Lucas Bell is an orphan, sent to live at Midnight Court with his ill-tempered guardian. He longs for a friend - someone to have adventures with. But when Anna-Marie arrives from France, she's spoilt, wilful, and ungrateful for his friendsip. But one night Midnight Court burns down, and now Lucas and Anna-Marie are truly on their own. Forced on to the streets of Blastburn, they must fight to survive ...

A compelling tale of villainy and suspense from a best-selling author.

There are 368 pages in this book. This book was published 1998 by Hachette Children's Group .

Joan Aiken is one of the best loved authors of the twentieth century, and has written over a hundred books for young readers and adults, including "A Necklace of Raindrops," "The Winter Sleepwalker and Other Stories," and "The Youngest Miss Ward. " Illustrator Simon Bartram is one of the most talented young illustrators working today. He has won several awards for his illustrations including the V&A Award for illustration Simon is available for events in shops and lbraries