Book Log 38/2011 - Monica Edwards: No Entry

Monica Edwards: No Entry
A Romney Marsh Story

Regular readers of my blog will know I'm a lifelong fan of Monica Edwards' Romney Marsh stories featuring Tamzin, Rissa, Meryon and Roger, four firm friends, and a range of adult characters inhabiting the little village of Westling on Romney Marsh, from Tamzin's vicar father to the disreputable but charming old ferryman, Jim Decks. The stories always contain a mixture of ponies and the sea, often involve a bit of illegal (but not exactly dangerous) smuggling (of the baccy and brandy category) and usually give the children a problem to solve.

This is one with its feet planted firmly on land rather than in the fishing community as Tamzin and co. try to save Castle Farm, the Merrows and their sheep when an outbreak for 'foot and mouth' hits the area. First published in 1954, shortly after a national foot and mouth outbreak, but also with modern resonances for readers now.

The farm ends up under siege with the children on the inside. Responsibility is thrust upon them when Farmer Merrow has an accident and, after Meryon doing a bit of underage doctoring, the children end up taking on the role of border guards and housekeepers until the danger is past.

Characterised by the innocence of children's stories from an earlier age. Even though these were set slightly before my time, the Romney Marsh books evoke memories of my childhood. I guess I'm showing my age.

Book Log 38/2011 - Monica Edwards: No Entry

Monica Edwards: No Entry
A Romney Marsh Story

Regular readers of my blog will know I'm a lifelong fan of Monica Edwards' Romney Marsh stories featuring Tamzin, Rissa, Meryon and Roger, four firm friends, and a range of adult characters inhabiting the little village of Westling on Romney Marsh, from Tamzin's vicar father to the disreputable but charming old ferryman, Jim Decks. The stories always contain a mixture of ponies and the sea, often involve a bit of illegal (but not exactly dangerous) smuggling (of the baccy and brandy category) and usually give the children a problem to solve.

This is one with its feet planted firmly on land rather than in the fishing community as Tamzin and co. try to save Castle Farm, the Merrows and their sheep when an outbreak for 'foot and mouth' hits the area. First published in 1954, shortly after a national foot and mouth outbreak, but also with modern resonances for readers now.

The farm ends up under siege with the children on the inside. Responsibility is thrust upon them when Farmer Merrow has an accident and, after Meryon doing a bit of underage doctoring, the children end up taking on the role of border guards and housekeepers until the danger is past.

Characterised by the innocence of children's stories from an earlier age. Even though these were set slightly before my time, the Romney Marsh books evoke memories of my childhood. I guess I'm showing my age.

Book Log 39/2011 - Ben Macallan: Desdaemona

Ben Macallan: Desdaemona

I love this book. Ben Macallan is the new pen name for Chaz Brenchley, whose writing is always beautifully crafted. Spare and elegant, deceptive in its simplicity, this British urban fantasy story keeps up the tension right to the end, a real page-turner.

Jordan makes his living by finding kids who are on the run and guiding them back home. But he's on the run himself from something he doesn't want to admit to anyone. Not even himself. He looks like a regular teenager, but he isn't. He knows far too much about what lurks in the shadows in city, town and countryside.

Desi approaches Jordan to find her sister, Fay, who did a very bad thing involving an immortal. But  is everything quite as it seems? The short answer is, no, but that's as far as I'm going. No spoilers. You need to read this for yourself. Highly recommended.

I should just say, though, that it gave me quite a turn to discover a male character by the name of Jacey. There aren't many Jaceys in the world but I've carried my name around for a long time and it's definitely female.

Book Log 39/2011 - Ben Macallan: Desdaemona

Ben Macallan: Desdaemona

I love this book. Ben Macallan is the new pen name for Chaz Brenchley, whose writing is always beautifully crafted. Spare and elegant, deceptive in its simplicity, this British urban fantasy story keeps up the tension right to the end, a real page-turner.

Jordan makes his living by finding kids who are on the run and guiding them back home. But he's on the run himself from something he doesn't want to admit to anyone. Not even himself. He looks like a regular teenager, but he isn't. He knows far too much about what lurks in the shadows in city, town and countryside.

Desi approaches Jordan to find her sister, Fay, who did a very bad thing involving an immortal. But  is everything quite as it seems? The short answer is, no, but that's as far as I'm going. No spoilers. You need to read this for yourself. Highly recommended.

I should just say, though, that it gave me quite a turn to discover a male character by the name of Jacey. There aren't many Jaceys in the world but I've carried my name around for a long time and it's definitely female.