LoveReading4Kids Says
LoveReading4Kids Says
February 2025 Book of the Month
Inspired by the real-life Rainhill Trials, Susan Brownrigg’s Wrong Tracks is a rip-roaring ride of historic fiction. A thrilling, characterful, well-plotted adventure story that reels with subterfuge and sabotage, it also brilliantly evokes the energy and sweeping changes engendered by the industrial era through the lens of its endearing — and daring — protagonist, Edward Entwhistle.
In 1829, a chance encounter sees working-class Edward offered a job at the Stephensons' Steam Locomotive Manufactory miles. Being an ambitious lad, he jumps at the chance, thoroughly determined to make his mark on the Stephenson father and son who are preparing to enter their locomotive to The Rainhill Trials, the winner of which will win the coveted contract to run the new Liverpool & Manchester Rail Way.
While working as a night guard for the precious locomotive, Edward befriends local girl Prudence, and both their suspicions are aroused when a series of accidents take place, seemingly designed to sabotage construction.
While Edward is somewhat prone to flight of fancy, Prudence is more of a practical problem- solver with an astute engineering brain, and together they make a mighty fine team. With a swelling list of suspects, the duo face a race against time to figure out who’s trying to ruin the Stephensons’ chance of winning the high-stakes race… Also revealing seismic social shifts of the age — “The coming of the rail ways is going to shake things up, that’s for sure. The working man won’t be stuck in his village any more. The future is ours!” — Wrong Tracks is a thrilling story of daring and detection.
Joanne Owen
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About
Wrong Tracks Synopsis
Who is sabotaging the Rainhill Trials?
Edward Entwistle can't believe his luck when the famous inventor, George Stephenson, chooses him to be the night watchman to guard his new top secret locomotive engine.
Stephenson is determined his new locomotive will win The Rainhill Trials; a race of innovation and daring. But strange and dangerous accidents keep stalling construction. Edward can't help but wonder if someone is out to stop Stephenson from winning the race.
With the help of Prudence, an engineering obsessed char girl, Edward sets out to uncover who is really behind the Rainhill disasters.
Inspired by the true events of the Rainhill Trials
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9781916747340 |
| Publication date: |
9th January 2025 |
| Author: |
Susan Brownrigg |
| Illustrator: |
Jenny Czerwonka |
| Publisher: |
UCLan Publishing |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
254 pages |
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Author
About Susan Brownrigg
Susan is a Lancashire lass, she grew up in Wigan and now lives in Skelmersdale. She has very fond memories of daytrips and holidays in Blackpool as a child. Her favourite Pleasure Beach ride is the River Caves - it cannot be a coincidence that many of Susan's children's books settings feature the same locations as the ride!
She studied at Low Hall County Primary (now closed) & Byrchall High School. Completed a Btec Media Studies at St Helens College and a degree in Journalism, Film & Broadcasting at University of Wales College of Cardiff (UWCC.)
Susan was a Liverpool Echo weekly titles journalist and chief-sub editor for 10 years, she then changed careers in 2009 to work in heritage education. Susan is now Learning & Community Manager at Norton Priory Museum & Gardens in Runcorn.
She has also worked at Rufford Old Hall, Tatton Park, Quarry Bank Mill, Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Blackpool Zoo.
Susan is an Undiscovered Voices 2016 winner, a competition organised by SCBWI British Isles to find new writing talent. Susan won the 2015 SCBWI British Isles Margaret Carey scholarship.
Susan was also longlisted in 2007 for the Writers & Artists 100th edition novel writing competition.
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