This is a stunning first novel with exceptional quality writing and a uniquely imaginative plot from a brand new publisher of children’s books, Quercus. The author has combined the rich, gifted imagination of Lewis Carroll and Maurice Sendak with the child/adult crossover appeal of Mark Haddon. The plot is wonderfully exciting with a fast-paced narrative and quick humour that makes it an utterly compelling and addictive read.
Hazel, the heroine, travels to her Aunt's country house for a holiday. Her Aunt is bitter, angry and rude, so Hazel expects her stay to be a nightmare - little does she expect, though, that there are actual nightmares living in the garden.
In 2003 Leander completed an English degree at Lincoln College. In Oxford, he has appeared in many roles such as ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ (Playhouse), ‘Love's Labours Lost’ (OUDS Japan Tour), ‘The Little Prince’, ‘Edward II’ (Old Fire Station), ‘Stronger’, ‘Latin!’, ‘Brimstone and Treacle’, ‘The Ships at Mylae’ (Burton-Taylor), and ‘Muswell Hill’ (Moser) for the New Writing Festival, which went on to the National Student Drama Festival. He was also part of the NSDF Ensemble chosen from that festival, which performed ‘Achilles’ by Tom Green at the Birmingham Rep. Before Oxford, he was part of the Salisbury Youth Theatre for six years, and in Oxford he is also co-editor of Isis Magazine, ex President of the Oxford Revue, and a bygone TIE Officer for OUDS.
