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Midwatch

Rossell, Judith

$27.99

20 in stock

20 in stock

The biggest children’s book of the year! The Midwatch is the long-awaited new middle-grade novel from internationally bestselling author-illustrator Judith Rossell, creator of the multi-award-winning novel Withering-by-Sea.

‘The city was stuffed full of wickedness, everyone knew that …’

Banished to the Midwatch Institute for Orphans, Runaways and Unwanted Girls, Maggie Fishbone is sure she’s in for a life of drudgery. But she quickly discovers there’s more to the Midwatch than meets the eye …

The city shimmers with jewels and secrets, and soon Maggie is thrust into an adventure that takes her deep underground, high above the clouds and face to face with danger itself.

Turn the page and prepare to be drawn into a lavishly illustrated world, brimming with mystery, unlikely heroines and an adventure as big as the sky.

PRAISE FOR THE MIDWATCH

‘Gasp-out-loud brilliant! An absolute treasure of a book.’
– KATRINA NANNESTAD, bestselling author of We Are Wolves

‘I was hooked from the beginning … Move over Lemony Snicket!’
– KAREN FOXLEE, award-winning author of Lenny’s Book of Everything

‘Welcome all treasure-hunters and mystery-solvers to the Midwatch Institute … [where] disobedient girls are not to be underestimated!’
– AMELIA MELLOR, award-winning author of The Grandest Bookshop in the World

‘A cracking concept, sensational characters and absolutely smashing pictures: The Midwatch is the cat’s pyjamas!’
– JACLYN MORIARTY, award-winning author of the Kingdoms and Empires series






Format: Hardback
Pages: 320
Imprint: Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing
Publication date: 01/10/2024

Staff review

The Midwatch
by Judith Rossell
Review by Alex A

A totally charming, propulsive steampunk mystery! Maggie Fishbone is sent to live at the dreaded Midwatch Institute for Orphans, Runaways, and Unwanted Girls, and assumes she is facing a life of drudgery.

Once she arrives, however, the Midwatch is revealed to be a secret spy academy for girls, with classes in Disguises, Concealment, and Knot-Tying. They soon find themselves embroiled in their first case, involving a missing orchid-grower, a jewel thief, and a mysterious night monster.

Guided by their indomitable teachers, the girls venture into a Berlin-esque city, make their way onto airships, through secret tunnels, and gather the clues they need to save the day. Good gravy!

This gorgeously-illustrated, girls-own mystery adventure was such a joy to read, perfect for ages 8-12. Similar to the Hedgewitch or Crookhaven series.