A really gripping magical debut with a strong girl heroine

Straight away you are thrown into a world of intrigue and questions that keep you guessing and captivated with every turn of a page

Welsh's prose is lovely, her characters are well-drawn, and the atmosphere of the town is palpable. In creating a place in the world where a story read aloud can become true, Welsh offers a benediction of sorts to readers, that "every child who is alone or out of place will find the friends they need, and the love they deserve"

Verity is the unlikely heroine in a story that combines elements from Joan Aiken, Cornelia Funke and J.K. Rowling . . . The setting and cast of characters are so richly described readers will see the scenes, which cut from one to another, as if watching a movie . . . This is an exciting debut - with the promise of more to come - that will leave readers clinging to their seats

If you like stories that are full of adventure, magic but with a firm footing of solid friendship try this - a wonderful book

A fantastic family read; this is a story with a big heart based on an amazing idea . . . This is easily one of my favourite books so far this year - a brilliant and magical read that will stay with me until the day that I die. It is a great debut story with bags of drive and vroom.

Refreshingly different and very engaging . . . There is so much to enjoy in this book

A delightful book

Unusual and delightful

I loved this delightful novel. It's intended for middle grade readers but people of all ages will love it.

The tale rollicks along with suspense, reversal, and surprise . . . Along the way, the author gives us a finely drawn evocation of the drama the French lived through, as well as an enthralling account of how a remarkable car - designed by an Italian, engineered by the French - was born. A captivating book for young people of all ages.

My book-loving boy was immediately engrossed . . . Each chapter left him wanting to know what was coming next, and he read it cover to cover with great interest.