Release: 31st August 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Blossom Spring Publishing
Source: Zooloos Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon
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It’s 1944 and the war, it seems will never end.
When Lizzy, her brother and sister, are evacuated to the village of Inglestone, they find their new home strange.
Under the shadow of the ruined Inglestone Manor, they meet Dorothy Inglestone, the last of her line, and the ever-watchful Mr and Mrs Gains. When they come to know of a treasure hidden in a ruin manor, they can’t resist trying to find it.
During hunting, they come across a strange boy roaming the ruins.
Not only the police wants the boy, but the Gains also want him. Can the Allens keep a secret and not betray the boy? Before long, their loyalties will be tested.
About the Author:
Originally from Guyana, a country in South America, S S Saywack came to London with his family in 1962. Educated in North London, he studied information graphics at a London college and then worked as a graphic designer for many years. He later changed careers and became a teacher at a sixth-form college in East London. Taking early retirement, he turned to a third career, being an author.
With a love for reading and history in general, he wrote his first novel that became the Mary Finch Series (four books for older children set in the fictional world of Sherlock Holmes and an additional chapter book to make five in total) and that was swiftly followed by Inglestone Manor.
His current writing scurries between children’s fiction and adult detective fiction.
To find out more about S S Saywack, you can visit his website, https://saywackwrites.com/ or find him on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/SSSaywack/
Inglestone Manor Review:
“Inglestone Manor” is a creative middle-grade historical fiction novel that follows three siblings and how their lives turn upside down when they arrive at the manor, and I found it intriguing.
Firstly, I enjoyed the way the author wrote the plot. What I appreciate about the story is how the author tries to incorporate a lot. It is part mystery, part historical fiction, part family drama, part middle-grade adventure, part fantasy (and perhaps even time travel), and it touches many genres. You never know what will happen next, and even though I have read quite a few middle-grade novels, I couldn’t guess what was happening here. The characters are memorable and charming, and the author expresses their feelings beautifully.
The highlight of the story was Lizzy. I loved how the author wrote Lizzy and how protective she is toward her loved ones. She is not afraid to put her foot down and even yell at the adults if needed, like Bill Gains. At the same time, Lizzy shares beautiful moments with Mrs. Inglestone and May. Similarly, Bill Gains is superb as the villain, and you wonder just how far his greed will take him. However, Mrs. Gains is perhaps the most complex character because you see her grow in the tale. Even Abel and Mrs. IngleStone were memorable and added a touch of mystery to their backstory.
Perhaps the only downside to the tale is that we saw less of the other children, particularly Billy. It would have been nice if Billy and May were equally prominent like Lizzy.
Overall, “Inglestone Manor” was lovely to read, and I look forward to reading more of the author’s works.
Book Tour Schedule
I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Inglestone Manor by S.S. Saywack Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.