From the queen of historical fiction, a thrilling, deliciously creepy story that is sure to freeze your blood . . .

They were coming tonight to tell ghost stories. ''A tale to freeze the blood,'' was the only rule.

Switzerland, 1816. On a stormy summer night, Lord Byron and his guests are gathered round the fire. Felix, their serving boy, can''t wait to hear their creepy tales. Yet real life is about to take a chilling turn- more chilling than any tale. Frantic pounding at the front door reveals a stranger, a girl covered in the most unusual scars. She claims to be looking for her sister, supposedly snatched from England by a woman called Mary Shelley. Someone else has followed her here too, she says. And the girl is terrified.

This breathtaking new book from Emma Carroll, the critically-acclaimed author of Frost Hollow Hall, The Girl Who Walked On Air, In Darkling Wood and The Snow Sister, is a deliciously creepy story inspired by the creation of Frankenstein, and is brought to life by a leading talent in children''s literature.

''A deliciously gothic thriller.'' The Bookseller

‘Tremendous fun.’ The Financial Times

‘Five stars for Strange Star.’ The Times, Children''s Book of the Week

‘Like Michael Morpurgo and Philip Pullman, Carroll . . . writes with the supreme, almost casual confidence of someone who knows she can keep her listeners in thrall.’ The Telegraph

‘If your middle grade kids (ages 8-12) haven’t discovered Emma Carroll yet, then they’re missing out.’ Irish Times

‘A fast, exciting read.’ The School Librarian