Author:Anne Fine
One stormy night, five stranded schoolchildren uncover the story of Richard Clayton Harwick – a boy who many years ago learned what it was like to have a truly wicked stepfather. But the children have stories of their own step-parents to tell – stories that have warmth and humour, as well as sadness, and a fair share of happy endings.
‘For children who have some similar experience, this novel will be therapeutic; for those who haven’t it’s an absorbing read, to make them laugh and cry’ Sunday Telegraph.
Thought-provoking brilliance
—— The Sunday TimesComplex but beautifully crafted . . . dramatic, intensely moving . . . it truly ensnares the reader
—— CarouselA perfect end to an important and thought-provoking trilogy
—— Sarah Harbon , The BooksellerCheckmate once again explores the lasting impact of prejudice, discrimination and the legacy of traumatic family history on the next generation in the author's brilliantly imagined world. Readers will not be dissapointed
—— Publishing NewsThere is no mistaking the genuine grassroots passion with which Checkmate, the final part of Malorie Blackman's trilogy, has been anticipated among young teen readers . . . Blackman is a terrific thriller writer, driving her plots forward with skill and tenacity
—— Dinah Hall , Evening Standard