Children’s / Teenage fiction: Thrillers / suspense

Book SynopsisThe second book in the blockbusting new series from the bestselling author of Artemis Fowl.The second Fowl Twins adventure starts with a bang literally.Artemis''s little brothers Myles and Beckett borrow the Fowl jet without permission, and it ends up as a fireball over Florida. The twins plus their fairy minder, the pixie-elf hybrid Lazuli Heitz, are lucky to escape with their lives.The Fowl parents and fairy police force decide that enough is enough and the twins are placed under house arrest. But Myles has questions, like: who was tracking the Fowl jet? Why would someone want to blow them out of the sky? These questions must infuriate someone, because Myles is abducted and spirited away from his twin.Now Beckett and Lazuli must collaborate to find Myles and rescue him not easy when it was Myles who was the brains of the operation. Their chase will take them across continents, deep underground, and into subaquatic super villain lairs. They will be shot at, covered in spit, and at t

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Book SynopsisA collection of sizzling summer-themed crime and mystery stories by thirteen of the most exciting children's book authors! 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.This gorgeous summery collection brings back together thirteen bestselling, award-winning and exciting authors: Abiola Bello, Annabelle Sami, Benjamin Dean, E.L. Norry, Elle McNicoll, Dominique Valente, Maisie Chan, Nizrana Farook, Patrice Lawrence, Robin Stevens, Roopa Farooki, Serena Patel and Sharna Jackson. With stunning illustrations by Harry Woodgate.Grab your sunnies and your magnifying glass, and join the Murder Club for more sensational short stories as they lead you on a journey of foul play and murderously magnificent mysteries! Including sun-thieves, fantastical creatures of the deep, airport mayhem, weddings gone wrong, tropical resort travesties, and a very sticky situation at a berry picking farm.This is the prefectly entertaining collection to pack in every young reader's summer holiday bag.Serena Patel is the winner of the This Week Junior's Young Fiction Book of the Year award. Her debut children's series Anisha Accidental Detective won the fiction category of the Sainsbury's Children's Book Awards, being shortlisted for a British Book Award and the Blue Peter Prize 2021 and selected for The Reading Agency's Summer Reading Challenge. Serena lives in Walsall with her family.Robin Stevens is the award winning and bestselling author of the Murder Most Unladylike mystery series. She was born in California and has been making up stories all her life. When she was twelve, her father handed her a copy of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd and she realised that she wanted to be either Hercule Poirot or Agatha Christie when she grew up. She spent her teenage years reading a lot of murder mysteries and hoping that she''d get the chance to do some detecting herself (she didn''t). Robin lives in Oxford.

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Book SynopsisMalorie Blackman has written over seventy books for children and young adults, including the Noughts & Crosses series, Thief and a science-fiction thriller, Chasing the Stars. Many of her books have also been adapted for stage and television, including a BAFTA-award-winning BBC production of Pig-Heart Boy and a Pilot Theatre stage adaptation by Sabrina Mahfouz of Noughts & Crosses. There is also a major BBC production of Noughts & Crosses, with Roc Nation (Jay-Z's entertainment company) curating the soundtrack as executive music producer. In 2005 Malorie was honoured with the Eleanor Farjeon Award in recognition of her distinguished contribution to the world of children's books. In 2008 she received an OBE for her services to children's literature, and between 2013 and 2015 she was the Children's Laureate. Most recently Malorie wrote for the Doctor Who series on BBC One, and the fifth novel in her Noughts & Crosses series, Crossfire, was published by Penguin Random House Children's in summer 2019.Trade ReviewA thriller with lots of humour and suspense . . . A very accessible and exciting book for younger readers * Writeaway! *Racy thriller . . . Her characters are credible and the pace is kept up throughout . . . Some exciting twists and turns will keep the reader guessing * Daily Telegraph *An exciting thriller, with code-breaking schoolgirl detectives * Guardian *A sparkling read * Sunday Tribune *Clever and surprising. That's what makes it so brilliant -- Olivia, aged 9 * Sunday Express *

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Book SynopsisThe games Michael is playing have become all too real. Only weeks ago, sinking into the Sleep was fun. The VirtNet combined the most cutting-edge technology and the most sophisticated gaming for a full mind-body experience. And it was Michael's passion. But now every time Michael sinks, he risks his life.The games are over. The VirtNet has become a world of deadly consequences, and Kaine grows stronger by the day. The Mortality Doctrine Kaine's master plan has nearly been realized, and little by little the line separating the virtual from the real is blurring. If Kaine succeeds, it will mean worldwide cyber domination. And it looks like Michael and his friends are the only ones who can put the monster back in the box if Michael can figure out who his friends really are.From the New York Times bestselling author of the Maze Runner series comes The Game of Lives, the thrilling finale to the Mortality Doctrine series. Perfect for fans of DiverTrade ReviewDashner throws everything he has in to this volume, making for a breathless, action-packed read that will have readers on the edges of their seats. A fitting end to an exceptional trilogy. * Kirkus Reviews *Nonstop action . . . Dashner’s vision of the VirtNet universe is world-class world building * Booklist *Lovers of science and science fiction alike will thrive in the virtual reality world within the novel. A brilliant merging of reality and fiction, this work doesn’t stand alone, so only fans of the previous volumes will be able to jump right in. * School Library Journal *

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Book SynopsisThe first book in the bestselling and multi award-winning SLATED trilogy.Kyla''s memory has been erased,her personality wiped blank,her memories lost for ever.She''s been Slated.The government claims she was a terrorist, and that they are giving her a second chance - as long as she plays by their rules. But echoes of the past whisper in Kyla''s mind. Someone is lying to her, and nothing is as it seems. Who can she trust in her search for the truth?Book 1 in the acclaimed SLATED trilogy.Trade ReviewA gripping dystopian debut. * Bookseller *"Everything I have been looking for in a book: suspense, mind-bending mystery, romance and just the right amount of science fiction." * lyndsaycummingsblog.blogspot.com *"Sophisticated, intelligent, thought-provoking. Watch out Suzanne Collins and Sophie McKenzie, there's a new writer in town." * talltalesandshortstories.blogspot.com *"An original and haunting psychological thriller. I was gripped from the first page and can't wait to read more." * Julie Bertagna, author of the Exodus trilogy *"Gripping, chilling and all too real. An unputdownable thriller." * L.A. Weatherly, author of Angel. *A beautiful, intriguing puzzle revealed piece by dark and sinister piece. * Sara Grant, author of Dark Parties. *A thrilling futuristic drama... compelling and well written. * Bucks Herald *There is an Orwellian harshness about this dystopia that makes for disturbing and provocative reading. **** * Books For Keeps *A tense psychological thriller that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. * Daily Record *A terrific read which doesn't give up its secrets lightly. From the first pages it grips. Highly recommended. * School Librarian *Terry writes with a gripping and exciting fresh voice which makes compulsive reading. * Carousel *

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Book SynopsisSoon to be a Netflix film starring Stranger Things'' Millie Bobby Brown - this must-read psychological thriller, perfect for fans of One of Us Is Lying, will leave you guessing until the final page. ''Unlike anything I''ve read before... immediate, gripping, incredibly tense, heart-breaking, heart-warming and FUN! '' - Holly Jackson, author of A Good Girl''s Guide to MurderAs an ex con artist, Nora has always got herself out of tricky situations. But the ultimate test lies in wait when she''s taken hostage in a bank heist. And this time, Nora doesn''t have an escape plan ...Meet Nora. Also known as Rebecca, Samantha, Haley, Katie and Ashley - the girls she''s been.Nora didn''t choose a life of deception - she was born into it. As the daughter of a con artist who targeted criminal men, Nora always had to play a part. But when her mother fell for one of the men instead of conning him, Nora pulleTrade ReviewA captivating, explosive, and satisfyingly queer thriller * Kirkus *The Girls I've Been is unlike anything I've read before: immediate, gripping, incredibly tense, heart-breaking, heart-warming and FUN! The hot-red suspense of both Nora's past and the unfolding robbery at the bank had me racing through the chapters to find out what happens. This brilliant, thrilling, twisty book held me hostage until the very last page. * Holly Jackson *Grifters! Secret identities! Death-defying escapes! The Girls I've Been is a powerful gut-punch of a book that will leave you reeling long after its final pages. I couldn't put it down! * Chelsea Pitcher *'Slick, stylish and full of suspense * Sophie McKenzie *Oh my god, I could hardly breathe until I finished. The tension! Absolutely loved it. * Emily Barr *Fiercely captivating and impressively characterized, this tightly plotted thriller is engrossing from start to finish. * Booklist *[A] romance, a tragedy and a story about reclaiming agency and power. It is a triumph. * BookPage *

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Book SynopsisThe Bloods are in control and they’re desperate to turn Britain into the world they want to see: right, white, Christian supremist. Anyone who they call abnormal is a target. Amidst the chaos of civil war the country is on the move as small militia groups fight each other and a sea of refugees escapes the cities and the pursuing Bloods. When her home is destroyed in a bombing raid, Marti must strike out on a mission of her own - to save her father and get his vital software into the right hands. But Marti is mixed race and trans and has her young brother in tow. Crossing into enemy territory could prove suicidal. Yet Marti's enemies haven't reckoned with her indomitable will to survive - and the gun she carries, which has three bullets . . .Trade Review"Funny, rude and violently enjoyable for 13+" -- Amanda Craig * New Statesman *"Burgess is back with a punchy novel about white supremacy and urban warfare... [it reflects] the trend of YA books addressing intersectional issues in ways the adult market struggles to do" * The Bookseller *"Marti’s voice is unique and her will to survive is like nothing the Bloods could have possibly imagined ... her story rips and races at breakneck speed" * LoveReading *"Utterly terrifying... devastatingly clever, completely mindblowing and will leave you with so much to think about" * NE Book Awards *"As punchy and bold as you'd imagine a Melvin Burgess novel to be" * The School Librarian *

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Book SynopsisThe third and fourth instalments of this exciting spy series set in Tudor England, amid the intrigue and danger of Henry VIII's royal court, from the authors of books in the bestselling BEAST QUEST series.Trade Review... once you have opened the first page, you can't let go until you have finished. - GUARDIAN ONLINE on THE LADY GRACE MYSTERIES: EXILEI absolutely loved this. I read it so quickly that I went straight back to the beginning to start again when I had finished . . . Can't wait for the next one. I will tell my friends and teacher about the book. - Lovereading4kids on SAM SILVER: SKELETON ISLAND

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Book SynopsisGabe is exploring the tunnels of an ancient Egyptian pyramid. Unfortunately,he's also lost!And Gabe is not alone. Someone else is in the pyramid, too. Someone. Or something. . .

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Book SynopsisMaster storyteller Scott Westerfeld brings back his most iconic characterand merges his Impostors and Uglies series into a breathtakingtale of rivalry, rebellion, and repercussion.

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Book SynopsisDarren Shan and Evra Von follow a trail of corpses and confront a foul creature of the night. A new enemy or Mr Crepsley?When Mr Crepsley is called upon by the Vampire Generals, Darren and the snake-boy, Evra Von, leave the Cirque Du Freak and travel with him to the city. Whilst there, Darren meets Debbie and his life as a Vampire's Assistant fades into the background until corpes are found. Corpses drained of blood Suspicious of Mr Crepsley's secretive bahaviour, Darren and Evra shadow him across the city and confront a creature of the night who may be the end of them allTrade ReviewCirque Du Freak“…fast-paced and compelling book which leaves the reader hungry for more.”JK Rowling ‘Brilliant, macabre tale.’Guardian "I read Cirque Du Freak last week. I loved it. I love the way you manage to juggle the funny with the unpleasant, the affection with the hurt. It'sgreat story-telling."Roddy Doyle The Vampire’s Assistant“The Vampire’s Assistant blazes a thrilling, gruesome trail through a fascinating plot.”The Good Book Guide Vampire Mountain“Get your teeth into it!”Funday Times

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Book SynopsisA spooktacular collection of scary stories by thirteen of the most exciting authors in children's books today! Perfect for readers aged 9-12Do you dare to see what's lurking inside?A spine-tingling collection of horror stories that will chill, thrill and delight middle-great readers, keeping them on the edge of (or hiding behind) their sofas!Read, Scream, Repeat brings together thirteen bestselling, award-winning authors: Kirsty Applebaum, Jasbinder Bilan, Aisha Bushby, Joseph Coelho, Rachel Delahaye, Kat Ellis, Phil Hickes, Polly Ho-Yen, Sharna Jackson, Jennifer Killick, Elle McNicoll, Dan Smith andJ.T.Williams. The collection is curated by Farshore's queen of middle-grade comedy-horror, Jennifer Killick.Read, Scream, Repeat is a truly diverse anthology that taps into everything young readers are looking for this spooky season.Trade Review‘With writers of this quality, it can be no surprise that each story is a perfectly crafted, deliciously dark gem that will send shivers down your spine . . . An absolute must have in the lead up to the increasingly popular Halloween celebrations, but it will be a popular choice all year round.’ – LoveReading4Kids Book of the Week in the The Week Junior issue published on 26th August. ‘A must-have in the run-up to Halloween’ – BookTrust

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Book SynopsisA bone-shaking new trilogy begins the latest adventure in the bestselling Skulduggery Pleasant seriesSIX YEARS AGO, THE UNIVERSE ENDED.When it restarted, blinking back into existence, it brought with it a darkness that remains hidden from the mortal population.A week ago fuelled by unimaginable hatred and unstoppable rage a masked sorcerer killed one of those mortals. Then he killed another. And another.With their time running out, Skulduggery Pleasant and Valkyrie Cain must work to solve the puzzles the killer leaves behind before more innocents die, embarking on a journey that will force them to deal with the apocalypse they failed to prevent the first time around.AND MURDER. LOTS AND LOTS OF MURDER.

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Book SynopsisJune 1613. Japan is threatened with war and Jack is facing his greatest battle yet. Samurai are taking sides and, as the blood begins to flow, Jack''s warrior training is put to the ultimate test. His survival - and that of his friends - depends upon him mastering the Two Heavens, the secret sword technique of the legendary samurai Masamoto Takeshi. But first Jack must recover his father''s prize possession from the deadly ninja Dragon Eye. Can Jack defeat his ruthless enemy? Or will the ninja complete his mission to kill the young samurai . . .

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Book SynopsisGossip Girl but make it royal – a Black LGBTQ+ royal reimagining full of scandalous secrets, rollercoaster romances and one hell of a mystery, from the award-winning author Benjamin Dean.  ‘Scandalous, funny and deliciously compelling!’ Catherine Doyle, co-author of Twin Crowns'All hail this royal debut that twists, turns, and revels in palace intrigue and deceit.' Kirkus    James has been a prince all his life, and since he was born, he’s been thrust into the spotlight as the first Black heir to the throne. But when his father dies unexpectedly, James is crowned king at the tender age of seventeen, and his life irrevocably changes.    When James’ boyfriend suddenly goes missing, threatening envelopes appear in the palace, and gossip and scandals that only he knows are leaked to the public. As the anonymous informant co

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Book SynopsisThe book that bites back is BACK! In the second beastly book from Jack Meggit-Phillips, the most distinctive new voice for readers of 8-12, revenge is a dish best served with a surprise ''Reads like a modern classic. Sharp, funny, original I thought this was brilliant'', Sam Copeland, bestselling author of Charlie Changes into a ChickenOnce upon a very badly behaved time, 511-year-old Ebenezer kept a beast in his attic. He would feed the beast all manner of objects and creatures and in return the beast would vomit him up expensive presents. But then The Bethany arrived Now notorious prankster Bethany, along with her new feathery friend Claudette, is determined that she and Ebenezer are going to DE-BEAST their lives and Do Good. But Bethany finds that being a notorious prankster makes it hard to get taken on for voluntary work. And Ebenezer is secretly missing the beast''s vomity gifts. And neither of them are all that sure what ''good people'' do anyway Then there''s Claudette, who''sTrade Review PRAISE FOR THE SERIES 'Witty and entertaining', The Sunday Times 'Reads like a modern classic. Sharp, funny, original – I thought this was brilliant', Sam Copeland, bestselling author of Charlie Changes into a Chicken 'What a FEAST! A funny and (bone) cracking good read', Michelle Harrison, bestselling author of A Pinch of Magic ‘A devilishly delicious delight', iNews ‘Fans of Despicable Me and A Series of Unfortunate Events will love this brand-new series’ – funkidslive.com "Now THAT was a rollercoaster of a book, and totally NOT what I expected in all the best ways! I flippin’ LOVED this cracking tale of absolute chaos, comedy and commotion. The beast couldn’t be on better form, and I can’t wait to read more of its misadventures with Git-face, I mean, Ebenezer and Bethany. And that epilogue . . . now I’m HUNGRY for the next juicy-woosie tale of the reluctant do-gooder, the ex-prankster and the 511 year old man in his favourite waistcoat!" Laura Ellen Anderson ‘Writing one classic would be enough for most authors. Two is a delightful bonus. Writing three is just showing off. Jack Meggitt-Phillips is such a gitface. Annoyingly, Battle Of The Beast might even be the best of the lot . . .’ Ian Mark ‘I flipping loved it. Mischievous, wildly imaginative and full of characters you really care about. The ending has a brilliant twist and now I desperately want to eat an egg containing a blueberry cheesecake.’ Jenny McLachlan

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Book SynopsisKris's twin sister has just gotten a ventriloquist's dummy and it'sall anyone - their parents, their friends - seem to care about. Kris is tired of being ignored so she gets a dummy of her own. Butdouble the dummies start to mean double the trouble...and horror.

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Book SynopsisAn explosive romantasy YA, perfect for fans of The Hunger Gamesand Lore. Every Lunar Eclipse signifies the beginning of the Immortal Games:An epic set of games played by the Gods of Olympus. The stakesare high for the Gods who covet entertainment and glory above allelse. For the Tokens, it's about survival.

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Book SynopsisPiper's fall was no accident. Did someone want her dead? It's up to her sister to discover the truth in this shocking new thriller with an unreliable narrator, from the acclaimed author of Little Creeping Things.Piper Sullivan was in a strange hiking accident last month and has been in a coma ever since. Her older sister, Savannah, can't pretend to be optimistic about it; things look bad. Piper will likely never wake up, and Savannah will never get any answers about what exactly happened.But then Savannah finds a note in Piper's locker, inviting Piper to a meeting of their school's wilderness club…at the very place and on the very day that she fell. Which means there was a chance that Piper wasn't alone. Someone might've seen something. Worse, someone might've done something. But who would want to hurt the perfect Piper Sullivan…and why?To discover the truth, Savannah joins the club on their weekend-long camping trip on the same mountain where her sister fell. But she better be careful; everyone in the club is a suspect, and everyone seems to be keeping secrets about that tragic day.And Savannah? She's been keeping secrets, too…Also by Chelsea Ichaso:Little Creeping ThingsPraise for Little Creeping Things:"Little Creeping Things, with its cast of creepy and untrustworthy characters, will satisfy the appetites of all manner of mystery fans."—Booklist"Ichaso's debut is a riveting whodunnit... a psychological thriller worthy of mystery aficionados."—School Library Journal"The reveal…is both well earned and eerie."—Kirkus"Little Creeping Things is a stunning debut in every sense of the word. From the chilling opening pages to the jaw-dropping final reveal, the pacing is relentless, the twists dizzying. Cass is the best kind of unreliable narrator, delightfully acerbic and hopelessly sincere even when she isn't telling the truth. Chelsea Ichaso has without a doubt written the breakout thriller of the year."—Dana Mele, author of People Like Us

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Book SynopsisThe complete collection of Kazu Kibuishi''s #1 New York Times bestselling Amulet series!After tragedy strikes their family, Emily and Navin move with their mother into the old, mysterious home of their great-grandfather. On their first night in the strange house, Emily and Navin''s mom is kidnapped by a tentacled creature. Determined to rescue her, Emily and Navin are led into a world of robots, talking animals, flying ships, new friends... and enemies. Emily learns that she is a Stonekeeper and essential to the survival of this world, and that her incredible story is only just beginning.

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Book SynopsisGorgeous deluxe clothbound hardback editions with two metallic foils on the cover designs, sprayed edges, unique designed endpapers and ribbon markers. These deluxe collector editions ooze as much romance, glamour and luxury as the Hawthorne family!The perfect addition to any book collector's shelf and a must-have for all Inheritance Games fans! She came from nothing. Avery has a plan: keep her head down, work hard for a better future. Then an eccentric billionaire dies, leaving her almost his entire fortune. And no one, least of all Avery, knows why. They had everything. Now she must move into the mansion she's inherited. It's filled with secrets and codes, and the old man's surviving relatives - a family hell-bent on discovering why Avery got 'their' money. Now there's only one rule: winner takes all. Soon she is caught in a deadly game that everyone in this strange family is playing. But just how far will they go to keep their fortune?PRAISE FOR THE INHERITANCE GAMES SERIES:Barnes is a master of puzzles and plot twists.' E. Lockhart, author of We Were LiarsImpossible to put down' BuzzfeedThe romance in this had me freaking out over the littlest things! I'm obsessed! - reader reviewRichly dark and has all the elements of a classic mystery but with a fresh, modern twist. - reader reviewA five-star read that I was unable to put down until every question was answered. - reader review*Reading all of the Inheritance Games world novels? The ideal reading order is: The Inheritance Games, The Hawthorne Legacy, The Final Gambit, The Brothers Hawthorne, Games Untold, The Grandest Game, and Glorious Rivals. *Looking for more unputdownable reads from Jennifer Lynn Barnes? Check out The Debutantes duology (Little White Lies, Deadly Little Scandals), The Fixer duology (The Ruling Class, Lessons in Power), and The Lovely and the Lost.

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Book SynopsisIt''s James Bond''s first day at Eton, and already he''s met his first enemy. This is the start of an adventure that will take him from the school playing fields to the remote shores of Loch Silverfin and a terrifying discovery that threatens to unleash a new breed of warfare.Trade Review'A page-turning adventure that will get the hairs standing up on the back of your neck' – Sunday Express'Good, gritty and funny . . . Very clever, Bond, very clever indeed' – Daily MailWould have made Ian Fleming proud * Daily Telegraph *More action, more demented crime and more flesh-crawling deaths than ever before -- - * Observer *James Bond's action adventures are perfect for a graphic novel, with more AAAAAGHH!, KER-BLOOSH! SMAKK and other onomatopoeia than you can shake a martini glass at. * Scotland on Sunday *This graphic novel is a feast for the eyes as well as the imagination. * Fulham Gazette *Would have made Ian Fleming proud * Daily Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisYoung Samurai: The Way of the Sword is the second book in this blockbuster series by Chris BradfordOne year of training in samurai school and Jack Fletcher is in real trouble . . . Not only is he struggling to prepare for the Circle of Three, an ancient ritual that tests a samurai''s courage, skill and spirit to the limit, he''s caught in a running battle with fellow student Kazuki and his gang.But these are the least of Jack''s problems. He knows his deadly rival - the ninja Dragon Eye - could strike at any moment. Jack possesses the very thing he will kill for. Can Jack master the Way of the Sword in time to survive a fight to the death? ''A fantastic adventure that floors the reader on page one and keeps them there until the end'' - Eoin Colfer***You can learn more about Chris Bradford and his books at www.youngsamurai.com.***

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Book SynopsisWelcome to the page-turning, twisty, gasp-inducing world of the Debutantes - an addictive YA mystery duology from the author of #1 bestselling, TikTok sensation INHERITANCE GAMES series. ''A plot twist every twenty pages . . . Barnes is at her page-turning best.'' E. Lockhart, author of We Were Liars A six-figure offer. A family mystery to solve. A town of buried secrets. When Auto mechanic Sawyer Taft''s estranged grandmother offers her a six-figure contract to participate in debutante season, Sawyer''s first instinct is to run a mile. But then she realizes her grandmother''s offer might mean solving the biggest mystery of her life - her father''s identity. So she signs on the dotted line and braces herself for a year of makeovers, big dresses and even bigger egos. . .However, Sawyer doesn''t expect to find a group of fellow debutantes with scandalous, dangerous secrets of their own and soon it''s clear that the truth about her father is just one of the shocking secrets buried deep in this high-society world . . . And no one wants Sawyer poking her nose into the past.Shocking twists, family secrets, a fish-out-of water protagonist and a page-turning mystery combine in Little White Lies and Deadly Little Scandals (The Debutantes Duology) - perfect for fans coming from THE INHERITANCE GAMES series looking for their next addictive read from the Master of YA Mysteries, Jennifer Lynn Barnes. Trade ReviewA plot twist every twenty pages and characters as devious as they are southern-belle glamorous . . . Barnes is at her page-turning best. -- E. LockhartPage-turning tension, witty humour, and a mystery that will keep you guessing . . . Barnes at her best. -- Jennifer L. Armentrout

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Book SynopsisA potent, powerful and timely thriller about migrants, drug lords and gang warfare set on the US/Mexican border by prize-winning novelist, Marcus Sedgwick.Trade ReviewI really enjoyed Marcus Sedgwick's strange and intriguing tale, told in rhythmical and compelling prose. * David Almond *I read it in one glorious gulp [...] this isn't a larky read, although the heavy subject matter could not slow down the pace if it tried. [...] Sedgwick writes like a dream -- Alex O'Connell * The Times *Bleak, choppy, switching freely between perspectives and languages, Sedgwick's book pulls no punches, and will leave the reader reeling * THE GUARDIAN *A very powerful book [...] I believe it will easily raise awareness and inspire empathy because Arturo's story is so tragic. -- Tilly Lavenás * Amnesty International's Country Coordinator for Mexico *...an incredibly powerful thriller, tautly written and timely, exploring a world of drug lords and gang warfare, migration and capitalism, and what it means to live in poverty. -- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller *It's beautifully-written with a real sense of atmosphere, menace and tension * The Bookbag *Saint Death is perhaps the first great anti-capitalist YA novel of the 21st Century. * Teen Librarian *Exploring themes of migration, capitalism and social mobility this taut thriller, laced with Mexican folklore, will have you holding your breath until the shocking climax. * South Wales Evening Post *A tightly plotted, dark and thrilling tale of crime, poverty and desperation, Saint Death pulls no punches in painting a horribly accurate picture of life for the poorest young people in Mexico, where savage criminality may be the only choice * Book Trust *I think this is probably the most important book to be released this decade. -- Mandy Southgate * Addicted to Media *Marcus Sedgwick's brilliant YA thriller Saint Death, describes a place in Mexico where rights violations make it impossible to live well with integrity * Books for Keeps *...gripping, tragic and above all else beautifully written. -- Mily Bradley-Dorman * The YA Nightstand *Another gem from a prize-winning author, whose masterful delivery of prose will leave you breathless ... A quick-paced and addictive read for young adult readers and up. I loved this * Inis *I can't fully explain how important it is, how horrifically hopeful and sad it is. Just writing this review and remembering the book has me on the verge of tears. I can only hope you read it. -- Emily May * The Book Geek *Beautifully written, the prose is absorbing, taut yet poetic, with a real sense of menace ... This is not a comfortable read, and not for the faint-hearted - Sedgwick points a finger at our indifference, and no compromise has been made to the brutal realism - but it is an important read. * The School Librarian *In places Saint Death becomes difficult to read [...] but it's an important book and it made me consider issues that, up until this point, were easy for me to turn my back on. [...] In Saint Death, we see Sedgwick at his most raw, his most honest and, unforgettably, his most brutal. * Writing from the Tub *...there's more to this book than just a gripping story-line; it's an eye-opener regarding the conditions in which thousands of people live alongside the border. * Our Book Reviews *This is also a really well-written and well-researched novel that draws you in and never lets you go. Please read it. * Star Crossed Book Blog *Sedgwick did the right thing in showing the dark reality faced by Mexicans through their eyes, it made a change from what the media usually presents them as... * Incendium Libri *...powerful, compelling and gritty thriller. Exquisitely written... -- Jayne Gould * Armadillo *

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Book SynopsisBut when Jo's father is found dead in his study after an alleged accident, her life becomes far more exciting than even Jo would wish.Trade ReviewAn intelligent, personable heroine-Jo Montfort's hopes for an enlightened future uncover a dark past, resulting in a splendidly hair-raising tour of the brightest and darkest corners of Victorian New York. * Elizabeth Wein, New York Times bestselling author of CODE NAME VERITY *THESE SHALLOW GRAVES delivered all that I adore: lovely prose, historical intrigue, unique chracters and setting. I devoured this book! * Ruta Sepetys, New York Times bestselling author of BETWEEN SHADES OF GREY and OUT OF THE EASY *A fast-paced Gilded Age crime thriller that plunges its intrepid investigative-journalist heroine into the sordid underworld of nineteenth-century New York City and into her own family's dark secrets * Julie Berry, award-winning author of ALL THE TRUTH THAT'S IN ME *Murder, morgues, asylums, dirty secrets and a slow-burning romance in this epic historical thriller * Editor's Choice, The Bookseller *Superbly plotted, suspenseful historical mystery with a great sense of place and a sprawling cast of shifty characters worthy of Dickens. Cracking read! * Peters - Librarian's Pick *Donnelly's action-packed chapters propel this compelling mystery. Through Jo's sheltered perspective, readers learn about class disparity right alongside her, and Donnelly is as adept at describing an opulent ball as she is a seedy neighbourhood. * Publishers Weekly *Engaging characters and historical accuracy make clear the appalling conditions endured by the poor of New York and the changing attitudes towards the role of women . . . this well-paced story will satisfy those who enjoy a good mystery. An added element of romance makes this book all the more appealing -- Judy Pomeroy * Inis Reading Guide *If George Clooney had walked in to the room I would have told him to come back later when I'd finished ... Mattie is a heroine on a par with Jo in Little Women or Cassandra in I Capture the Castle. Donnelly captures period and place with almost supernatural skill. * The Telegraph (Praise for A GATHERING LIGHT) *This is as brilliantly written as you would expect from Jennifer Donnelly. She delivers a compelling thriller but also a rich thought provoking novel about late nineteenth century New York. This is a novel that will educate young readers as it enthrals them. -- Andrea Regan * School Librarian SLA Journal *These Shallow Graves by Jennifer Donnelly is the story of a wealthy family, the wealthiest, in a gilded age where the future is planned. What happens when you want to break away from the future and be independent? With grit, violence and challenge this is a must-read for teens. * Armadillo Magazine *

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Book SynopsisThis atmospheric thriller, full of daring stunts and sinister villains, is perfect escapism for 9+ readers.Mouse, a foundling, loves her pieced-together family at the Moth Theatre fiercely. When their leading man, Walter, is wrongly arrested for murder, Mouse swears she'll free him. But another member of the cast has a secret identity ­- as a ruthless killer. As Mouse's investigation leads her ever closer to their true, deadly nature, can she outwit them without losing everything she holds dear?A masterfully told adventure from the acclaimed author of The Boy Who Flew and Murder in Midwinter, Mouse Heart is ideal for fans of Philip Pullman, Katherine Rundell and Philip Reeve.

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Book SynopsisHE DOESN''T KNOW IT BUT DOGNUT IS ABOUT TO SET OFF A CHAIN OF EVENTS THAT WILL AFFECT EVERY KID IN THE CITY.The sickness struck everyone over the age of fourteen.Mothers and fathers, older brothers, sisters and best friends. No one escaped its touch. And now children across London are being hunted by ferocious grown-ups . . . they''re hungry. They''re bloodthirsty. And they aren''t giving up.DogNut and the rest of his crew want to find their lost friends, and set off on a deadly mission from the Tower of London to Buckingham Palace and beyond, as the sickos lie in wait. But who are their friends and who is the enemy in this changed world?Trade ReviewLord of the Flies with zombies . . . tons of nail-biting action! * Rick Riordan, creator of Percy Jackson *Brutal, blood-soaked, full of zombies . . . it's ace * FHM *

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Book SynopsisA thrilling supernatural adventure: dark, funny, with twists at every turn. Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children''s Prize 2016.When Luke Manchett''s estranged father dies suddenly, he leaves his son a dark inheritance. Luke has been left in charge of his father''s ghost collection: eight restless spirits. They want revenge for their long enslavement, and in the absence of the father, they''re more than happy to take his son. It isn''t fair, but you try and reason with the vengeful dead. Halloween, the night when the ghosts reach the height of their power, is fast approaching. With the help of school witchlet Elza Moss, and his cowardly dog Ham, Luke has just thirteen days to uncover the closely guarded secrets of black magic, and send the unquiet spirits to their eternal rest. The alternative doesn''t bear thinking about.Trade ReviewAn exciting read ... thrilling and spooky * The Week Junior *With well-drawn characters, some truly creepy ghouls, and entertaining banter, this is a self-assured debut that's as funny as it is terrifying * Publishers Weekly *Luke's narration is both disarming and amusing. A sprightly, original story with good twists. * Kirkus *Thirteen Days of Midnight is the most entertaining and original fantasy or paranormal young adult novel I've read in a long time * Addicted to Media *Thirteen Days of Midnight is a great debut. It's confident and enthusiastic in its storytelling and the first person, present tense telling gives it a real sense of immediacy. It has relatable central characters and an entertaining supporting cast. It's chilling at times and funny at others. Great stuff, and I recommend it. * The Bookbag *13 Days of Midnight is an awesome and wickedly imaginative YA urban fantasy book that now has a permanent place on my Keeper Shelf. It's a fun adventure that'll hook you in right away and keep you glued to the page until you reach the thrilling end. -- Yolanda Stefsos * Yolanda Stefsos *

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Book Synopsis* AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * INDIE BESTSELLER * JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION * KIDS' INDIE NEXT LIST PICK * NPR BEST PICK * KIRKUS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR *New York Times bestselling author Tiffany D.Trade Review"Jackson’s expert reshaping of this tale highlights the genuine horrors of both internalized and externalized anti-Blackness. Horror done right." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "Jackson skillfully explores internalized and externalized anti-Blackness in this striking horror novel. Bone-chilling. Expertly utiliz[es] current true-crime fanaticism to form a powerfully socially conscious narrative that showcases the intense structural racism still inherent in society." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Jackson’s nod to Stephen King’s Carrie incorporates racially charged social justice themes into a narrative featuring her signature twisty suspense. Supernatural portions of the book are explosive and riveting, with the racist realistic parts are even more horrifying. Readers will be hooked from page one of Maddy’s intense journey that detonates on prom night." — School Library Journal (starred review) "A brilliant deconstruction of Stephen King's Carrie." — BookPage (starred review) "This reimagining of King’s Carrie is a thrilling, unflinching horror narrative that takes on colorism, racism, classism, microaggressions, white saviorism, and respectability politics." — The Horn Book "Smart and unsettling retelling of Carrie." — Booklist PRAISE FOR WHITE SMOKE: "Jackson conjures horrors both supernatural and otherwise in a masterful juxtaposition of searing social commentary and genuinely creepy haunts, as well as providing an authentic portrayal of tensions within a blended family. Begs to be finished in one sitting, though maybe with the lights kept on." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "Jackson delivers multilayered frights in a true horror tradition, peppered with instantly recognizable references to urban legends and internet horror culture." — Publishers Weekly "The nuanced depiction of Mari’s struggle with mental health is emotionally resonant; the story of a mostly Black city nearly wiped out by draconian drug laws and gentrification is authentic and timely; and the simmering tension and jump scares make the horror element satisfyingly chilling... Jackson ticks off the best tropes of horror here with enthusiastic glee, and Ms. Suga will have more than a few readers checking their basements before bedtime." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books PRAISE FOR GROWN: "Gripping in both its content and format . . . Jackson's writing some of the best thrillers for teens these days." — Booklist (starred review) "Expertly juxtaposing the glamour of Enchanted’s potential fame against the harshness of her private moments with Korey, Jackson builds the story gradually and painfully to an astonishing, chilling climax." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Compelling; Jackson excels in writing books steeped in social commentary." — Kirkus Reviews "In another ripped-from-the-headlines novel, Jackson takes readers through a heart-pounding thriller exploring physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, misogynoir, and rape culture... this novel is sure to initiate important conversations while delivering an engrossing story." — Horn Book Magazine PRAISE FOR LET ME HEAR A RHYME: “Exceptional storytelling, well-crafted, true-to-life dialogue, and the richly drawn Brooklyn landscape will draw readers into this fast-paced blend of mystery, budding romance, and social commentary . . . Thoroughly engrossing and as infectious as Steph’s lyrics.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “This YA novel harmonizes music and prose to create a certified literary banger.” — Shelf Awareness “Readers will feel connected to these teens’ love of hip-hop, their loyalty to each other and their love for their community . . . offers moving portraits of young people . . . an engaging ode to ’90s hip-hop and to love in many forms.” — BookPage “With thoughtful attention to detail, Jackson offers a believable cast of Black teens immersed in a particularly rich hip-hop moment. The combination of lyricism and narrative realism is an effective mode of representing a particular sort of adolescence against the backdrops of New York City and rap music.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “Jackson presents a fast-moving, heart-pounding homage to nineties hip-hop, Brooklyn, and the power of music, love, and friendship. Readers are transported to a time when DJs and MCs rocked the parties and when word-of-mouth could make you a star.” — Horn Book Magazine ”A thrilling, heart-rending, unforgettable novel.” — Buffalo News PRAISE FOR MONDAY'S NOT COMING: “This thought-provoking thriller examines issues such as abuse, gentrification, and the marginalization of people of color with nuance and sensitivity. The narrative deftly moves back and forth between past and present, building to a devastating conclusion. A spellbinding, profoundly moving choice for YA collections.” — School Library Journal (starred review) “Jackson’s sophomore novel features another ripped-from-the-headlines premise that will keep readers guessing through the final pages. Jackson’s characters and their heart-wrenching story linger long after the final page, urging readers to advocate for those who are disenfranchised and forgotten by society and the system.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Jackson effortlessly weaves elements of suspense with issues of race, class, and gender, casting a harsh light on a world that often refuses to notice the disappearances of black and brown girls. The twist at the end is both gaspworthy and heartbreaking.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review) “Jackson doesn’t hold anything back when it comes to the pain of abuse and the ramifications of turning a blind eye. It’s a frank, devastating read filled with real and flawed characters, and it’s a story that needs to be read.” — Booklist “The draw of this novel, which was inspired by actual events, lies in its interwoven themes of the effects of gentrification, especially on black residents whose connections, culture, and community become afterthoughts in the face of capitalism. A tragic and heartbreaking tale of love, loss, grief, growth, and perseverance.” — Kirkus Reviews PRAISE FOR ALLEGEDLY: “With remarkable skill, Jackson offers an unflinching portrayal of the raw social outcomes when youth are entrapped in a vicious cycle of nonparenting and are sent spiraling down the prison-for-profit pipeline. Dark, suspenseful.” — School Library Journal (starred review) “The characters are complex, the situation unsettling, and the line between right and wrong hopelessly blurred. It’s also intensely relevant, addressing race, age, and mental illness within the criminal justice system. Well conceived and executed, this is an absorbing and exceptional first novel.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Suspenseful without being emotionally manipulative, compelling without resorting to shock value, this is a tightly spun debut that wrestles with many intense ideas and ends with a knife twist that will send readers racing back to the beginning again.” — Booklist (starred review) “Seen through Jackson’s dark portrait of the legal system and the failures of parents and social workers, Mary’s environments are as grim as the stories that play out in them; readers fascinated by procedural dramas will be thoroughly hooked.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

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Book SynopsisWhen Eleri discovers a gift left every day of December for her inan abandoned tower block, she thinks nothing of it at first. Butas the countdown to Christmas continues, the gifts themselves takeon an increasingly dark and dangerous nature. Could this havesomething to do with Nina's disappearance? And if so, will Eleribe next?

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Book SynopsisDiscover the thrilling children's debut novel from Alexander Armstrong. A modern classic for children aged 9-12, bursting with ancient magic, secret societies and fearsome foes! For fans of Philip Pullman's Dark Materials, Skandar, Percy Jackson and Harry Potter.A Da Vinci Code for kids' RICHARD OSMAN''A wild-winged adventure that soars effortlessly to the greatest heights of fantasy!' BEN MILLERA fabulous quest story a total page turner. TOPPSTA READER REVIEW ?????An ancient magic. A deadly enemy. A reluctant hero.12-year-old Sam's world is blown apart when he discovers that his family was once at the heart of a secret society The Order of the Evening that had long protected the world. Now a powerful enemy is closing in, destroying all in its path to find the Order's hidden palace of Bellasis and the source of its powerful magic. Only Sam can stop them. But first, he must bring the Order together again.The clock is ticking. Dark forces are massing. Sam must undertake perilous jo

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Book SynopsisDylan is forced to come out after his secret relationship with Ellis is exposed on social media, but to his surprise, everyone is really supportive or appears to be. But Dylan's and El's happiness is short-lived, and following a tragic accident, Dylan begins to realize how little he knows about the boy he lovesor those closest to him.Trade ReviewThis tender, poignant evocation of first love is warm and profoundly thought-provoking. * The Guardian *A heart-breaking love story steeped in a thrillingly dark mystery for teens. * Attitude *A page-turning thriller and an LGBTQ+ coming out story with a difference. * The School Run *

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for the YA Book Prize 2018HOW DO YOU KNOW WHO TO TRUST WHEN YOU CAN''T EVEN TRUST YOURSELF?I look at my hands. One of them says FLORA BE BRAVE.Flora has anterograde amnesia. She can''t remember anything day-to-day: the joke her friend made, the instructions her parents gave her, how old she is.Then she kisses someone she shouldn''t, and the next day she remembers it. It''s the first time she''s remembered anything since she was ten. But the boy is gone. She thinks he''s moved to the Arctic. Will following him be the key to unlocking her memory? Who can she trust?THE ONE MEMORY OF FLORA BANKS is the unforgettable YA novel to take home this summer.Barr''s YA debut is a riveting page-turner that will keep you hooked till the end. - Entertainment WeeklyAn icily atmospheric story with a captivating hook...A pacy page-turner that packs a significant emotional punch - GuardianGripping. . . We promise you won''t see the end coming. - HelloGigglesa winning mix of a John Green/ Rainbow Rowell-style sharpness and sensitivity but underlined with a darker edge - View MagazineDo yourself a huge favor and grab this atmospheric, unique mystery for your Memorial Day weekend getaway. - Bustle.comAn absorbing, original and definitely memorable book. - S MagazineAn extraordinarily moving and original novel, a story of secrecy and lie, love and loss that manages to be both heart-breaking and life-affirming ...This is Barr''s first novel for teenagers and it is as brave as Flora herself. - Daily MailTrade ReviewAn extraordinarily moving and original novel, a story of secrecy and lies, love and loss that manages to be both heart-breaking and life-affirming . . . This is Barr's first novel for teenagers and it is as brave as Flora herself * Daily Mail *Clever and original with a unique heroine, this is a refreshing love story. A great YA read to start 2017. * The Sun - Book of the Week *Mesmerizing, electric, and achingly lovely, The One Memory of Flora Banks is unforgettable . . . One of the best YA novels I've read in a very long time. * Jennifer Niven *A winning mix of a John Green/ Rainbow Rowell-style sharpness and sensitivity, but underlined with a darker edge, belying the author's previous experience as a thriller writer . . . a coming-of-age, finding-yourself-type novel which is, in turn, unsettling and uplifting. * View *This is the most perfect, dazzling gem of a book. I loved every moment of it. -- Lisa Jewell, Bestselling author of 'The Girls'A thriller in the Momento mould that has some profound things to say about safety, danger and living in the momemt.Flora is a flawed and messy heroine who teaches us the importance of being ourselves and living life to the full. I couldn't put it down. -- Julie Mayhew, YA author of 'Red Ink', 'The Big Lie', 'Mother Tongue'I devoured it, reading late into the night because I couldn't put it down. Almost immediately I found myself pressing it into the hands of my writing friends.It's not often I read a book in a single sitting... compelling, thrilling, atmospheric - Flora's voice is unique and her mantra works beautifully as a message of love and support to all young women: be brave. -- Elizabeth Haynes, adult crime/thriller writer 'Into the Darkest Corner', 'Never Alone'I loved this book! Such a page turner. I was desperate to know what was going to happen next all the way through. I was totally drawn into Flora's confused and disturbed world and absorbed in the story from start to finish. -- Liz Kessler, YA author of 'Read Me Like a Book'A truly gripping and atmospheric psychological thriller, with a wonderfully quirky, brave, vulnerable heroine. -- Fiona Noble, The Bookseller, One to WatchI absolutely loved The One Memory of Flora Banks. It suddenly struck me that it could be a reworking of the Sleeping Beauty story, and manages to have a real fairy-tale feel while also being completely rooted in the here and now. And it's a wonderfully effective psychological thriller. A book that you'll definitely want to read more than once, and to recommend to friends. -- Andrea Reece, FT Weekend Oxford Literary Festival Children's Programme DirectorYA readers are going to love Emily Barr. She takes an agonising emotional situation, weaving in travel and adventure with gripping results. As with her adult books her love of travel and exploration comes through on every page and lending an extra dimension to her plots. -- Andreina Cordani, Book Review Editor for CosmopolitanA coming of age mystery that is unforgettable. Perfect for book groups of all ages and fans of Hitchcock and Before I Go To Sleep. -- South Wales Evening PostThe writing is impeccable.Serious kudos to Emily Barr for creating a narrative that has to undergo a lot of repetition...but constantly feels fresh and new.Flora Banks is brave and fierce, and goes on the kind of adventure that most of us wouldn't even dare to attempt.What struck us the most was the 'realness' of the story, despite it being one epic trip that is almost hard to imagine happening... And yet, Flora's experiences and the things people say and do to her are incredibly real. -- Maximum Pop! Books[Barr] has created a likable character in Flora. -- The TimesSimply superb; both clever and poignant. Flora is enchanting. -- Irish ExaminerWith its original plot and charming protagonist, there is much to like about Emily Barr's young-adult debut.Her [Emily's] page-turning talents are put to good use in Flora's adventure, as the reader accompanies a brave teenager on a journey to discover who she really is.Barr's light touch captures the innocence and integrity of Flora's voice.Readers will surely have difficulty forgetting about Flora, her parents and their predicament. -- Irish TimesAn icily atmospheric story with a captivating hook.A pacy page-turner that packs a significant emotional punch. -- The GuardianAn absorbing, original and definitely memorable book. -- Sunday Express

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Book SynopsisGet set for another incredible adventure with secret agents extraordinaire, Miss Sophie Taylor and Miss Lillian Rose!After the dramatic events of their mission to St Petersburg, Sophie and Lil know the truth there''s a double-agent at work at the Secret Service Bureau. Whilst Lil pursues a dangerous line of enquiry in London, Sophie must set out on a new mission to Venice, following a twisted trail to discover long-buried secrets. But there are villains lurking amongst the city''s piazzas, canals and crumbling palaces, and in the shadows an old enemy lies in waitTrade ReviewWoodfine is a brilliantly engaging storyteller and her meticulous attention to detail creates a keen sense of time and place', Fiona Noble, Bookseller ‘Riveting from the start and full of delightful twists’ – Booktrust

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Book SynopsisWinner of the Angus Book Award, THE EDGE is crackly with tension. How will this mother and son escape their abuser and start a new life? We've got to go. Now. It's early morning and Danny's mother is at his bedside, urging him to get up. They're on the run from Chris, his mother's boyfriend, a violent man who beats them both up, and won't let them go. Chris pursues Danny and his mother from London to the north, where they take refuge with Danny's grandparents. But even there, nothing is safe. Danny is conspicuous as the only mixed-race boy in their small community, and with the ever-present threat of discovery, he has to learn how to live continually on the edge. A tense and chilling story with terrific drama, THE EDGE shows the depth of character and the understanding of the predicaments of children today that gives Alan Gibbons his special quality.Trade Review"This is a fast and compelling 'must read' that is disturbing in ways that is bound to make teenagers confront important issues like racism and endemic violence. I can't recommend it highly enough." Books for Keeps "...a brilliant thriller for 11 to 16 year olds. ...Indeed it is as if he takes such potential cliches and wrings them dry of easy answers before putting pen to paper... Gibbons' confident use of punchy snapshots focusing on each character's movements and preoccupations makes gripping reading. He is committed to writing books boys will read - and here he gives them something in which to sink their emotional, intellectual and creative teeth." -- Lindsey Fraser Sunday Herald, 7 July 2002 "[Alan Gibbons'] latest book, a tense piece of social realism, is his best yet. The writing grabs you from the first page and entwines you into the lives of the characters." The Herald "The characters are brilliantly drawn, particularly Chris; his self-righteousness, so closely linked with the urge to lash out, is chilling." Mail on Sunday "...an excellent, challenging, rough-tough read" -- Michael Rosen Socialist Review, September 2002 "a very well-written, hard-hitting novel told from many different viewpoints which give a well rounded picture and add excitement to the reader's involvement. It is well paced to a breathtaking climax. An excellent read." Primary Times, September 2002 'A prolific writer with a strong sense of social justice, Alan Gibbons is pacey and thorough. The Edge demonstrates skills honed throughout his career and shows a writer in a confident and committed mode...A brilliantly convincing thriller devoid of flabby cliches or stereotype.' -- Lindsey Fraser The Guardian, 24 September 2002 "...a tense and deepling story that encompasses racism and manipulative violence." Books for Keeps "...a fast moving, tense, emotional story which is a real page turner." Carousel, Autumn/Winter 2002 "My friend gave me this book for my birthday and I couldn't put it down...Each chapter is told by a different character so it really builds up the tension. It had me right on the edge of my seat!" -- Tammy from Bude (reader review) Mizz, 13 November 2002 "The story is fast paced and holds the readers attention...Many readers will be quickly drawn into the story and be absorbed by its pace and excitement" School Librarian, Autumn 2002 "Gibbons is passionate about making literature accessible to young people of all backgrounds and abilities. The Edge is a nail-biting thriller...touching and real and powerfully memorable. Alan Gibbons uses short, mini-chapters to tell his story and the effect is electric." -- Lindsey Fraser Booktrusted News (Booktrust), Winter 2002 "This book is brilliant with an excellently thought out plot, characterisation and a progressing storyline...This book certainly tingles and lingers" -- Oliver Daniels (Year 7), Somerset Books for Keeps

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Book SynopsisA New York Times bestseller! A GMA3 Summer Reading Squad Selection! “Ingeniously plotted, and a grin-inducing delight.” —People “Will keep young readers glued to the page…So when do I get the sequel?” —Beth McMullen, author of Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls In this thrilling new series that Stuart Gibbs called “a must-read,” Edgar Award winner James Ponti brings together five kids from all over the world and transforms them into real-life spies—perfect for fans of Spy School and Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls.Sara Martinez is a hacker. She recently broke into the New York City foster care system to expose her foster parents as cheats and lawbreakers. However, instead of being hailed as a hero, Sara finds herself facing years in a juvenile detention facility and banned from using computers for the same stretch of time. Enter Mother, a British spy who not only gets Sara released from jail but also offers her a chance to make a home for herself within a secret MI6 agency. Operating out of a base in Scotland, the City Spies are five kids from various parts of the world. When they’re not attending the local boarding school, they’re honing their unique skills, such as sleight of hand, breaking and entering, observation, and explosives. All of these allow them to go places in the world of espionage where adults can’t. Before she knows what she’s doing, Sara is heading to Paris for an international youth summit, hacking into a rival school’s computer to prevent them from winning a million euros, dangling thirty feet off the side of a building, and trying to stop a villain…all while navigating the complex dynamics of her new team. No one said saving the world was easy…

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewA thoroughly gripping detective story * Sunday Telegraph *Compulsive reading * Independent *Grips the reader from the opening chapter * Sunday Times *Dowd transforms disability into a gift * The Times *A wonderfully written mystery. It is funny, nerve-wracking and tender by turns, with plenty of pace and excitement as well as some moments for serious reflection * School Librarian *Everything about this book - the perky tone, the subtlety of characterisation and the cleverness of the plotting - is absolutely right * Irish Times *

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Book SynopsisWho would believe that a kid at a sleepover could be a spy? CHERUB: Dark Sun is a short novel aimed at new readers to CHERUB, originally written for World Book Day and now made available in print again by popular demand! To go with it are three stories never before seen in print: The Switch, CHERUB at Christmas and Kerry''s First Mission. For official purposes, these children do not exist.Trade ReviewReaders should brace themselves for an action-packed ride * The Daily Express *A skilful writer and the book has great pace. * Financial Times *

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Book SynopsisCHERUB: the number one bestselling spy thriller series for kids.Trade ReviewRightfully popular * Sunday Express *I enjoyed this book and would thoroughly recommend it -- Benjamin Cave * Teen Titles *Praise for books in the CHERUB series: 'Punchy, exciting, glamorous and, what's more, you'll completely wish it was true.' * Sunday Express *'Crackling tension and high-octane drama.' * Daily Mail *'A really good book that you could re-read over and over again.' * Guardian *'Pacy writing, punchy dialogue and a gripping plot, it's got it all.' * Daily Express *'Fast-moving action ... and cool gadgets!' * The Times *

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Book SynopsisAudrey’s father taught her that to stay human in the modern world, she had to build a moat around herself; A moat that makes Audrey different from the echoes: sophisticated, emotionless machines, built to resemble humans and to work for human masters.Trade ReviewMatt Haig is astounding -- Stephen FryA highly original page-turner * Independent on Sunday *A brilliant story that you'll want to read in one sitting * The Sun on Sunday *An exciting SF thriller but also a rich and deeply felt exploration of the line that separates humans – creatures of love, passion, fear and hate – from mere organic simulations -- Anthony McGowan * Guardian *It’s a treat to read such a satisfying, complex work * Financial Times *

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Book SynopsisThe highly anticipated third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Supernatural Investigations series that began with Amari and the Night Brothers! Perfect for readers aged 8+ and fans of Skandar, Percy Jackson, Nevermoor and Men in Black.Amari is magical! Angie Thomas, #1 New York Times bestselling author of THE HATE U GIVEWar has come to the supernatural world, and Amari's two worst enemies are leading the charge.Elaine Harlowe has manipulated her way into becoming prime minister, using her mind control ability to force the Bureau to take up her vicious grudge against magiciankind. Meanwhile, Dylan Van Helsing, the newly crowned leader of the League of Magiciansand Amari's former partneris after a destructive new power that would not only ensure the magicians' victory it would make him invincible.With neither the Bureau nor the League safe for Amari, and her newly returned brother, Quinton, determined to keep her out of the fray, she and her friends decide to find a way to end t

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Book SynopsisA bold new story for fans of We Were Liars, intertwining past and present, love and loss, from the bestselling author of The One Memory of Flora Banks.''A sun-splashed Cornish thriller with a dark heart, ideal for YA fans of E Lockhart'' Guardian ONE HOT SUMMER, FIRST LOVE AND SO MANY BURIED SECRETS . . .Senara has never been in love before. She''s not done anything exciting before. Always the sidekick . . . Until the summer that changes everything.Cliff House is closed off for most of the year until its rich Londoner owners come down to Cornwall for the summer. This year, despite herself, Senara finds herself pulled into this world of wealth and ease, sunbathing and beautiful people. She even finds herself falling in love for the first time.But Cliff House and its owners are hiding things. They''ve been hiding things for too long and now, despite all their efforts, their secrets are coming out . . . Secrets that involve Senara''s friends and her family in a way she could never have imagined.''An intoxicating mix of mystery, suspense and first love'' The Daily Mirror''A perfect holiday page-turner'' The Sunday Express''This is another young adult novel that will have younger readers transfixed'' The Metro''A slow-burn summer novel packed with intrigue'' Culturefly - 22 Books to add to your Summer Reading ListRead more captivating fiction from Emily Barr:The One Memory of Flora BanksThe Truth and Lies of Ella BlackThe Girl Who Came Out of the WoodsThings to do Before The End of the WorldGhostedTrade ReviewA slow-burn summer novel packed with intrigue. * Culturefly - 22 Books to add to your Summer Reading List *Will have readers transfixed * Metro *Original plot and charming protagonist . . . Her [Emily's] page-turning talents are put to good use as the reader accompanies a brave teenager on a journey to discover who she really is. * Irish Times on The One Memory of Flora Banks *Mesmerizing, electric, and achingly lovely . . . One of the best YA novels I've read in a very long time * Jennifer Niven on The One Memory of Flora Banks *If you like dark fiction you'll devour it * Heat - on The Truth and Lies of Ella Black *A sun-splashed Cornish thriller with a dark heart, ideal for YA fans of E Lockhart. * Guardian - Summer reading: 50 brilliant books to discover *An intoxicating mix of mystery, suspense and first love. * The Daily Mirror *A perfect holiday page-turner. * The Sunday Express *

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Book SynopsisTwin sisters. An isolated community. Generations of dark secrets ...Trade ReviewDeirdre Sullivan handles darkness in a way that instills addictive dread, but also, somehow, hope. She is a natural successor to Angela Carter - and Perfectly Preventable Deaths, a tale of rural horror, family and peril, is the Irish Gothic we deserve. -- Sarah Maria Griffin, author of SPARE AND FOUND PARTSThis is the novel the recent Sabrina reboot wishes it could be - a thrilling, eerie exploration of sisterhood, first love and dark powers hiding out of sight. Perfectly Preventable Deaths lures you in with wit and compassion before hitting you with horror and twists worthy of Stephen King or Shirley Jackson. Nobody writes teenagers or witches like Deirdre Sullivan, and Perfectly Preventable Deaths is her best novel yet. * Dave Rudden, author of KNIGHTS OF THE BORROWED DARK *I am completely smitten with Madeline's voice and this witty, wise and weird depiction of a quiet, strange village where neither girls nor small creatures are safe from predators. Deirdre Sullivan has crafted a tale that is both achingly tender and unsettlingly creepy, a world where magic and love have tremendous power and devastating consequences. * Claire Hennessy, author of NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD *Sullivan has an eye for the uncanny, a taste for the macabre, and a gift for beautiful prose. Perfectly Preventable Deaths is her best book yet. * Louise O'Neill *This intoxicating, skilfully crafted novel laced with sisterhood, first love and witchcraft is sure to entice fans of Angela Carter or Melissa Albert's The Hazel Wood. * The Bookseller, Editor’s Choice *This book, this book. Deirdre's writing is a drug, her characters crackle and the magic is so tactile you can feel rough bark and leaves under your fingers. I swallowed this whole. * Moira Fowley-Doyle, author of SPELLBOOK OF THE LOST AND FOUND *

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Book SynopsisTHE EPIC NEW THRILLER BEGINS.The creator of the number one bestselling SKULDUGGERY PLEASANT series returns with the story of a girl on the run from everything she loves and the monsters that await her.For anyone who ever thought their parents were monsters Amber Lamont is a normal sixteen-year-old. Smart but insecure, she spends most of her time online, where she can avoid her beautiful, aloof parents and their weird friends.But when a shocking encounter reveals a horrifying secret, Amber is forced to go on the run. Killer cars, vampires, undead serial killers and red-skinned, horned demons Amber hurtles from one threat to the next, revealing the terror woven into the very fabric of her life. As her parents close in behind her, Amber's only chance rests with her fellow travellers, who are not at all what they appear to beWitty, action-packed and heart-stoppingly thrilling, Demon Road will take you on an epic road-trip across the supernatural landscape of America.Trade ReviewPraise for Derek Landy: ‘Landy [has the] ability to craft an engaging story from start to finish.’ Inis ‘Derek Landy has been something of a publishing phenomenon.’ Irish Post Praise for Demon Road: ‘An exciting new trilogy.’ The Sun ‘[I] immediately wanted to read more.’ MaximumPop! ‘With an engaging story, weird and wonderful characters and a dash of teenage angst, Demon Road is one highway you’ll want to go down.’ SciFiNow ‘Landy’s done it again.’ SFX Magazine ''Demon Road introduces you to characters you can't help but connect with on an emotional level.’ Inis

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