THE TUNNELS OF TARCOOLA

A spooky old house, an historical mystery, an underground mine and a rising tide ... the stage is set for a classic real-life adventure in the tradition of Enid Blyton and Arthur Ransome.

When Martin goes exploring under the cliffs with his friends David and Andrea, and his sister Kitty, they find every kid’s dream: a network of tunnels running under the park, with a secret exit under a mysterious ruined house. It’s a great place for adventures, as long as their parents don’t find out and forbid them to go there. As Kitty learns more about the old house, she begins to suspect that it is hiding something else, something very important to the ancient lady who once lived there. She tries to tell the others, but as usual no one is listening to her. Martin wants to play out the fantasy adventure games he loves, David wants to forget about growing up for a while, and Andrea – well, Andrea will do anything as long as she doesn’t have to obey the rules. But David also wants to help his mother and grandfather in their fight to save the ‘Haunted House’ from demolition, and it seems that the old lady’s secret just might be the key. Are they imagining things, or are they being watched by someone who is very keen to see just what they are going to find in the old house? Feedback from the sales team: • Brilliant! Love the combination of kids adventure, real history and great setting … • Fantastic – the standout children's title for me this month … • Sold in well. Love the story. Watch this one fly! ... • Almost an oasis in a sea of paranormal and issues ... • This went over a treat. Bring on wholesome … Jennifer Walsh grew up in a country town and when she wasn’t jumping off haystacks she was reading. She has worked as a teacher, in the theatre, and as a commissioned writer – a job which took her all round the world. Jennifer now lives in Sydney and The Tunnels of Tarcoola is her first novel for children.