However, even on the train to Jaipur things start to go wrong. Set in exotic India, Rose thinks she’s landed on her feet now she’s the official companion to Rui the Maharajah of Jaipur’s nephew. But now they are the Carnival, private investigators working to help unusual people like them.Another magical detective adventure with Rose and Rui for 8 to 10-year olds. Sheba the wolfgirl and Pyewacket the witch’s imp know all about life in a sideshow. But who are this fiendish Hunters’ Club? And what is the reason for their cruel game?

Sideshow acts are going missing… men wearing animal masks and eye goggles are hunting them down and killing them for sport. Something sinister is going on in the stinking slums of London. It is a bit stinky, though, so don’t forget to hold your nose! I hope you enjoy exploring Victorian London as much as I enjoyed writing about it. ‘The Hunted’ will be out in July 2022, and ‘The Spider’ in July 2023. I am so happy with the way it has finally turned out, and especially that there will be more books to follow.

And it also has beautiful illustrations by the very talented Sam Usher. It now has some new characters, new scenes and MUCH better writing all the way through. I jumped at the chance to give the original book a rewrite as well. So, I was delighted when Faber Children’s (who also publish my Five Realms series) said they would be interested in not one, not two, but three books about Sheba and her friends. But, unfortunately, my original publishers were not interested in bringing out any further books, which was very frustrating, as I always felt these characters had many more adventures in them. Originally titled ‘Freaks’ and then ‘The Peculiars’, it was released in 2012 and again in 2018. Way back in 2011, I won the Times Children’s Fiction Prize for my first book. ‘A page-turning adventure.’ The Daily Mirror ‘An atmospheric and exciting read.’ BookTrust ‘Thrilling, original, full of zest and wit.’ The London Times

Illustrated with black and white artwork from superstar illustrator, Sam Usher, and the first in a brand new series! Perhaps they will unravel the mystery that has defied even the law! The carnival troupe know first-hand that looks only tell half a story – they become determined to find these forgotten children. Ĭhildren are being sucked into the Thames and there have been strange sightings of a mechanical monster. But soon that’s not all she has to think about. For the first time in her life she feels she might make true friends, and learn a real stage craft. Sheba the wolf girl joins an unusual troupe of performers that includes Pyewacket, a witch’s imp Gigantus the giant and Sister Moon, a knife thrower. A wonderfully murky, carnivalesque world of intrigue, unexpected friendships and mysteries solved.

Freaks by kieran larwood