My new book, 'The Faceless Fiend' has been released. This is the second in the series, which began with 'The Strictest School in the World'.
I had a very nice review from Kirkus (which is absurdly prestigious and often a bit, ah, mean) so I'll put some of it here. I hope they don't mind:
"Along with offering a leading candidate for Year's Best Title, this rousing sequel to The Strictest School in the World (2006) pits the wonderfully motley household of Mad Aunt Lucy Butterworth against not only the villainous girls'-school Headmistress from last time, but a new crew of thugs led by a sinister secret agent whose face has been blown off. Centered on exiled young Princess Purnah of Chiligrit, a small country strategically located on the borders of India, Tibet, Russia and Norway, the action consists almost entirely of sudden attacks, chases, kidnappings, escapes and rescues, with breaks for tea and cakes, as the characters move from the Yorkshire countryside to Victorian London. Given to stunningly bloodthirsty remarks ("In Chiligrit, stranglings is everyday-goings-on. Also other murderings, and kidnappings and daily thievings of sheep and goats. I miss it very much."), Purnah is just one of several memorable characters here, all coming to life both in the narrative and in Slavin's usually hilarious drawings. With help from Sherlock ("I thought you were imaginary!") Holmes himself and a variety of early aeronautical devices, the baddies ultimately get it in the neck—literally in one case, though not decisively enough to rule out more installments. Bring them on. (Fiction. 11-13)"
Well, actually, that's all of it. But, heck, I'm not one for false modesty.
Aunt Lucy explains her views
Rubberbones flies!
About Me
- Howard Whitehouse
- Howard Whitehouse was born in Birmingham, England. He began school, as many children do, and didn't much like it. As punishment for being the brightest kid in his class, young Whitehouse won a scholarship to King Edward VI School, which had been founded in 1552, and kept the same staff all that time. JJR Tolkien had been there as a boy. Howard escaped to get a B.A. at the University of Warwick. After graduating in 1981, he took a job working with kids in trouble. This became his career for eighteen years. He met and married Lori in 1983, and since that time they have lived in Georgia, Toronto, and most recently New York's Hudson Valley. Lori is an ordained minister and church historian, with a PhD from The University of Toronto. They share a 1900 era manse opposite the church, while Howard clutters up the place with model soldiers, miniature buildings and himself. Ngaio the Russian blue cat supervises his efforts. Her older sister Cameo adds a touch of fluffy silliness, while Elmore watches from on top of the bookshelf.
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