Bella’s Den – a story about a country childhood
Bella’s Den is set in Edale, in the Peak District. It is a story about friendship, a family of foxes, and a farmer. Dyslexic-friendly. 7+
These books should all still be currently available, although please bear in mind that they can sometimes be out of stock for shorter or longer periods.
Here you can find my other books, which are currently unavailable or out of print. You may be able to find secondhand copies of many of them.
Blue John – a magical story set in the Castleton Caverns
Blue John is a magical story set in one of the Castleton Caverns in the Peak District. The Queen of Darkness makes a beautiful child from ice and fire, and says he must never leave her. Dyslexic-friendly. 5+
Children of Winter – my novel about the Plague in Eyam
Children of Winter is a historical time-slip novel set in the Derbyshire village of Eyam. Three siblings have to survive alone in a barn during the Great Plague of 1666. 8+
Classic Fairy Tales – 12 retellings of fairy tale classics
Classic Fairy Tales is a much-loved re-telling of some of the most popular fairy tales in the world, beautifully illustrated by Jane Ray. Shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway award.
The Company of Ghosts – set on a wild, haunted island
The Company of Ghosts is a ghost story set on a wild and haunted island off the coast of Scotland. When Ellie is abandoned there, alone, by her friend’s brother George, mysterious happenings begin. Carnegie medal nomination.
Daughter of the Sea – set on Papa Stour, Shetland Islands
Daughter of the Sea is an award-winning selkie book set on the Shetland island of Papa Stour. Gioga is found by a fisherman, and he and his wife bring her up as their own. But one day the Lord of the Oceans comes to claim her back.
Dear Nobody – the Carnegie-winning young adults’ novel
Dear Nobody is a Carnegie-winning Y/A novel about love and teenage pregnancy, and is my most translated book. When Helen and Chris (17 and 18) find out that she is pregnant, they and their families are deeply shocked, but they have to decide for themselves what to do. TV film.
Deep Secret – a historical novel set in the Derwent Valley
Deep Secret is a historical novel (1940s) set in the beautiful Derbyshire Derwent valley, home of identical twin sisters. When their village is drowned to create Ladybower reservoir, many secrets will go with it. Carnegie medal nominated. 12+
Far From Home: The Sisters of Street Child
Far From Home, The Sisters of Street Child, tells the story of Jim Jarvis’s sisters, Emily and Lizzie, forced to work in a Victorian cotton mill. Jim has been rescued from the streets by Dr Barnardo, but will they ever find a home? 9+
The Girl Who Saw Lions (previously Abela)
The Girl Who Saw Lions, first published as Abela, is set in Tanzania and Sheffield. Abela, an HIV/Aids orphan, and Rosa, an only child who lives with her mum, lead very different lives. Abela is smuggled to England as an illegal immigrant, desperately needing love and a home. 11+
Granny Was a Buffer Girl
Granny was a Buffer Girl, set in industrial Sheffield from the 1930s to the 1980s. Three generations of Jess’s family tell her the heart-breaking and funny family stories that bind them together. Carnegie medal, Boston Globe-Horn Honor. 11+
The Haunted Hills
Carl’s parents bring him to the countryside, to recover from personal tragedy. Is there really a ghost in the hills, or is he losing his grip on reality?
Jeannie of White Peak Farm – family story set in Derbyshire
Jeannie of White Peak Farm is set in Derbyshire. Jeannie tells the secrets and hardships of her family, living on a remote hill farm. Will she leave, like her brother Martin? Carnegie nominated. 10+
Joe and the Dragonosaurus – an illustrated story
Joe and the Dragonosaurus. At school, children are writing stories about their pets. Joe can’t have pets because of his mother’s asthma, so he invents a fantasy creature. But a farm animal next door is dying. Can Joe help? Dyslexia friendly. 6+
Nightmare: Two Ghostly Tales – Nightmare/Ghost Galleon
Nightmare: Two Ghostly Tales, brings together two of my most popular ghost stories. In Nightmare two children encounter a black horse trapped in ice on a desolate Derbyshire moor. Ghost Galleon is set on the Fens, where Charlie finds himself caught up with the Spanish Armada. Diamond Band 17.
Requiem – a novel for adults, set in 1950s Ireland
Requiem is my first adult novel, set in rural Ireland in 1950s. Cecilia is devastated when she uncovers a family secret, and leaves home to live in Venice and pursue a career as a singer. But her family ties are too strong, and she must make her peace.
The Sailing Ship Tree – a daring adventure set in Liverpool
The Sailing Ship Tree is set in Liverpool just before the First World War. Twins Walter and Dorothy are children of servants at the mansion of the owners of a shipping line. They befriend Tweeny, a servant, and also Master George from the House, and embark on a daring adventure. Carnegie nominated. 10+
The Snake-Stone – a story of an adventurous quest
The Snake-stone is the story of an adopted boy, James, a diving champion with hopes of competing in the Olympics. He longs to learn about his past, so leaves his training aside and sets off alone on an adventurous quest to discover his roots. Carnegie nominated. 10+
The Snow Queen – a retelling of Hans Andersen’s classic
The Snow Queen is a retelling of the wonderful Hans Andersen story, in which Kay, with a splinter of ice in his heart, deserts his home to live with the Snow Queen. His friend Gerda sets off on a fantastic journey to save him. 8+
Rose Doran Dreams – a psychological fairy tale
Rose Doran Dreams is a psychological fairy tale. Rose escapes into magical stories that she and her strange, fantasist neighbour Paedric create. Can she ever find her true self again?