The legend says the Woolington Wyrm likes children – and in Woolington village, many young children mysteriously disappeared many years ago.

When 10-year-old Mary-Kate joins her mother on an archaeological expedition in the small village of Woolington, she doesn’t anticipate that she will become a fully-fledged Monster Hunter. Although she is armed with the necessary tools – her good luck charms and tokens and reasonable powers of deduction – she is naturally timid and afraid of a lot of things. But then Lady Arabella Woolington, dressed in mud-stained moleskins and a riding jacket, introduces herself and her pet pony, Pickles, a friendship slowly builds.

When Arabella begs her to let her help track down the Monster, the Woolington Wyrm, Mary-Kate reluctantly agrees.There is a lot at stake but nothing that good old-fashioned research can’t solve.

Can Mary-Kate and Arabella finally prove the Woolington Wyrm truly exists? Can Mary-Kate get enough evidence to stop the destruction of its habitat?

I loved this magical story which was full of suspense and adventure. Karen Foxlee is a master storyteller and like her former novel, Dragon Skin, cleverly draws a heroine who, though full of doubt and anxiety, courageously rises to a huge challenge.

The plot is fast paced and will keep young readers engaged with themes such as friendship, environmental concerns (saving a fire-breathing serpent’s habitat); courage in overcoming fears and building resilience.

Reviewed by Karen Williams
Age Guide 6+