The White Rider (Tom Marlowe Series #2)

by Chris Priestley

Overview

The gripping sequel to Death and the Arrow.

London, 1716. The streets are buzzing with intrigue and young Tom Marlowe is caught in the fascinating heart of it. At home, there are strange revelations about Tom's family. Outside, the roads are haunted by a mysterious highwayman. The White Rider is a robber so fierce that he kills his victims simply by pointing at them! With the help of his mentor, Dr. Harker, Tom is desperate to strip away at least some of the secrets crowding into his life. He may not know who is behind the White Rider's gruesome mask, but he can't resist the chance to investigate.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780552554749
Publisher:	Transworld Publishers Limited
Publication date:	04/28/2007
Series:	Tom Marlowe Series , #2
Edition description:	New
Pages:	246
Product dimensions:	5.12(w) x 7.81(h) x 0.62(d)
Age Range:	12 Years

About the Author

Chris Priestley started his professional life as a cartoonist; his work has often been published in the Independent and the New Statesman. He is fascinated by history and has written historical non-fiction for children, as well as the original Tom Marlowe mystery, Death and the Arrow. His first ever book, Dog Magic!, published by Corgi Pups was shortlisted for the Children's Book Award. Chris lives in Norfolk with his wife and young son.

Table of Contents

Editorial Reviews

The action never lets up, surprising discoveries and reversals in every chapter.

Booklist

Tom Marlowe, nearing his 16th birthday, is in the midst of the violent turmoil of early 18th-century England. As the bitter and bloody conflict between the Jacobites and Loyalists to King George intensifies, a mysterious highwayman is robbing and murdering people in the outlying forests of London. Victims of these robberies report that the thief has a white skull face and possesses the power to kill simply by pointing his staff. Tom accompanies his eccentric mentor, Dr. Josiah Harker, as they examine lingering questions related to the death of an unidentified Scottish man. Their inquiry leads them to the cadaver doctors. A new veil of secrecy surrounds Tom's relationship with Dr. Harker, who Tom believes may be involved with Jacobite sympathizers. Seeking a refuge to sort things out Tom visits his best friend, Ocean, at the Lamb and Lion print house where he encounters a stranger from America whose identity threatens to upset his life forever. This historical adventure begins at a gallop and sustains the pace throughout. Historical facts and events, including dialog in the vernacular of the day, are complemented by engaging characters and plot twists. The White Rider is a valuable contribution to historical fiction collections for the middle grades. KLIATT Codes: J—Recommended for junior high school students. 2004, Trafalgar Square, 185p., Ages 12 to 15.
—Ernie Cox

KLIATT