Author:Joan Aiken
Arun returns to his mother's house on Cold Shoulder Road, only to find it deserted and flood-ravaged. Some say she's run off with a Silent Sect, other whisper that she's a witch, and Mrs Boles mutters fearfully about the Emjee and the Handsel child, but dares say no more. With the help of his indomitable cousin, Is Twite, Arun sets off in search of Admiral Fishkin - their only key to discovering the real truth, whatever it may be...
I found myself bathing in the wonderful descriptions . . . Newbery writes with grace and immediacy
—— Vivien Hamilton , Daily TelegraphA gothic romance dealing with the most taboo subject of all . . . Newbery has created a climactic period story, compelling in its description and psychological drama . . . the relationship between art and life is starkly framed
—— Elaine Williams , TES TeacherUnfolds with horrific credibility and total suspense
—— Gill Roberts , CarouselThis novel calls to mind the writings of the Bronte sisters . . . Despite or maybe because of the author seeming so unconcerned with current trends, this book works on every level. The plot is full of twists, the charcters are multi-dimensional, and the atmosphere of that grand Victorian house, with all its intrigue and hierarchy, is electric. Set in Stone is a gripping page-turner for children and adults alike
—— Glasgow HeraldThis is a plot-driven, exciting thriller
—— Audrey Baker , InisBlisteringly funny, and sad
—— Financial Times website[A] simple, funny and very engaging premise...Mulligan rewrites tragedy as a triumph, and turns the story into a neat way to explore friendship and tolerance.
—— GuardianOne of the best storytellers
—— Mr Ripley's Enchanted BooksMulligan certainly delivers in this extraordinary examination of grief....highly original, emotionally-charged black comedy / thriller. A worthy successor to Mulligan’s excellent Trash.
—— Daily Mail[A] poignant, imaginative take on adolescence
—— The Times, Saturday ReviewAddictive
—— BooktrustI really enjoyed this funny, sad and truthful fable...Mulligan makes a great deal of friendship and the huge source of strength and support it can be.
—— The Book BagA poignant and heart-warming story about life and all the hardships and troubles that this can bring...A fascinating and brilliant read...Another blinding story from Andy Mulligan, which delivers the unexpected with superb imaginative qualities.
—— Mr Ripley's Enchanted BooksA complex and absorbing novel with vivid characters
—— BooktrustGripping dark comedy . . . [A] clever portrayal of a boy on the cusp of adolescence struggling to reconcile opposing impulses within himself
—— Children's Books Ireland