The Silver Phantom

I'm a huge fan of Claire Barker's books, so a new Knitbone Pepper book was always going to be an enormous treat. But can a series maintain the quality of the first three books? The answer is a resounding YES. All our favourite characters are back and the focus of this book is on Martin the hamster. It is in Martin's story that a difficult dilemma appears - when a ghost animal is presented with the opportunity to be reunited with their Beloved, someone they have missed terribly for a very long time, what if that Beloved is not all they appear? This dilemma drives the story and is handled beautifully and has a very satisfying resolution. Like all the Knitbone Pepper books it is heartbreakingly touching at times without ever being sentimental and mawkish, and the plot has genuine jeopardy in it, whish isn't easy when your main characters are dead, but above all, Claire Barker once again demonstrates that she is one of the funniest children's authors in the business. The book is full of laugh out line, clever wordplay and dry narrative asides. This is the work of a highly skilled writer at the peak of her powers. The series shows no sign of running out of steam yet. Roll on book 5.

Another lovely book in the Knitbone Pepper series - my son is hoping there will be more!

Daughter 10 adores these books - witty and fanciful all in one. Would highly recommend the series. The lead is a girl but I think boys would enjoy also.

This was gifted to my niece, well received and she loved the book.

My nearly 12 year old son loves these books. I plan to read then myself too!