HER PERILOUS MANSION BY SEAN WILLIAMS

An orphan boy named Almanac and a girl called Etta are invited to work at a stately home. Almanac, so named because he never forgets things had always dreamed of finding a new life outside the orphanage. Etta, the twelfth daughter of a poor family, had also dreamt of escaping from her family who she suspected didn’t really like her. Almanac is to be an apprentice under footman and Etta a chambermaid. Arriving within minutes of each other, they set out to explore their new home. The inhabitants are strangely occupied and reluctant to meet them. Lady Simone never leaves her bed, Lord Nigel is extremely busy and must be left alone and Dr Mithily works on experiments in the attic. They do however, leave them instructions of what they are to do.

The mansion is beautifully decorated, and well maintained. Almanac is sent to clean out the basement and Etta is set the task of finding the library. As the days go by the two get more and more concerned about their circumstances. They try to find out more about the house and a boy who lives in the chimneys, Ugo, tries to help as best he can. Strangely, no one seems to want to give them a straight answer.

A spell has been cast over the mansion and its grounds and no one is allowed to leave. The spell is powerful and when Etta tries to escape she finds that it is much stronger than they thought. Twins Hackett and Elsie appear to start work at the mansion and now they must all work together to find the spell. Once read out loud, the spell will lose its power over all who live in the mansion, they just have to find it. The spell is strong and fights them every step of the way. Can Almanac, Etta and the twins, along with the mysterious inhabitants of the house manage to outwit it? The stakes are high and if they fail, they will be stuck there forever.

Sean Williams creates a wonderful atmosphere that is both beguiling and ominous. The haunted house, sorcerers and being prisoners of an evil being, are classic themes from fairy tales. Middle Grade readers will love this exciting mystery and of finding your home and yourself too.

For Ages: 8 -12 years

Number of Pages: 336

Published: April 2020

Themes: Courage, family, finding yourself

Rating: 4/5