Secret City

Something evil lurks deep in the ground under the ancient city streets of Edinburgh – something that will link the lives of Charlie Wilson, in the city for the Festival with his parents, and Peazle, orphan, pickpocket – and dead for 100 years.

Fans of the supernatural won’t find much to surprise them here – we’ve the story told in a diary, evil orcs, fairy princesses and even a magic sword – but they’ll find lots to enjoy. Henderson weaves his different stories together skilfully using a genuine legend as the basis. Part of the pleasure of this kind of storytelling is knowing what will happen next – the treasure is bound to be cursed, there’s obviously more to the strange young girl than meets the eye  – but the author builds up the tension then springs some creepy surprises. An epilogue setting the scene for the sequel will no doubt please many young readers.