens and she traces her visions to the ancient Olumo Rock in Nigeria. It is a sacred place, full of magic, myth, and where whispers of the past linger. Travelling from England and enrolling in a boarding school at the foot of Olumo, Tara begins a journey to seek the truth of her roots and the spirits that pursue her.
It is an Edwardian Christmas, and the Pennyfoot Hotel is all dressed up. But when one of the guests turns up dead, owner Cecily Sinclair Baxter realizes it is not only the Pennyfoot that is back in business—the hotel's Christmas curse is, too... The Pennyfoot halls are decked with boughs of holly, a magnificently decorated tree graces the lobby, and the hotel's bookings are finally looking up. Owner of the Pennyfoot, Cecily Sinclair Baxter is in high holiday spirits until disaster strikes, threatening to ruin yet another Yuletide. Her chief housemaid Gertie McBride has found a man's body in the hotel laundry room—with a woman's scarf wrapped around his neck and a note in his pocket from the hotel's new maid. Cecily is determined to track down the culprit, but with multiple suspects icing her out of crucial clues, she realizes this killer may be more slippery than most. With Christmas right around the corner, it is up to Cecily to prevent this holiday season at the Pennyfoot from turning out more fatal than festive.
Is it the luck of the Irish or a curse that Molly keeps finding dead bodies? It’s Christmas time in Dooley, Ireland! Molly McGuire has settled into Rose Cottage, and the Book Nook is buzzing with holiday shoppers. Life is good until Henry Pierce shows up one night ill, and Molly in embroiled in another mystery. Things become even more complicated when there’s a new Detective Inspector on the case–nicknamed “DI Eejit” and is looking at Molly as the culprit. Then Molly’s not-quite-ex-husband shows up. Will Molly stay in Ireland, or move back to the United States? A Very Merry Murder is the second standalone installment in the Molly McGuire series. If you like mysteries with a charming setting and engaging characters, you’ll love this series.
Protect your home. Conjure your fire. Fulfil your fate. A gripping story about children finding their power within, with the guidance of the Black Knight from King Arthur's Round Table. Fablehouse is a children's home like no other. Heather and her friends who live here have magic at their fingertips. The children have a powerful friend in Pal, an Arthurian knight. But not everyone the children meet is on their side. Fablehouse is threatened by an inspector who is searching for a reason to close down this safe haven for mixed-race children. The kids are desperate to save their home, but Pal is distracted. He cannot rest until he's completed the quest given to him by King Arthur centuries ago. Can magic help the children to fulfil their destiny, or will they be more isolated than ever? Heather can conjure up fire, but is scared that she can't control it. Fire can destroy – but could Heather also use its warmth and protection to save her friends and their home?
Unlock the legends. Unleash the magic. Save your home. 'An exciting, heartrending story with a magical twist' - Jacqueline Wilson Fablehouse is a children's home like no other. It's a safe haven for Heather and her friends, sheltering them from a society that won't accept the colour of their skin. But soon that is not the only danger that threatens them. When mysterious spirits infiltrate the house, stealing away some of the children, the friends must follow them to the heart of the underworld. There they find a magical court from Arthurian legend, where bewitched creatures are hatching a plan to take over the human world. With Pal, the gallant Black Knight, by their side, Heather and friends must resist the glamour of the Fae and battle the Champion. Can they find the inner strength they'll need to save their home? 'A powerful and important book, bursting with hope and wonder. Fablehouse is a glorious celebration of friendship ' - Tolá Okogwu, author of Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun 'A brilliant, magical, insightful novel, filled with heart'- Joseph Coelho, Children's Laureate 'Exciting, important and endlessly entertaining ... this is going to be huge' - Maz Evans, author of Who Let the Gods Out 'Fast-paced and full of heart ... a wonderful celebration of friendship, folklore and finding your place in the world' Anna James, author of Pages & Co. 'PERFECT ... It's heartfelt, thrilling, glistening with magic and adventure' Sophie Anderson, author of The House with Chicken Legs 'Unforgettable ... powerful and extraordinary ... Absolutely magical' Zillah Bethell, author of The Shark Caller
Hiya! Alison Hammond here! I love getting to know all about different people and I'll tell you a secret . . . sometimes people we don't know much about are the most interesting of all! Which is really what this book is all about. Let me ask you a question: How many Black people can you name from our history? Mary Seacole? Ira Aldridge? George Bridgetower? Pablo Fanque? Walter Tull? Have you heard of these people? Yes? That's great! But if you haven't, don't worry, you're not alone, which is why I'm so excited to tell you all about them. Because the people in this book should be totally famous given the AMAZING things they've done! And we're not going to stop in the past, I'll introduce you to people making waves right here and now! From sportspeople to scientists, activists to musicians, politicians to writers, we're going to meet a whole bunch of AWESOME people who have helped shape the world we live in. So, are ready for you a journey Black in time?? Course you are, let's go!
Can a dare made at Notting Hill Carnival turn into true love? He’s All That meets How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days in this trope-filled sizzling summer romance, perfect for fans of Joya Goffney and Lynn Painter. Popular girl Eva Òjó is used to boys falling for her without her even trying. So when her friend dares her to dance with a random guy at Notting Hill Carnival, she meets Saint. Comic obsessed Saint Rowe-Falade thinks Eva is cute, but he's not interested in her in that way. He’d rather get lost in stories than look for romance. When Eva’s birthday party gets out of control and causes damage to her dad’s beloved car, her friends set the ultimate dare: get Saint to take her on one date and they’ll help her pay to fix her dad’s car. Operation fall-in-love-with-Eva is set in motion and Eva makes it her mission to make Saint fall head over heels. But just as Saint starts to warm to Eva, and her own feelings towards him grow, Saint finds out about the dare. Can Eva convince Saint she’s truly into him, or has she lost him for good? PRAISE FOR ABIOLA BELLO'S LOVE IN WINTER WONDERLAND: ‘A screen-worthy holiday romance.’ Joya Goffney, author of Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry ‘Gorgeous writing, witty dialogue, a magical setting and two characters you'll fall head over heels for.’ Jennifer Niven, author of All the Bright Places ‘I devoured this delicious YA rom-com. A treat to read any time of year.’ Katherine Webber, author of Twin Crowns ‘A wonderfully warm love story.’ Candice Brathwaite, author of Cuts Both Ways ‘A warm and cosy read that pulls you into the perfect winter romance. Abiola has given us all a gift to swoon over.’ Benjamin Dean, author of The King is Dead
The Spanish Love Deception meets The Holiday in this fake dating romance about a city girl and country boy’s lives colliding at Christmas. City girl Tia Solanké is dreading the festive period. She’s on a break with her boyfriend and the last thing she wants to do is spend Christmas away from London. Arriving at Saiyan Hedge Farm, Tia takes an instant disliking to it. She falls in horse manure, is chased by sheep and the Wi-Fi sucks. How is she meant to stalk her ex now and concoct a foolproof plan to win him back? Country boy Quincy Parker and his family run the farm, and this year they’ve been selected to host the biggest event in the town's calendar – the Winter Ball. Preparations are underway, and Quincy is working around the clock to make it a success. The only problem is, he’s told everyone he has a date to the ball, when in reality that couldn’t be further from the truth. At first, Tia and Quincy don’t see eye to eye, until they realise they both have something to gain by pretending to be a couple. But when a snowstorm threatens to cancel the Winter Ball, their fake relationship is put to the test. Will Tia and Quincy be able to keep up the pretence and save the day, or will real feelings get in the way? PRAISE FOR ABIOLA BELLO'S LOVE IN WINTER WONDERLAND: ‘A screen-worthy holiday romance.’ Joya Goffney, author of Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry ‘Gorgeous writing, witty dialogue, a magical setting and two characters you'll fall head over heels for.’ Jennifer Niven, author of All the Bright Places ‘I devoured this delicious YA rom-com. A treat to read any time of year.’ Katherine Webber, author of Twin Crowns ‘A wonderfully warm love story.’ Candice Brathwaite, author of Cuts Both Ways ‘A warm and cosy read that pulls you into the perfect winter romance. Abiola has given us all a gift to swoon over.’ Benjamin Dean, author of The King is Dead