Actor Tamzin Merchant adds another feather to her cap – that of writer, with her debut novel, The Hatmakers. It is the first in an imaginative adventure series, that will thrill readers of magical fantasy.
Set in London of the 1700s, the Makers are rival families that make clothing of different kinds. Cordelia belongs to the Hatmakers, a long line of milliners that weave magic into their creations. She lives with her Aunt Ariadne, Uncle Tiberius and the very elderly great-aunt Petronella.
On a stormy night, she gets news that her father, Prospero, is lost at sea after his ship, The Jolly Bonnet crashes against rocks and sinks.
Cordelia has learnt that what is lost can be found. She refuses to believe that her father is dead and is determined to find him.
She sends out her Quest Pigeon Agatha with a message. If he is alive, Agatha will find him. This is the beginning of a search that will lead to the greatest adventure of her life.
The Hatmakers are currently in the process of making a Peace Hat for Princess Georgina to wear at her meeting with King Louis of France. The hat will guarantee peace between the two countries.
Not everyone wants peace. There are those that will go to extremes for money and power. Someone wants war. Just as the Peace talks are ready to go ahead, the Peace Clothes are stolen from all the Makers. Then the Menacing Cupboard is broken into. Who has them and what else are they prepared to do to stop the talks?
This is a fast-paced, action-filled magical read full of twists and turns through London’s alley ways where urchins will steal anything for a dry crust of bread. No one is who they pretend to be. Evil masters of sabotage that use the politics of power to get what they want, are constantly in play.
Will Agatha find Prospero? Can Princess Georgina succeed in escaping the clutches of the powerful that threaten peace and her life? Can Cordelia save the day?
The Hatmakers is cleverly told in a unique style and voice. Intriguing historical information keeps popping up adding interest. Fabulous illustrations are scattered throughout the chapters. that excite the readers’ minds
This novel heralds a new writing talent whose stories will be gobbled up by lovers of this genre.
Title: The Hatmakers
Author: Tamzin Merchant
Illustrator: Paola Escobar
Publisher: Penguin, $16.99
Publication Date: 2 February 2021
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780241509029
For ages: 9 – 12
Type: Junior Fiction
May 11, 2021 at 12:31PM Anastasia Gonis
