The Secret Starling

<b>The acclaimed debut novel from the author of <i>The Pear Affair</i> and <i>The Accidental Stowaway</i>! </b><br><br><b>Abandoned children running wild on the moors, evil child catchers, cunning cats and mysterious ballet shoes abound in this incredible first novel.</b><br><br>Clara has lived a life of solitude, home schooled under her mean uncle's strict regime . . . until now!<br><br>The day that Uncle abandons Clara, leaving her with nothing but a wedge of 'guilt money' and a half empty, crumbling manor house, she is determined to do things her way for a change. And when streetwise Peter turns up, with his rescue cat and a surprising array of knowledge, she is sure that between them they have everything they need to survive.<br><br>But the house is to be sold . . . and Uncle has lied to Clara . . . and nothing, NOTHING is as it seems.<br><br><b>'A riveting adventure.'</b> <i>The Guardian</i><br><b>'An absolute delight.'</b> Hilary McKay, author of <i>The Skylarks' War</i><br><b>'Thrilling</b><b>.'</b> <i>Telegraph</i><br><b>'An absolute joy of a read.'</b> Emma Carroll, author of <i>Letters from the Lighthouse</i><br><b>'A sweeping adventure</b><b>.'</b> <i>The Bookseller</i><br><b>'Should also appeal to fans of Emma Carroll.'</b> Michelle Harrison, author of <i>A Pinch of Magic</i><br><b>'A great mystery adventure.'</b> <i>The Bookbag</i><br><b>'Gripping.'</b> <i>Golden Books Girl</i><br><b>'Wonderfully compelling.'</b> <i>Book Lover Jo</i><br><b>'A cracking pacey novel.' </b><i>MinervaReads</i><br><b>'Superb storytelling.' </b><i>BookTrust</i><br><b>'Wonderful.'</b> <i>Bellis Does Books</i><br><b>'A treat.'</b> <i>Bookanista</i>