Charlie's Truth
Introducing Charlie's Truth
The first instalment in the Charlie Hipkiss Mysteries series by author Alistair Rainey, published by Grosvenor House Publications.
UNCOVER AN HISTORIC MYSTERY IN ROMAN BRITAIN
Charlie Hipkiss is lazy and has an answer for everything, while Saima Noor is sensible and hardworking. Both pupils, in Year 5 at Wicton Village Primary, find that truth and lies are never far apart when a school trip turns their world upside down.
Wicton Village museum is under threat and a furious Miss Isadora Dean, the mysterious curator, invokes the power of an ancient force. Unaware, the two classmates are thrust back in time to cruel, Roman Britain. Trickery, robbery and murder confront them and threaten their very lives! Survival is everything if they are ever to return home...
Lectio Felix - Happy Reading!
Reviews
Charlotte Walker, LoveReading4kids Ambassador
Each of the characters are well-crafted, with Charlie's reputation for telling lies both getting him into and out of trouble and Saima's studious nature that helps them to figure out what is happening and what to do next.
The two characters are very different, and these differences are utilised throughout the book, allowing them to work together and overcome challenges. Charlie and Saima also learn from each other and become a bit more open to their new friend's perspectives.
The plotline is very well researched and includes a lot of detail about Roman history that would appeal to young history fans. With the added excitement of the time travel element I think that this would be an engaging and educational story for the 9-12 target audience.
Jenny Warren, Editor (CIEP)
What a brilliant book!
The plot is excellent and the time travel element works really well. There is a fascinating level of detail about Roman Britain, although we don't get bogged down in the terminology at all as it is introduced so naturally.
The excellent energy keeps us turning the pages. Altogether this makes for a warm and compelling story.
I'm very much hoping there is a sequel!