New Release Books by Joan Aiken

Two very different, but physically identical, young ladies meet at a boarding school once attended by Jane Austen. Joan Aiken''s engrossing regency novel is perfect for fans of the major Netflix romantic drama series, Bridgerton. Self-righteous Louisa wants to escape her grand family life in Northumberland and become a missionary in India. Imaginative and quiet Alvey has no family and only longs for peaceful independence to complete her novel. So when Louisa suggests swapping identities it seems like the perfect plan: Alvey will have a peaceful country manor in which to write her book and Louisa will be free to voyage across the globe. But when Alvey becomes a beloved and indispensable member of her extraordinary new family, how will they view the return of the more quarrelsome Louisa? Joan Aiken weaves a complicated plot of deception and identity, peopled with strong female characters, in this unique historical romance. ''Joan Aiken''s invention seemed inexhaustible, her high spirits a blessing, her sheer storytelling zest a phenomenon. She was a literary treasure, and her books will continue to delight for many years to come.'' Philip Pullman

''Joan Aiken''s invention seemed inexhaustible, her high spirits a blessing, her sheer storytelling zest a phenomenon. She was a literary treasure, and her books will continue to delight for many years to come.'' Philip Pullman Longing to flout convention and spread her wings in Society, Ellen Paget accepts a position as a governess in Paris. Old family friend Benedict Masham has long carried a torch for Ellen and is naturally stunned when she makes her departure. But when family tragedy and a subsequent scandal force Ellen to return to London, Benedict''s passion is reignited and he vows to express his love through unwavering help and support. Ellen will need to use all of her ingenuity and daring to solve the mysteries of the past and present and keep her family safe. But will she also find romance in a place she least expected? Praise for The Girl From Paris: ''The tale has echoes of both Charlotte and Emily Bronte, but the fast moving narrative and thoroughly modern sense of the ambiguities of character are all Miss Aiken’s own'' Guardian ''Joan Aiken blends elements of Villette, George Eliot and Thomas Hardy into a strong redemptive plot'' Observer

Jane Austen gave life to the fictional Watson family in 1803, but sadly abandoned them five chapters in. Acclaimed author Joan Aiken completed their story in her ingenious novel, Emma Watson. Emma Watson has been brought up by her aunt in a wealthy and refined household, an educated lifestyle far removed from her widowed father and five siblings. So when her aunt enters into an imprudent second marriage, nineteen-year-old Emma is sent back home and must join her sisters in their pursuit of a husband . . . Aiken takes on the fate of Austen’s characters with confidence and skill, flawlessly entwining themes of loss and love together in this stunning regency pastiche. ‘Joan Aiken’s invention seemed inexhaustible, her high spirits a blessing, her sheer storytelling zest a phenomenon. She was a literary treasure, and her books will continue to delight for many years to come’ – Philip Pullman

The Paget family''s adventures begin in this Gothic Regency romance from legendary author Joan Aiken, perfect for fans of Bridgerton, Netflix''s romantic drama series inspired by the novels of Julia Quinn. When danger forces expatriate English gentlewoman Juliana Paget to flee her home in Italy, she embarks on a journey full of thrilling adventure. Nothing could have prepared her for outwitting a French mob, crossing the Channel in a hot air balloon, or fending off the advances of the fascinating Count Welcker. Arriving in London just in time for her very first Season, Juliana is going to find all her ideals challenged and the truth of her heart finally revealed. ''Austenesque...equals that other doyenne of the genre, Georgette Heyer'' - Amanda Craig, Sunday Express

Jane Austen''s Emma has been a favorite novel for Austenites since 1816. But while the story of its heroine Emma Woodhouse is well known, the same can''t be said for her childhood friend, Jane Fairfax. The turmoil underlying Jane''s obscured background and reduced circumstances have always remained a mystery for readers of Austen''s beloved novel. Now, at last, we learn her whole story in Joan Aiken''s superb retelling of Emma-this time from Jane Fairfax''s point of view. When Jane Fairfax was originally published, Aiken''s wit, style, and skill prompted Booklist to say, "Brilliant...extraordinarily well done and highly recommended." Austen fans won''t want to miss this worthy companion to the original, now available in paperback for the first time.

"Joan Aiken''s invention seemed inexhaustible, her high spirits a blessing, her sheer storytelling zest a phenomenon. She was a literary treasure, and her books will continue to delight for many years to come." Philip Pullman Delphie Carteret is forced into a dangerous marriage of convenience in Joan Aiken’s stunning regency romance, The Five Minute Marriage. Perfect for fans of Bridgerton, the major romantic drama series from Netlix. Delphie has been disinherited from her family’s life of luxury and wealth, and as her mother''s health and wits deteriorate she has no choice but to seek help from distant relatives. However when she arrives at the family’s grand house she discovers part of their fortune is rightfully hers, and the only way to obtain her inheritance is through a sham marriage to her cousin. Unknowingly Delphie has tangled herself in a web of family rivalry and deceit which goes back for generations. Other members of the family are not just in debt but in the Marshalsea - the debtors'' prison described by Dickens. Forced to maintain the charade of her marriage, Delphie is finally drawn into a dramatic fight for her life, and a surprisingly romantic finale on the roof of the family mansion . . . Joan Aiken has woven together an enchanting plot of romance and rivalry that will grip readers till the very end. Fans of Georgette Heyer should definitely make this novel their next read.

Arabel and her notorious pet raven Mortimer make a welcome return to the Puffin nest. When Arabel''s father, Ebenezer Jones, drives his taxi home late one night he comes across ''a large black bird, with a hairy fringe around its beak.'' He takes it home and, from that moment on, life is never the same again for the Jones family. Arabel''s raven is called Mortimer - and he''s one in a million. ''Nevermore!'' he cries when astonished or upset, ''Down the hatch'' he thinks before gobbling bowler hats, stairs, telephones. He dislikes flying except in emergencies, and with disaster-prone Mortimer around there are plenty of those. There are seven hilarious escapades in this collection, brought to life by Quentin Blake''s wonderfully animated illustrations: THE MYSTERY OF MR JONES''S DISAPPEARING TAXI; MORTIMER''S PORTRAIT ON GLASS; MORTIMER''S CROSS; MORTIMER SAYS NOTHING; A CALL FROM THE JONESES; MR JONES''S REST CURE and ARABEL''S BIRTHDAY.

Arabel and her notorious raven Mortimer make a welcome return to Puffin Books! When Arabel''s father, Ebenezer Jones, drives his taxi home late one night he comes across ''a large black bird, with a hairy fringe around its beak.'' He takes it home and from that moment on, life is never the same again for the Jones family. Arabel''s raven is called Mortimer - and he''s one in amillion. ''Nevermore!'' he cries when astonished or upset, ''Down the hatch'' he thinks before gobbling bowler hats, stairs, telephones. He dislikes flying except in emergencies, and with disaster-prone Mortimer around there are plenty of those. There are six hilarious escapades in this collection, brought to life by Quentin Blake''s wonderfully animated illustrations.

A wonderful new reissued edition of the classic Joan Aiken short story collection illustrated with Jan Pienkowski''s iconic silhouettes. These East European fairytales have it all: drama, magic, heroes, fairies, dragons, mermaids, adventure, bravery and beauty...

The 9 stories in this collection explore the magic and mystery of strange lands populated not just by ordinary boys and girls but also by elves, fairies, kelpies, and a queen with screaming hair! In “Clem’s Dream,” a boy loses his dream and asks the Slipper, Tooth, Apple, Bread, and Water Fairies to help get it back for him. In “The Queen With Screaming Hair,” 5-year-old Princess Christina of Laurestinia snips off the white whiskers of the all-powerful palace cat, Crimplesham, who then transforms her golden hair into a hundred teasing, spiteful voices. And in the title story, Jason can see the patterns in the stars and remember every tune he ever whistled. When the wind forgets its favorite song, Jason reminds him and is granted a wish in return. He asks for a rainbow of his own to keep in his pocket, but will Jason be able to hold onto it? These inventive, thought-provoking adventures remind us of the magic of language and its power to educate and enchant. This ebook features illustrations by Margaret Walty and a personal history of Joan Aiken including rare images from the author’s estate.

The children of London are disappearing—can Is solve the mystery before she vanishes too? Is Twite, younger sister of the daring Dido, is on a desperate mission. An uncle she never knew just showed up at the cottage she shares with her sister Penny. He is being pursued by ravening wolves, and before he dies, the uncle begs her to find his missing son—Is’s cousin, Arun. The quest takes Is to London—a city mysteriously devoid of children, including the king’s only son and heir. Is soon finds herself aboard the Playland Express, a secret midnight train that leaves town once a month, just before the new moon. The kids aboard believe they’re headed to a far-off kingdom filled with fun and games. In reality, Playland is a freezing underground city ruled by the greedy “Gold Kingy,” who has lured the youngsters there under false pretenses. His real objective is to put them to work in the coal mines. But the worst is yet to come: Gold Kingy is none other than Is’s other uncle Roy! Now it’s up to Is to avoid a terrible fate and use her wits, ingenuity, and powers of telepathic communication to free the children. Is Underground is the 8th book in the award-winning Wolves Chronicles, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order. This ebook features an illustrated personal history of Joan Aiken including rare images from the author’s estate.

When Davey and his sister are orphaned, their grandmother comes from a remote island to look after them—bringing macabre powers and dark secrets When Davey and his family moved to the city from the island of Muckle Burra off the coast of Scotland, they left his grandmother behind. But now his parents are dead—after a car accident that left Davey confined to a wheelchair—and Gran has moved in to take care of him and his sister, Lu-Lyn. A strange girl with a bizarre personality, Lu-Lyn is obsessed with 2 things: ballet and returning to Muckle Burra, where she was born. She believes that both she and Gran are “Ridders” who have strange, dark powers: With just 1 cast of their Evil Eye, bad things will start to happen. . . . When Lu-Lyn puts a terrible curse on the neighborhood boys who’ve been terrorizing her, it seems as if Gran’s dark arts have followed her from Muckle Burra. Then tragedy rocks their family again, and Davey embarks on a journey that will reveal the true secret of his grandmother’s rare gift—and the limitless power of his own potential. This ebook features illustrations by Ian Andrew and a personal history of Joan Aiken including rare images from the author’s estate.

A secret village of elves living in the cupboard must fend off vacuum witches and deep-freeze trolls in the battles of the kitchen wars The people who live in the house have no idea that an entire village of elves resides in their china cupboard, behind the soup bowls and bread-and-butter plates. And when the humans start their spring-cleaning by taking everything out of the cabinets, the king elf’s crown disappears. Now the elven community is in a terrible state, and the only way to save the realm is to find what their ruler has lost. Luckily Prince Coriander has returned, after years of training at the elf school, to hunt down the crown. But the kitchen holds hidden dangers—Fendire, the infrared dragon who lurks behind the gas burners; deep-freeze trolls who can swallow an elf in a single mouthful; very scary kelpies in the dishwasher; and the great cat Mistigris. The prince soon finds himself battling a furnace dragon, retrieving his mother’s ring from the bottom of the dishwasher, and rescuing a nixie girl who lives in the kitchen sink—all while racing to discover who will become the new king of the elves! This ebook features illustrations by Jo Worth and a personal history of Joan Aiken including rare images from the author’s estate.

An English orphan unwittingly holds the key to a powerful source of magic The graduation ceremony of the Grand and Ancient College of Siberian Witches takes place in the winter darkness of the Far North. But despite the celebration, the night is full of warnings and worry. The Wanderer is abroad in search of the coveted Jewel Seed that has been lost for centuries. Whoever finds it can unlock all knowledge and will have unlimited power. . . . Meanwhile, orphan Nonnie Smith is leaving the home she shares with her grandmother and grown siblings in Sesame Green to go live in London with her cousins and eldest sister, Una. Nonnie’s problems begin when her old neighbor Mrs. Wednesday returns from the Siberian witch conference and discovers that someone has taken a mysterious shirt off her clothesline. Nonnie is sure the linen blouse was Una’s, but why is Mrs. Wednesday so desperate to get her hands on it? Then Una is kidnapped—along with famous historical characters Julius Caesar, Mozart, and Jane Austen—and it’s up to Nonnie and her cousin John to outsmart both the Winter People and Mrs. Wednesday in order to save her.. The Jewel Seed is Joan Aiken’s retelling of a story her father, the poet Conrad Aiken, used to tell her and her siblings when they were young. This ebook features illustrations by Peter Bailey and a personal history of Joan Aiken including rare images from the author’s estate.

A trio of fantasy and adventure tales by the award-winning author of the beloved Wolves Chronicles In “Fog Hounds,” Tad and his sister, Ermina, know better than to venture outside after dusk. Twilight is the time when huge misty creatures roam the land on silent feet, their eyes glittering like red pennies. No one who is chased by the hounds lives to tell the tale—that is, until the night Tad meets an unusual stranger. . . . In “Wind Cat,” Lukey Web has come to live with Aunt Mildrith, who used to be a witch and is writing a book about the history of magic mirrors while studying footprints in the sky. When their neighbors go on vacation, a striped cat named Tib is left in Lukey and her aunt’s care. It isn’t until 1 of Tib’s 9 lives is threatened that Lukey discovers her own awesome gifts. In “Sea Mice,” Hella looks out her window every night at the northern lights and her very own plum tree, which has just produced its 1st perfect crystal plum. It’s a special tree, a gift from her sea captain father, who warns Hella not to pick any fruit until she turns 12. When her dad’s ship sinks, everyone says that sea mice caught him and his crew. But Hella is not afraid; she has a different vision of these mystical creatures that will transform her life in the years to come. This ebook features illustrations by Peter Bailey and a personal history of Joan Aiken including rare images from the author’s estate.

After the mysterious disappearance of his mother and older brother, Cosmo is sent away to live with his father''s eccentric cousin, and to a strange school where he is lost and lonely among his unfriendly classmates. Luckily he can escape at weekends to the peace of his cousin''s ancient mill house, and the shadowy companions only he can see. But then he learns about the family curse, with which his visitors from the past seem to be connected. The ''shadow guests'' welcome Cosmo''s help but are their increasingly menacing activities linked to his own problems?

Dido Twite, with the help of some sacred shaman healers, must foil a sinister plot to overthrow the king of a remote South Sea island healers Sailing the high seas in pursuit of Lord Herodsfoot, roving ambassador to the ageing King James III, Dido Twite’s search has led her to the remote South Sea island of Aratu. She arrives with a new friend she made en route, the enigmatic Dr. Talisman, who is returning to the isle after many years. Soon they discover that there’s something even more dangerous in the ancient rain forest than its poisonous pearl snakes, sting monkeys, and 30-foot-long crocodiles. Dido and Talisman are confronted by the Angrian invaders, who drove the Dilendi natives from their home 400 years earlier. Luckily, Dido befriends the gentle Forest People, who can heal with their magical touch. When she learns about a plot to overthrow the island’s suffering king, Dido enlists the Forest People to help her thwart the scheme, save the monarch, and reunite him with his long-lost daughter. Dangerous Games is the 5th book in the award-winning Wolves Chronicles, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order. This ebook features an illustrated personal history of Joan Aiken including rare images from the author’s estate.

The hilarious adventures of an elderly pony named Mr. Mendelson and his 2 piano-playing field mice friends In a wild, remote place called Midnight Park, there lives an elderly Orkney pony named Mr. Mendelson. He is only 3 feet tall, is black all over, and has a big, handsome head. For years, Mendelson has been ridden by Sam, who is now old enough to go away to boarding school. But before he leaves, Sam asks his grandfather to buy Mendelson a piano. Not for Mendelson, because everyone knows horses can’t play the piano, but for Mendelson’s friends Gertrude and Bertha—2 talented field mice who were taught to play by a musician who lives in the park. Delighted when the piano is placed under a large oak tree, the mice promise Mendelson a concert at 6 p.m. every night. With 7 enchanting tales, Mice & Mendelson takes readers into the rich world of these farmyard friends. In 1 story, the old pony gets a bad case of the hiccups. In another, he learns to tell time with the help of Gertrude and Bertha, who wind his watch every day. In further adventures, Mendelson saves the moon from drowning in the pond and the village Christmas trees from being stolen. But what Mendelson really wants is to learn how to fly, and surprisingly his wish almost comes true—no thanks to the wicked ways of the scheming gipsy Dan Sligo! This ebook features illustrations by Babette Cole and a personal history of Joan Aiken including rare images from the author’s estate.

''Miss Aiken’s book is immensely enjoyable – her gift for gothic romantic charm is as effectively deployed as ever'' TLS Lucy Culpepper doesn’t take no for an answer. An aspiring pianist she dreams of being taught by the renowned Max Benovek and will defy all odds – life threatening illness, a missing great aunt, and a disgruntled uncle – to achieve it. After finding out her Uncle Wilbie has used up her college fund, Lucy discovers a selection of enchantingly beautiful paintings in the attic. Being the miserly man he is, Wilbie wants to keep any possible profits for these paintings and bargains on sending Lucy to England to find the artist – Great-aunt Fennel. Knowing Benovek lives in London she snaps up the opportunity and undertakes the adventure of a lifetime. But though Benovek proves easy to find and immediately takes Lucy to heart, she sets off to Yorkshire only to find that her old aunt Fennel has vanished. Lucy’s search entangles her in a mystery of murder and deceit . . . can they discover who is the real aunt Fennel? Awardwinning author Joan Aiken brings a shocking finale to a witty and entertaining plot full of unexpected twists and turns in modern suspense novel, The Embroidered Sunset.

''The Under People. They live in a huge Cave. They are thought to be boring upwards. Giant worms and flying ants. Underground magic.'' Mickle, the palace cat, knows something is wrong. He can feel it in his whiskers. Then he finds scribbled notes revealing that the kingdom in danger. (Yes, of course he can read. And speak - when he chooses to!) Mickle can''t trust the King and Queen with his mission, so he approaches Prince Michael and together, with the wise old mare Minerva, they set out on a perilous search to find the sinister Under People before they can invade Astalon.

''I wish we''ll have two children called Mark and Harriet. And I hope lots of interesting and unusual things will happen to them. It would be nice if they had a fairy godmother, for instance. And a phoenix or something out of the ordinary for a pet. We could have a special day for interesting and unusual things to happen - say, Mondays. But not always Mondays, and not only Mondays, or that would get a bit dull'' As a result of their mother''s honeymoon wish, Mark and Harriet Armitage have a fairy godmother, a pet unicorn, and are prepared for anything life can throw at them (especially, but not always, on a Monday): hatching griffins in the airing cupboard, Latin lessons with a ghost, furious Furies on the doorstep, and an enchanted garden locked inside a cereal packet. Life with the Armitages can be magical, funny, terrifying - but never, ever dull.

''Joan Aiken has produced a beauty . . . enjoyment rises up from every one of its 250 pages. Here is a pleasure of a book'' The Times Helikon is a unique spa on the Greek island of Drendos, run by the enigmatic Dr. Adnan from Aiken’s earlier novel, The Embroidered Sunset. In this tranquil setting outstanding musical performances combine with soothing medical treatments offer to treat a myriad of ailments, but can they heal the past? Stage manager ‘Mike’ Meiklejohn accompanied by her ailing mother and playwright Lady Julia Saint with her amnesic partner arrive at the luxury spa centre in the hope that their troubles will be healed – but their stay in this Greek idyll is soon shattered by two horrifying murders. As the women’s paths intertwine they plan to stage an opera performance of Hamlet, but the longer they spend at Helikon the more they learn about the secrets their loved ones are hiding from them . . . Full of suspense and surprise Last Movement is a holiday romance with a dark edge from awardwinning author Joan Aiken.

''Waiting for her, he was on edge with expectation. He had never planned a murder before ... Only sheer necessity was making him do it now ...'' Coincidence couldn''t explain the three accidental deaths. It had to be something more - something sinister? One old lady had fallen and broken her neck; the others had died in hit-and-run accidents. And now beautiful young Caroline Conroy, who has returned to her poisonous family after a mysterious tragedy abroad, must face the enemy: a smiling stranger who is calmly and ruthlessly planning her destruction. ''Terrifyingly enclosed spine-chiller'' Sunday Telegraph

''For sheer enjoyability this tops almost anything'' The Times Intelligent and spirited Georgia March flies to the beautiful Greek island of Dendros to meet her cousin Sweden, but upon arrival finds her cousin Sweden’s body lying in a pool blood . . . Georgia has come to the paradise island of Dendros in search of a new life, a new job, and a way to forget about her lost lover. Instead, her adventure begins with tragedy and takes her to a mountain-top fortress – home to a powerful multi-millionaire, his jet set friends and a school for unusual children. In this stunning Greek hideaway Georgia is hired as a teacher, but as she gets to know the children and their unconventional parents she becomes ensnared in a deadly international mystery. Our not-so hapless heroine must survive a series of bizarre brushes with death, but also deal with the attentions of a strangely charming man – is he really the wickedest man on the island? Somebody certainly wants her gone as she inches closer and closer to uncovering the truth about Sweden’s death . . . Joan Aiken reveals a strong heroine, a breathtaking backdrop and shocking plot twists – The Butterfly Picnic has all the elements of a holiday romance with a dark underside of suspense.

Joan Aiken, one of Jane Austen''s most sparkling successors, takes up Austen''s pen yet again, this time continuing where Pride and Prejudice left off in Lady Catherine''s Necklace. In Austen''s classic novel, the arrogant Lady Catherine de Bourgh tried vehemently to prevent the betrothal of her nephew Mr. Darcy, whom she had intended for her daughter Anne, to the less socially connected Elizabeth Bennet. Defeated, she retreats to her grand estate-- Rosings Park. This enchanting sequel tells the story of what happens one balmy April day when a sudden blizzard disrupts the weather, causes a carriage accident, and affects the lives of all those involved in a most amazing way. From out of the blizzard emerge the Delaval siblings. Miss Delaval, having twisted her ankle in the carriage accident, accepts Lady Catherine''s gracious hospitality while she recovers. But the Delavals'' presence proves disturbing to the entire household-- first causing the removal of two artists from their cottage home on the de Bourgh property, then meddling in Miss Anne''s marriage plans. Suddenly, Lady Catherine is kidnapped, revealing some members of the household to be not at all what they seemed.

What does a cockatrice enjoy most for dinner? Anyone it can find. So the alarmed inhabitants of England discover when a plague of monsters--known as cockatrices--invade their country and begin gobbling them up. They must be stopped! A plucky band of survivors dubbed the Cockatrice Corps--including youngsters Dakin and Sauna--decide to fight back. But how? A rollicking adventure filled with breathtaking twists and turns, The Cockatrice Boys is Joan Aiken at her comic best. At the Publisher''s request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Two intertwining adventures - one of English drama and one of Indian conflict - both meet at the Paget family home in the second of Joan Aiken''s romantic regency adventures The Weeping Ash. Juliana Paget kindly lends The Hermitage Estate to her widowed cousin and his new wife Fanny - on one condition - that if her other missing cousins are found they must be welcomed in. Little did Juliana know that cousin Thomas is a tyrant who torments his stoic wife, entrapping her in the beautiful Paget house. Thousands of miles away in India, twin Paget cousins are fleeing for their lives after the death of the old Maharaja has brought in new power. They journey by foot, camel, raft and sail across Kafiristan, Afghanistan, Persia, and Turkey before finally arriving at The Hermitage Estate. But the adventure does not stop here. A dark and explosive confrontation awaits the Pagets in this thrilling romantic adventure.

''Joan Aiken writes superbly, with a force, a colour and strength of imagination that one encounters all too rarely today. I loved every moment of it.'' London Daily Telegraph Strong and independent Vahalla Montgomery, a heroine straight out of a Henry James novel, abandons her New York career as a journalist to search for her half-brother in Joan Aiken’s gothic novel, Castle Barebane. Wishing to escape from her pretentious New York fiancé, Valla is happy to have an excuse to travel to England, only to discover that her half-brother and his wife have disappeared from their London home – leaving their young two children all alone. Finding Victorian London a gloomy and sinister place, haunted by a series of Ripper style murders, Valla takes the children up to Scotland to a bleak family property known as Castle Barebane. In this Gothic ruin, perched on the edge of a cliff, the mystery surrounding her missing brother only gets darker, and more terrifying . . . This unforgettable tale of love, loss, and human nature is brought to life by Joan Aiken’s vivid story-telling and gripping plot. If you love Virginia Andrews or Nicola Cornick, Joan Aiken should certainly be your next read.

Collects short stories on diverse subjects, including a spinster cat away on an island of talking mice, a doctor''s cure for a man-hating motorcycle stunt rider, and a village that appears for only three days a year.