Author:Amanda Mitchison
When Wilf sees the simple wooden bowl in the local museum, he’s not sure why he’s so drawn to it – but it has him mesmerized. Leaving with the bowl under his jacket, he notices two men in dark suits heading purposefully inside, and something tells him he should make a quick exit.
The next morning, there’s someone in his room: Crog. Dressed in muddy rags, with black stubs for teeth and a grisly rope around his neck, Crog isn’t sure how he ended up here – but he knows it’s because of the bowl. Three thousand years ago, Crog was tasked with protecting the bowl from those who want it to gain power, and he failed once. But he won’t fail again.
Within minutes, the doorman at Wilf’s apartment is lying dead, the men in suits closing in. Wilf, Crog and Wilf’s twin sister Ishbel are suddenly on the run – and those who want the bowl are only one step behind.
A thoroughly contemporary yarn . . . An involving adventure
—— ObserverBoth comic and endearing
—— Books for KeepsA Stig of the Dump meets The 39 Steps adventure that is action-packed and refreshing
—— New StatesmanIt's a story that hurtles along: more appears to happen in the first few chapters of this story - a murder, a fire, a terrifying escape down a laundry chute - than many a whole book series
—— HeraldInspired, reminiscent of Stig of the Dump and Indiana Jones - an excellent introduction to the rich world of fantasy/adventure from Amanda Mitchison. A race against time to protect the bowl sees Crog, Wilf and his sister Ishbel suddenly on the run and fleeing for their lives
—— Books MonthlyA pitch-perfect 1930s mystery
—— MetroArsenic for Tea is a joy. A multi-layered sandwich cake of joy . . . Stylish, charming, witty and delightful . . . Worth cancelling everything for
—— Did You Ever Stop to ThinkThese Agatha-Christie-indebted tales involve detective duo Daisy Wells and her sidekick Hazel Wong, wealthy schoolgirls from England and Hong Kong. In the first book, they investigated a murder at their boarding school. This time, Daisy's family's stately home - a hotbed of jealousy and greed - provides a rich cast of suspects when it's not just the cake candles that are snuffed out at a birthday tea party. Emotional conflict, logical deduction and the period setting make for an entertaining, nostalgic brainteaser
—— Nicolette Jones , Sunday TimesEven better than its predecessor . . . Brilliant
—— The BookzoneHow can you not want to read this book over and over again? How can you not want to share it with everyone you meet?
—— Xena's Mom , Librarian's QuestMini Grey is as skilful as ever as she unravels a complex, tragic and very funny story through action-packed illustrations, captions and speech bubbles.
—— Guardian ReviewA gentle, entertaining story.
—— Daily MailA Bank Street College of Education Best Book of the Year—and it's an "Outstanding Merit" title!
—— Bank Street College of Education , The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2015 Edition