The Runaways of Haddington Hall

Vivian French is a writer of tremendous charm. Literary Review \r\n\r\nIrresistible characters and a compulsive plot, with twists aplenty; Vivian French conjures up the very spirit of Dickensian England in a wonderful new novel for middle-grade readers. \r\n\r\nThe city of Middleminster has become a battlefield. Not one but two Charitable Ladies Associations are scouring the streets, searching for plucky urchins to rescue. A young laundry-maid by the name of Minnie OSullivan is soon whisked away to Paradise Cottage, a nightmarish home for wayward orphans - even though her mother is very much alive. Her friends plot to help her, but first theyll have to outwit Mrs Doomchapel, a wicked philanthropist, and Obadiah Marpike, a dastardly conman hiding in plain sight...\r\n\r\nDelightful ... with its edge-of-your-seat pace, it deserves applause. Sunday Times (Childrens Book of the Week) on The Steam Whistle Theatre Company\r\n\r\nStorytelling at its best ... a classic in the making. The Scotsman on The Steam Whistle Theatre Company