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In many ways, The Valley of Secrets is a life’s work for author Charmian Hussey. Her debut novel began life as a modest, locally-published volume. Inspired by the childhood fantasies of her son, now in his thirties, Hussey’s book was seized upon by book collectors and began to change hands for four-figure sums. This new, mainstream edition brings her story to a wider audience and, importantly, it deserves attention.
It is the story of a teenage boy called Stephen Lansbury who, after living his whole life in care homes in London, is informed by a crusty old solicitor (who could have been lifted from a Dickens novel) that he is the sole beneficiary of his uncle’s estate. Stephen inherits a large country house in Cornwall, Lansbury Hall, and sets off at once to take up residence there. Apparently unoccupied, the dusty pile sits amidst a vast expanse of overgrown gardens and hidden valleys. Protected by high walls and shrouded in mystery, the house and its secretive owners are almost a legend amongst the locals and they are duly agog when this young man arrives to make his home there.
But not all is as it seems. Stephen’s uncle was an Amazonian explorer, and when Stephen discovers and reads the journal of his relative’s last voyage overseas, it becomes clear that he brought something back with him... which may still survive.
This is a defiantly old-fashioned story, which revels in its environmental messages and glories in its sumptuous descriptions of the local flora and fauna. It’s a fascinating book and is certain to be enjoyed by many. (Age 10 and over) --John McLay
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Book Description Hardback. Condition: Very Good. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR005994159
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. The Valley of Secrets This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. Seller Inventory # 7719-9780951852217
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Good. Signed. Good condition. Light wear to boards. Content is clean and bright. Good DJ with some edge wear and creasing. Seller Inventory # 9999-9990263221
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. Seller Inventory # 6545-9780951852217
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. Christopher Crump (illustrator). Second Impression. A hardback book with both book and jacket in near fine condition, dated 2004. Book has been signed on the Title Page by the author. Signed by Author(s). Seller Inventory # 055887
Book Description Soft Cover. Condition: As New. No Jacket. Christopher Crump (illustrator). Reprint. Second Impression without inscriptions. Seller Inventory # 19991
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. First Edition. This is a Fine Copy of this hardcover book in a Fine Dust-Jacket.Not price clipped and this copy has been SIGNED by the Author without any dedication to anyone on the Title Page.Limited Edition of 1000 copies with this copy numbered 588.The book has a firm binding with no hinge weakness.Lovely clean bright unfaded copy.The dust-jacket comes well protected in a removable cover sleeve.Lovely copy for the collector.8vo 384pp First Edition 1st Impression. Signed by Author(s). Seller Inventory # 58227
Book Description Hardcover. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. 384 pages. A chapter book for children, by the British author. First edition (first printing). Slight bump to spine head else a fine, unread copy in a fine dust jacket. Signed by the author on the title page. Seller Inventory # 269957
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. Limited Edition. Signed Limited Edition, this being #922 of 1000; A Fine book in a Fine dust jacket with no significant flaws. SIGNED and numbered to the title page by the author. Not remaindered, not price clipped (no price to front flap), not ex-library; in a protective Mylar cover and will ship in a sturdy box. Signed by Author(s). Seller Inventory # 2697
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. Christopher Crump (illustrator). 1st Edition. First edition, first impression 2003 SIGNED Limited Edition by Charmain Hussey of which this copy is 130 of 225 copies, fine hardback in a near fine dust wrapper, corners and edges lightly rubbed. No inscription. 384 pages. Illustrated endpapers. Bibliography. Signed by Author(s). Seller Inventory # 0014675