It's No Mystery Why York Author Sets Book in Northumberland

A North Yorkshire author who fell in love with Northumberland after a recent visit has based her second children's book in the county.

A North Yorkshire author who fell in love with Northumberland after a recent visit has based her second children's book in the county.

The Secret of Flittermouse Cliffs is the second in the Great Friends from Grey Owls series written by Zoe Billings from Poppleton near York. The series follows the adventures of Liz, Barrie, Jenny and James, four secondary school pupils who find themselves getting caught up in all kinds of challenges.

In the Secret of Flittermouse Cliffs, the four are back at Grey Owls after their summer break, and are now in year 8. There are difficult challenges for Liz, and the other three really band together to support her to have any hope of joining the October half term outdoor activity trip, up in the beautiful wilds of Northumberland.

Arriving in Northumberland they look forward to a week learning rock climbing, abseiling, archery, kayaking and gorge walking, not to mention a game of rounders on the wide golden beach with the castle standing proudly at the end.

But all is not quite what it seems. A missing carabiner and a newspaper headline plunge the four into their second thrilling adventure where, if they don't manage to solve the mystery, lives might be at stake.

"I fell in love with Northumberland after visiting friends. The county is full of beauty from rolling hills to deserted beaches and majestic castles. It was the ideal location for the book, said Zoe.

The series of books promote in children the values of honesty, kindness, hard work and courage, while tackling modern issues in a sensitive way, empowering children to be confident as they enjoy real page turning adventures.