The Secret in the Tower is the first book in the Tales of the Middle Ages collection of stand-alone upper middle grade historical novels for children aged 9-12. It is set amidst the chaos and colour of medieval London during the final weeks of the reign of King Richard III.
The focus of the story is twelve-year-old Jack Broom, who dreams of being a surgeon when he’s older. Until then he’s condemned to a life of drudgery making potions for his aunt, who owns an apothecary shop near the Tower of London. But when Jack is mistaken for a boy of noble birth he is propelled into an extraordinary adventure – which will see him unravel the dramatic secret of his true identity. Joining him on his adventure is his new friend Alice, and together they are caught up in a dangerous game of medieval power politics – and the stakes couldn’t be higher as Henry Tudor’s invasion of England gains momentum and the Battle of Bosworth looms.
Reviews of The Secret in the Tower:
From lovereading4kids.co.uk (September 2022 – “Debut of the Month”)
“A wonderful step into Medieval London, set at the end of the Wars of the Roses. A book of dark secrets and true friendships in a period of history that was both violent and transient. A beautiful and well-constructed story full of suspense and intrigue…The book gives a very realistic picture of 15th Century England and the life of the everyday Londoner…The book is a wonderful mix of fact and fiction, with just enough facts to interest the historian, but with enough mystery, twists, and turns to appeal to the lovers of adventure stories. A very readable and enjoyable book – an exciting read.”
From the School Library Journal (USA) (December 2024)
“Instead of a whodunit, this mystery presents a surprising, ‘who am I?’…an intriguing mystery full of double-crossing spies and traitors. Students with an interest in medieval culture and medicine will enjoy this book as will students who enjoy historical fiction….A good choice to round out medieval historical fiction collections for young readers.”
From Kirkus Reviews (July 2024)
“Well-drawn characters populate this tightly plotted, strongly paced page-turner, which features intriguing reveals about secret identities and plentiful details about the deadly intrigues of the time….Gritty and exciting: Readers will be hooked by the ruthless historical elements and compelling mystery.”
The Secret in the Tower is published by Sweet Cherry Publishing and can be ordered from amazon.co.uk here and amazon.com here.
Click here for more books in the collection Tales from the Middle Ages.
