The Lunatic's Curse
by F E Higgins
Rex Grammaticus investigates the mystery surrounding his father, who went mad before his eyes, but not before giving him a mysterious message, and the inmates of the Lunatic Asylum to which his evil stepmother has him sent.
Here he encounters Hildred, a young ex-contortionist whose wish to uncover her parentage has also led her to the asylum, and whose loyalty and courage are limitless.
Higgins writes a rip-roaring story, with wonderfully evil characters, evocative gothic settings, filled with madmen and marauding monsters. Within her text however, she addresses many serious concerns around identity, family and loyalty. Excellent stuff!
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
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F E Higgins
F E Higgins was born in England but raised in Ireland. She now lives and writes in a house that dates back to the fifteenth century, in a small village in rural Kent. The Black Book of Secrets, her debut novel, was published in hardback in January 2007 with the paperback following in September 2007. It met a huge amount of critical acclaim including being the first Sunday Times Children's Book of the Week in 2007. Eion Colfer also heralded it as 'Wonderful. Anyone looking for the next big thing has come to the right place. Higgins has created a uniquely grim fantasy world that more than holds its own with Dickens or Peake. Her characters are brilliantly realised and the story grabs at the reader with hooked talons'.
The Bone Magician, her second novel for Macmillan Children's Books, was published in March 2008.
F E Higgins Photo: Macmillan
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Reading Age: 7+
Interest level: 8+
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