In 1840s London, the star attraction of a travelling freak show is Wild Boy, whose unfortunate appearance has condemned him to a miserable life of rejection and ridicule.

As Wild Boy plots his escape from this intolerable existence, he sharpens his Sherlock Holmes-like talent for observation and deduction. And when he’s wrongfully accused of murder and forced into a reluctant alliance with Clarissa, the feisty acrobat, his talent for reason becomes invaluable. While these two misfits attempt to clear their names by finding the murderer, they also discover friendship and acceptance.

This incredibly compelling mystery culminates in a dramatic and surprising twist that readers will love. This wonderful story will appeal to readers aged 9 and up and I suspect (and hope) that there will be further adventures involving Wild Boy and Clarissa. Highly recommended.

Athina Clarke