Illustrated by Rebecca Sheerin

On Sale: Jul 14, 2026
Page Count: 112 pages
Publisher: Union Square Kids
ISBN-13: 9781454962816
Age Range: 8–12

$8.99

$11.99 CAD

Format

Trade Paperback

Format:

Trade Paperback $8.99 $11.99 CAD

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A super-readable and accessible adventure that is a fun melding of archeological exploration and steampunk.

Mabel and Will Greystone are looking forward to an exciting trip with their aunt Lucy, a renowned relic hunter in the land of Marvolia.

Using an ancient map, they are searching for the legendary lost town of Umber, famous for the invention of clockwork, which was mysteriously abandoned hundreds of years ago. The only other clue they have is a strange old key left behind by the last inhabitant of the town, but they have no idea what the key is for.

Also on the hunt for Umber is devious Byron Cogsworth, who is desperate to claim the glory such an important discovery will bring.

Can Mabel, Will and Aunt Lucy find Umber before him? And what secrets will the clockwork key unlock?

Genre:

Series:

"A thoughtful, entertaining adventure with likable young characters who experience peril and personal growth"
School Library Journal, Starred Review
"[R]eaders will be drawn to the mysteries waiting to be solved."
Booklist

Vashti Hardy

About the Author

Vashti Hardy is the critically acclaimed and bestselling author of children’s books including the Blue Peter Book Award winner Wildspark. Vashti’s other titles include the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize shortlisted Brightstorm and the FCBG Children’s Book Award shortlisted The Griffin Gate. She divides her time between Lancashire and Sussex.

Learn more about this author