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Twelve Minutes to Midnight

by Christopher Edge

Interest age: 10+
Reading age: 11+

Published by Nosy Crow, 2012

  • Adventure
  • Historical

About this book

In 1899, thirteen year old orphan Penelope Tredwell is the author, editor and sole proprietor of London's most popular magazine, The Penny Dreadful, concealing her true identity behind the pseudonym Montgomery Flinch. But when she receives a strange letter addressed to Flinch, Penelope finds herself drawn into a real-life adventure as thrilling as any she pens for the pages of her magazine.

Every night at precisely twelve minutes to midnight, the inmates of Bedlam, London's notorious madhouse, all begin feverishly writing - incoherent ramblings that Penelope quickly realises are in fact terrifying visions of the new century to come. But what is causing this strange phenomenon? Together with her trusted companion, printer's apprentice Alfie, Penelope pits her sharp wits against this unearthly problem - and finds herself plunging into danger.

Pacy and tightly-plotted, this is an exuberant and entertaining adventure story set in an appealingly foggy and sinister Victorian London. This adventure packed with exciting twists and turns will appeal to confident readers, and fans of Philip Pullman's Sally Lockhart series.

About the author

Christopher Edge grew up in Manchester, where he spent most of his childhood in the local library dreaming up stories. He now lives in Gloucestershire, where he spends most of his time in the local library dreaming up stories. Before becoming a writer, he worked as an English teacher, editor and publisher – any job that let him keep a book close to hand. When not writing, he also works as a freelance publisher and education consultant, and has written publications about encouraging children to read.

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