After the mysterious death of his beloved parents, Bastien Bonlivre is sent to an orphanage in Paris, a cold, decrepit establishment run by a mirthless, shadowy director intent on punishing its residents, especially Bastien. Deprivation, inedible food and constant surveillance are a daily ritual.

Like his parents, who were acclaimed writers, Bastien is a born storyteller whose nightly tales inspire the residents of this hapless institution to hope and to question the director’s spurious motives. And when the authors of Paris begin disappearing, the clever and brave orphans must face diabolical villains with evil intent, a nailbiting chase through the catacombs of Paris in the dead of night and a nerve-racking fight for survival. But there are also scrumptious croissants to be savoured and delicious hot chocolates to be drunk!

This is a homage to friendship borne of challenging circumstance and a love letter to the importance of storytelling; and the theme of bookshops being safe havens for authors under threat tugs at this bookseller’s heart!

Attention mystery adventure readers and fans of Lemony Snicket, Anna James or Robin Stevens – this one’s for you! This wonderful romp will appeal to children of any gender aged 9 and up.

Athina Clarke is from Readings Malvern