The year is 1682. A time of watchfulness and distrust.

When Reuben's grandmother is accused of witchcraft and hanged he knows he must get away before he becomes the next victim of suspicion.

Reuben leaves the safety of his village. On the road Reuben is picked up by the strange Doctor Flyte and his slow-witted assistant, Baggs. The pair seem to offer help and friendship, but in return, Reuben must take part in Flyte's sinister medical show.

Is the smooth-mannered Flyte all he seems? What is the truth about Baggs's history?

Reuben finds himself involved in a terrifying plot that in the end threatens his own life....

There are 272 pages in this book. This book was published 2006 by Hachette Children's Group .

Rebecca Lisle was born in Yorkshire. She trained at Oxford University as a Biology teacher. After having lived in New York and Switzerland, she now lives in Bristol with her husband, two sons, and two cats.