Book details
Catchpole Curse
Description
Teenagers Ben and Emma share many things with their ancestors, including twins' communication skills and a curse that has blighted the family for 200 years. And this summer, it seems the curse will exact its final revenge - the destitute Catchpoles will have to sell their beloved Cornish home, Penrose. A fall down an abandoned cliff-top mineshaft brings Ben and Emma face to face with the ghosts of their ancestral twins. They time slip back to the 19th century and are forced by ruthless smugglers to help bring a cargo ashore, which, they discover, contains something far more valuable than merely brandy barrels. At the critical moment, soldiers ambush the smugglers, whose leader, convinced that the Catchpoles betrayed them, curses the family. Ben and Emma come back to the present day and into a media frenzy. They have to contend with a muckraking journalist, a vengeful family descended from the smugglers, an armed robber and parents who don't understand. The Catchpoles will have to pull together if they are to have any hope of clearing their family's name and saving Penrose - and reconciling with the family that once cursed their name. The Catchpole Curse is a fast-paced time-slip fantasy that will be enjoyed by children aged 11-14 years. Set in the idyllic Cornish countryside, this book mixes the surreal with the modern day to take the reader on a unique adventure through the Catchpoles' family history and turbulent present day struggles.
Age
8-12
Text complexity
proficient
Length
300 pages
Book in series
#1
Why to read
- Engaging Plot: The 'Catchpole Curse' offers an intricate and suspenseful storyline that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.
- Unique Characters: Paul Knight has created a cast of memorable characters, each with their own quirks and backstories, making the reader invested in their fates.
- Rich World-Building: The book features a well-constructed setting that immerses readers in the world of the Catchpole Curse, with vivid descriptions and a strong sense of place.
- Themes and Messages: 'Catchpole Curse' explores thought-provoking themes such as the nature of destiny, the power of family bonds, and the struggle between good and evil, providing ample material for discussion and reflection.