Corby Flood

Paul Stewart (author)

Chris Riddell (illustrations)

Doubleday Books, UK: 2005; 226pp

ISBN: 0385607245

Genre: adventure

Corby Flood and her family are on their way to Harbour Heights, travelling on the once state-of-the-art but now rather dilapidated S.S. Euphonia. Although the automatic parasols, the self-adjusting railings, and the moving windbreaks don't work very well (if at all) any more, and the ship has developed a Mysterious Clunk, Corby rather likes the boat.

The only real problem is the sinister behaviour of the Brotherhood of Clowns (who refuse to be laughed at) and the Saddest Song that keeps wafting up from the cargo hold. When she overhears the clowns plotting, Corby suddenly finds herself at the centre of a dangerous adventure where her very life is at stake. Can Corby foil the evil doers, save the singer and restore the fortunes of the delightful coastal town of Dalcretia? Will her sister choose the right husband? And will her father ever get over his Great Disappointment?

Although the story is very slight, the real attraction of this delightful novel lies in the many amusing, rather cartoonish illustrations, and excerpts from Hoffendinck's Guide, the essential guide book for any seafarer. This clever, funny, whimsical and completely zany adventure is similar in feel to the Professor Branestawn stories.

Same author: Fergus Crane; Edge Chronicles