The Very Wicked Headmistress

A volcano spewing caramel custard laced with diamonds is the unlikely phenomenon which brings together two remarkable characters.

Miss Taffeta is a notorious criminal, a former trapeze artist and human cannonball, whose latest scam is to open a select girls’ school. Fendalton Basset is the owner of the volcano and at the mercy of a terrible weakness – he cannot help falling in love.

Fortunately, Fendalton’s orphaned, freckled, shy yet reliable nephew, Tancred, is on hand, dressed as Head Girl, to reason with the custard and sort out the whole sticky problem.

Another fast-moving and fantastic plot from Margaret Mahy is complemented by zany and original characters. Lively illustrations add to the wit and pace of this engaging and satisfying read.