'Once upon a time there was a boy, and they called him Mouse . . . ' That is how the story began when I told it to myself in the long darkness. Of course, it wasn't the whole story, but back then I knew nothing, almost nothing at all . . . Mouse is unaware of his privileged background: of Epton Towers, the luxurious home in which he was born, and its magnificent surrounding grounds. Instead he lives a happy and carefree life with Hanny and Isaac on Roseberry Farm - until one day when the evil Mr Button threatens Hanny and Isaac and takes Mouse away. Mr Button installs Mouse at grim Murkstone Hall, a school that lives and breathes terror. Can Mouse escape and find his way to his true family again? A brilliantly evoked tale full of memorable characters, including Nick Tick, the tiny but clever clockmaker, Aunt Indigo and Aunt Violet, two strong-minded seamstresses and washerwomen, and Charlie Punch and his amazing dog Toby. These warm-hearted and generous characters see the plight of Mouse and each in their own way help him towards his destiny. But will they be enough to upset the continual scheming of the villainous Mr Button?

 

There are 464 pages in this book. This book was published 2011 by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC .

Penny Dolan is well known for a host of books for younger readers. This is her first novel for older readers. Penny lives in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.