'Gill Arbuthnott knows just what a strange and alien place a museum can be and she exploits the other-worldliness to spine-chilling effect. An unusual, enjoyable combination of fantasy thriller and psychological drama with a warmly satisfying ending.' -- Kathryn Ross, The Scotsman (Christmas Picks) 'A dramatic read, well crafted, well sustained and imaginative. Kate and David's friendship is based on that between Gill Arbuthnott's daughter and her friend, and its feeling of unforced authenticity is one of the strengths of the story. The relationships within the two families are also utterly convincing, written without affectation of self-consciousness. Aimed at 8 to 12 year olds.' -- Di Hope, Times Education Supplement Scotland 'A most engaging fantasy novel. What might have been a straightforward tussle is enriched and complicated by the personal circumstances of the children, particularly David for whom the temptation to return to a time when his mother is still alive proves desperately appealing. Edinburgh, and particularly the city's Museum of Scotland, provides the atmospheric setting and props for this tightly plotted novel. Dynamic and satisfying. For readers aged nine to 12.' -- Lindsey Fraser, Sunday Herald 'This time-slip novel is a great read: convincingly narrated with good characterisation, a plot full of mystery and suspense, and a palpable sense of history.' -- Booktrusted (www.booktrusted.com) 'A challenging read, with finely-drawn characters. The children are set in functional, as opposed to dysfunctional, families -- in itself a refreshing change; David's father is a single parent, but through death rather than divorce. And bereavement -- in particular, David's grieving for his mother -- is explored in a sensible and sensitive way. The first of a new series of 'Contemporary Kelpies', this novel is worthy of its famous predecessors.' -- Elizabeth Finlayson, School Librarian Journal 'I thought this book was well-written ... the story is very well done. I would give it marks for originality.' -- Stuart, James Gillespie's High School, Teen Titles

Gill Arbuthnott was born and brought up in Edinburgh, but escaped briefly to study in St Andrews and Southampton. She couldn't stay away, however, and now lives in Edinburgh with her family and Leonard the cat. When she's not writing, she works as a biology teacher. She has written several novels for children: The Chaos Clock, The Chaos Quest and Winterbringers (all Floris Books), as well as books with Barrington Stoke and The Keeper's Daughter, published by Chicken House.