Catherine Johnson is a born-and-bred Londoner who no longer lives in London but by the sea. She studied film at Central Saint Martins School of Art; the fantastic time she had there made up for school, which was horrible. She has written many books for young readers, and her recent novel, Sawbones, published by Walker Books, won the Young Quills Award for historical fiction and was nominated for the Carnegie Medal. Her other books include Brave New Girl (Frances Lincoln Children’s Books), and A Nest of Vipers, published by Random House Children’s Publishers UK. Catherine has also written for film, notably the critically acclaimed Bullet Boy, and TV, including Holby City. She lives with her husband and two geriatric pets: a deluded cat and an ancient tortoise. She enjoys baking cakes and knitting. She was taught how to drive (horses, not cars) by an ex-brewery dray driver in Spitalfields.

"A characterful, page-turning drama and a vivid mixture of research and imagination" -- Nicolette Jones The Sunday Times "A thoroughly engaging and entirely convincing yarn with a dash of Dickens and more than a hint of historic realism to help drive the thrust of the narrative" -- Jake Hope Achuka "Full of adventure and excitement, unexpected plot twists and colourful characters, this book is both entertaining and enlightening" Through the Looking Glass "Twists and turns, mystery and mayhem together with fascinating details about 18th Century London. I found this a hugely exciting read" -- Mary Hooper "This is an exciting read ... It's a good way of illustrating a period in an engaging way, and it does have a happy ending" Write Away!