Redwulf's Curse: A Tom Marlowe Adventure - Hardcover

Priestley, Chris

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0385606958 ISBN 13: 9780385606950

Publisher: Doubleday UK, 2005

Synopsis

This exciting murder mystery, set in the eighteenth-century, delves into the Anglo-Saxon past.

Tom and Dr Harker’s latest adventure takes them outside London to visit a friend, Mr Gibbs, in Norfolk who has recently unearthed fabulous Anglo-Saxon treasures from an archaeological excavation. They are believed to have belonged to the East-Anglian king, Raedwulf. Local legend tells of a ghostly guardian of the king’s tomb and a curse against anyone who threatens it.

When not one but two murders occur in the Gibbs’ household, it is hard to dismiss the legend. As the atmosphere of hostility increases, Tom and Harker investigate. Discovering in fact that Gibbs’ wife is behind the attacks seems to explain what’s been happening. But then Tom sees a figure in the mist.

About this title

About the Author

Chris Priestley is a writer and political cartoonist. This is his first young adult novel.


From the Trade Paperback edition.

Reviews

Grade 6-10–Young Tom Marlowe and his friend Dr. Harker have had enough of the smog-filled air of London. It's 1716 and an invite to stay in the country with Harker's friend Abraham Gibbs is readily accepted. Once they arrive in Norfolk, they discover Gibbs's excavation of Redwulf, an East Anglian warrior king of the seventh century. It now appears that a supernatural figure is wreaking vengeance on those who have dared to disturb the king's grave. Tom becomes wrapped up in a series of strange events involving a mute giant, stolen treasures, and a neighboring landowner who may be in league with the devil. This third book in the continuing saga sticks closely to the formula already established. Action moves at a fast clip, effortlessly combining the essence of a good old-fashioned murder mystery with ghostly undertones. With its unique 18th-century setting, the book is certain to interest readers who are looking for good adventure. This stand-alone novel is a rousing addition to any mystery collection.–Elizabeth Bird, New York Public Library
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Gr. 6-9. Eighteen-year-old Tom Marlowe and his elderly friend, Dr. Harker, travel to Norwalk to learn more about the artifacts of an ancient east-Anglian king, Redwulf, which have recently been excavated. They arrive during the funeral of a young servant girl who has died in the nearby marshes. A second death, resulting from an attack by a deaf and mute giant, and the disappearance of the valuable Redwulf artifacts lend credence to the tomb's legendary curse. This fast-paced, chilling tale, set in 1716 England, is part of the Tom Marlowe Adventure series, but it will easily stand alone. Well paced and filled with spine-tingling detail, the story will intrigue reluctant readers, mystery seekers, and history buffs alike. Small ink drawings open each chapter and extend the eerie atmosphere. Frances Bradburn
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Doubleday UK
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0385606958
• ISBN 13: 9780385606950
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 176