Ship's Angel by Bridget Crowley, reviewed by Lizzie Hammond

John has left the cathedral city where he was born. Without friends or family, he must make his way alone. He boards a ship, heading abroad for a new life. But the ship is wrecked in a storm and John is washed up on the Suffolk coast. He befriends a girl in dire straits – she is engaged to be married to a man she hates. John is desperate to help, but can think of no way out for her. Then her husband-to-be is found murdered. Known to be in sympathy with the girl, John is accused and flung in jail. Finally released when new evidence appears, he boards another ship, bound for France, and the girl comes with him. But during a stormy night on board, John finds out the identity of the killer ...

The action is set on the coast of Suffolk in Southwold and Dunwich. Bridget Crowley’s third novel is, as always, meticulously researched, giving the reader a real feel of the crashing waves and lowland heaths. The result a ripping yarn interwoven by fascinating historic information on the changing coastline of Suffolk and its effect on the people of the time.

A great book, packed with action and adventure, it is a highly readable children’s book. Guaranteed to intrigue, enlighten and entertain, Ship’s Angel is the sort of book which makes reading to your children a pleasure.

Buy the Ship's Angel (amazon)