Any book by Philip Pullman, award-winning author of Northern Lights, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass, is guaranteed to be a corker and The Shadow in the North is no exception. Set against the backdrop of a veiled and misty Victorian underworld, the story of Sally Lockhart-- female entrepreneur and expert financial advisor--and her allies Jim and Fred, begins to unfold as news of the disappearance of the steamship Ingrid Linde reaches the ears of the intrepid trio. As they investigate the loss, they are unwittingly drawn into a dark and sinister plot fuelled by the business dealings of the cruel and heartless Bellman. As their investigations continue, strange and supernatural forces intercede, leading them deeper into the menacing back streets of Victorian London and taking them on a journey into the very heart of true evil. Few authors spin such a cracking yarn as Pullman and The Shadow of the North, a complex story with seemingly endless and breathless twists, turns and cliffhangers, is one of his best. An intelligent, explosive, superbly written yarn that will mesmerise older readers. (Ages 11 and over) --Susan Harrison
ALOIS NEBEL 
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