Release date: February 17th 2022

A wonderfully murky, carnivalesque world of intrigue, unexpected friendships and mysteries solved.

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. For the first time in her life she feels she might make true friends, and learn a real stage craft. But soon that’s not all she has to think about . . .

Children are being sucked into the Thames and there have been strange sightings of a mechanical monster. The carnival troupe know first-hand that looks only tell half a story – they become determined to find these forgotten children. Perhaps they will unravel the mystery that has defied even the law!

Illustrated with black and white artwork from superstar illustrator, Sam Usher, and the first in a brand new series!

‘Thrilling, original, full of zest and wit.’ The London Times
‘An atmospheric and exciting read.’ BookTrust
‘A page-turning adventure.’ The Daily Mirror

Way back in 2011, I won the Times Children’s Fiction Prize for my first book. Originally titled ‘Freaks’ and then ‘The Peculiars’, it was released in 2012 and again in 2018. 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.

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. I jumped at the chance to give the original book a rewrite as well. It now has some new characters, new scenes and MUCH better writing all the way through. And it also has beautiful illustrations by the very talented Sam Usher.

I am so happy with the way it has finally turned out, and especially that there will be more books to follow. ‘The Hunted’ will be out in July 2022, and ‘The Spider’ in July 2023. I hope you enjoy exploring Victorian London as much as I enjoyed writing about it. It is a bit stinky, though, so don’t forget to hold your nose!

Carnival of the Hunted

Something sinister is going on in the stinking slums of London. Sideshow acts are going missing… men wearing animal masks and eye goggles are hunting them down and killing them for sport. But who are this fiendish Hunters’ Club? And what is the reason for their cruel game?

Sheba the wolfgirl and Pyewacket the witch’s imp know all about life in a sideshow. But now they are the Carnival, private investigators working to help unusual people like them. Teaming up with new recruits half-cat Inji, her extraordinary brother, the armadillo-like Sil and Glyph the psychic, it’s a race against time… to track down the mask-wearing villains, before anyone else comes to harm!

The Times Children’s Book of the Week!

Carnival of the Spider

There were three men and two women . . . One had half a face. One had iron legs. The others all had one or both arms missing. There were pincers and claws and guns instead. And you could hear them ticking. Ticking all the time.

When Sheba the wolfgirl learns that her old friend Sister Moon is being held prisoner by the Spider and its gang of mechanical villains, the Carnival immediately launch a daring rescue mission to Paris. Along with Pyewacket the witch’s imp and catlike Inji, Sheba joins forces with Moon’s son Remy, a boy who can bend shadows to his will.

Deep underground in the catacombs of Paris there is a map, which they must find to trade for Moon’s freedom. But who is this mysterious Spider? And why is she so desperate for an old map? With the city under siege from Prussian invaders and the Spider’s henchmen on their trail, the Carnival will need to use all their powers to save their friend . . .