Tag: stephen m giles

The Vulture of Sommerset, by Stephen M Giles

‘NO!’ It came from the front of the house and stopped them all dead. And then…
‘AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!’
The cry seemed to grow like a wave, rolling down the vast corridor and crashing into the kitchen. the voice was unmistakable. Time seemed to float. Fearful looks were exchanged.
‘Aunt Rosemary,’ whispered Adele.
They raced from the kitchen, her scream still ringing in their ears.

Adele, Isabella and Milo are happy living at Sommerset House, which they inherited when their evil, but wealthy, uncle died. But when their beloved Aunt Rosemary disappears mysteriously after a disastrous dinner party , their lives are thrown into chaos. Milo battles demons, and bad dreams, Isabella battles her own vanity and a maid who seems to always get wrong, and Adele battles to hold everything together and solve the mystery of her aunt’s disappearance. It will take all their combined courage and skill to overcome the odds and save Aunt Rosemary before it is too late.

The Vulture of Sommerset is a sequel to Silas and the Winterbottoms and will appeal especially to readers who have read the first title. A blend of mystery, gothic adventure and humour will satisfy upper primary readers.

The Vulture of Sommerset

The Vulture of Sommerset, by Stephen M Giles
Pan Macmillan, 2010

This book can be purchased online from Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.

Silas and the Winterbottoms, by Stephen M. Giles

Dear Adele,
This letter may come as something of a surprise as we have never met. Time, however, is not on my side, so allow me to get straight to the point. I am dying and it is my wish that I might get the chance to know you, at least a little, before death takes me…I have enclosed a cheque for $10 000 to cover the necessary travel arrangements and additional expenses…
Your uncle,
Silas Winterbottom.

Adele Winterbottom did not expect a letter from her uncle. Neither did her cousins Milo and Isabella. None of them have ever met Uncle Silas. After all, he has not been in contact with his family for decades, except occasionally to insult them or refuse their requests for money. Now, though, Silas is dying, and the children believe he will choose one of them to be his heir. All three children come from families with money problems, and inheriting Silas’ money could make dreams come true. One of the children, however, doesn’t want a bar of the money and the other two are in competition to win Silas’ favour.

Holidaying in the luxurious surrounds of Sommerset proves to be no picnic. Not only do they need to outwit each other, but the cousins also find themselves caught up in mystery and intrigue they could have never imagined – including a fight for their lives.

Silas and the Winterbottoms is a gothic tale of intrigue, adventure and humour, complete with evil relatives, orphans, crocodiles, secret schemes and great escapes. Young fans of series such as Lemony Snicket will enjoy this one, the first in a series.

Silas and the Winterbottoms

Silas and the Winterbottoms, by Stephen M. Giles
Pan Macmillan, 2009

This book can be purchased online from Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.