The Secret of Helmersbruk Manor
A Christmas Mystery
Eva Frantz author Annie Prime translator Elin Sandström illustrator
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Pushkin Children's Books
Published:12th Oct '23
Should be back in stock very soon
A twelve-year-old girl uncovers mysteries at an abandoned mansion during Christmas. The Secret of Helmersbruk Manor is a captivating holiday adventure.
In The Secret of Helmersbruk Manor, readers are introduced to twelve-year-old Flora Winter, who, along with her mother, travels to the quaint seaside town of Helmersbruk for the Christmas season. Upon their arrival, Flora stumbles upon an abandoned mansion that seems to have leaped out of a storybook. The enchanting atmosphere of the town is quickly overshadowed by the peculiar occurrences surrounding the manor, sparking Flora's curiosity and sense of adventure.
As Flora explores the mansion, she encounters mysterious porcelain figures that appear seemingly at random, adding to the intrigue of her surroundings. A strange boy in a green cap enters her life, seeking friendship and perhaps holding clues to the mansion's secrets. The whispers she hears during the night suggest that the manor is not as empty as it seems, enveloping Flora in a captivating enigma that she feels compelled to solve.
With Christmas approaching, Flora races against time to uncover the truth behind Helmersbruk Manor. As the days of Advent pass, each chapter reveals a new piece of the puzzle, intertwining Flora's journey with the magic of the season. Will she be able to solve the mystery before the holiday arrives? The Secret of Helmersbruk Manor is a delightful tale that combines adventure, friendship, and the spirit of Christmas in a way that will charm readers of all ages.
'This is an intriguing mystery tale. The book is also an exquisite object, beautifully bound with gold lettering and a deliciously spooky front cover image - a hefty, impressive Christmas present... Will draw in curious over-12s, with a layered mystery to solve and a satisfying emotional resolution' - Big Issue, Kids' Books of the Year
'Ideal to snuggle up with on a chilly evening, this evocative, gentle ghost story for 9+ has a hint of Tom's Midnight Garden' - Guardian
'An authentic classic ghost story that speaks to Victorian traditions, while also bringing an accessible modern sensibility... It would make an excellent advent gift' - Irish Times
'So compelling and absorbing that it is impossible to put down! A brilliant, gripping story - perfect for Christmas, but a great read at any time of year!' - Through the Bookshelf
'The story is told in 24 chapters, each just the right length to be read aloud before bedtime, beginning with a beautiful illustration by Elin Sandstrom, and ending in a suitable cliffhanger. The idea is to read one chapter a day, in 'real time' with the story, until the happy conclusion on Christmas Eve, a concept I find utterly charming. However, it is such an enjoyable read that it might be difficult to ration it' - Swedish Book Review
ISBN: 9781782694182
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
272 pages