The Black Fox of Beckham (Paperback or Softback)

Set in the village of Beckham, nestled in the English countryside, where fox hunting has been a way of life for hundreds of years, a rare black fox is spotted shortly before the opening of the hunt season. The Beckhamshire County Hunt Club seizes on the opportunity to exploit a long history of sinister legends concerning black foxes in order to generate interest in the hunt and raise money for a sport that a growing segment of the population regard as cruel. The disturbing stories about black foxes quickly spread through the village and surrounding countryside, igniting rumors of an evil black fox and its witch handler. The master of foxhounds vows to track down and kill the now infamous “black fox of Beckham.” But this fox has embraced the guidance of her father before he was killed by hunters. “What makes you different also makes you powerful.” Arabella, the black fox, is befriended by kindred spirits: the autistic daughter of the secretary of the hunt, and a reclusive Gypsy widow who is regarded by many as suspicious. The three proudly brand themselves “the peculiars” and promise to end fox hunting in England.

The Black Fox of Beckham is a tale for young adult readers about winning at any cost, superstition, prejudice and being different and the magic of friendship.