It is 1873. Twelve year old orphaned Hattie, moves from
boarding school to the English Fens, to live with Great-aunt Iphigenia and Great-uncle
Sisyphus Lambton at Crumblin Castle. It is literally, crumbling around them as
repairs are undertaken only when money is available.
Both highly educated Egyptologists, Sisyphus
translates manuscripts, while Iphigenia conducts mummy unwrapping events for
the well-heeled members of society. Edwina and Edgar Raven who manage the
business side of the Lambton’s work, also live at the castle.
The greatest surprise of all is the housekeeper,
Sekhmet the cat and her five kitten helpers. Hattie feels that she has finally
found a home.
Curses, haunting and groaning apparitions in the
castle cause Hattie to privately question Iphigenia’s work. What is causing the
sounds? Is someone trying to tell Hattie something?
It is when the mummies run out and the Egyptian
government forbids the export of artifacts, that the Lambton’s income ceases. They
travel to Egypt in an attempt to secretly source their own supply. There they
meet unconventional, unscrupulous people ready to accommodate them.
Hattie, awed by what she sees and learns, recognises
that she will definitely follow in the family’s archaeological footsteps.
This brilliantly researched book is a pleasure to read.
Pamela Rushby has combined real events, fantasy and fiction to create an impressive
novel full of secrets, intrigue and history. Fabulous illustrations by Nellie
May Pierce add mystery and visually enhance the novel.
Rushby is an immensely talented and versatile writer
of over 200 books for children and young adults, documentaries, short stories,
TV scripts and more.
Title:
The Mummy Smugglers of Crumblin Castle
Author:
Pamela Rushby
Illustrator:
Nelle May Pierce
Publisher:
Walker Books, $17.99
Publication
Date: 1 July 2020
Format:
Paperback
ISBN:
9781760651930
For
ages: 8+
Type:
Junior Fiction